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. __)

 

 

 

---

 

 

April 9, 2015 

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., which will be held on May 20, 2015 in The Lighthouse 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 2015  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 2015. 

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 9, 2015, 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.

 

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

---

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

At the annual meeting, we will ask you to:

 

 

Class One Directors:

•     David C. Mancuso             •     Gary W. Winger

•     Nancy L. Yocum

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors has fixed March 23, 2015 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.

 

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
2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 20, 2015 

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, 2015, for use at the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The annual meeting will be held on May 20, 2015 in The Lighthouse 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 and Loan Association into the federal mutual holding company form of organization. In connection with the reorganization, Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association changed its name to Lake Shore Savings Bank (“Lake Shore Savings”).  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 2015 and to transact such other business as may properly come before the 2015 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 20, 2015

On April 9, 2015, 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 2014 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.

Who Can Vote

Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 23, 2015 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, 2015, there were 6,684,282 shares of our common stock issued and 5,995,439 shares outstanding, of which 3,636,875 of those shares, or 60.7%, 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 the 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, 2015 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.

Vote by Lake Shore, MHC

As of March 23, 2015,  Lake Shore, MHC owned 60.7% 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, 2015.  

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

 

---

 

 

Revocability of Proxies

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

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.

---

 

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, 2015, 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, 2015. 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.

 

                                          

(1)Calculated on the basis of 5,995,439 shares of common stock, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 23, 2015.

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

 

 

 

 

---

 

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, 2015. 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.

                                          

*Less than 1.00% of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 

---

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

 

PROPOSAL ONE:  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

                                                                                                                                                                     

 

Our charter provides that we must have between five and fifteen directors.  The Board of Directors is currently comprised of nine 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 One directors will serve a three-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.

                                          

(1)As of March 23, 2015. 

(2)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.

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.

---

 

 

_____________________

*As of March 23, 2015 

---

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors held a total of twelve regular meetings and one special meeting during 2014. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of 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 and director nominees should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  In accordance with such policy, all directors attended the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders. 

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

---

 

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.   During the period June 2013 through May 2014, directors received $1,400 for Board meetings attended in person and $1,050 for Board meetings attended telephonically.  Beginning June 2014, 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 2014. 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 annual retainer for committee members of the Compensation, Asset/Liability 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.

Supplemental Benefit Plans for Non-Employee Directors.  Lake Shore Savings entered into a supplemental benefit plan in 1999 (the “1999 Plan”) and in 2001 (the “2001 Plan”) with each of its then non-employee directors, (i.e., the 1999 Plan excluded Ms. Ballard, Mr. Bennett, Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Corsi, Mr. Mancuso, and Mr. Sanvidge). 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. 

In 2007, Lake Shore Savings amended the 2001 Plan, and added Ms. Brautigam as a participant.  Under the 2001 Plan, each participant is fully vested in their benefit.  The benefit is equal to 2% of the director’s average final pay (which is projected at the time the participant enters the plan) multiplied by the director’s years of service, with a maximum of 40% of final average pay.  The benefit is payable over a period of fifteen years in monthly installments commencing at age 72, with the annual benefit reduced in the event of a termination of service prior to age 72. In addition, in the event of a change of control, the director is treated as having attained age 72 for purposes of benefit payments.

In 2014, Mr. Corsi and Mr. Mancuso received distributions pursuant to the supplemental benefit plan for executives, as a result of prior service to the Company.  In 2014, Mr. Corsi received $19,639 under the 1999 plan and $25,370 under the 2001 plan.  In 2014, Mr. Mancuso received $87,093 under the 1999 plan and $84,104 under the 2001 plan. 

Ms. Ballard, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Sanvidge became participants in the 2001 Plan in January 2013.  Under the 2001 Plan, Ms. Ballard, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Sanvidge, respectively,

---

 

will be entitled to an annual benefit in the amount of  $15,635, $6,492 and $8,613, respectively, payable over a period of fifteen years, provided that the director retires on or after age 72.  In the event Ms. Ballard, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Sanvidge terminate service before age 72, the directors will be entitled to a reduced benefit.  In addition, in the event of a change in control, Ms. Ballard, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Sanvidge will be treated as having attained age 72 for purposes of benefit payments.  If a termination of service occurs within two years following a change in control, the payments will be made by lump sum instead of over a fifteen year period.

 

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.

Stock Option, Recognition and Retention Plan and Employee Incentive Plan.  Our 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 last fiscal year.    

