2017 Proxy Report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. __)



 

Filed by the Registrant  

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  

Check the appropriate box:

Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12







 

 

LAKE SHORE BANCORP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)



(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)



Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

No fee required.

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.



(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:



 

 



(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:



 

 



(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):



 

 



(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:



 

 



(5)

Total fee paid:



 

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.



(1)

Amount Previously Paid:



 

 



(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:



 

 



(3)

Filing Party:



 

 



(4)

Date Filed:



 

 



 

 



 


 

Picture 1

 

April 6, 2017 

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., which will be held on May 17, 2017 in The Bayside Room of the Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, New York 14048 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

Shareholders are being asked to elect three directors, to approve, on an advisory basis, a non-binding resolution regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm and to transact such other business as may properly come before the 2017  annual meeting.  Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the nominees for director,  FOR the non-binding resolution approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2017. 

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement further describes the business to be transacted at the annual meeting. In addition to the formal items of business, management will report on the operations and activities of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

We are pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the Internet.  On or about April 6, 2017, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and Annual Report and vote online.  The Notice also explains how you may request to receive a paper copy of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, as well as a paper proxy card.

Whether or not you are able to attend the meeting,  and regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly.  You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number, over the Internet or on a paper proxy card if you request one.  Instructions regarding the methods of voting are contained on the Notice and proxy card.  Voting by proxy will not prevent you from voting in person at the annual meeting, but will ensure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend.

The Board of Directors and the employees of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. are committed to our continued success and the enhancement of your investment. As President and Chief Executive Officer, I want to express my appreciation for your confidence and support.



 

 



 

Sincerely yours,



 

 



 

/s/ Daniel P. Reininga



 

Daniel P. Reininga



 

President and Chief Executive Officer



IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL US AT (716) 366-4070

 


 



NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS





 

 

 

 



 

Date:

  

May 17, 2017



 

Time:

  

8:30 a.m., Eastern Time



 

Place:

  

The Bayside Room of the Clarion Hotel



 

 

  

30 Lake Shore Drive East



 

 

  

Dunkirk, New York 14048



At the annual meeting, we will ask you to:



1.

Elect one Class One director to serve for a one-year term expiring at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders and two Class Three directors to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders. Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the following three candidates have been nominated by our Board of Directors:



Class One Director:

•     John (“Jack”) L. Mehltretter



Class Three Directors:

•     Susan C. Ballard             •     Daniel P. Reininga



2.

Approve, on an advisory basis, a non-binding resolution regarding the compensation of our named executive officers;



3.

Ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017;  and



4.

Transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please note that at this time we are not aware of any such business.



The Board of Directors has fixed March 23, 2017 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.



 

By Order of the Board of Directors,



 

 



 

/s/ Wendy J. Harrington



 

Wendy J. Harrington



 

Corporate Secretary

Dunkirk, New York

 

 

April 6, 2017

 

 



You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  It is important that your shares be represented regardless of the number of shares you own.  The Board of Directors urges you to vote your shares promptly.  You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number, over the Internet or on a paper proxy card if you request one. Voting your shares via proxy will not prevent you from voting in person if you attend the annual meeting.

 

 

 


 

 

LAKE SHORE BANCORP, INC.
31 East Fourth Street
Dunkirk, New York 14048
(716) 366-4070

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 17, 2017 


INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

General

The Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. (“Lake Shore Bancorp,” “Company,”  we,” us” or “our”) is soliciting proxies from the holders of Lake Shore Bancorp’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of the close of business on March 23, 2017, for use at the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The annual meeting will be held on May 17, 2017 in The Bayside Room at the Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, New York 14048 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

Lake Shore Bancorp, a federally-chartered mid-tier stock holding company, was formed in April 2006 in connection with the reorganization of Lake Shore Savings Bank (“Lake Shore Savings”) into the federal mutual holding company form of organization.  Lake Shore Bancorp, owns all of the outstanding common stock of Lake Shore Savings and directs, plans and coordinates Lake Shore Savings’ business activities. As more fully described later in this proxy statement, at the annual meeting we will ask you to elect three directors,  to approve, on an advisory basis, a non-binding resolution regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm for 2017 and to transact such other business as may properly come before the 2017 annual meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.  The term “annual meeting,” as used in this proxy statement, includes any adjournment or postponement of such meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on May 17, 2017

On April 6, 2017, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to all shareholders entitled to vote, which contains instructions on how to access this proxy statement and the 2016 annual report and how to vote.  You may also request that a printed copy of the proxy materials be sent to you.  You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one in the manner set forth in the Notice.  The proxy materials are all available on the internet at the following website: http://www.edocumentview.com/LSBK.  

In  accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, the materials on the foregoing website are searchable, readable and printable, and the website does not use “cookies,” track user moves or gather any personal information.

1

 

 


 

 

Who Can Vote

Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 23, 2017 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. Accordingly, only holders of record of shares of our common stock at the close of business on such date will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On March 23, 2017, there were 6,115,822 shares outstanding, of which 3,636,875 of those shares, or 59.5%, are owned by Lake Shore, MHC, our top-tier federal mutual holding company.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. If the holders of at least a majority of the total number of our outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting, a quorum will exist. Because Lake Shore, MHC owns greater than a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock, representation of Lake Shore, MHC at the annual meeting will constitute a quorum. We will include proxies marked as abstentions and broker non-votes, as applicable, to determine the number of shares present at the annual meeting.

How Many Votes You Have

Each holder of shares of common stock outstanding on March 23, 2017 will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record at the annual meeting.

How To Vote

You may vote your shares at the annual meeting in person or by proxy. To vote in person, you must attend the annual meeting and obtain and submit a ballot, which we will provide to you at the annual meeting. The Notice provides instructions on how to access your proxy card and contains instructions on how to vote via telephone or the Internet.  For those shareholders who request a paper proxy card, instructions for voting via telephone and the Internet are set forth on the proxy card.  Those shareholders who receive a paper proxy card and voting instructions by mail, and who elect to vote by mail, should sign and return the mailed proxy card in the prepaid and addressed envelope that was enclosed with the proxy materials.  All properly executed proxies we receive prior to the annual meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked on the proxy card. In the event you return an executed proxy card without marking your instructions, your executed proxy will be voted FOR the proposals identified in the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 

If you are a shareholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from your broker or other holder of record to vote personally at the annual meeting.

If any other matter is presented at the annual meeting, the Board of Directors will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters as a majority of our Board of Directors determines. As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no other matters that may be presented at the annual meeting, other than those listed in the Notice of Annual Meeting.

2

 

 


 

 

Vote by Lake Shore, MHC

As of March 23, 2017,  Lake Shore, MHC owned 59.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Those shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions of Lake Shore, MHC’s Board of Directors.    Lake Shore, MHC is expected to vote FOR the election of each of the nominees for director,  FOR the non-binding resolution approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017.  

Broker Non-Votes

If your broker holds shares that you own in “street name,” the broker generally may vote your shares on routine matters even if the broker does not receive instructions from you. “Broker non-votes” are proxies received from brokers or other nominees holding shares on behalf of their clients who have not been given specific voting instructions from their clients with respect to non-routine matters.

Vote Required

· Election of DirectorsThe nominees for director who receive the most votes will be elected. So, if you do not vote for a nominee, or you indicate “withhold authority” for any nominee on your proxy card, your vote will not count “for” the nominee. You may not vote your shares cumulatively for the election of directors. Brokers are not entitled to use their discretion to vote uninstructed proxies with respect to the election of directors, and any such “broker non-votes” will not be deemed a vote cast.  Because Lake Shore, MHC owns more than 50% of our outstanding shares, we expect that Lake Shore, MHC will control the outcome of the vote on this proposal. Lake Shore, MHC intends to vote for the nominees



· Advisory Vote on Compensation of Named Executive Officers.  The non-binding resolution approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers will be approved if a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal are voted in favor of the proposalIf you “abstain” from voting on this proposal, it will not be voted or treated as a vote cast, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.  Accordingly, an abstention will not affect the outcome of the proposal.  Brokers are not entitled to use their discretion to vote uninstructed proxies with respect to the proposal, and any such “broker non-votes” will not be deemed a vote cast.     Because Lake Shore, MHC owns more than 50% of our outstanding shares, we expect that Lake Shore, MHC will control the outcome of the vote on this proposal.  Lake Shore, MHC intends to vote for this proposal.



· Ratification of the Appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLPThe affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal is required to ratify this proposal.   Brokers are entitled to use their discretion to vote uninstructed proxies with respect to this proposal.  If you “abstain” from voting on this proposal, it will not be voted or treated as a vote cast, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.  Accordingly, an

3

 

 


 

 

abstention will not affect the outcome of the proposal. Because Lake Shore, MHC owns more than 50% of our outstanding shares, we expect that Lake Shore, MHC will control the outcome of the vote on this proposal.  Lake Shore, MHC intends to vote for this proposal. 



Revocability of Proxies

You may revoke your grant of proxy at any time before it is voted by:

·

filing a written revocation of the proxy with our Corporate Secretary;

·

submitting a new proxy over the Internet or by telephone;

·

submitting a signed proxy card bearing a later date; or

·

attending the annual meeting and voting in person, but you also must file a written revocation with the Secretary of the annual meeting prior to voting.

We are soliciting proxies only for the annual meeting. If you grant us a proxy to vote your shares, the proxy will only be exercised at the annual meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies

We will pay all costs with respect to this Proxy Statement and related materials as well as soliciting proxies from shareholders. Regular employees of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings may solicit proxies in person, by mail, or by telephone, but no employee will receive any compensation for solicitation activities in addition to his or her regular compensation. Expenses may include the charges and expenses of brokerage houses, nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries for forwarding proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares.

4

 

 


 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Principal Shareholders

Based on filings made with the SEC under Section 13(d) and Section 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of March 23, 2017, the only persons known by us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock are set forth in the following table. Addresses provided are those listed in the filings as the address of the person authorized to receive notices and communications. For purposes of the table below and the table set forth under “Security Ownership of Management,” in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any shares of common stock (1) over which he or she has or shares, directly or indirectly, voting or investment power; or (2) of which he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after March 23, 2017. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares.

 

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Class(1)



 

 

 

Lake Shore, MHC
125 East Fourth Street
Dunkirk, NY 14048

 

3,636,875(2)

 

59.5%



 

 

                                          

(1)Calculated on the basis of 6,115,822 shares of common stock, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 23, 2017.

(2)Based on information reported by Lake Shore, MHC in a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC on April 13, 2006.



 



 

5

 

 


 

 

Common Stock Beneficially Owned by Directors and Executive Officers 

The following table sets forth information about the shares of common stock beneficially owned by each of our directors and each of our “Named Executive Officers” identified in the Summary Compensation Table that appears later in this proxy statement, and all of our directors and executive officers as a group as of March 23, 2017. Except as otherwise indicated, each person and each group shown in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock indicated.



