HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-22-RB-minMinutes of the December 22, 2022 Retirement Board meeting:
Present: Robert Cunha, Joseph Foley, Alan Fields, Carolyn Kosnoff, Frederick Weiss, Marguerite Olive
and Jim Condon
Absent: None
The Lexington Retirement Board met remotely through Zoom tele-conferencing. The Town
Clerks Office posted the meeting, which included the information for any interested party to
join the call. Robert Cunha, Joseph Foley, Alan Fields, Frederick Weiss, Carolyn Kosnoff, James
Condon and Michelle Malone were present for this meeting. Chairman Robert Cunha called the
meeting to order at 8:30 am.
The Board accepted the 123022 Warrant and the December payroll. The November minutes
and October financials were reviewed and approved.
Robert Cunha reviewed the December agenda with all Board members and staff in attendance.
The Board took a minute to introduce Michelle Malone as the new Retirement Administrator
for the Lexington Retirement System. Michelle will be replacing Marguerite Oliva, who will be
retiring in January 2023 after 27+ years of service to the Town of Lexington.
It was noted one Monroe Fund IV distribution on 11/28/22 for $48,547.00. There were two capital calls
in early December. Monroe Fund IV on 12/13 for $631,000.00 and Golub 14 Fund on 12/09 for
$500,000.00
The Board was informed of no new update regarding Mr. Magarian.
Jessica Malafeew requested to purchase six (6) years and three (3) months of service. Ms. Malafeew
provided all the necessary paperwork for review. The cost of the buyback is $15,960.55. Robert Cunha
made a motion to approve this service buyback, which was seconded by Joseph Foley, and unanimously
approved by Fred Weiss, Carolyn Kosnoff, and Alan Fields.
The buyback request for Joanne Boyle was tabled. She did not declare whether to proceed with the
request by the Board meeting date.
Carolyn Kosnoff gave a brief update to the Board regarding the 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for
Fiscal Year 2023. She mentioned the cost would be roughly $137,000.00 and adds around $1.3m to the
liability. The outcome of the COLA will move to the Select Board for approval after the Finance
Committee hears this proposal.
Stephen MacLellan presented the Meketa update at 8:45 am. The portfolio balance as of November 30,
2022 was $196,949,117.00, up $8.6m from the October report. Despite the YTD figures posted, the
portfolio has come back positive for the Quarter, and last month. Matthews had an excellent
November, posting a 21.9%, while Acadian and Driehaus both eclipsed the 7% mark. The Global Equity
sector had Wellington Enduring post an 8.6% for the month. Domestic Assets are performing average as
the markets continue to battle back. KAR has been solid over QTD, posting a modest 17.1%. Fidelity
and RhumbLine are struggling a bit, but have posted 5.5% over the past month. Stephen then
mentioned Mekata will begin the process of sending out RFP’s in late January for Opportunistic Funds
and Private Equity managers. He wrapped up the Meketa presentation at 9:00 am.
Will Hickey and Rich Thies presented the Driehaus Emerging Market update at 9:05 am. Rich spoke
briefly about the management team and structure at Driehaus. The investment style is a fundamental
growth approach which aims to outperform the MSCI Emerging market index. They focus research on
four fundamental growth profiles; Dynamic Growth, Cyclical Growth, Recovery Growth, and Consistent
Growth. Through this research system, they hope to compile a diversified list of fundamentally sound
vetted growth stocks to add to the portfolio. Will Hickey spoke to the Board regarding the overall
performance. His main concern is that China remains a major risk driver for opportunity. The Covid &
Government restrictions being eased could lead to a high rate of infection now that people are out of
their homes. There is hope for China to pull through and produce high GDP and earnings globally in
2023-2024, yet confidence remains low. South Korea and Mexico, on a relative basis, will be solid
contributors as we head into 2023. He concluded his presentation at 9:35 am.
David Dali and Brian Kingan presented the Matthews Asia update at 9:37 am. David gave a brief
overview of the firm. Matthews has added three (3) new ETF’s to the portfolio recently. The approach
is to invest more companies located in Asia. They choose to invest in Asia companies that are capable of
sustainable growth based on fundamental strategies of those companies. Matthews bases its equity
selection on Good Business and Management practices, as well as Appropriate Valuations. Year 2022
was a subpar year overall with Markets down around 20% overseas. Brian attributes the downslide to
Fed Hikes, Regulatory policies, and the Covid-19 policies overseas. Both earnings and valuations were
down for the year. The recent run on rate hikes are hurting the Matthews portfolio. With the Covid
restrictions being eased, he hopes the market will bounce back 3-5% by middle to late 2023. They
concluded the presentation at 10:00 am.
Robert Cunha made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:01 am, which was seconded by Joseph Foley
and unanimously approved by Carolyn Kosnoff, Alan Fields, and Fred Weiss.
The next Retirement Board meeting will be held remotely via Zoom on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at
8:30 am.
Future Board meeting dates: February 23, 2023 and March 30, 2023 via Zoom teleconference.
_____________________________
Robert Cunha, Chairman Alan Fields, Appointed Member
Carolyn Kosnoff, Ex Officio Member Joseph Foley, Elected Member
Frederick Weiss, Appointed Member