Title
Resolution to Approve A Distribution from the City’s Police and Firemen’s Relief Fund ($25,000)
Memorandum
The attached resolution seeks approval of a $25,000 distribution from the Police and Firemen’s Relief Fund (“Fund”) for the benefit of the spouses or orphans of the following firefighter: Training Officer Craig Sidelinger.
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 contributes to the Fund, the City continues to act as Trustee and is required by law to administer the Fund as a trust.
The City made its first distribution in recent memory from the fund ($50,000) in approximately November of 2006 for the benefit of the spouse and children of Firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt, who 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. In 2019, distributions of $25,000 each ($100,000 total) were made to the families of Police Lieutenant Lyle Sartori, Police Officer Jason Zogaib, Police Officer Vada Murray, and Driver/ Operator (Firefighter), Daniel Armitage, all of whom passed away while actively employed by the City.
The City, pursuant to the recommendation of Police Chief, Michael Cox, and Fire Chief, Mike Kennedy, wishes to make a distribution in the amount of $25,000 from the Fund to the spouse of Training Officer Craig Sidelinger. TO Sidelinger served the City from March 13, 2000, to November 23, 2020, when he received a duty disability retirement due to a terminal cancer diagnosis. The State of Michigan has recognized his cancer diagnosis under the State of Michigan Public Act 515 of 2014 the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. Sadly, TO Sidelinger passed away on January 4, 2021, leaving behind his beloved wife and two young children.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: There is currently approximately $690,000 in the Fund.
Chief Cox and Chief Kennedy have both recommended the proposed distributions in accordance with the Fund’s requirements.
Staff
Prepared by: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Reviewed by: Margaret Radabaugh, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator, Michael Cox, Police Chief, and Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Body
Whereas, The Police and Fireman’s Relief Fund (“Fund”) is a trust fund that the City maintains for the benefit of the “widows and orphans of the [City’s] firemen and policemen”;
Whereas, The City made its first distribution in recent memory from the fund ($50,000) in approximately November of 2006 for the benefit of the spouse and step son of Firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt, who died in the line-of-duty on January 13, 2006;
Whereas, In 2019, distributions of $25,000 each ($100,000 total) were made to the beneficiaries of Police Lieutenant Lyle Sartori, Police Officer Jason Zogaib, Police Officer Vada Murray, and Driver/ Operator (Firefighter), Daniel Armitage;
Whereas, Training Officer Craig Sidelinger served the City with honor for more than 20 years until he received a duty disability on November 23, 2020, due to a terminal cancer diagnosis;
Whereas, The State of Michigan has recognized Training Officer Sidelinger’s cancer diagnosis under the State of Michigan Public Act 515 of 2014 the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund;
Whereas, Training Officer died on January 4, 2021, leaving behind his wife, Julie Sidelinger, and a young son and daughter;
Whereas, The Police and Fire Chiefs both recommend the payment of $25,000 to Julie Sidelinger, as the widow of Craig Sidelinger ($25,000 total), in accordance with this resolution, the Fund’s terms, and applicable law; and
Whereas, Such amount is currently available in the Fund and is subject to disbursement;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the Police and Fire Chiefs’ recommendation that the City disburse $25,000 to Julie Sidelinger, as the widow of Craig Sidelinger;
RESOLVED, That as a condition of disbursement, the City may require Mrs. Sidelinger to provide relevant information to enable the City to comply with applicable tax and accounting laws, and to sign a receipt and refunding agreement, as approved and required by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution in accordance with the Fund’s terms and relevant law.