 

(1)

Name of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

Percent

 of Class(1)



Susan C. Ballard, Director

  6,867 (2)

*

Tracy S. Bennett, Director

  11,068 (3)

*

Sharon E. Brautigam, Director

 11,657 (4)

*

Reginald S. Corsi, Director

  13,445 (5)

*

Rachel A. Foley, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

25,711 (6)

*

David C. Mancuso, Director

34,185 (7)

*

Jack L. Mehltretter, Director

188 (8)

*

Daniel P. Reininga, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

92,196 (9)

1.5%

Kevin M. Sanvidge, Director

8,274 (10)

*

Jeffrey M. Werdein, Executive Vice President, Commercial Division

20,310(11)

*

Gary W. Winger, Chairman of the Board 

14,587(12)

*

Nancy L. Yocum, Vice Chairperson of the Board

13,740(13)

*

All directors and executive officers as a group  (12 persons)

252,228(14) 

4.1%



                                          

*    Less than 1.00% of common stock outstanding.



 

(1)

Percentages with respect to each person or group of persons have been calculated on the basis of 6,115,822 shares of common stock, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 23, 2017, plus the number of shares that each person or group of persons have the right to acquire within 60 days of March 23, 2017.

(2)

Includes 2,909 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Ballard has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(3)

Includes 4,000 shares held in Mr. Bennett’s individual retirement account.  Also includes 2,954 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Bennett has sole voting power but no investment power.

(4)

Includes 505 shares that Ms. Brautigam may acquire by exercise of options on March 23, 2017 or 60 days thereafter.  Also includes 350 shares held by Ms. Brautigam’s spouse and 1,370 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Brautigam has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(5)

Includes 6,002 shares held in Mr. Corsi’s individual retirement account.  Also includes 1,741 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Corsi has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(6)

Includes 200 shares of common stock jointly held with Ms. Foley’s mother, 500 shares held by Ms. Foley’s spouse, 4,138 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and 7,663 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Foley has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(7)

Includes 13,246 shares held in Mr. Mancuso’s individual retirement account and 3,691 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Mancuso has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(8)

Includes 88 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Mehltretter has sole voting power but no investment power.

(9)

Includes 17,773 shares that Mr. Reininga may acquire by exercise of options on March 23, 2017 or 60 days thereafter, 17,000 shares held by trust, 900 shares held by Mr. Reininga’s spouse, 2,600 shares held by children of Mr. Reininga, 6,000 shares held by G.H. Graf Realty Corporation, Inc. and 3,037 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Also includes 22,401 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Reininga has sole voting power but no investment power. 

(10)

Includes 3,691 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Sanvidge has sole voting power but no investment power.

6

 

 


 

 

(11)

Includes 16,894 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Werdein has sole voting power but no investment power.  Also includes 916 shares held in Lake Shore Bancorp’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  

(12)

Includes 1,600 shares held in Mr. Winger’s individual retirement account and 1,621 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Mr. Winger has sole voting power but no investment power.

(13)

Includes 500 shares held by Ms. Yocum’s spouse and 1,214 shares of unvested restricted stock over which Ms. Yocum has sole voting power but no investment power.

(14)

Includes 8,091 shares of common stock allocated to the accounts of named executive officers under the ESOP and excludes the remaining 212,007,  or 3.5% of the shares of common stock outstanding, owned by the ESOP for the benefit of employees of Lake Shore Savings Bank.  Under the terms of the ESOP, shares of common stock allocated to the accounts of employees are voted in accordance with the instructions of the respective employees.  Unallocated and un-voted shares are voted by the ESOP trustee in the manner calculated to most accurately reflect the instructions it has received from the participants regarding the allocated shares, unless its fiduciary duties require otherwise. 







 

7

 

 


 

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

 

PROPOSAL ONEELECTION OF DIRECTORS

                                                                                                                                                                     



Our charter provides that we must have between five and fifteen directors.  The Board of Directors is currently comprised of ten members, and is divided into three classes. Our directors serve staggered three-year terms such that usually only one class (one-third of the directors) is elected each year.    

Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, our Board of Directors has nominated the three individuals listed in the table below for election as directors at the annual meeting.    Class Three directors will serve a three-year term, if elected, while the Class One director will serve a one-year term, if elected.  If you elect the nominees, they will hold office for the term set forth opposite their names or until their successors have been elected.

We know of no reason why any nominee may be unable to serve as a director. If any nominee is unable to serve, your proxy may be voted for another nominee proposed by the Board of Directors.

Name

  

Age(1)

  

Term
    Expires    

  

    Class    

  

Position(s) Held With

    Lake Shore Bancorp    

  

Director
    Since    



Susan C. Ballard

 

53

 

2020

 

Three

 

Director

 

2012

Jack L. Mehltretter(2)

  

58

  

2018

  

One

  

Director

  

2016

Daniel P. Reininga(3)

  

58

  

2020

  

Three

  

President and CEO, Director

  

1994

                                          

(1)As of March 23, 2017. 

(2)Mr. Mehltretter started his service as a director on November 16, 2016.

(3)Includes service as a director of Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association.



INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS



General

The Board of Directors oversees our business and monitors the performance of our management. In accordance with our corporate governance guidelines, the Board of Directors does not involve itself in our day-to-day operations; our executive officers and management oversee our day-to-day operations. Our directors fulfill their duties and responsibilities by attending regular meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees, and also through considerable telephone contact and other communications with the Chairman and others regarding matters of concern and interest to us. Our directors also discuss business and other matters with the Chairman, other key executives, and our principal external advisors.

8

 


 

 

Business Experience of Directors

The principal occupation and business experience of each director and director nominee is set forth below. All directors have held their current positions for at least five years unless otherwise indicated.



 

 

Name

Age*

Description

Susan C. Ballard

Director since 2012

53

Ms. Ballard is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2020 annual meeting.  Ms. Ballard became the Branch Consultant for Hunt Real Estate ERA in February 2016.  Hunt Real Estate ERA is an integrated home ownership services organization that provides residential and commercial real estate listings, mortgage loans, insurance products, title services and relocation services, with headquarters in Depew, New York, and offices throughout New York and Arizona.  Previously, Ms. Ballard served as the Chief Operating Officer of National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc., an insurance adjustment firm that provides loss adjustment services for damages resulting from fire, water damage, windstorm, explosion or other perils located in Amherst, New York, a position she held since March 2015.  Prior to that she was the Sales Manager at Essex Homes of Western New York, Inc., a custom home builder located in Clarence, New York, a position she started in January 2013.  She also held the position of Vice President of Patrick Custom Homes, a residential construction and real estate development company located in East Amherst, New York from 2005 until 2012.

   

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Ms. Ballard has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.  As Branch Consultant for Hunt Real Estate ERA, Ms. Ballard is responsible for management of branch real estate operations, agent recruitment, hiring, training and market share development.   As Chief Operating Officer for National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc., Ms. Ballard was responsible for oversight of operations throughout the organization in the U.S. and Canada.  As Sales Manager at Essex Homes, Ms. Ballard was responsible for directing residential sales, product development and marketing for luxury custom homes.  As Vice President of Patrick Custom Homes, Ms. Ballard was responsible for directing residential sales, production and warranty servicing operations, as well as being responsible for oversight, planning and management of real estate objectives in construction, land development and property management.  Ms. Ballard has significant business experience and general management skills, including marketing and networking skills, from more than 25 years

 

9

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

of business experience in Western New York.  Ms. Ballard has served on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Niagara Builders Association in Buffalo, New York, currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Town of Clarence, Erie County, Industrial Development Agency and is a member of numerous business and community organizations.  She is currently a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Ballard’s experience in real estate construction, development and sales, as well as her general management experience makes her an excellent candidate to serve as a director of the Company. 

Tracy S. Bennett

Director since 2010

66

Mr. Bennett’s current term will expire at the 2019 annual meeting.  Mr. Bennett is retired from his position as the Vice President for Administration at the State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia), a position he held from 1997 to November 2010.  Mr. Bennett was also the President of the SUNY Fredonia Faculty-Student Association and he served on a number of campus committees.  He currently owns a tax preparation business in Westfield, New York serving over 850 clients and is a certified public accountant in New York State.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Bennett has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Accounting from SUNY Albany.  As Vice President for Administration at SUNY Fredonia, he was responsible for the supervision and development of a $90 million campus-wide budget and a $300 million capital budget plan, along with managing over 300 employees in the areas of Financial Services, Human Resources, Facilities and Campus Services.  Mr. Bennett has over 30 years of experience in the fields of accounting, business, finance, capital planning, budget development and administration.  He formerly served as the treasurer for the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Patterson Library and the Westfield Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Bennett is currently a member of the Asset/Liability Committee and the Audit/Risk Committee and is qualified to be named as a “financial expert” on the Audit/Risk committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Bennett’s experience in finance and administration makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

Sharon E. Brautigam

Director since 2004

60

Ms. Brautigam’s term will expire at the 2019 annual meeting. She was a partner in the law firm of Brautigam & Brautigam, LLP in Fredonia, New York, from 1986 until

10

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

2016, where she concentrated her practice in the areas of real estate transactions, estates and trusts, elder law and small business formation and general advice.  She is currently of counsel to Brautigam & Brautigam, LLP.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Ms. Brautigam has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Houghton College and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.  Ms. Brautigam has extensive experience representing borrowers as their attorney in connection with residential real estate purchases and mortgage refinancing.  She has also represented a number of clients in connection with commercial mortgage financing and provides ongoing advice and counsel to numerous local small business owners.  She has the legal training and skills to analyze and help ensure compliance with the various laws and regulations to which the Company is subject. Ms. Brautigam is currently the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Brautigam’s legal expertise makes her qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

Reginald S. Corsi

Director since 2008

75

Mr. Corsi’s current term will expire at the 2017 annual meeting.  Mr. Corsi was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Lake Shore, MHC, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings until his retirement in March 2008.  Prior to joining Lake Shore Savings, Mr. Corsi was Vice President of M&T Bank.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Corsi has over 48 years of experience in the banking industry, having served as branch manager, operations officer and commercial loan officer.  He has extensive experience in completing credit reviews of loans and is familiar with managing credit risk.  He has financial acumen, familiarity with bank operations and knowledge of internal controls, and has served as an officer or a member of various boards in the Dunkirk/ Fredonia community while working in the banking industry. Mr. Corsi is currently a member of the Audit/Risk and Loan Committees and is a former member of the Asset/Liability Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Corsi’s experience in the banking industry makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

David C. Mancuso

Director since 1998

71

Mr. Mancuso’s current term will expire at the 2018 annual meeting.  Mr. Mancuso was the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore, MHC, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings until his retirement in

11

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

January 2011. He was employed in various positions at Lake Shore Savings since 1965. He became President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore Savings in 1993. Mr. Mancuso was a member of the New York State Banking Board from 2001 until 2006.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Mancuso has 45 years of banking experience and has been involved in multiple bank functions, including branch manager, operations, compliance, loan officer, and has served in many management functions.  He has an Associate degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Bryant and Stratton.  For 18 years he served as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company and oversaw its growth from two to ten branches, and the conversion of the Company from a mutual organization to a Mutual Holding Company with publicly traded stock.  He was a major contributor to the Company’s extensive growth during his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer.  He has served as an officer or a member of numerous community organizations within the past 45 years.  Mr. Mancuso is currently the Chairperson of the Asset/Liability Committee and a member of the Loan Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mancuso’s experience in the banking industry and at the Company and Lake Shore Savings makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

Jack L. Mehltretter

Director since 2016

58

Mr. Mehltretter is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2018 annual meeting.  Mr. Mehltretter became the Vice President of Information Technology for Gibraltar Industries, a leading manufacturer and distributer of building products for the industrial, infrastructure and residential markets, in January 2017.  During 2016, Mr. Mehltretter intermittedly provided consulting services as a principal to Nextgen Technology Advisors LLC, a consulting firm established in Hamburg, New York, that focuses on creating business value from information technology.  He was formerly the Global Vice President of Information Technology for New Era Cap Co., an international headwear and apparel company with operations in over 20 regional locations serving global markets, a position he held from 2007 to 2016.

