2021-02-10 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board February 10, 2021 Would you, Mr. Ventura, entertain being the chair? And I could support you, `cause I don't think it's fair for our newest colleagues to—it didn't seem realistic for them to jump in on this. MR. VENTURA: I agree. I do feel extremely unqualified and yeah, my fear is that I would be doing the County a disservice given my lack of experience. And I just want to yeahI just wanted to express that. MS. MATHEWS: Ms. Leeloy, I have a question. Aren't we forgetting the fifth member, Charlie Kunz, or is he not part of this, yet? MR. YOSHIMOTO: I believe Mr. this is J Yoshimoto, Deputy Corp. Counsel. I believe Mr. Kunz is still subject to his official confirmation by the Council—I think next week or within the next two weeks. So, he'll be on board by next month. MS. MATHEWS: Oh, okay. MS. HUGHES: Well, that being said—excuse me, one moment, my child. (Note: At this time, Ms. Hughes' child was speaking to her.) Mr. Ventura, I mean, I assure you that I do think that having gotten to know you on the phone, primarily, since it's been so much of a COVID year and experienceI think you speak very eloquently. I think you and I, both, have absorbed and learned a great deal from Madam Chair who's done an extraordinary job. And I absolutely can commit to supporting you as vice -chair, if you do take on that position. I don't think there's anyone on the call who's brand new to the Board that wants to jump in and volunteer—but if there is, feel free to (inaudible) new colleagues, definitely, speak up. MS. CABANAS: This is Gabriella speaking. I am a retired HR manager and I have worked with the Merit Appeals Board in numerous instances over the length of my career. So, with that, I'm willing to serve as the chair. I might need a little guidance in that capacity but I'll volunteer, if there is no one else. I'd like to know, though, if there is anyone else that would volunteer. So, I'll leave it at that. I am willing to serve, if there is no one else willing to serve. MS. HUGHES: Thank you. MS. MATHEWS: Well, I hate things to be Hilo -centric. I do appreciate Gabriella's background and I, too—as long as we're not dragging her in kicking and screaming—and that's not to discount anybody's offering in Kona, but I do think that she already has the experience even though it hasn't been seated on the Board. MS. HUGHES: That sounds wonderful—and that's very, very generous to offer that—and with your background that—how lucky we are. MS. MATHEWS: I move that we appoint Gabriella as the Chair. Page 9