___________________

---

 

 

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.  The Audit/Risk Committee charter was revised since the last proxy statement with updates to comply with standards recommended by the Institute of Internal Auditors.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee charters were revised since the last proxy statement to allow for a majority of the committee members of each committee to be independent under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, as described below.  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

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, 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 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 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 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.  Annually, the Board of Directors reviews the relationships its directors and their affiliates have with the Company, including the outstanding loans that independent directors Ballard, Bennett, Brautigam, Corsi, Mancuso, Winger and Yocum and their affiliates have with us, as well as the criteria and standards for determining independence. Upon review, the Board of Directors affirmatively determines which directors are considered independent.

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: 

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 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 nine times during 2014.

      

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 plans, policies and programs. 

The Compensation Committee hired Lawrence A. Swift of Effective Pay Practices to serve as a consultant in 2014 and provide recommendations on executive salaries and director fees 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 approximately twenty-one 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’ 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 five times during 2014.

 

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 2014.

  

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

---

 

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 Director Sanvidge, as defined under NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met five times during 2014.  

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 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.

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.  Each of the director nominees were nominated by the non-management, independent directors that comprise the committee.  As of April 9, 2015, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 compliance.  In 2011, management responsible for risk oversight formalized their process by creating a risk assessment model to efficiently identify, measure, monitor and control risk.  A summary report resulting from this model is 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:

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 occupation of each of our executive officers is set forth in the table below.

 

 

 

---

 

 

                                          

 

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 responsible for business development in the commercial real estate and small/middle 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 Lake Shore Savings 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.  Prior to joining Lake Shore Savings, Ms. Foley was a Financial Audit Supervisor in the Internal Audit department of M&T Bank.

Beverly J. Sutton is the Internal Auditor for Lake Shore Savings Bank.  She joined Lake Shore Savings Bank in 1993 and worked in various positions before being appointed to the position of Internal Auditor in 1997.  Ms. Sutton is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. 

 

 

---

 

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

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

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 fiscal years 2014 and 2013.  Each individual listed in the table below is referred to as a named executive officer.

 

 

 

Mr.  Reininga, Ms. Foley, and Ms. Sutton received 16.65%, 18.66% and 12.13%, respectively, of base salary in 2014.  Mr. Reininga, Ms. Foley and Ms. Sutton received 20.57%, 20.90% and 14.37%, respectively, of base salary in 2013. 

 

(a)We provide certain non-cash perquisites and personal benefits to each Named Executive Officer.  During 2014, the non-cash perquisites and personal benefits for Mr. Reininga, Ms. Foley and Ms. Sutton did not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate and are not included in the above amounts. 

 

(b)Dollar amounts shown for the ESOP reflect the fair market value of $13.56 per share at fiscal year-end 2014 of the shares of common stock allocated in 2014 to each named executive officer’s ESOP account.

 

---

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information regarding stock awards and stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014.

______________

 

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 other officers.    

Effective as of January 1, 2007, the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Savings amended the supplemental benefit plans entered into in 2001 with each of its participants and entered into a new supplemental benefits plan (collectively, the “2007 Executive SERPs”). Under the 2007 Executive SERPs, each participant is fully vested in an annual benefit (payable in monthly installments) which is equal to 2% of the executive’s average final pay (computed over the three years prior to termination of service) multiplied by the executive’s years of service to a maximum percentage of final average pay (projected as of December 31, 2006) of 40% for Ms. Foley and Ms. Sutton.  The 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 Named Executive Officer is treated as having attained age 65 for purposes of benefit payments.  Under this plan, if the Named Executive Officer reaches age 65, the annual payment under the plan would be $84,000 for Ms. Foley and $51,000 for Ms. Sutton.   

