2019-12-18 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board December 18, 2019 MR. BRILHANTE: But, yet, it was County-wide and it was—the invitation was open to all. CHR. NAMAHOE: Okay. MR. BRILHANTE: Yeah. So, they'll be here as I open my statement I—at the graduation, I specifically articulated that these individuals who participated were, first-off, were very appreciative `cause it's time-consuming and it's dedication. They have to come in, they have to drive in. A third of them were from Kona and they drove in. But we identified them as the—not necessarily todays leaders. They're leaders in their department, but they're the County leaders going forward. They're—I bet you a handful of them will be the future department heads and deputies and going forward. So, that was communicated to them and that's our expectations. It was very—we have people like Pam Mizuno who completed the class. And she was the previous deputy for the Department of Parks and Recreation, but she felt it was worthwhile to come and—Mason Souza and various— Neil Tanaka. And so, there's a group, a handful of people who definitely will be with the County for a while and will be ascending to higher department-level deputy type positions— division heads. So, that—to me, that program was successful. We're continuing it. We'll be doing it, another training next year starting in January with managers. The mayor requested that we open it up to his department—open up the program to his department heads and deputies as well. So, we're looking—we're in the process of developing, somewhat, of an abbreviated schedule for the department heads and deputies and we will be doing that for our next year's. Goal 2 was develop a County-wide policy and education program on the prevention of workplace violence. We drafted up a policy, a document, it was submitted pursuant to the CBA requirements—was submitted to all of the four unions for consultation. Unfortunate—well, fortunately, police, fire, and HGEA did not have a problem with it. They said they're okay with it going forward—implementation of it. Unfortunately, UPW, we've had a history with—regarding this workplace violence program. The whole reason we had to amend it and draft a new program was because back in 2000 and—I want to say 7 or 8—UPW filed a grievance saying that the proper steps for the County to implement the program weren't followed. We didn't properly consult with them. And so, an arbitrator agreed—sided with them. So, that's why our policy—workplace violence program was not effective as it relates to UPW. So, that was the primary basis for redoing the policy. So, we submitted it to them and they are still in the—they had feedback, they had concerns—so, we're still going through the consultative process with UPW. That's the last agency—the last union organization that we're having discussions with. Their primary concern is that our policy deviates significantly from the other three jurisdictions in certain areas. So, we're addressing those specific concerns with them. And we should have some feedback within the next month or two. Our hands are tied at—we're, again, it's a process, Page 9