  

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Mehltretter has an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science degree



 

 

12

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

in Information Systems from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.  As the Vice President of Information Technology for Gibralter Industries, Mr. Mehltretter is responsible for technology vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology initiatives that improve cost effectiveness and business development in a competitive marketplace.  Mr. Mehltretter leads Gibralter Industries in planning and implementing IT solutions to support business operations and growth of company-wide IT operations.  As principal of Nextgen Technology Advisors, LLC, Mr. Mehltretter provided consulting services to businesses interested in leveraging information technology to enhance their business operations.  As Global Vice President of Information Technology for the New Era Cap Company, Mr. Mehltretter was responsible for establishing a vision to enable global growth and maximize customer experiences via IT, customer/supplier integration, and process improvements.  He managed 50 internal and external resources with an operating budget of $10.0 million and a capital budget of $2.0 to $3.0 million.  He was also responsible for ensuring compliance with external and internal technology audits.   Mr. Mehltretter has acquired significant business management, strategic planning, and global relationship skills while holding several technology leadership roles during his 32 years of business experience.  His international business experience includes doing business in more than 15 different countries.  Mr. Mehltretter currently serves on the Board for the Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped (SABAH).  He is currently a member of the Audit Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mehltretter’s experience in information technology, strategic planning and business management makes him an excellent candidate to serve as a director of the Company. 

Daniel P. Reininga

Director since 1994

58

Mr. Reininga became President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore, MHC, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings on January 28, 2011.  He previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, a position he held from January 1, 2010 through January 27, 2011.  He is nominated to serve as a director for a term expiring at the 2020 annual meeting.  He served as Vice Chairman of the board from 2003 until June 2010.  Mr. Reininga served as President of G.H. Graf Realty Corporation, Inc., a real estate investment company located



 

 



 

 

13

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

in Dunkirk, New York that is involved in real estate development and leasing, from 1993 through December 2009.  Mr. Reininga currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of G.H. Graf Realty Corporation, Inc.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Reininga has a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College and a Master of Business Administration degree from University of South Florida.  He has completed the American Bankers Association (ABA) course in Advanced Asset and Liability Management and is a graduate of the ABA Stonier National Graduate School of Banking.  Mr. Reininga has a sound knowledge of bank risks, internal controls and bank operations. He has served as Chairman of a family-owned real estate investment company for over fifteen years.  In connection with the family-owned business he has been responsible for the financial and general management of seven small companies. He is also involved in numerous community and non-profit organizations, either as a board member or a committee member.  Mr. Reininga has previously served as the Chairperson of the Asset/Liability Committee and served on the Audit/Risk and Loan Committees prior to becoming President and CEO.  He is currently the Chairperson of the Loan Committee and a member of the Asset/Liability Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Reininga’s experience in the banking and real estate industries and at the Company and Lake Shore Savings makes him qualified to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer and makes him an excellent candidate to serve as a director of the Company.

Kevin M. Sanvidge

Director since 2012

62

Mr. Sanvidge’s current term will expire at the 2019 annual meeting.  Mr. Sanvidge became the Chief Executive Officer and Administrative Director of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (“IDA”) in June 2014.  He was previously the Executive Vice President of Administration and Supply Chain at Cliffstar Corporation in Dunkirk, New York, a private label juice and beverage manufacturer, a position he held from 2006 until 2012.  Mr. Sanvidge began his tenure at Cliffstar Corporation in 1999 as Vice President of Human Resources, and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration in 2003.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills. Mr. Sanvidge has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Concordia University and has completed the Executive

14

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

Management Seminar at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As Chief Executive Officer and Administrative Director of the Chautauqua County IDA, Mr. Sanvidge is responsible for facilitating development within Chautauqua County by attracting new businesses while promoting the retention and expansion of existing business, with assistance in the form of tax abatements, low interest loans or bond financing to enhance opportunities for job creation and retention.  As Executive Vice President for Cliffstar Corporation, Mr. Sanvidge was responsible for supply chain management, information services, customer service, logistics, human resources and quality assurance and grower relations.  He was a member of the ECR International Board of Directors until December 23, 2015 and had served as the Chairman of its Compensation Committee.  He has served as an officer or member of several community and business organizations in Chautauqua County over the last 20 years. He is currently the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director for the LECOM Health Challenge Web.com PGA tour. Mr. Sanvidge is currently the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Sanvidge’s business and finance experience makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

Gary W. Winger

Director since 1997

72

Mr. Winger’s current term will expire at the 2018 annual meeting.  He has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Lake Shore, MHC, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings Bank since the 2013 Annual Meeting.  Mr. Winger has been a principal of Compass Consulting, Inc. in Auburn and Jamestown, New York and Venice, Florida, a firm that provides consulting services in the area of higher education, since July 2002. From 1975 until June 2002, Mr. Winger was the Dean of Administration and Development and Chief Financial and Development Officer of Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York.

   

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Mr. Winger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Ohio Northern University and a Master of Business Administration degree, with a specialty in finance, from the University of Pittsburgh.  As a college administrator, Mr. Winger was responsible for finance, human resources, facilities, information technology and development with a $20 million budget and 500 full and part-time employees,



 

 



 

 

15

 


 

 

Name

Age*

Description



 

resulting in 27 years of senior management experience.  Mr. Winger is currently a member of the Asset/Liability and Loan Committees.  He has previously served as the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee and served as a member of the Audit/Risk and the Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.  The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Winger’s business and finance experience makes him qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

Nancy L. Yocum

Director since 1995

70

Ms. Yocum’s current term will expire at the 2018 annual meeting.  Ms. Yocum has been the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Lake Shore, MHC, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings Bank since the 2013 Annual Meeting.  Ms. Yocum is currently retired.  She was formerly a practicing certified public accountant. From 1999 until November 2012, she was a partner in the firm of Brumfield & Associates in Fredonia, New York where her practice was concentrated in estates and trusts.

 

Experience, Qualifications & Skills.  Ms. Yocum has an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Bryant and Stratton and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Ms. Yocum has been involved in the financial field since 1975 and owned and operated her own accounting and tax preparation service business, specializing in estates and trusts from 1985 until 2012.  She is a certified public accountant and an enrolled agent with the IRS and has extensive experience representing both private individuals and businesses in connection with tax matters.  She has served as an officer or a member of numerous community organizations.  She is currently the Chairperson of the Audit/Risk Committee.  She is also the “financial expert” for the Audit/Risk Committee.  She has previously served on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Yocum’s experience in finance and tax matters makes her qualified to serve as a director of the Company.

 

* As of March 23, 2017

 

 

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors held a total of twelve regular meetings and one special meeting during 2016. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of



16

 


 

 

Directors held during the time in which they served as director, plus meetings of committees on which that particular director served during this period.

It is our policy that all directors should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  In accordance with such policy, all directors attended the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders. 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” all of the nominees for election as directors.

17

 


 

 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Director Compensation

Meeting Fees.  We pay a fee to each of the non-employee directors for attendance at Board of Directors meetings.  On each meeting date, the board members are required to attend a board meeting for Lake Shore Savings Bank, as well as Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. and Lake Shore, MHC, if there are agenda items up for discussion.  Only one meeting fee is paid for attendance at the three board meetings on the meeting date.   In 2016, directors received $1,540 for Board meetings attended in person and $1,155 for Board meetings attended telephonically.  Directors also received fees for membership on the Board’s committees in 2016. The Chairman of the Board of Directors received an annual retainer of $28,000.  The Chairperson of each board committee received an annual retainer of $6,000, with the exception of the Audit/Risk Committee Chairperson, who received an annual retainer of $10,000.  The Loan Committee Chairperson did not receive an annual retainer as he is also an employee of the Company.  The annual retainer for committee members of the Compensation, Asset/Liability, Loan and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees was $3,000.  The annual retainer for committee members of the Audit/Risk Committee was $5,000.  Members of the Board of Directors who are also employees do not receive director fees.  The Chairman of the Board does not earn fees for his service on Board committees.

Supplemental Benefit Plans for Non-Employee Directors.  Lake Shore Savings entered into a supplemental benefit plan in 1999 (the “1999 Plan”) with each of its then non-employee directors, (i.e., the 1999 Plan includes the following current directors:  Mr. Reininga, Mr. Winger and Mrs. Yocum who are the only remaining directors that were non-employee directors in 1999). Under the 1999 Plan, each participant is guaranteed monthly payments over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 70 equal to $18,105 per year based upon 21 years of service as a director to Lake Shore Savings (or an earlier retirement age if 21 years of service is attained prior to age 70) with the annual benefit payable reduced proportionately for each year of service as a director less than 21 years attained at age 70.    

Lake Shore Savings entered into a supplemental benefit plan in 2001 with each of its then non-employee directors.  This plan, which was amended as recently as January 2016, provides a benefit formula equal to a percentage of the participant’s average pay, which is multiplied by number of years of service, not to exceed 20 years of service or 40% of average pay.  The payment is guaranteed over a period of fifteen years beginning the month following termination of service or age 72, whichever comes first.  This plan includes each of the non-employee directors, with the exception of Mr. Corsi and Mr. Mancuso, as they are participants in the supplemental benefit plans for executives, as a result of their prior service as an employee of the Company.    Furthermore, Mr. Mehltretter is not currently a participant in this supplemental benefit plan.

 

In connection with Mr. Reininga’s appointment to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2010, his participation in the supplemental benefit plans for non-employee directors was terminated and he entered into a supplemental benefit plan for executives, as further described in the “Executive Officer Compensation – Compensation Plans – Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans” section elsewhere in this proxy statement.

18

 


 

 

Equity PlansOur directors are eligible to participate in the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan, the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan, and Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plans”). These benefit plans are discussed under the “Executive Officer Compensation—2006 Stock Option Plan”, “2006 Recognition and Retention Plan” and “Executive Officer Compensation - 2012 Equity Incentive Compensation sections elsewhere in this proxy statement.

Non-employee directors are granted awards under the Equity Incentive Plans for the purpose of aligning non-employee director interests with shareholder interests and to aid in the retention of such directors.  The allocation of awards to non-employee directors may be made based on the director’s responsibilities and years of service at the time of grant.  Directors who hold the title of chairperson or vice-chairperson, or who were a committee chairperson, may receive a greater allocation of awards than those who did not hold such positions.



The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the 2016 fiscal year.    



