MOTION BY Boardmember Patrick Doyle, SECONDED BY Boardmember Jay Mathias to APPROVE the draft minutes of the December 21, 2023 Fire Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board meeting. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chair Laura Kaino, Vice Chair Michael Stewart, Boardmember Michael Gugel, Boardmember Patrick Doyle, Boardmember Jay Mathias

Passed - Unanimously

MOTION BY Boardmember Jay Mathias, SECONDED BY Vice Chair Michael Stewart to UPHOLD THE BOARD'S PREVIOUS DENIAL. The Board considered the document prepared by Dr. Steingart on behalf of Mr. Heng, however, the Board notes that it is a self-serving document, commissioned by Mr. Heng, and not the product of its own Medical Board. Additionally, in making its determination that Mr. Heng's disabling condition was not incurred in the performance of his duty, the Board relied upon its Medical Board, pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-859(C). The Board is not permitted to substitute its own understanding for that of a medical expert, and a finding of accidental disability must be based on its Medical Board's opinion. The Board's Medical Board was unequivocal in its opinion, even after being asked for two additional clarifications at the applicant's request, that Mr. Heng's disabling condition was not incurred in the performance of his duties as a firefighter. The Board does not find that there are any material conflicts in the medical evidence that it needs to resolve, and that its reliance on the expert opinion of its Medical Board is required. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chair Laura Kaino, Vice Chair Michael Stewart, Boardmember Michael Gugel, Boardmember Patrick Doyle, Boardmember Jay Mathias

Passed - Unanimously

MOTION BY Boardmember Jay Mathias, SECONDED BY Boardmember Patrick Doyle to CONVENE an Executive Session. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chair Laura Kaino, Vice Chair Michael Stewart, Boardmember Michael Gugel, Boardmember Patrick Doyle, Boardmember Jay Mathias

Passed - Unanimously