CC Resolution No. 16-048 Accepting the City Investment PolicyRESOLUTION NO. 16-048
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
ACCEPTING THE CITY INVESTMENT POLICY
WHEREAS, the City has available funds to invest in accordance with principles of
sound treasury management; and
WHEREAS, the City invests funds in accordance with provisions of California
Government Code Section 53600; and
WHEREAS, the California Government Code requires a statement of investment
policy to be reviewed and adopted by the City Council on at least an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, the City's Audit Committee reviewed and accepted the attached City
Investment Policy on April 14, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Cupertino accepts the attached City Investment Policy dated May 17, 2016.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City
of Cupertino this 17th day of May 2016, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES :
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST :
Members of the City Council
Chang, Vaidhyanathan, Paul, Sinks, Wong
None
None
None
APPROVED:
POLICY
City of Cupertino
Investment Policy
May 17, 2016
Under authority granted by the City Council, the City Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer are
responsible for investing the surplus funds of the City.
The investment of the funds of the City of Cupertino is directed to the goals of safety, liquidity
and yield. The authority governing investments for municipal governments is set forth in the
California Government Code, Sections 53601 through 53659.
The primary objective of the investment policy of the City of Cupertino is SAFETY OF
PRINCIPAL. Investments shall be placed in those securities as outlined by type and maturity
sector in this document. Effective cash flow management and resulting cash investment practices
are recognized as essential to good fiscal management and control. The City's portfolio shall be
designed and managed in a manner responsive to the public trust and consistent with state and
local law . Portfolio management requires continual analysis and as a result the balance between
the various investments and maturities may change in order to give the City of Cupertino the
optimum combination of necessary liquidity and optimal yield based on cash flow projections.
SCOPE
The investment policy applies to all financial assets of the City of Cupertino as accounted for in
the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Policy statements outlined in this document
focus on the City of Cupertino 's pooled, surplus funds , but will also appl y to all other funds under
the City Treasurer 's span of control unless specifically exempted by statute or ordinance. This
policy is applicable, but not limited to all funds listed below :
• General Fund
• Special Revenue Funds
• Capital Project Funds
• Enterprise Funds
• Internal Service Funds
• Trust and Agency Funds
• Any new fund unless specifically exempted
Investments of bond proceeds shall be governed by the provisions of the related bond indentures
and/or cash flow requirements and therefore may extend beyond the maturity limitations as
outlined in this document. Other post-employment benefit (OPEB) trust investments are governed
by California Government Code Sections 53620 through 53622 and trust documents. The trust is
governed by a separate investment policy entitled Investment Policy Statement City of Cupe1tino
Inv estment Trust that was reviewed by the City of Cupertino Audit Committee and adopted b y the
City Manager and the Acting Director of Administrative Services on May 6 , 2014 .
g:\fi nance\treasu ry \poli cy\city in vestment po li cy dated may 17, 201 6 .docx
City of Cupe11ino Investment Policy May 17, 2016
PRUDENCE
The standard to be used by investment officials shall be that of a "pmdent person" and shall be
applied in the context of managing all aspects of the overall portfolio. Investments shall be made
with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, direction
and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for
investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be
derived.
It is the City's full intent, at the time of purchase, to hold all investments until maturity to ensure
the return of all invested principal dollars. However, it is realized that market prices of securities
will vary depending on economic and interest rate conditions at any point in time. It is further
recognized that in a well-diversified investment portfolio, occasional measured losses are
inevitable due to economic, bond market, or individual security valuation fluctuations. These
occasional losses must be considered within the context of the overall investment program
objectives and the resultant long-term rate ofretum.
The City Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer, acting within the intent and scope of the investment
policy and other written procedures and exercising due diligence, shall be relieved of personal
responsibility and liability for an individual security's credit risk or market price changes, provided
deviations from expectations are rep011ed in a timely manner and appropriate action is taken to
control adverse developments.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives, in order of priority, of the City of Cupertino's investment activities shall
be:
A. Safety of Principal
Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the City of Cupe11ino. Each investment
transaction shall seek to ensure that capital losses are avoided, whether from issuer default,
broker-dealer default or erosion of market value. The City shall seek to preserve principal by
mitigating the two types of risk, credit risk and market risk.