 

(1)

 

(2)(4)

 

(3)(4)

 

 

 

(5)

 

 

Name

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash

($) (1)

 

Stock Awards

($) (2)(4)

 

Option Awards

($) (3)(4)

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

 

All Other Compensation

($) (5)

 

Total

($)    



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan C. Ballard

$

26,020 

$

8,601 

$

21,676 

$

-

$

977 

$

57,274 

Tracy S. Bennett

$

28,020 

$

9,259 

$

21,676 

$

-

$

990 

$

59,945 

Sharon E. Brautigam

$

29,020 

$

9,595 

$

-

$

-

$

434 

$

39,049 

Reginald S. Corsi

$

26,480 

$

8,816 

$

-

$

-

$

557 

$

35,853 

David C. Mancuso

$

27,095 

$

9,138 

$

-

$

-

$

1,237 

$

37,470 

Jack L. Mehltretter(6)

$

3,913 

$

-

$

-

$

 

$

-

$

3,913 

Kevin M. Sanvidge

$

29,020 

$

9,595 

$

28,345 

$

-

$

1,212 

$

68,172 

Gary W. Winger

$

48,020 

$

15,939 

$

5,002 

$

-

$

493 

$

69,454 

Nancy L. Yocum

$

28,480 

$

9,918 

$

5,002 

$

-

$

378 

$

43,778 

___________________



 

(1)

Includes retainer payments, meeting fees, and committee and/or chairmanship fees earned during the fiscal year.

(2)

This column shows the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718).  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The awards are considered additional compensation that is intended to ensure the director compensation program remains competitive.  The combined awards are approximately equal to 30% of the 2015 Director Fees.











   







 

19

 


 

 

Name

# of Shares Awarded

Award Date

Closing Price on Date of Award

Vesting

Susan C. Ballard

434

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

206

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Tracy S. Bennett

467

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

222

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Sharon E. Brautigam

484

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

230

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Reginald S. Corsi

444

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

212

April 27, 2016

$13.31

David C. Mancuso

460

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

220

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Kevin M. Sanvidge

484

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

230

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Gary W. Winger

805

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016

381

April 27, 2016

$13.31

Nancy L. Yocum

500

January 28, 2016

$13.50

Vest on December 16, 2016



(3)

 This column shows the grant date fair value of stock options computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718).  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The awards were granted as long-term compensation to directors to directly tie their interests with shareholders.  The number of options awarded was in parity with awards granted in prior years for similar director responsibilities.





 

 

 

 

Name

# of Options  Awarded

Award Date

Exercise Price

Vesting

Susan C. Ballard

8,220

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Tracy S. Bennett

8,220

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Kevin M. Sanvidge

10,749

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Gary W. Winger

1,897

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Nancy L. Yocum

1,897

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.



(4)

The aggregate number of outstanding stock awards and option awards as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:



Name

Unvested Stock Awards

Options

Options

Exerciseable

Unexerciseable

Susan C. Ballard

2,321

-

8,220

Tracy S. Bennett

2,321

-

8,220

Sharon E. Brautigam

714

505

-

Reginald S. Corsi

1,108

-

-

David C. Mancuso

3,035

-

-

Kevin M. Sanvidge

3,035

-

10,749

Gary W. Winger

536

-

1,897

Nancy L. Yocum

536

-

1,897





20

 


 

 

(5)

Other compensation only includes dividends paid on unvested shares of stock awarded to the director as part of the 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan and the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.  No director received any perquisites or other personal benefits that exceeded $10,000.

(6)

Mr. Mehltretter began service as a director on November 16, 2016.



CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that contain a number of corporate governance initiatives designed to comply with NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have also adopted charters for the Audit/Risk Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in order to implement these rules and standards.  Current versions of the Audit/Risk, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters are available at our website, www.lakeshoresavings.com under the “Governance Documents” section of the “Investor Relations” page.  The information set forth on our website shall not be deemed filed with, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement or any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically so provide.

Board of Directors Independence

Annually, the Board of Directors determines director independence as defined by NASDAQ listing rule 5605(a)(2).  The annual review includes reviewing the relationships that each director, his or her immediate family members and his or her related affiliates had  with the Company.  In making its determination as to the independence of its directors in accordance with NASDAQ listing standards rules, a review of the outstanding loans that directors Ballard, Bennett, Brautigam, Corsi, and Mancuso and their family members or affiliates had with the Company was completed, and it was noted that the loans were made in the ordinary course of business with substantially the same terms prevailing for loans made to others unrelated to the Company and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.  A review was also made of the Company’s donations to charitable organizations with which Mr. Bennett, Mr. Winger and Mrs. Yocum (or their family members) is affiliated and a determination was made that these directors remained independent.    



We are a “controlled company” under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules (Rule 5615(c)) because more than 50% of our voting power is held by Lake Shore, MHC.  Therefore, we are exempt from the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules requiring (a) that we have a majority of independent directors on the Board and (b) that members of the compensation committee and nominating committee be composed solely of independent directors.  The Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of directors who qualify as independent according to NASDAQ Stock Market Rules.   Based upon the term “independent” as defined by NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, the Board of Directors has determined that the following directors and director nominees are independent:  Susan C. Ballard, Tracy S. Bennett, Sharon E. Brautigam, Reginald S. Corsi, David C. Mancuso, Jack L. Mehltretter, Gary W. Winger and Nancy L. Yocum.  Mr. Daniel P. Reininga is not an independent director because he is the President and CEO of the Company.  Mr. Kevin M. Sanvidge is not an independent director because a family member, as defined by NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, is a partner of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, our

21

 


 

 

independent registered public accounting firm. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP became Lake Shore Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm on October 1, 2014 following its merger with ParenteBeard LLC. The Board of Directors has chosen to rely on the “controlled company” exemption to allow Mr. Sanvidge to remain Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, because after reviewing the relationship, the Board believes the family member’s position with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP will not interfere with the exercise of Mr. Sanvidge’s independent judgment in carrying out his responsibilities as a director. The family member does not have any financial interest in Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc.  and has no involvement with regular audits of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. The family member is in charge of the business fraud and investigations team in the Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP’s New York City regional offices. In addition, the Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP lead audit engagement partner in charge of the Lake Shore Bancorp audit practices is out of the firm’s office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP has delivered an independence letter in accordance with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Ethics and Independence Rules and Standards (Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence) to Lake Shore Bancorp advising the Company that it believes the relationship does not impair its independence as the Company’s auditor under the PCAOB and the SEC standards.



All members of each of the Audit/Risk Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with the exception of Mr. Sanvidge, are independent directors. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Audit/Risk Committee meet the additional independence criteria required for Audit/Risk committee membership under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules and SEC Rules. 

Leadership Structure of the Board of Directors

The positions of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chairman of the Board of Directors are currently held by two different individuals.  Our Chief Executive Officer serves as a Director and the Chairman of the Board is an independent, non-employee director.  We believe that this structure provides strength to the Company by giving the Chief Executive Officer a respected voice on our Board, while at the same time giving leadership of the Board to an independent person who, together with the other Directors, provides active oversight of management and its implementation of the strategic plans of the Board. Each of our Directors serves on one or more of the committees of the Board and actively and regularly participates in the various functions of these committees.  The committee structure enables the duties of the Board to be divided among the Directors.  This division of duties allows each of the Directors to concentrate his or her energies in a focused way on a narrower area of Board responsibility and helps insure that adequate time is being given to the many oversight responsibilities of the Board. We believe that the size of our Board provides a sufficient number of Directors to serve on each of the Board’s committees, but is not so large as to be cumbersome or excessively expensive to the Company.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has established the following committees: 

22

 


 

 

Audit/Risk Committee. The Audit/Risk Committee oversees and monitors the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and regulatory compliance. The Audit/Risk Committee retains, oversees and monitors the independence and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.  The Audit/Risk Committee also oversees and monitors the independence and performance of the internal audit department and acts as an avenue of communication between the independent registered public accounting firm, management, the internal audit department and the Board of Directors.  The Audit/Risk Committee meets with the external auditors to review quarterly and annual SEC filings, the results of the annual audit and other related matters. As noted below, the Audit/Risk Committee has also accepted responsibility for oversight of the Company’s risk management function.    

Directors Bennett, Corsi, Mehltretter and Yocum currently serve on the Audit/Risk Committee, with Ms. Yocum serving as its chairperson. All members of the Audit/Risk Committee are independent directors as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules and SEC Rule 10A-3. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Bennett and Ms. Yocum each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit/Risk Committee has chosen Ms. Yocum to serve as the “financial expert” on behalf of the Company. The Audit/Risk Committee met eight times during 2016.

      

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of our management team and recommends compensation based upon that performance. It oversees executive compensation and director compensation by approving salary increases and reviewing general personnel matters such as Named Executive Officer performance evaluations. The Compensation Committee annually reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to, the compensation of directors and Named Executive Officers.  It is also responsible for approving, evaluating and administering compensation structure, policies and programs, which includes benefit plans, such as the Company’s 401K and ESOP plan, as well as stock compensation plans

The Compensation Committee hired Lawrence A. Swift of Effective Pay Practices to serve as a consultant in 2016 and provide recommendations on executive salaries,  director fees, incentive plans and other components of compensation based upon comparative data from peer banks and the American Bankers Compensation and Benefits survey.  The peer group consists of twenty banks whose size, geography and business focus are similar to Lake Shore Savings.  Data from the American Bankers survey is drawn from banks of the same size, type and geography as Lake Shore Savings.  Since the data is from the previous year it is adjusted to reflect salary increases for the current year and a projection of the percentage increases for the following year in which the salaries will be paid.  The information obtained from the consultant provides guidance for the Compensation Committee to use in determining the appropriate salaries for Named Executive Officers and directors



The Compensation Committee takes into account numerous factors when determining a recommendation for the salaries and incentive goals of Named Executive Officers.  In addition to the information obtained from the third party consultant, the Compensation Committee also obtains the CEO’s recommendation for proposed salary increases and incentive goals for the Named Executive Officers.  The Compensation Committee then considers the CEO’s recommendation, Lake Shore Savings’ performance in the prior year, Lake Shore Savings’

23

 


 

 

strategic plans and goals for the future and the information provided by the third party consultant and decides upon a recommendation for salaries and incentive goals for the Named Executive Officers. 



The Compensation Committee will submit to the full Board of Directors for approval their own recommendations on compensation for Named Executive Officers and directors.  The Chief Executive Officer is not involved in decisions regarding his own compensation. Directors Ballard, Brautigam, and Sanvidge currently serve on the Compensation Committee, with Mr. Sanvidge serving as its chairman. All members of the Compensation Committee, with the exception of Mr. Sanvidge, are independent directors as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. The Compensation Committee met eleven times during 2016. 



Asset/Liability Committee. The Asset/Liability Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the asset/liability management process, including its execution and adherence to defined policies and procedures.  The committee is also responsible for monitoring the activity of its financial advisor, which is responsible for recommending certain balance sheet strategies and investments and providing investment advice to the committee.  Directors Mancuso, Reininga, Bennett and Winger currently serve on the committee, with Mr. Mancuso serving as its chairman. The Asset/Liability Committee met four times during 2016.

