volume 31, issue 3 july 2016 directors report messenger summer 2016 .pdflawrence, jacqueline d. •...

1 The Messenger, July 2016

www.wcers.org

The weather is warming up and summer is finally here! Many of us are taking advantage of this beautiful time of year to be outside, visit the many beautiful parks, go biking, jogging, and so much more. As we are enjoying all of these things, we would like to take the time to ac-knowledge one of the many people who has been a big part in making the County what it is

today, Edward N. Hines.

From 1906 to 1938, Edward Hines was a charter member of the Wayne County Road Commission, where he made several innovations in road development. One of those develop-ments was the construction of the first full mile of concrete road pave-ment in the world. This road is Woodward Avenue, between 6 and 7 mile roads in Detroit. He also conceived the idea for the centerline for highways, which is known to be one of the single most important traffic safety devices in the history of automobile transportation. While you are out enjoying summer, be sure to visit Hines Park, which was named

after this brilliant innovator.

(Continued on page 3)

Directors Report

County History Makers

Help the environment AND save the Retirement System money!

With so many retirees choosing to have their direct

deposit statements sent to them through email, it h as really cut down on the use of paper and generated a significant cost savings. If you are currently rece iv-ing paper statements but would like to sign up for

email statements, just complete the form on pg. 9 o f the Newsletter and return it to our office. The for m can also be found on our website at WCERS.org.

July 2016 Volume 31, Issue 3

Inside this issue:

Notifications 2

Retirement Elections 3

New Retirees 4

Direct Deposit Form 5

Obituaries 7

Email Authorization 9

Retiree Clubs 11

Edward Hines

The Grand Park Centre Building 28 West Adams

Suite 1900 Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: 313-224-5890

Fax: 313-224-1917 E-mail:

[email protected]

We’re on the Web!

WCERS.org

@WCERS

Content: Sharron Seaton Editor: Kelly Tapper


www.wcers.org

Office Closure

The Wayne County Retirement Office will be closed on the following days:

September 5th — Holiday Closure October 10th — Holiday Closure November 8th — Holiday Closure November 24th — Holiday Closure November 25th — Holiday Closure December 23rd — Holiday Closure December 26-30th — Holiday Closure January 2nd — Holiday Closure

Messenger Articles If you have any information you would like to in-clude in “The Messenger”, it must be submitted in writing and received in our office. All writings are limited to 300 characters and are subject to review and may be denied or edited for any rea-son deemed necessary by WCERS editors.

Check Dates

The following are the remaining dates of your re-tirement checks for the 2016 year:

August Check 08/01/2016 September Check 09/01/2016

October Check 09/30/2016 November Check 11/01/2016

December Check 12/01/2016 January Check 01/02/2017

Name a Beneficiary TODAY!!!

If you have not named a beneficiary, or would like to change your beneficiary, now is a good time to do so. It is important to name a beneficiary because you want to be sure that your assets are dis-tributed according to your wishes.

Deferred Compensation Plan (AXA, MassMutual, VOYA)

DON’T WAIT TOO LATE!!!

If you will be 70 1/2 by the end of 2016 and you have not already begun to draw your required minimum distribution, you MUST do so before the end of the year as required by the IRS.

Unless, you are still working after age 70 1/2. In this case, you may still be able to begin drawing benefits after this time.

Defined Contribution (Prudential) (Plan 4 or Plan 5/6 if opted in)

Your beneficiary will receive any remaining money in your retirement plan when you die. If you are in Plan 4, or if you are in Plan 5 or 6 and elected to contrib-

ute to the Defined Contribution portion of your plan, to elect a beneficiary go to:

http://www.prudential.com/online/retirement OR call: (877) 778-2100

Defined Benefit (Plan 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6)

Final Compensation pension payment is the final pen-sion check owed to a retiree. To elect a beneficiary, visit www.wcers.com, look under “Forms” and se-lect the “Final Pension Compensation Form.” Fill it out

and return to our office.

Health, Dental, Optical, and Life Insurance

Health, optical, and life insurance questions should be directed to Cornerstone Municipal Ad-visory Group at:

Email: [email protected] Phone: (888) 989-8686

Fax: (248) 878-2127

Voluntary Dental Plan!!!