Lake Shore Savings entered into a supplemental executive retirement plan with Mr. Reininga, effective June 30, 2012.  The plan provides that when Mr. Reininga attains age 67, Mr. Reininga will be entitled to an annual benefit of $137,501, which will be paid in monthly installments for 15 years, with the annual benefit payable reduced proportionately in the event of termination or early retirement prior to age 67. If Mr. Reininga is terminated within 24 months after a change in control, he will be entitled to receive either (i) approximately $1.0 million if the termination occurs prior to Mr. Reininga attaining age 58, or (ii) approximately $2.0 million if the termination occurs after Mr. Reininga attains age 58.  Such benefit will be payable in a single lump sum payment 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 payable in monthly installments over a period of fifteen years of (i) $18,165, commencing at age 65, subject to reduction for termination of service prior to age 65, under the 2007 Executive SERP, (ii) $11,199, commencing at age 57 under the 1999 Lake Shore Savings Supplemental Benefit Plan for Directors, and (iii) $7,605, 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 level 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.  The Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant, to certain officers, employees and outside directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Lake Shore Savings or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee, of options to purchase common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp at a stated price during a specified period or term. The Compensation Committee, which is the administrative committee for the plan, selects who will receive stock option grants. Any employee of Lake Shore Bancorp or any affiliate approved by the committee may be selected to receive option grants.  The Compensation Committee sets the terms and conditions of the stock options that it grants.  In setting terms and conditions, it must observe the following restrictions: (1) it may not grant options to purchase more than 74,390 shares to any one employee; (2) it may not grant options to purchase more than 14,878 shares to any one non-employee director or options to purchase more than 89,268 shares of Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock to all outside directors in the aggregate; (3) it may not grant a stock option with a purchase price that is less than the fair market value of a share of Lake Shore Bancorp’s common stock on the date it grants the stock option; (4) it may not grant a stock option with a term that is longer than ten years; and (5) it may not grant options that become exercisable more rapidly than at the rate of 20% per year measured from the date of the grant, with acceleration permitted only in case of death, disability or change of control.     

---

 

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.  The Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock awards to certain officers, employees and non-employee directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Lake Shore Savings or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee. These 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.   

The Compensation Committee, which is the administrative committee for the plan, selects who will receive restricted stock awards. Any employee of Lake Shore Bancorp or any affiliate approved by the Compensation Committee may be selected to receive restricted stock awards.  The Compensation Committee sets the terms and conditions of the restricted stock awards that it grants.  In setting terms and conditions, it must observe the following restrictions: (1) it may not grant more than 30% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to outside directors; (2) it may not grant more than 5% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to any one outside director or more than 25% of the shares authorized by the Recognition and Retention Plan to any executive officer; (3) it may not allow the restricted stock awards to vest at a more rapid rate than 20% per year; and (4) it cannot permit accelerated vesting for any reason other than death, disability or a change of control. 

As required by the terms of the Recognition and Retention Plan, Lake Shore Bancorp has established a trust and contributed certain amounts of money or property as determined by the Board, in its discretion. No contributions by participants will be permitted. The trustee will invest the assets of the trust primarily in the shares of our common stock that will be used to make restricted stock awards. The trust is not authorized to purchase more than 119,025 shares of common stock of Lake Shore Bancorp and cannot purchase more than this number.

2012 Equity Incentive Compensation.    We have adopted the Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), to provide officers, employees and directors of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings with incentives to promote our growth and performance.  Shareholders approved the Equity Incentive Plan at the 2012 Annual Shareholders meeting.  As required by federal regulations, awards were not permitted to be made under the Equity Incentive Plan until Federal Reserve Board approval was obtained.  On April 24, 2014, the Company received the approval of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to begin making awards under this plan.        

 

Subject to permitted adjustments for certain corporate transactions, the Equity Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance or delivery to participants of an aggregate of up to 200,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to grants of restricted stock awards, incentive stock options and non-

---

 

qualified stock options.  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. In connection with the appointment of Daniel P. Reininga as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings each entered into a separate employment agreement, effective as of January 28, 2011, (collectively, the “Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Reininga.  The Employment Agreements do not provide for any duplicative payments.  The Employment Agreements replace the change in control agreement previously entered into between Mr. Reininga, Lake Shore Bancorp and Lake Shore Savings.

 

The Employment Agreement provides for a three-year term and the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. and Lake Shore Savings may extend the term on an annual basis, unless written notice of non-renewal is given by the Board of Directors of Lake Shore Bancorp, Lake Shore Savings or by Mr. Reininga.  The Employment Agreement provides for a current base salary of $283,000.  In addition, the Employment Agreement provides for, among other things, participation in Lake Shore Bancorp’s and Lake Shore Savings’ employee benefits plans.  The Employment Agreement provides for termination by Lake Shore Bancorp or Lake Shore Savings for “cause,” as defined in the Employment Agreement, at any time.  The Employment Agreement also provides for customary corporate indemnification and errors and omissions insurance coverage throughout the employment term and for six years after termination.