  

Loan Committee. The Loan Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing commercial and residential loans greater than $1.0 million and is responsible for ensuring these loans comply with Bank policy and do not present undue credit risk to bank operations. The Loan Committee is responsible for approving loans between $1.0 million and $3.0 million, as per board approved lending authority.  Loans that exceed $3.0 million will be further presented to the full board for approval.  Directors Corsi, Mancuso, Reininga, and Winger currently serve on the committee, with Mr. Reininga serving as its chairman. The Loan Committee does not meet formally, but rather acts as needed via telephone conference, e-mail or in person, when loans require review and/or approval. 



Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends the nomination of directors to the full Board of Directors to fill the terms for the upcoming year or to fill vacancies during a term. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers recommendations from shareholders if submitted in a timely manner in accordance with the procedures established by the Committee and applies the same criteria to all persons being considered. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also assists the Board of Directors in monitoring a process to assess Board of Directors’ effectiveness and in developing and implementing our corporate governance guidelines and reviewing and approving all transactions with affiliated parties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitors our regulatory compliance and our compliance with our corporate governance guidelines.  In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends to the full Board the assignment of Directors to the committees of the Board, which responsibility includes a determination of the independence of individual directors according to the NASDAQ and SEC rules.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also oversees periodic evaluations of individual Directors and of the full Board of Directors, to insure their effectiveness.  Lastly, the Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board of Directors in selecting a President and Chief Executive Officer

24

 


 

 

and in selecting a chairperson for the Board of Directors by overseeing the succession process for these positions.  The Committee also ensures that an emergency succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer is in place and is annually updated. 



Directors Ballard, Brautigam, and Sanvidge currently serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with Ms. Brautigam serving as its chairperson. All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors, with the exception of Mr. Sanvidge, as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met five times during 2016.  

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has adopted procedures for the submission of recommendations for director nominees by our shareholders.  If a determination is made that an additional candidate is needed for the board of directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates submitted by our shareholders.  Shareholders can submit the names of qualified candidates for director by writing to the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at 31 East Fourth Street, Dunkirk, New York 14048.  The chairperson must receive a submission not less than 180 days prior to the anniversary date of our proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The submission must include the following information:



·

a statement that the writer is a shareholder and is proposing a candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;

·

the name and address of the shareholder as they appear on our shareholder records, and number of shares of our common stock that are owned beneficially by such shareholder (if the shareholder is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the shareholder’s ownership will be required);

·

the name, address and contact information for the candidate, and the number of shares of our common stock that are owned by the candidate (if the candidate is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the shareholder’s ownership should be provided);

·

a statement of the candidate’s business and educational experience;

·

such other information regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in the proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

·

a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and any customer, supplier or competitor of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. or its affiliates;

·

detailed information about any relationship or understanding between the proposing shareholder and the candidate; and

·

a statement from the candidate that the candidate is willing to be considered and willing to serve as a director if nominated and elected.



A nomination submitted by a shareholder for presentation by the shareholder at an annual meeting of shareholders must comply with the procedural and informational requirements described in our bylaws.

25

 


 

 

Shareholder nominees are analyzed by the committee in the same manner as nominees that are identified by the committee.  We do not pay a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate nominees.  As of April 6, 2017, the committee had not received any shareholder recommendations for nominees in connection with the annual meeting.

Consideration of Director Candidates

It is the policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to select individuals as director nominees with the goal of creating a balance of knowledge, experience and interest on the Board.  The committee evaluates candidates for their character, judgment, business experience and acumen.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the following skills and characteristics when deciding which individuals to nominate for election as director:



·

Skills and Experience:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes the necessity for directors to bring a variety of skills into the boardroom, including financial expertise, business ownership and development expertise, experience or expertise in dealing with laws and regulations, experience connected with residential and commercial real estate development and lending, and knowledge and experience with technology relevant to the banking industry.  Therefore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee looks for directors who can provide a necessary range of these skills to the Board. 



·

Community Involvement:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes that Lake Shore Savings is a community-based, locally oriented bank with a long history of community involvement.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers it crucial that a director be involved in the local community through their occupations and public service as this local knowledge will insure that directors understand the needs of individuals and businesses in the communities served by Lake Shore Savings. Therefore the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the community contacts and community involvement of any candidate for director.



·

Independence:  The Board of Directors can be composed of both independent directors (as defined by NASDAQ rules) and non-independent directors.  The composition of the Board must be in compliance with NASDAQ rules and it is the Company’s policy that a majority of its directors qualify as independent under NASDAQ rules.  Therefore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee carefully assesses the independence of all candidates for director.



·

Age:  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would like directors to be varied in age, so that each director can bring the unique perspective of his or her generation.  A multi-generational perspective will help insure that Lake Shore Savings remains a viable banking institution both now and for the future.  However, age alone is not a determinative factor in deciding whether to nominate a person as a director.



26

 


 

 

·

Diversity:  Although the Company does not have a formal diversity policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recognizes the value of having gender, racial, ethnic and similar types of diversity represented by its directors, as this diversity will assist Lake Shore Savings in understanding and meeting the needs of all segments of the communities it serves.  However, the diversity any candidate could bring to the Board is not, by itself, a determinative factor in deciding whether to nominate a person as a director.



The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective director candidates. For a discussion of the specific backgrounds and qualifications of our current directors and director nominees, see “Information about our Board of Directors – Business Experience of Directors.”



Risk Oversight by the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is actively involved in the oversight of risks that could have a material effect on the Company.  This oversight is conducted primarily by the Audit/Risk Committee, with the assistance of other committees of the Board, but the full Board of Directors has retained responsibility for general oversight of risk.  The Board of Directors satisfies this responsibility through full reports by each committee chairperson regarding the committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from members of management who are responsible for oversight of particular risks within the Company, including credit, interest rate, liquidity, price, strategic, reputational, operational, information technology, and complianceEnterprise Risk Management responsible for risk oversight have formalized their review process by creating an internal risk assessment model to efficiently identify and measure the quantity, quality, aggregate level and direction of risk.  As part of this process, the Board of Directors and Enterprise Risk Management enlisted a third party vendor in 2016 to import the Bank’s data into a CAMELS+ based enterprise risk management model, which allows the Bank to stress test its risk levels and to monitor risk levels against pre-established limits.  A summary report resulting from the internal risk assessment and the third party vendor risk assessment are presented to the Board of Directors for review and discussion on a periodic basis.  The Board of Directors has assigned various board committees to monitor risks associated with their respective principal areas of focus through regular meetings with management and representatives of outside advisors.  The following is a list of oversight responsibility by board committee:

·

Audit/Risk Committee:  Risks and exposures associated with accounting, financial reporting, tax and maintaining effective internal controls for financial reporting in accordance with applicable financial reporting regulations.  Also, risks associated with certain operational, reputational, information technology and compliance activities, including controls over data security and credit risk.

·

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee:  Risks associated with CEO succession planning.  Risks with respect to corporate governance, including compliance with listing standards, committee assignments, conflicts of interest and director succession planning.  Also, certain operational risks associated with reputational risks and information technology risk, as well as litigation that may present material compliance risk to the Company and

27

 


 

 

regulatory risks such as those associated with the Community Reinvestment Act, Fair Lending, the Company’s Affirmative Action Plan and rulings issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over consumer financial products and services.

·

Compensation Committee:  Risks associated with the Company’s compensation programs and arrangements, including cash and equity incentive plans and operational risk oversight with respect to incentive plans.

·

Asset/Liability Management Committee:  Risks associated with liquidity, capital,  interest rates, price and credit analysis.  Also, risks associated with assumptions used in budgets  and forecasts.

·

Loan Committee:  Risks associated with credit risk and asset quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. 

The full Board of Directors is responsible for strategic risk, and also oversees all risk areas through the review and approval of policies that are designed to guide operations in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and risks acceptable to the organization.    

Code of Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Lake Shore Bancorp and its affiliates, including our principal executive officer and principal accounting and financial officer. A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics is available at our website, www.lakeshoresavings.com under the “Governance Documents” section of the “Investor Relations” page.  The information set forth on our website shall not be deemed filed with, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement or any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically so provide.

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

Shareholders may contact our Board of Directors, our independent directors as a group, or an individual director by contacting Rachel A. Foley, Investor Relations, Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., 31 East Fourth Street, Dunkirk, New York 14048. All comments will be forwarded directly to the Board of Directors, the independent directors as a group, or the individual director, as applicable. 

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

General

Our executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The name, age, length of service and principal position of each of our executive officers is set forth in the table below.





28

 


 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

Age(1)

  

With Lake

Shore Since

  

Position(s) Held With Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc.



Daniel P. Reininga(2)(3)

 

58

 

1994

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Jeffrey M. Werdein

  

50

  

2014

 

Executive Vice President Commercial Division

Rachel A. Foley(2)

 

48

 

1999

  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

                                          



 

(1)

As of March 23, 2017.

(2)

Includes service with Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association.

(3)

Mr. Reininga began his service with Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association as a director in 1994.  In 2010, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 2011.



Business Experience of Executive Officers

The business experience for the last five years of each of our executive officers who are not directors is set forth below. The business experience of Mr. Reininga is included above under “Information about our Board of Directors – Business Experience of Directors.”    All executive officers have held their current positions for five years unless otherwise indicated.

Jeffrey M. Werdein is the Executive Vice President for the Commercial Division of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings. He was appointed Executive Vice President in August 2014 after serving as the Senior Vice President/Team Leader responsible for business development and portfolio management in the commercial real estate and small/middle market business segments at Evans Bank since 1999. Mr. Werdein has over 25 years of commercial banking experience, including prior positions with Citibank and Chase Manhattan Bank.  Mr. Werdein has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Business Administration degree with a focus in Business and Financial Institutions and Markets from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Rachel A. Foley is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings. She was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company in March 2006 after serving as the Controller since March 1999. Ms. Foley has a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College and a Masters of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Ms. Foley is a 2015 graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier National Graduate School of Banking.  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Foley was a Financial Audit Supervisor in the Internal Audit department of M&T Bank.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION



The discussion provided below reflects the SEC’s executive compensation reporting requirements for “smaller reporting companies.” 







29

 


 

 

Summary Compensation Table

The table below sets forth the compensation paid to or earned by Mr. Reininga, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our two other most highly compensated officers for 2016 and 2015.  Each individual listed in the table below is referred to as a named executive officer.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Principal

 

Salary(1)

Stock Awards(2)

Option Awards(3)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(4)

All Other Compensation(5)

Total

Position(s)

Year

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

Daniel P. Reininga

2016

298,000

44,562

81,220

67,819

46,553

538,154

President and Chief Executive Officer

2015

283,000

36,619

-

58,322

45,015

422,956

Jeffrey M. Werdein

2016

205,000

129,927

45,022

44,425

56,963

481,337

Executive Vice President, Commercial Division

2015

195,000

11,367

-

38,811

30,755

275,933

Rachel A. Foley

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

2016

2015

178,000

171,000

26,927

22,628

-

-

39,585

35,108

33,222

28,225

277,734

256,961



(1)

The figures shown for salary represent amounts earned for the fiscal year, whether or not actually paid during such year.  

