HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-29-RB-min
Minutes of the January 29, 2026 Retirement Board meeting:
Present: Robert Cunha, Carolyn Kosno?, Joseph Foley, Alan Fields, Frederick Weiss,
Michelle Malone and Jim Condon
Absent: None
The Lexington Retirement Board met remotely through Zoom tele-conferencing and in person.
The Town Clerks O?ice posted the meeting, which included the information for any interested
party to join the call. Robert Cunha, Joseph Foley, Carolyn Kosno?, Frederick Weiss, Alan Fields,
James Condon and Michelle Malone were present. Robert Cunha called the meeting to order at
8:30 am.
The Board accepted the 013026 Warrant and the January payroll. The December minutes were
reviewed and approved, as well as the November cashbooks.
Robert Cunha reviewed the January agenda with all Board members and sta? in attendance. He
mentioned we would be heading to Executive Session at 9:45 am.
The Angelo Gordon distribution of $874,920.00 was received on January 22, 2026.
Carolyn Kosno? mentioned the banking RFP is being handled by Mr. Lovering in the Tax
Collectors O?ice at the time of this meeting. Carolyn will circle back to him for an update.
The cybersecurity inquiry is pending from PERAC. Michelle mentioned PERAC is actively
reviewing our request.
Robert Cunha informed the Board his term as Chairman expires on 06/30/2026. He intends
to run for re-election. Jim & Michelle will handle the election process in March.
Stephen MacLellan presented the Meketa update at 8:35 am. For the year in review, Steve
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mentioned that most major markets posted positive returns in the 4 Quarter and for the
year. US non-equities continue to lead the way. This was nice news considering policy and
trade uncertainty were a hot topic most of the year. The non-US stocks were up to end the
quarter by 4.9% and 31.2% for 2025. Emerging Markets gained 4.7% for the quarter, and
led the way in 2025 returning 33.6%. This was led by strong returns in South Korea and
Taiwan, despite declining Chinese stocks. One concern going forward will be how the
Federal Reserve can manage interest rates with pressures of inflation and employment
mandates.
The overall performance as of December 31, 2025 was $296,686,666.00. For 2025, the
portfolio was up 16.7%. Kayne Anderson was the only strategy to underperform, posting a -
3.5%. International Equities were up 32.8% in 2025, while Domestics were up 16.3%.
Outside of his report, there were no surprises within the portfolio. All went as planned
according to Steve for the year.
Fossil Fuel exposure within equities remains at 1.0%, and the exposure within
opportunistic assets was 0.0%. Within this exposure, approximately 1.0% of the total
System is invested in the Carbon Underground 200 Companies.
Colin Pascoe and Ken Massee presented the Acadian update at 8:55 am. After a brief
overview of the company structure, Colin turned the update over to Ken. The Global Equity
markets had a great year for Acadian. Low risk strategies outside the US were the driving
factors to a successful 2025. The portfolio outperformed the benchmark by 3%. Strong
return of 31.3% for the year. Stock selection within France and the UK were great returners.
This in part due to the larger banks, biotech field, and pharmaceuticals. Switzerland was
the leader in pharma returns. Acadian focuses in it’s positioning in these fields based on
value, quality and growth. After fielding a few questions, Ken wrapped up his presentation
at 9:20 am.
After a brief break, the board turned the meeting back over to Meketa until 9:43 am.
Robert Cunha made a motion at 9:45 am to leave open session and enter executive
session, which was seconded by Joseph Foley, and unanimously approved by Alan Fields,
Carolyn Kosno? and Fred Weiss.
At 10:15 am, Robert Cunha made a motion to leave executive session and enter back to
open session. This motion was seconded by Joseph Foley, and unanimously approved by
Carolyn Kosno?, Alan Fields, and Fred Weiss.
Steve gave an update on the Global Equity RFP search being conducted. This search is to
replace the Wellington Opportunistic fund which closed back in September of 2025. A
total of 32 managers submitted responses to this search. Four (4) of the 32 came back as
highly advantageous. After review and discussion, Bob recommends we bring in three (3)
firms for interviews at the February 26, 2026 Board meeting. WCM Quality Growth,
Pinestone, and Axiom will be contacted by Meketa for availability to present. Steve will
inform Michelle/Jim prior to the meeting. Each will be granted 20 minutes.
At 10:30 am, Robert Cunha made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by
Carolyn Kosno?, and unanimously approved by Joseph Foley, Fred Weiss, and Alan Fields.
The next Retirement Board meeting will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 8:30 am.
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Future Board meeting dates: March 26, April 23, and May 28.
_____________________________
Robert Cunha, Chairman Alan Fields, Appointed Member
Carolyn Kosnoff, Ex Officio Member Joseph Foley, Elected Member
Frederick Weiss, Appointed Member