Look for an Open Enrollment Packet in the mail

soon. If you are already enrolled, you must re-enroll. If you have any questions, call the voluntary benefit

program agency, TMR & Associates, Inc., at: (313) 963-1135.


www.wcers.org

WAYNE COUNTY

EMPLOYEES’

RETIREMENT

SYSTEM

Visit Us at WCERS.org

Park Improvements

Wayne County has approved the designation of $2.5 million dollars to im-proving County Parks. The improvements are expected to better the com-munity as the 37 County Parks host more than 500 events and educational programs yearly. This money will be used on 17 projects in 5 different parks, including Hines Park, Elizabeth Park, Crosswinds Marsh, and others, and will focus on installing new equipment, improving facilities, and develop-ing bike and hike trails. On August 2, 2016, “Proposition P: Parks Millage Continuation” will be on the ballot for Wayne County voters. Make sure you go out to the polls and let your voice be heard on this matter.

Good News! Pension Funding from October of 2014 to September of 2015, for both the County and the Airport Authority have risen! As of Sep-tember 30, 2015, the Funded ratio for the Air-port authority is up to 69%, compared to 62% in 2014 and 58% in 2013. That’s a growth of 7% in just one year! The County funded ratio has also risen by 9% in the last year. It is up to 54%, compared to 45% in 2014 and 44% in 2013. You can find the Annual

Actuarial Valuation on WCERS.org under the reporting tab.

(Continued from page 1)

Sign Up Today!

Wayne County Re-tirement encour-ages the use of di-rect deposit to re-ceive your monthly pension. It’s Fast, it’s Safe and it’s Reliable. If you wish to sign-up please complete the form on pg. 4 or at: www.wcers.org and submit it to our office. If you have questions or would like a form mailed to you, please con-tact our office at 313-224-5890. Did you know that our Board meeting minutes are online and can be found at wcers.org?

Wayne County Retirement Commission Election 2016

An election for the position of Retiree Commission member will be held this year. The seat is currently held by Mrs. Elizabeth “Bettye” Misuraca. In addition, a primary election for the position of Active Commission member, currently held by Mrs. Tina Turner will also be held. To run for the Retiree Commission position, a candidate must be a Wayne County resident and retired from Wayne County - spouses of retirees are ineligible to run and are ineligible to vote. Eligible retir-ees can secure petitions from the Retirement Office located at the Grand Park Centre Building, 28 West Adams, Suite 1900, Detroit Michigan, 48226 (Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), start-

ing on August 1, 2016 and return with not less than 50 signatures.

The notice for the election is also posted on the WCERS website at

WCERS.org

Please be advised that if an individual signs more than one petition

their signature is invalid on all petitions signed.