(2)

This column shows the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718).  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The following table shows restricted stock awards granted in 2016 and 2015.  





























30

 


 

 



 

 

 

 

Name

# of Shares Awarded

Award Date

Closing Price on Date of Award

Vesting

2016 AWARDS

 

 

 

 

Daniel P. Reininga

3,338

January 20, 2016

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2018 if performance metric is achieved.

Jeffrey M. Werdein

2,300

January 20, 2016

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2018 if performance metric is achieved.



6,900

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Rachel A. Foley

2,017

January 20, 2016

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2018 if performance metric is achieved.

2015 AWARDS

 

 

 

 

Daniel P. Reininga

2,743

January 20, 2015

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2017 if performance metric is achieved.

Jeffrey M. Werdein

469

January 20, 2015

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2017 if performance metric is achieved.



366

January 30, 2015

$13.95

Vests on December 15, 2017 if performance metric is achieved.

Rachel A. Foley

1,695

January 20, 2015

$13.35

Vests on December 15, 2017 if performance metric is achieved.



(3)

This column shows the grant date fair value of stock options computed in accordance with stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718).  For more information concerning the assumptions used for these calculations, please refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The awards were granted as long-term compensation to executives to directly tie their interests with shareholders.  The number of options awarded was in parity with awards granted in the past for similar executive responsibilities.    



 

 

 

 

Name

# of Options  Awarded

Award Date

Exercise Price

Vesting

Daniel P. Reininga

30,800

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.

Jeffrey M. Werdein

17,073

October 21, 2016

$14.38

Vest over five years with first vesting on October 21, 2017.



There were no awards of stock options to named executive officers during 2015.

(4)

Represents the non-equity incentive compensation paid to each Named Executive Officer pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan.  The non-equity incentive compensation was paid based on achieving organizational and individual goals.   A threshold must be achieved before non-equity incentive compensation is paid for any of the goals.  For the named executive officers,  non-equity incentive compensation of 10% of base salary is paid if the threshold is reached, 15% of base salary is paid if the target is reached and 25% of base salary is paid if the exceptional is reached, with percentages being based on job responsibilities.   Non-equity incentive compensation amounts are prorated if achieved between these levels, but capped at the exceptional level.   Goals at the threshold level are 90% of those at the target level and goals at the exceptional level are 120% of the target level.   The individual metrics and weights used to calculate the bonuses in 2016 and 2015 were as follows:



31

 


 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 and 2015 Metric

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

 

Reininga

Reininga

Werdein

Werdein

Foley

Foley

Net Income

25%

-

5%

-

10%

-

Return on average assets

-

25%

-

5%

-

10%

Net Interest Margin

5%

10%

5%

5%

15%

15%

Core Deposit Growth

20%

-

5%

-

5%

-

Residential lending

-

5%

-

-

-

5%

Commercial lending

15%

15%

25%

25%

5%

5%

Efficiency ratio

10%

10%

5%

5%

15%

15%

Fee Income

 

-

10%

10%

-

-

Commercial Loan Asset Quality

 

-

5%

5%

-

-

Personal Lending Goal

-

-

25%

25%

-

-

Personal Core Deposit Growth

-

-

5%

-

-

-

Corporate goals

10%

20%

5%

10%

20%

20%

Individual goals

15%

15%

5%

10%

30%

30%



Mr. Reininga, Mr. Werdein and Ms. Foley received 22.8%, 21.7% and 22.2%, respectively, of base salary in 2016.  Mr. Reininga, Mr. Werdein and Ms. Foley received 20.6%, 19.9% and 20.5%, respectively, of base salary in 2015. 

(5)

For 2016, the amounts in this column reflect what the Company paid for, or reimbursed, the applicable named executive officer, as set forth in the following table:    



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Employer Contribution to 401(k) Plan

ESOP Contributions(a)

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Tax Reimbursements

Dividends On Unvested Stock Awards

Life Insurance Premiums in excess of $50,000

Perquisites(b)

Total

Name

Year

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

($)

Reininga

2016

28,885

8,283

3,160

5,451

774

-

46,553

Werdein

2016

28,033

8,195

973

2,411

414

16,937

56,963

Foley

2016

22,964

6,738

   1,987

1,263

270

-

33,222



32

 


 

 

(a)

Dollar amounts shown for the ESOP reflect the fair market value of $16.27 per share at fiscal year-end 2016 of the shares of common stock allocated in 2016 to each named executive officer’s ESOP account.



(b)

We provide certain non-cash perquisites and personal benefits to each Named Executive Officer.  During 2016, the non-cash perquisites and personal benefits for Mr. Reininga and Ms. Foley did not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate and are not included in the above amounts.  The non-cash perquisites and personal benefits for Mr. Werdein included country club dues, sporting event tickets and cell-phone reimbursements.



Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information regarding stock awards and stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016.



 

Option Awards(1)

 

Stock Awards

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable

 

Option 

Exercise
Price

($)

 

Option
Expiration

 Date

 

Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested

(#)(2)

 

Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested

($)(3)

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards:  Number of Unearned Shares, Units, or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

(#) (4)

Equity Incentive Plan Awards:  Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not

Vested

($)(3)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel P. Reininga

 

17,773

 

-

 

$ 7.88

 

 1/26/2020

 

10,710

 

$174,252 

6,081

98,938

 

-

 

30,800

 

$14.38

 

 10/21/2026

 

-

 

-

 

 

Jeffrey M. Werdein

 

-

 

17,073

 

$14.38

 

10/21/2026

 

9,900

 

$161,073 

3,135

51,006

Rachel A. Foley

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

  600

 

$9,762 

3,712

$  60,394



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________

(1)

The option awards granted in 2010 to Mr. Reininga became 100% vested on January 27, 2015.  The option awards granted to Mr. Reininga and Mr. Werdein in 2016 will vest 20% per year beginning in October 2017 and will become 100% vested on October 21, 2021.

(2)

Mr. Reininga has 10,710 remaining stock awards that were granted in 2014.  The remaining stock awards will be fully vested on August 12, 2019.  Mr. Werdein has 3,000 remaining stock awards that were granted in 2014, that will be fully vested on August 12, 2019.  He also has 6,900 stock awards that were granted in October 2016 and will be fully vested on October 21, 2021.  Ms. Foley has 600 stock awards remaining from a 2014 award that will be fully vested on December 19, 2019.  Stock awards are generally forfeited in the event the recipient terminates service before such date. In the event of termination of service due to death, disability or a change of control (as defined in the applicable equity plan), all unvested awards will become 100% vested.

(3)

Market value is calculated on the basis of $16.27 per share, which was the closing sales price for our common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 31, 2016.

(4)

Represents the number of shares that could be earned if a performance metric is attained.  The performance metric is based on a three-year average percentage of delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans, and if this performance metric is attained, the number of shares shown in the table below will vest on the vesting date.  No shares will vest if the performance metric is not attained.



 

 

Name

Shares Awarded

Vesting Date

Daniel P. Reininga

2,743

December 15, 2017



3,338

December 16, 2018

Jeffrey M. Werdein

835

December 15, 2017



2,300

December 16, 2018

Rachel A. Foley

1,695

December 15, 2017



2,017

December 16, 2018



33

 


 

 

Compensation Plans

Annual Incentive Plan.  Lake Shore Bancorp provides performance-based bonuses to its Named Executive Officers pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan, which is designed to link awards to our strategic and operating objectives.  The goal of the plan is to have long-term viability and to be attractive to new hires and help retain current employees.  The plan measures business plan goals and objectives and clearly defines these prior to the calendar year for which the plan is in effect.  For purposes of the annual bonus, each Named Executive Officer is evaluated on several corporate performance measures which are established at the beginning of the year and relate to strategic business objectives for the ensuing year.  The Named Executive Officers are also evaluated on individual performance measures that take into account individual responsibilities, in addition to the corporate performance measures.  The individual performance measures are recommended to the Compensation Committee by the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer is not involved in decisions regarding his own performance-based bonus.  Decisions relating to the President and Chief Executive Officer’s performance-based compensation are determined and recommended by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will review the recommendations, make any necessary changes, and present the performance measures to the Board of Directors for approval. The individual metrics are discussed under footnote 4 of the Summary Compensation Table.

Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans.  Lake Shore Savings entered into separate supplemental benefit plans in 2001 and 2012 with certain named executive officers, and one other officer.

The Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings subsequently amended the 2001 executive supplemental benefit plan and each participant in the plan is fully vested in an annual benefit (payable in monthly installments).  The annual benefit is equal to (i) 2% of the executive’s average final pay (average pay over the two years prior to termination of service), multiplied by (ii) the executive’s years of service (with a maximum percentage of 40% of average final pay for Ms. Foley and Mr. Werdein).  Mr. Reininga is also a participant in this plan, and his benefit is equal to the remaining benefit he had under the 2001 Director’s SERP Plan, as described earlier in this documentThe benefit amount is payable over a period of fifteen years commencing at age 65, with the annual benefit payable reduced for termination of service prior to age 65.  In addition, in the event of a change of control, the executive is treated as having attained age 65 for purposes of benefit payments. 

Lake Shore Savings entered into a supplemental executive retirement plan with Mr. Reininga, effective June 30, 2012, which was amended and restated as of January 1, 2017.  The plan provides that when Mr. Reininga attains age 67, Mr. Reininga will be entitled to an annual benefit equal to $183,545, which will be paid in monthly installments for 15 years, with the first payment made in the month after the executive attains age 67.  In the event that the executive becomes disabled before attaining age 67 or retires after he attains age 63 and 1 month, the executive will be entitled to a reduced benefit, which will be paid in monthly installments for 15 years.  If Mr. Reininga’s employment is terminated involuntarily or voluntarily for good reason within 24 months after a change in control, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to approximately $2.8 million payable within three days of the termination date. Mr. Reininga is the only participant in the plan.  Mr. Reininga is also entitled to an annual benefit commencing at age 57 under the 1999 Lake Shore Savings Supplemental Benefit Plan for

34

 


 

 

Directors, and commencing at age 72 under the 2001 Lake Shore Savings Supplemental Benefit Plan for Directors. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  This plan is a tax-qualified plan that covers substantially all employees who have at least one year of service with Lake Shore Savings and have attained age 21. Lake Shore Bancorp loaned the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust sufficient funds to purchase a number of shares equal to 8% of the shares sold in Lake Shore Bancorp’s stock offering to persons other than Lake Shore, MHC, or 238,050 shares. These shares were purchased in the open market following completion of the offering at prevailing market prices.

Although contributions to the plan are discretionary, Lake Shore Savings intends to contribute enough money each year to make the required principal and interest payments on the loan from Lake Shore Bancorp. This loan is for a term of 30 years and calls for annual payments of principal and interest. The plan pledges the shares it purchases as collateral for the loan and holds them in a suspense account.

The plan will not distribute the pledged shares right away. Instead, it will release a portion of the pledged shares annually. Assuming the plan repays its loan as scheduled over a 30-year term, we expect that 1/30th of the shares will be released annually in years 2006 through 2035. Although the repayment period of the loan is scheduled over a 30-year term, we anticipate that we may prepay a portion of the principal which would trigger the release of additional shares. The plan will allocate the shares released each year among the accounts of participants in proportion to their compensation for the year. For example, if a participant’s compensation for a year represents 1% of the total compensation of all participants for the year, the plan would allocate to that participant 1% of the shares released for the year. Participants direct the voting of shares allocated to their accounts. Shares in the suspense account and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received will usually be voted in a way that mirrors the votes which participants cast for shares in their individual accounts.