Credit risk, defined as the risk of loss due to failure of the issuer of a security, shall be
mitigated by investing in investment grade securities and by diversifying the investment
portfolio so that the failure of any one issuer does not unduly harm the City's capital base
and cash flow.
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City of Cupertino Investment Policy May 17, 2016
Market risk, defined as market value fluctuations due to overall changes in the general
level of interest rates, shall be mitigated by limiting the average matu1ity of the City's
investment portfolio (see maximum maturities) and structuring the portfolio based on
historic and current cash flow analysis eliminating the need to sell securities prior to
maturity and avoiding the purchase of long term securities for the sole purpose of short
term speculation.
B. Liquidity
The City's investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating
requirements which might be reasonably anticipated and provide the City with adequate cash
flows to pay its obligations over the next six months . Additionally, the portfolio should consist
largely of securities with active secondary resale markets.
The City's investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a rate of return
throughout budgetary and economic cycles, commensurate with Cupertino's investment risk
constraints and cash flow characteristics of the portfolio.
MAXIMUM MATURITIES
Maturities of investments will be selected based on liquidity requirements to minimize interest rate
risk and maximize earnings. Investment of surplus funds shall comply with the maturity limits as
set forth: in the California Government Code 53600, et seq. Where this section does not specify a
limitation on the term or remaining maturity at the time of the investment, no investment shall be
made in any security that at the time of the investment has a term remaining to maturity in excess
of five years, unless the Council has granted express authority to make that investment either
specifically or as a part of an investment program approved by the Council no less than three
months prior to the investment.
Reserve funds may be invested in secunt1es exceeding five years if the maturity of such
investments is made to coincide as nearly as practicable with the expected use of the funds .
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Investment perfo1mance is continually monitored and evaluated by the City Treasurer. Investment
performance statistics and activity reports are generated on a quarterly basis for presentation to the
oversight (audit) committee, City Manager and City Council.
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City of Cupertino Investment Policy May 17 , 2016
Yield on the City's investment portfolio is of secondary impotiance compared to the safety and
liquidity objectives described above . The City's investment portfolio shall be designed to attain a
market average rate of return through economic cycles . The market average rate of return is
defined as the average return on the Local Agency Investment Fund (assuming the State does not
adversely affect LAIF 's returns due to budget constraints). Whenever possible, and consistent
with risk limitations as defined herein and prudent investment principles, the Treasurer shall seek
to augment return above the market average rate of return.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
The Treasurer is responsible for investment management decisions and activities per City Council
Resolution.
The Treasurer shall designate a staff person as a liaison/deputy in the event circumstances require
timely action and the Treasurer is not present.
No officer or designee may engage in an investment transaction except as provided under terms of
this policy and the procedures by the Treasurer and approved by the City Manager/Council.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all transactions undertaken and shall establish a system of
controls to regulate the activities of subordinate officials .
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
An audit committee consisting of appropriate internal and external members, appointed by the City
Council, shall be established to provide general oversight and direction concerning the policies
related to management of the City's investment pool and OPEB trust. The City Treasurer shall
serve in a staff and advis01y capacity. The committee shall meet at least quarterly to review policy
changes, new legislation and portfolio status.
ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business
activity that conflicts with proper execution of the investment program, or impairs their ability to
make impartial investment decisions. Additionally the City Treasurer and the Deputy Treasurer
are required to annually file applicable financial disclosures as required by the Fair Political
Practices Commission (FPPC).
SAFEKEEPING OF SECURITIES
To protect against fraud or embezzlement or losses caused by collapse of an individual securities
dealer, all securities owned by the City shall be held in safekeeping by a third party custodian
acting as agent for the City under the te1ms of a custody agreement. All trades executed by a dealer
will settle delive1y versus payment (DVP) through the City's safekeeping agent.