www.wcers.org

New Retirees Name • Dept. • Effective Date

Ace, Jacquelyn •CIR CT•5/1/2016

Ajami, Hassan • DPS • 3/1/2016

Allen, Drusilla L. • DHVCW • 3/1/2016

Bamonte, Margaret • CIR CT • 2/1/2016

Bondy, John J. • DPS • 4/1/2016

Broden, Barry E.• M&B • 2/1/2016

Brown, Reginald • WCS • 3/1/2016

Bryk, Ronald•DPS • 1/1/2016

Buckner, Shirley • RET • 1/1/2016

Caston-Frost, Veronica • WCAA • 5/1/2016

Ciers Jr., Isaac • HHS •5/8/2016

Conway, Michael • WCAA • 5/1/2016

Cooper, Craig A. • WCS • 4/1/2016

Currence, Caroline B. • DWMHA • 1/1/2016

Daniels Jr., Matthew • WCAA • 3/1/2016

Daniels, Judith L. • M&B • 1/1/2016

Dawson Jr., Thomas • PROS ATTY • 5/7/2016

Floyd, Matilda • PHR • 1/1/2016

Foster, Sharon K. • CIR CT • 1/1/2016

Grier, Sharon M. • PROS ATT • 2/1/2016

Griffin, Annetta L. • WCS • 6/1/2016

Harris, Ursula • WCS • 5/13/2016

Hein, David • DOE • 12/19/2015

Henley, Betty J. • PROS ATTY • 4/1/2016

Henry, Marian K. • CIR CT • 2/1/2016

Herron, James G. • WCS • 1/3/2016

Hill, Deborah E. • WCS • 3/1/2016

Howe, Lea • HHS • 12/1/2015

Ivory, Joyce • CO CLK • 1/5/2016

Johnson, Annette • HHS • 5/14/2016

Kapanowski, Vikki • CIR CT • 6/1/2016

Klunge, Jennifer • HHS • 6/1/2016

Lawrence, Jacqueline D. • WCS • 2/1/2016

Lockhart, Patricia • WCS • 3/1/2016

Long, David • DHVCW • 5/1/2016

Mayle, Robert F. • WCAA • 1/1/2016

McWhorter, Carl K. • CO CLK • 4/1/2016

Ocobock, Ronald J. • DPS • 3/1/2016

Overall, Richard • WCS • 6/1/2016

Palm, Bradley • WCAA • 5/1/2016

Pfeiffer, John • WCC • 1/1/2016

Raby, Alice M. • CIR CT • 5/20/2016

Ramirez, David • WCAA • 5/1/2016

Restum, John M. • DHVCW • 1/1/2016

Rotter, Gary A. • WCAA • 2/1/2016

Shotwell, April A. • DPS • 5/1/2016

Tate, Marsha • WCS • 6/1/2016

Treadwell, Janette • WCS • 6/1/2016

Walker, Dianne L. • WCAA • 3/1/2016

Washington, Freda • ROD • 3/1/2016

Watson, Matthew • DPS • 2/1/2016

Wimsatt, Mary K. • CIR CT • 4/1/2016


www.wcers.org

28 West Adams, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226

Toll Free (888) 600.6033 Local (313) 224-5890 Fax (313) 224-1917

I authorize the Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System/Wayne County Treasurer and/or its paying agent to deposit

my net pay, by direct deposit (electronic funds transfer) into the designated financial institution(s) and Account Number(s).

I understand this authorization remains in effect until cancelled by: (a) me, (b) my death or legal incapacity, or (c) Wayne

County Employees’ Retirement System.

I authorize Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System/Wayne County Treasurer and/or its paying agent to recover

money electronically deposited in my account(s) in error, by either adjusting or debiting the account(s), or withholding

future payments.

I consent to and agree to comply with the National Automated Clearing House Association Rules and Regulations, and the

State of Michigan's rules about electronic funds transfers, as they exist on this date or as subsequently adopted, amended

or repealed. Michigan law governs electronic funds transactions authorized by this agreement in all respects except as

otherwise superseded by federal law.

PERSONAL INFORMATION (Please print clearly)

Name (last, first, middle) Retirement ID # (required) Social Security # (last 4 digits)

Email Address ( I understand I will receive all correspondence electronically in the future by including my email address above)

DISTRIBUTION 1

Select Option Account Information Distribution Type

Add Checking Savings Default

Change Financial Institution: ______________________________________________________ Fixed Amount

Cancel Routing Number: _________________________________________________________ $ ________________

Account Number: _________________________________________________________

DISTRIBUTION 2

Select Option Account Information Distribution Type

Add Checking Savings Default

Change Financial Institution: ______________________________________________________ Fixed Amount

Cancel Routing Number: _________________________________________________________ $ _______________

Account Number: ________________________________________________________

AUTHORIZATION (Signature Required):

Retiree Signature Date Home Phone # Cell Phone #

Second Signature Date Home Phone # Cell Phone #

If more than one signature is required to authorize withdrawals of funds, all must sign this form before you submit it.

Direct Deposit Authorization


www.wcers.org

This page intentionally left blank


www.wcers.org

Name • Dept. • Date of Death

Abram, Ellen • HHS

Adamski, Henry • DPS

Agresta, Guildo • M & B

Al-Omari, Suha • Circ. Court

Ankony, Robert • WCS

Anthony, Robert • WCS

Anton, Madonna • Deferred

Ashman, Florine • HCS

Bailey, Mary • WCGH

Banfield, Edith • WCAA

Barsamian, Y. Gladys • Prob. Ct.

Beard, Kathryn "Kay" L. • WCC

Bechtel, Marguerite • WCRC

Beeman, James • WCRC

Black, Ulysses • Youth Home

Blanchard, Jennie • WCS

Bower, Stanley • WCRC

Brown, Edith • Aud/Tax Acctg

Brzezinski, Velma J. • DPS

Burford, Helen • JUV CT.