401(k) Defined Contribution Plan.    The Lake Shore Savings tax-qualified 401(k) defined contribution plan is maintained for employees who have completed three months of service and attained age 21.  Eligible employees may make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the form of salary deferrals of up to 75% of their total annual compensation subject to certain IRS limitations.  The plan consists of three components: 401(k), Profit Sharing and Safe Harbor. For the 401(k) component, the Company makes a matching contribution equal to 40% of the eligible employee’s salary deferral, up to 6% of such employee’s compensation after one year of service.  For the profit sharing component, the Company makes a discretionary contribution, up to 5.1% of an eligible employee’s salary, depending on years of service.  Lastly, the Company contributes 3.4% of an eligible employee’s salary based on years of service, which is a discretionary contribution to the Safe Harbor component of the plan.   

2006 Stock Option Plan.  Stock options can no longer be granted under the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan since the plan was adopted more than 10 years ago.  Stock options previously granted under this plan remain outstanding and are subject to the terms and conditions of this plan. 

35

 


 

 

Upon the exercise of an option, the exercise price of the option must be paid in full. Payment may be made in cash, common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp already owned by the option holder, shares to be acquired by the option holder upon exercise of the option or such other consideration as the Compensation Committee authorizes.  If the option is not exercised during its term, it will expire. 

2006 Recognition and Retention Plan.  Restricted stock can no longer be granted under the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan since the plan was adopted more than 10 years ago.  Restricted stock awards previously granted under this plan remain outstanding and are subject to the terms and conditions of this plan.  Restricted stock awards constitute a right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp upon the award holder’s satisfaction of certain requirements such as continued service until vesting, with accelerated vesting upon death, disability or change in control. As a general rule, if the award holder fails to fulfill the requirements contained in the restricted stock award, the restricted stock award will not vest. Instead, the award will be forfeited and canceled.   

2012 Equity Incentive Compensation.    The Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) provides officers, employees and directors of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings with incentives to promote our growth and performance and shareholders approved the Equity Incentive Plan at the 2012 Annual Shareholders meeting.         

The Equity Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 180,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to grants of restricted stock awards and up to 20,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to grants of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, subject to permitted adjustments for certain corporate transactions.  Employees and directors of Lake Shore Bancorp or its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the Equity Incentive Plan, except that non-employees may not be granted incentive stock options.    



Employment Agreements.   Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. and Lake Shore Savings entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Daniel P. Reininga, our President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of January 1, 2017. The term of the agreement initially ends on December 31, 2019, and the agreement will extend automatically for one additional year on January 1 of each year beginning January 1, 2018 unless the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings (the “Board”) or the executive gives notice no later than 30 days before such anniversary date that an agreement will not be renewed. 



The agreement specifies the executive’s base salary, which is $313,000, and the base salary will be reviewed not less frequently than once every twelve months and may be increased in the Board’s discretion.  In addition to the base salary, the agreement provides that the executive will be eligible to participate in short-term and long-term incentive compensation, determined and payable at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. 



If the executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated without cause or voluntarily for good reason (as defined in the agreement), the executive will be entitled to a payment equal to three times the sum of: (i) his base salary, plus (ii) his average annual incentive cash compensation awarded during the three most recent fiscal years ending before the year of the termination, with such amount payable in a lump sum within 30 days of the date of termination date, subject to the receipt of a signed release of claims from the executive.  In addition, the

36

 


 

 

executive will receive a cash payment equal to the employer’s cost (less the executive’s share of the employee premiums) to continue life, medical and dental coverage for 36 months. 



If the executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated without cause or voluntarily for good reason (as defined in the agreement) within 24 months following a change in control, the executive will be entitled to a payment equal to three times the sum of: (i) his base salary (or, if higher, the base salary immediately prior to a change in control), plus (ii) his average annual incentive cash compensation awarded during the three most recent fiscal years ending before the year of the change in control, with such amount payable in a lump sum within five business days of the date of termination date.  In addition, the executive will receive a cash payment equal to the cost of continued life, medical and dental coverage for 36 months. 



If the executive is terminated due to disability (as defined in his employment agreement), the employment agreement will terminate, and the executive will receive his base salary and benefits until he receives disability income under the employer’s long-term disability insurance plan.  If the executive dies while employed, the employer will continue to provide the executive’s base salary to his designated beneficiary for three months following his death. 



The employment agreement requires the executive not to compete with Lake Shore Savings for two years following a termination of employment for which the executive receives severance payments as the result of an involuntary termination or resignation for good reason (other than a termination of employment following a change in control).  The employment agreement further requires that the executive not solicit business, customers or employees of Lake Shore Savings for two years following termination of employment (other than a termination of employment following a change in control) and requires the executive to maintain confidential information.



Change of Control Agreement. Lake Shore Savings has entered into a change of control agreement with Rachel A. Foley, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, which was amended and restated effective January 28, 2011. The agreement is guaranteed by Lake Shore Bancorp. The term of the agreement is for one year and the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings may extend the term on an annual basis, unless written notice of non-renewal is given by the Board of Directors or by Ms. Foley. 



Generally, Lake Shore Savings may terminate the employment of the officer covered by the agreement, with or without cause, at any time prior to a change of control without obligation for severance benefits. However, if Lake Shore Savings or Lake Shore Bancorp signs a merger or other business combination agreement, or if a third party makes a tender offer or initiates a proxy contest, it could not terminate the officer’s employment without cause without liability for severance benefits provided that a change of control does occur. The severance benefits would generally be equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that the officer would have received if she had continued working for an additional year. Lake Shore Savings would pay the same severance benefits if the officer resigns after a change of control following a loss of title or office, material reduction in duties, functions, compensation or responsibilities, involuntary relocation of her principal place of employment to a location over 35 miles from Lake Shore Savings’ principal office on the day before the change of control and over 35 miles

37

 


 

 

from the officer’s principal residence or other material breach of contract which is not cured within 30 days. This agreement also provides death and disability benefits.

If Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings experiences a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the change of control agreement might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Pursuant to the change of control agreement, any severance payments made which are subject to section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code would be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of an excise tax and related non-deductibility under section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

38

 


 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table presents certain information regarding our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2016 (the 2006 Stock Option Plan, 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan, and 2012 Equity Incentive Plan). 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Category

 

Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights

(a)

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(b)

 

Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders    

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006 Stock Option Plan

 

82,826 

 

$12.95 

 

-

       2012 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

 

 

132,011 

Stock Options

 

20,000 

 

$14.38 

 

-

Total

 

102,826 

 

$13.23 

 

132,011 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



39

 


 

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

 

PROPOSAL TWO:  Approve, on an advisory basis, A NON-BINDING RESOLUTION REGARDING the compensation of our named executive officers

                                                                                                                                                                     

Pursuant to Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“the Dodd-Frank Act”), the proxy rules of the SEC were amended to require that not less frequently than once every three years, a proxy statement for an annual meeting of shareholders must include a separate resolution subject to a shareholder vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers disclosed in the proxy statement. 

The executive officers named in the summary compensation table above and deemed to be “named executive officers” are Mr. Reininga, Mr. Werdein, and Ms. Foley.  Reference is made to the summary compensation table and disclosures set forth under the “Executive Officer Compensation” section in this proxy statement.

This proposal gives shareholders the ability to vote on the compensation of our named executive officers through the following resolution:

“Resolved, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the “Executive Officer Compensation” section of the proxy statement.”

The shareholder vote on this proposal is not binding on Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. or the Board of Directors and cannot be construed as overruling any decision made by the Board of Directors.  However, the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. will review the voting results on the non-binding resolution and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.



The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the non-binding resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.

40

 


 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

PROPOSAL THREE:  RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT

OF BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP

                                                                                                                                                                                         



The Audit/Risk Committee has appointed the firm of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, subject to ratification of such appointment by the Company’s shareholders.

Representatives of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP are not expected to attend the annual meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.



The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017.

41

 


 

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES



   

The Audit/Risk Committee appointed Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and such appointment was ratified by the shareholders of the Company at the Annual Meeting held on May 18, 2016. Baker Tilly (including its predecessors ParenteBeard LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP) has audited our consolidated financial statements since 2005. 

Fees Incurred

The following table presents fees paid by the Company in 2016 and 2015 for professional audit and other services provided by Baker Tilly,  our independent registered public accounting firm, for those years: 



 

 

 

 



 

    2016

 

2015

Audit Fees(1)

$

111,230 

$

103,860 

Audit-related fees(2)

 

24,300 

 

25,100 

Tax fees(3)

 

 

All other fees(4)

 

 

 

Total

$

135,530 

$

128,960 

___________________________________ 

(1)

Includes professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and review of consolidated financial statements included in Forms 10-Q, or services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings , including out-of-pocket expenses.

(2)

Audit-related fees include services rendered for the 2016 and 2015 State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) audit and services rendered for the audit of the Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association 401(k) Savings Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., including out-of-pocket expenses.

(3)

No tax fees incurred in 2016 or 2015.

(4)

No other fees in 2016 or 2015.   



Audit/Risk Committee Pre-Approval Policy

Consistent with SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requirements regarding auditor independence, the Audit/Risk Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit/Risk Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.

Pre-approval of Services. The Audit/Risk Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms) to be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm, subject to the de minimis exception for non-audit services described below which, if not pre-approved, are approved by the Audit/Risk Committee prior to completion of the audit.

Exception. The pre-approval requirement set forth above, shall not be applicable with respect to non-audit services if:

42

 


 

 

·

the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by us to our independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year in which the services are provided;

·

such services were not recognized by us at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and

·

such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit/Risk Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit/Risk Committee or by one or more members of the Audit/Risk Committee who are members of the Board of Directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the committee.



During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Audit/Risk Committee pre-approved the services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with their policy.  The de minimis exception (as defined in Rule 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) was not applied to any of the 2016 total fees.

Delegation. The Audit/Risk Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit/Risk Committee the authority to grant required pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this paragraph to pre-approve activities under this subsection shall be presented to the full committee at its next scheduled meeting. 

AUDIT/RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

 

This Audit/Risk Committee report is provided to inform shareholders of the Audit/Risk Committee oversight with respect to the Company’s financial reporting. The Audit/Risk Committee operates under a written Audit/Risk Committee Charter which meets the requirements of the SEC and the NASDAQ.  The charter is located at www.lakeshoresavings.com, under Investor Relations, Governance Documents.    

Independence of Audit/Risk Committee Members

The Audit/Risk Committee is comprised of four independent directors and operates under a written charter.  The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit/Risk Committee has sufficient financial literacy, and that at least one member has accounting or other related financial management expertise.  All of the members of the Audit/Risk Committee are independent from management and the Company as per the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Scope of Responsibilities

Under its charter, the Audit/Risk Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of the Company’s financial statements.  Management has the primary responsibility for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and for the reporting process, including implementing a system of internal controls.  The Audit/Risk Committee is directly responsible for the appointment and oversight of the

43

 


 

 

independent registered public accounting firm, including review of their qualifications, independence and performance.