In order to verify investment holdings, an external auditor, on an annual basis , shall independently
verify securities held in custody for the City.
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City of Cupe11ino Investment Policy May 17 , 2016
All exceptions to this safekeeping policy must be approved by the City Treasurer in written form
and included in the quarterly report to City Council.
INTERNAL CONTROL
Separation of duties between the Treasurer's function and Finance is designed to provide proper
internal controls to prevent the potential for converting assets or concealing transactions . Dual
transaction controls, separate and independent notifications, and reports provided by financial
institutions shall be used to help implement these controls .
Wire transfers shall be approved prior to being submitted to the financial institution. Wire transfers
initiated by Treasury staff must be reconfirmed by the appropriate financial institution to Finance
staff. Proper documentation is required for each investment transaction and must include a broker
trade confomation and a cash disbursement wire transfer confirmation. Timely bank reconciliation
is conducted to ensure proper handling of all transactions .
The investment portfolio and all related transactions are reviewed and balanced to appropriate
general ledger accounts by Finance staff on a monthly basis . An independent analysis by an
external auditor shall be conducted annually to review internal control, account activity, and
compliance with policies and procedures. The analysis shall be reported to the audit committee.
REPORTING
The City Treasurer shall prepare a quarterly investment report, including a succinct management
summary that provides a clear picture of the status of the current investment portfolio . The report
will be prepared in a manner that will report all informati on required under this policy and the
California Government Code. The Treasurer will submit the report to Council no later than the
second regular council meeting, or approximately 45 days following the end of the quai1er covered
by the report .
Following its annual or interim adoption by the City Council, this investment poli cy shall be
remitted to the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission.
QUALIFIED BROKER/DEALERS
Minimum eligibility criteria for dealers/brokers include a minimum of $1 billion in assets and a
minimum of five years in business. The registration status of all dealers is checked with the
National Association of Securities Dealers.
Dealers are required to acknowledge the receipt and review of the Statement of Investment Policy,
to be familiar with the government code restrictions , and have experience with dealing with other
municipal investors. Dealers are then selected on the basis of yields, services offered, and
references obtained. They may be primary or secondary dealers. The financial institutions must
submit a current annual audited financial statement to ascertain capital adequacy.
COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS
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City of Cupertino Investment Policy May 17, 2016
Collateral is required for investments in ce1tificates of deposit and repurchase agreements. In order
to reduce market risk, the collateral level will be at least 102% of market value of principal and
accrued interest.
In order to conform with the provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Code which provides for
liquidation of securities held as collateral, the only securities acceptable as collateral shall be
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, eligible banker's acceptances, medium term notes, or
securities that are the direct obligations of, or are fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by,
the United States or any agency of the United States.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
Investment of City funds is governed by the California Government Code Sections 53600 et seq.
Within the context of the limitations, the following investments are authorized, as further limited
herein:
1. United States Treasury Bills, Bonds, and Notes or those for which the full faith and credit
of the United States are pledged for payment of principal and interest. There is no
percentage limitation of the portfolio that can be invested in this category, although a
five-year maturity limitation is applicable.
2. Obligations issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), the
Federal Farm Credit System (FFCB), the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLB), the
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), the Student Loan Marketing
Association (SLMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (FHLMC).
There is no percentage limitation of the portfolio that can be invested in this category. A
five-year maturity limitation is applicable .
3. Banker's Acceptances (bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by
commercial banks) may not exceed 180 days to maturity or 40% of the cost value of the
portfolio.
4. Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), which is a State of California managed
investment pool, may be used up to the maximum permitted by California state law .
Investment officers will review LAIF's investment policy, investment mix, rate ofreturn,
etc. on a monthly basis.
Investments detailed in items 5 through 10 are further restricted to percentage of the cost value of
the po1tfolio in any one-issuer name to a maximum of 10%. The total value invested in any one
issuer shall not exceed 5% of the issuer's net worth. Again, a five-year maximum maturity
limitation is applicable unless further restricted by this policy.