Butler, Nathaniel • WCS/P&I

Cassell, Linda • ROD

Colbert, Lena • WCGH

Cole, Susan • Cir Ct.

Cullins, Gloria D. • WCS

DeBlock, Philip • DPS

Delaney, Jr., Ray W. • W.C.A. A.

Drakes, Antonio • CFS/JDF

Dronka, Amelia • Aud/Bldgs

Eden, Monica R. • WCS

Farmer, William H. • BLDG

Ferguson, Phyllis • Planning Comm

Foor, Patricia • WCRC

Frazis, U. Walter • HHS

Freeman, Elise • Recorders Ct.

Friesema, Lucille • Soldiers Relief

German, Joseph • CO. CLK.

Giancana, Nick • HCS

Gondol, Joseph • Cir. Ct.

Green, Mack S. • WCAA

Greer, Andrew • DPS

Harte, Patrick • DPS

Hartwig, Suzanne • DPS

Hayes, Massie • WCS

Henehan, Margaret • WCGH


www.wcers.org

Hinton, Booker T. • Juv Ct.

Ihle, William • HCS

James, Nellie A. • WCGH

Johns, Edward S. • WCRC

Jones, Tommie • WCSD

Joseph, Ramon • Deferred

Justice, Charles A. • Circuit Court

Kelley, Alva • Mental Health

Lehman, Gary • WCS

Lewins, Lily • WCS

Mastro, Charles • WCRC

McClary, Robert • Pros. Atty

McEachran, Veronica R.•Drn. Comm.

McElwee, Lawrence • WCRC

Melvin, Michael J. • WCS

Mida, Betty • WCRC

Mies, Mary • Circ. Court

Mize, Maximilliam • WCRC

Moore, John • Prob Ct.

Muller, Elenore • W.C.R.C.

Nagy, Irme • DPS

O'Donnell, Edward • Juv Ct.

Osborne, Marvin • WCS

Patterson, Alvie E. • WCRC

Payne, Yvonne • DPS

Pearce, Ralph • WCRC

Pitts, Burrell • WCSD

Pitts, Hazel • WCRC

Pleva, Gaye • WCRC

Rees, Ronald • DOE

Revior, Arthur • DPS

Robichaud, Elizabeth • WCGH

Rork, Donald • WCRC

Rounsifer, Yvonne • DPS

Sails, Jessie • WCRC

Sapiano, Joseph • WCS

Schmid, William • Pros. Atty

Schmidt, Sylvia • W.C.R.C.

Schoenneman, Winifred • WCGH

Schulkins, Patricia • WCRC

Segars, Ruth • FOC

Selzer, Violet • HHS

Singer, Lillian • Deferred

Smith, Harrison • WCS

Sobota, John • HHS

Steingold, Jacqueline • Deferred

Stewart, Brian • DPS

Stobar, Helen M. • Probate Ct.

Stock, Rosamond • WCHD

Szczepanski, Frank • WCS

Tedesco, James • WCRC

Thomas, Leonard • DPS

Towers, Joseph • WCS

Turner, Thomas P. • WCRC

Tuttle, Eunice • Library

Verbanac, Mary D. • WCS

Obituaries (Continued from page 6)


www.wcers.org

Vesey, Catherine • WCS

Walker, Romelda • Probate Ct.

Whitcher, William • AIRPORT

Wilkinson, Jean • DPS

Williams, Sarah • DPS

Willson, Gregory • M&B

Witcher, Len • M&B

Wyka, Geraldine • Treas.

Yeager, Norma • Deferred

Zerrer, Ilse • ROD

Zimmerman, Beulah • WCGH

Obituaries (Continued from page 7)

Content: Sharron Seaton Editor: Kelly Tapper

Email Authorization Form

I ____________________________________________, authorize Wane County Employ-ees’ Retirement System to send my monthly direct deposit statement to me via this email ad-dress: ___________________________________@_________________________________. I understand that I will not receive a statement through the US mail and that I can cancel this request at any time.

Retirement Number: _______________________________

Signature:________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

Help WCERS Go Green!