Among other duties, the Audit/Risk Committee’s responsibilities include the following:

·

the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, its accounting and financial reporting processes, its systems of internal control over financial reporting and safeguarding of assets;

·

the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

·

the performance of the Company’s internal auditors and internal audit functions; 

·

the establishment of Company guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; 

·

special investigations and whistleblower polices; and

·

miscellaneous issues related to the financial practices of the Company. 

While the primary responsibility for compliance activities is with the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Audit/Risk Committee has responsibility for the general oversight of the Company’s compliance with banking laws and regulations.  As part of its responsibilities in this area, the Audit/Risk Committee has primary responsibility for the oversight of the Company’s enterprise risk management.

2016 Work of the Audit/Risk Committee

The Audit/Risk Committee engaged Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as of and for the period ended December 31, 2016. The selection of Baker Tilly was ratified by the shareholders of the Company at the 2016 Annual Meeting.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in 2016, the Audit/Risk Committee continued to closely monitor the financial reporting and accounting practices of the Company, including the maintenance of an appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The Audit/Risk Committee also requires periodic updates from management with respect to other critical accounting areas, including but not limited to securities impairment and income taxes.  During the year, the Audit/Risk Committee continued to monitor the Company’s compliance with the internal control certification and attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Audit/Risk Committee, in its designated role as the committee assigned the responsibility for general oversight of the Company’s compliance with banking laws and regulations, met regularly with the Company’s Internal Auditor and other management personnel to review the Company’s compliance with banking laws and regulations and received updates regarding regulatory matters. In addition, the Audit/Risk Committee is responsible for overall oversight of the Company’s enterprise risk management, which includes primary oversight of credit, interest rate, liquidity, price, operational, information technology (“IT”), compliance, strategic, and reputation risks.  The Audit/Risk Committee’s oversight includes active participation in the

44

 


 

 

Company’s Information Technology Steering Committee, as well as obtaining periodic reports from members of management and Board Committee Chairpersons on enterprise risk management activities.   The participation in the Information Technology Steering Committee and the reports obtained from Board Committees’ enhances the Audit/Risk Committee’s ability to monitor the Company’s exposure to business risk, including the risk of fraud. In addition, one member of the Audit/Risk Committee is a member of the Board’s Asset/Liability Committee, which provides the Audit/Risk Committee with insight into the Company’s mitigation initiatives with respect to interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and price risk.  

The Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy encourages officers and employees to report violations of laws, regulations or the Code of Conduct to either the Compliance Officer, the President and CEO, the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee or to the Chairperson of the Audit/Risk Committee.  Furthermore, the policy recommends that any concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters be reported directly to the Chairperson of the Audit/Risk Committee.  All reports are kept confidential and are reviewed and monitored by the Audit/Risk Committee. 

Review with Management and Independent Accountants

The Audit/Risk Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the three years ended December 31, 2016 and the footnotes thereto, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, Baker Tilly. The Audit/Risk Committee also received from management drafts of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and reviewed drafts of the Company’s annual and quarterly earnings releases prior to public dissemination.

The Audit/Risk Committee reviewed with the Company’s internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their respective audit activities. The Audit/Risk Committee also met with its internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and their evaluations of internal controls. Additionally, the Audit/Risk Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited consolidated financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality and acceptability of the Company’s financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit/Risk Committee pursuant to the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 as amended (AICPA Professional Standards Vol. 1. AU section 380 The Auditor’s Communication With Those Charged With Governance), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200-T.

In addition, the Audit/Risk Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditor’s independence from Lake Shore Bancorp and its management. As part of that review, the Audit/Risk Committee has received from Baker Tilly the written statements required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Rule 3526 Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3600T. In addition, the Audit/Risk Committee received the written disclosures required by all relevant professional and regulatory standards relating to Baker Tilly’s independence from Lake Shore Bancorp. The Audit/Risk Committee also has considered

45

 


 

 

whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of non-audit services to Lake Shore Bancorp is compatible with the auditor’s independence. The Audit/Risk Committee has concluded that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent from Lake Shore Bancorp and its management.

Audit/Risk Committee Financial Expert

 The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Bennett and Ms. Yocum each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit/Risk Committee has chosen Ms. Yocum to serve as the “financial expert” on behalf of the Company.  A description of Ms. Yocum’s relevant experience can be found in her biography within the “Business Experience of Directors” section of this proxy statement.    Ms. Yocum is independent as that term is defined in the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules.

Evaluation of the Quality and Qualifications of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit/Risk Committee annually reviews Baker Tilly’s independence and performance in connection with the committee’s determination of whether to retain Baker Tilly or to engage another firm as our independent registered public accounting firm.  In the course of the Committee’s review, a number of factors were considered, including the following:

·

length of time the firm has been engaged,

·

quality of the Audit/Risk’s Committee’s ongoing discussions with Baker Tilly,

·

an assessment of the professional qualifications of the Lead Audit Partner and his audit team;

·

external data relating to audit quality and performance, including review of the most recent Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) report on Baker Tilly;

·

the appropriateness of Baker Tilly’s fees,

·

Baker Tilly’s familiarity with our business, accounting policies and practices and internal control over financial reporting;

·

Baker Tilly’s capability and expertise in handling issues relating to community banks; and

·

Baker Tilly’s independence. 

In addition, the Audit/Risk Committee also considered the SEC rules and Baker Tilly’s policies surrounding audit partner rotation requirements to limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may provide service to a company.  For lead and concurring audit partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service in that capacity is five years.  The process of selection of the Company’s lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation policy involves a

46

 


 

 

meeting between the Audit/Risk Committee and the candidate for the role, as well as discussion by the full Committee and management.

Appointment of Baker Tilly

As a result of its annual review of Baker Tilly’s performance, the Audit/Risk Committee has re-appointed Baker Tilly as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as of and for the year ending December 31, 2017.  

Annual Committee Review of Charter and Performance Evaluation

As required by the Audit/Risk Committee’s Charter, the Audit/Risk Committee reviews its Charter on an annual basis and the last revisions were made in August 2014 to comply with standards recommended by the Institute of Internal Auditors. Also, as required by the Audit/Risk Committee’s Charter, the Audit/Risk Committee conducted an annual self-evaluation of its performance evaluation, including its effectiveness and compliance with the charter and requests the approval of the full Board of Directors for proposed changes to the charter. 

Conclusion

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit/Risk Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and filed with the SEC.



 



Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. Audit/Risk Committee



Nancy L. Yocum, Chairperson



Tracy S. Bennett



Reginald S. Corsi

Jack L. Mehltretter



 



This foregoing audit/risk committee report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing of ours under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this report by reference.



47

 


 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE AND
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, to report to the SEC their initial ownership of our common stock and any subsequent changes in that ownership. We are required to disclose in this proxy statement any late filings or failures to file.

To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers and directors during 2016 were met with the exception of the following late Form 4 filings as a result of administrative errors:

·

Susan C Ballard, Tracy S. Bennett, David C. Mancuso, and Kevin M. Sanvidge, all serving as a Director of the Company, each filed one late Form 4 report with one late transaction;

·

Gary W. Winger and Nancy L. Yocum, both serving as a Director of the Company, each filed two late Form 4 reports.  Mr. Winger filed one late report with one late transaction and one late report with six late transactions.  Mrs. Yocum filed one late report with three late transactions and one late report with one late transaction; 

·

Sharon E. Brautigam and Reginald S. Corsi, both serving as a Director of the Company, filed three late Form 4 reports.  Mrs. Brautigam filed one late report with one late transaction, and two late reports with three late transactions.  Mr. Corsi filed  one late report with one late transaction, one late report with three late transactions and one late report with six late transactions;  and

·

Daniel P. Reininga, Director and President and CEO of the Company, filed one late Form 4 report with three late transactions.                              

Transactions with Related Persons

Lake Shore Savings Bank has outstanding loans to its directors, executive officers and their related interests. These loans: (1) were made in the ordinary course of business; (2) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to Lake Shore Savings; and (3) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

It is the written policy of our Board of Directors that a majority of the disinterested members of the entire Board of Directors must approve in advance any extension of credit to any executive officer, director, or principle shareholder and their related interests if the aggregate of all extensions of credit to that insider and his or her related interests exceeds the greater of $25,000 or 5% of Lake Shore Savings’ unimpaired capital and surplus, whichever is greater. The interested party may not participate either directly or indirectly in the voting on such an extension of credit. Prior approval is required, however, for any and all extensions of credit to any insider if the aggregate of all other extensions to that person and their related interests exceeds $500,000, regardless of its percentage of capital.

48

 


 

 

In addition, pursuant to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, if an officer or director has an interest in a matter or transaction before the Board of Directors, such individual must disclose to the Board of Directors all material non-privileged information relevant to the Board of Directors’ decision on the matter or transaction, including: (1) the existence, nature and extent of their interest; and (2) the facts known to the individual as to the matter or transaction under consideration. The individual must also refrain from participating in the discussion of the matter or transaction and may not vote on the matter or transaction. In addition to approval by the Board of Directors, such transactions and matters must also be approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. 









































49

 


 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shareholder Proposals for 2018 Annual Meeting

If you wish to submit proposals to be included in our proxy statement for the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, we must receive them on or before December 4, 2017, pursuant to proxy soliciting regulations of the SEC. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require us to include in our proxy statement and proxy card for such meeting any shareholder proposal which does not meet the requirements of the SEC in effect at the time. Any such proposal will be subject to 17 C.F.R. §240.14a-8 of the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  In addition, under our bylaws, any new business or director nominees to be taken up at the annual meeting must be stated in writing and filed with the secretary of Lake Shore Bancorp at least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, provided, however, that in the event less than 40 days notice of the annual meeting is given, a written proposal or nomination may be accepted from a shareholder not later than the close of business on the tenth day following notice of the annual meeting, and all business so stated, proposed, and filed shall be considered at the annual meeting so long as the business relates to a proper matter for shareholder action. Any shareholder may make any other proposal or nomination at the annual meeting and the same may be discussed and considered, but unless stated in writing and filed with the secretary at least 30 days before the meeting, such proposal or nomination shall be laid over for action at an adjourned, special or annual meeting of the shareholders taking place 30 days or more thereafter. A shareholder’s notice to the secretary shall set forth as to each such matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (1) a brief description of the proposal desired to be brought or nominee; and (2) the name and address of such shareholder and the number of shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp that such shareholder owns of record. This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the annual meeting of reports of officers, directors, and committees; but in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such annual meeting unless stated and filed as herein provided. 



 

 



 

By Order of the Board of Directors,



 

 



 

/s/ Wendy J. Harrington



 

Wendy Harrington



 

Corporate Secretary

Dunkirk, New York

 

 

April 6, 2017

 

 





To assure that your shares are represented at the annual meeting, please vote your shares promptly over the Internet, by phone or on a paper proxy card if you request one.

50

 


 

 





Picture 3

 

 


 

 



Picture 4

 

 


 

 

Picture 5



 

 


 

 

Picture 6