5. Commercial paper ranked Pl by Moody's Investor Services or Al+ by Standard &
Poor's , and issued by domestic corporations having assets in excess of $500,000,000 and
having an AA or better rating on its long-term debentures as provided by Moody's or
Standard & Poor's . Purchases of eligible commercial paper may not exceed 270 days to
maturity nor represent more than 10% of the outstanding paper of the issuing corporation.
Purchases of commercial paper may not exceed 25% of the cost value of the portfolio.
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City of Cupertino Investment Policy May 17, 2016
6. Negotiable Certificates of Deposits issued by nationally or state chartered banks, state or
federal savings institutions, or state or federal credit unions. These institutions may use
a private sector entity to assist in the placement of the certificates of deposit under the
conditions specified by the Government Code. Purchases of Negotiable Certificates of
Deposit may not exceed 30% of the cost value of the portfolio . A maturity limitation of
five years is applicable.
7. Repurchase agreements that specify terms and conditions may be transacted with banks
and broker dealers. The maturity of the repurchase agreements shall not exceed one year.
The market value of the securities used as collateral for the repurchase agreements shall
be monitored by the investment staff and shall not be allowed to fall below 102% of the
value of the repurchase agreement. A PSA Master Repurchase Agreement is required
between the City of Cupertino and the broker/dealer or financial institution for all
repurchase agreements transacted.
8. Reverse repurchase agreements are not authorized .
9. Certificates of Deposit (time deposits), non-negotiable and collateralized in accordance
with the California Government Code, may be purchased through banks, savings and
loan associations, or credit unions. Within a limit of30% of the cost value of the portfolio,
these institutions may use a private sector entity to assist in the placement of the time
deposits under the conditions specified by the Government Code.
10. Medium Term Corporate Notes issued by corporations organized and operating in the
United States with a maximum maturity of five years may be purchased. Securities
eligible for investment shall be rated A or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor 's rating
services. Purchase of medium term notes may not exceed 30% of the cost value of the
pmtfolio.
11. Bonds issued by the local agency, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues
from a revenue producing property owned, controlled or operated by the local agency or
by a department, board, agency, or authority of the local agency .
12 . Registered state wan-ants or treasury notes or bonds ofthis state, including bonds payable
solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing property owned, controlled or
operated by the state or by a department, board , agency or authority of the state .
13. Bonds, notes, wan-ants or other evidences of indebtedness of any local agency within this
state.
14. Various daily money market funds administered for or by trustees , paying agents and
custodian banks contracted by the City of Cupertino may be purchased as allowed under
State of California Government Code. Only funds holding U.S. Treasury obligations,
Government agency obligations, or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S .
Treasury or Government agency obligations can be utilized and may not exceed 20% of
the cost value of the portfolio .
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City of Cupertino Investment Policy May 17, 2016
15. Ineligible investments are those that are not described herein, including but not limited
to , common stocks and long-term (over five years in maturity) notes and bonds are
prohibited from use in this portfolio. It is noted that special circumstances arise that
necessitate the purchase of securities beyond the five-year limitation. On such occasions,
requests must be approved by City Council prior to purchase.
DEPOSITS
To be eligible to receive local agency money, a bank, savings association, federal association, or
federally insured industrial loan company shall have received an overall rating of not less than
"satisfactory" in its most recent evaluation by the appropriate federal financial supervisorial
agency of its record of meeting the credit needs of California's communities .
INTEREST EARNINGS
All moneys earned and collected from investments authorized in this policy shall be allocated
monthly to various fund accounts based on the cash balance in each fund as a percentage of the
entire pooled portfolio .
POLICY REVIEW
The City of Cupertino 's investment policy shall be adopted by resolution of the City Council on
an annual basis. This investment policy shall be reviewed at least annually to ensure its
consistency with the overall objectives of preservation of principal, liquidity, and yield, and its
relevance to current law and financial and economic trends .
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