 

If Lake Shore Bancorp or Lake Shore Savings terminates Mr. Reininga’s employment for a reason other than for “cause,” or if Mr. Reininga resigns from Lake Shore Bancorp or Lake Shore Savings for “good reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), then Mr. Reininga will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment equal to the value of the salary, bonus, short-term and long-term cash compensation that Mr. Reininga received in the calendar year preceding the year in which the termination of employment occurred, divided by twelve and then multiplied by the number of months in the remaining term of the Employment Agreement. In addition, Mr. Reininga will be entitled to continued life, health, dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits during the remaining term of the Employment Agreement, with Mr. Reininga responsible for the employee portion of the premiums.  Upon the termination of Mr. Reininga’s employment under these circumstances, Mr. Reininga must adhere to a three-year non-competition restriction. 

 

In the event Lake Shore Savings or Lake Shore Bancorp terminates Mr. Reininga’s Employment Agreement following a change of control or a pending change of control (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Reininga will be entitled to the payments and benefits described in the prior paragraph, provided, however, that the remaining term of the Employment Agreement will be deemed to be three full years.  Any severance payments 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 Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

---

 

Change of Control Agreement. Lake Shore Savings has entered into a change of control agreement with Rachel A. Foley, our Chief Financial Officer, 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 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.

---

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table presents certain information regarding our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2014 (the 2006 Stock Option Plan, 2006 Recognition and Retention Plan, and 2012 Equity Incentive Plan). 

 

---

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

 

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, Ms. Foley and Ms. Sutton.  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.

---

 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

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, 2015, 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, 2015.

---

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

On October 1, 2014, the Company was notified that the audit practice of ParenteBeard LLC (“ParenteBeard”), our independent registered public accounting firm during 2014, was combined with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) in a transaction pursuant to which ParenteBeard combined its operations with Baker Tilly and certain of the professional staff and partners of ParenteBeard joined Baker Tilly either as employees or partners of Baker Tilly. On October 1, 2014, ParenteBeard resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company and with the approval of the Audit/Risk Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, Baker Tilly was engaged as its new independent registered public accounting firm.

Prior to engaging Baker Tilly, the Company did not consult with Baker Tilly regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction or regarding the type of audit opinions that might be rendered by Baker Tilly on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and Baker Tilly did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.

The report of independent registered public accounting firm of ParenteBeard regarding the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and during the interim period from the end of the most recently completed fiscal year through October 1, 2014, the date of resignation, the Company did not have any disagreements with ParenteBeard on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of ParenteBeard would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in its reports. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the subsequent period through October 1, 2014, the Company did not have any “reportable events” as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K.

   

The Audit/Risk Committee appointed Baker Tilly as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. Baker Tilly (including its predecessors ParenteBeard LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP) has audited our financial statements since 2005. 

Fees Incurred

The following table presents fees paid by the Company in 2014 and 2013 for professional audit and other services provided by Baker Tilly, and its predecessor, ParenteBeard, our independent registered public accounting firm, for those years: 

___________________________________ 

 

 

 

 

 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:

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 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 2014 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 three independent directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors that was last amended on August 27, 2014.  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 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:

---

 

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.

2014 Work of the Audit/Risk Committee

The Audit/Risk Committee engaged Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) (formerly known as its predecessor, ParenteBeard, LLC) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as of and for the period ended December 31, 2014. The selection of Baker Tilly (known as its predecessor, ParenteBeard, LLC at the time) was ratified by the shareholders of the Company at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in 2014, 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 Company’s IT Risk Committee, as well as obtaining periodic reports from members of management and Board Committee Chairpersons on enterprise risk management activities.   The participation in the IT Risk 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, 2014 and 2013 and for the three years ended December 31, 2014 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 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 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:

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 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, 2015.

Annual Committee Review of Charter and Performance Evaluation

As required by the Audit/Risk Committee’s Charter, the Audit/Risk Committee reviewed the Charter and made revisions 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, 2014, and filed with the SEC.

 

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.

 

---

 

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, 2014, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers and directors during 2014 were met,  except that David C. Mancuso, Director of the Company, filed one late Form 4 report as a result of an administrative error and Jeffrey M. Werdein, Executive Vice President of the Company, filed one late Form 3 reporting as a result of an administrative error.                                   

 

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.

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. 

---

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shareholder Proposals for 2016 Annual Meeting

If you wish to submit proposals to be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, we must receive them on or before December 5, 2015, 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. 

 

 

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.

 

---

 

 

---

 

 

---

 

 

 

---

 

---