Title
Resolution to Approve Distributions from the City's Police and Firemen's Relief Fund ($100,000.00)
Memorandum
The attached resolution seeks approval of four $25,000 distributions ($100,000 total) from the Police and Firemen's Relief Fund ("Fund") for the benefit of the spouses or orphans of the following police officers and firefighter: Police Lieutenant Lyle Sartori, Police Officer Jason Zogaib, Police Officer Vada Murray, and Driver/Operator, Daniel Armitage.
The Fund was created by the City in 1926, and proceeds were to be used for the benefit of "the widows and orphans of firemen and policemen." The original language establishing the Fund provided that distributions from the Fund may be made "upon recommendation by the [Police Chief and Fire Chief] to the [City] Council and its action thereon." From 1926 until approximately 1972, the Fund was funded through proceeds from the sale of unclaimed personal property in the City. Although the City no longer funds the Fund, the City continues to act as Trustee and is required by law to administer the Fund as a trust for the benefit of "the widows and orphans of firemen and policemen."
The City made the first distribution in recent memory from the fund ($50,000) in approximately November of 2006 when Firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt died in the line-of-duty on January 13, 2006. Since that time, the City has taken an active interest in ensuring that distributions from the Fund happen in a standardized fashion and for the benefit of the stated Fund beneficiaries. Also, since that time, three active sworn police officers and one active sworn firefighter have passed. The City, pursuant to the recommendation of Interim Police Chief, Robert Pfannes, and Fire Chief, Mike Kennedy, wishes to make distributions in the amount of $25,000 for the benefit of each of the active officers that have passed since 2006.
The City also has classified the Fund as a special revenue fund for budgetary purposes. After ...
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