With so many retirees choosing to have their direct deposit statements sent to them

through email, it has really generated a significant cost savings. By going paperless and signing up

for emailed statements, you can help the environment, and help the Retirement System save

money. If you’re interested in this program just complete the form below and return it to our

office.


www.wcers.org

A Letter From Your Retirement Commissioner Dear Fellow Retirees, Happy 240th Birthday America! Here are a few little known facts about the fourth of July: • July 2, 1776 was actually the day John Adams thought should be the declared Independence

Day, because Congress ruled in favor of independence. However, it was not until July 4, 1776, that Congress actually accepted Thomas Jefferson’s Deceleration of Independence.

• The Liberty Bell had nothing to do with the 4th of July. In fact, it was not named the Liberty Bell until the 1830’s.

• Only two people signed the Deceleration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - John Hancock and Charles Thompson, the Secretary of the Congress. The remaining signatories signed at a later date.

• President Thomas Jefferson and President John Adams both died on the 4th of July 1826. President James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

• Calvin Coolidge was the only president born on the Fourth of July. He was born in 1872. These public servants understood the importance of paying it forward – having vision and mak-ing great sacrifices insured the Independence of our great country. I would like to express my gratitude to all the retirees for the opportunity to serve you as one of the two retirees on the Board. When one starts out in life and begins looking for opportunities in the workforce, there are a multitude of decisions to be made. My experience has been that those who work for Wayne County, and other municipalities, are dedicated to public service and are not in it for the money. In return for dedicated service, you receive a modest salary, pension and health care, which many refer to as “the Promise”. Now, many retirees are agonizing and suffering because of our health Insurance changes, the funding level for the pension system and the fiscal health of the County. This is partially due to the prior County Executives’ poor fiscal leadership and lavish pensions for short term executive staff employees. As a result, many of the benefits that made up “the Promise” in our retirement years were in jeopardy. The Retirement Commission, along with the retirement system execu-tive staff leadership, is encouraged to note this year’s actuarial valuation will reveal that the re-tirement system will be 54% funded, up 9 % from the previous years valuations. The retirement commission is diligently working on insuring your future pension payments. My goal is to continue to protect retirees’ pensions by continued oversight on investments, spending and the encroachment of other interests. I continue to pledge my service to the Wayne County retirees. Feel free to call me at 313-682-3334 with any questions you may have. Bettye Misuraca WCERS Retirement Commissioner


www.wcers.org

County Achievements

Wayne County Retirement would like to celebrate the life of Mrs. Katherine “Kay” Beard. Mrs. Beard was the longest serving Commissioner for Wayne County. Her po-litical career began when she ran for State Representative in 1972, unsuc-cessfully. In 1976 she ran for Wayne County Commissioner, but was not appointed to the position until there was a vacancy to fill in 1978. After she was appointed, she never lost another election. She served 15 con-secutive terms as Wayne County Commissioner and because of her end-less accomplishments as Commissioner, building D of the Eloise Hospital

was named the Kay Beard Building in 1997.

Kay retired in 2008 at age 86 and died February 9th of this year at age 94. Mrs. Beard lived a long and successful life and was loved and respected by many. On behalf of WCERS, I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Beard for all of her hard work and dedication to the County and to the commu-

nity.

To Mrs. Beard and other servants of Wayne County who have passed on,

we send our deepest appreciation. Thank You!

- Executive Director, Robert Grden

Mrs. Katherine

“Kay” Beard

Retiree Clubs Wayne County Retiree Sub-Chapter 38 meets the second Tuesday of each month starting at 1:00pm at UAW Local 182, 35603 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI

Web address: www.wcsubchapter38.com

Wayne County Retirees Association is accepting new members. Email [email protected] for more information or visit the following website.

Web address: www.waynecountyretireesassociation.com

Wayne County Employees Retirement Club meets the third Thursday of each month (excluding July and August) at the Public Service Credit Union, 7665 Merriman Road, Romulus MI.

Friends of Elosie More information on this club can be found on Facebook @Friends of Eloise

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” -Charles Bowden


www.wcers.org

Office Directory

General Information Main (313) 224-5890

Fax Number (313) 224-1917 Email: [email protected]

Payroll Lost Check (313) 224-2774

Direct Deposit (313) 224– 2774 Taxes (313) 224-2774

Garnishments (313) 224-2821

Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System 28 W. Adams, Suite 1900 Detroit, Michigan 48226

First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Detroit, Michigan Permit No. 1024

volume 31, issue 3 july 2016 directors report messenger summer 2016 .pdflawrence, jacqueline d. •...

Documents