2021-05-26 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board May 26, 2021 The specific question from the Chair was whether or not we've been providing continuous auditing of that process. I just wanted to report to the Chair that auditing was suspended during the pandemic. So, it's been about 12 months since we conducted a departmental audit. Going forward, earlier this week, I re-initiated the auditing procedures and schedules. We will be auditing two departments this month regarding their hiring practices, specifically, their interview and selection processes. The goal is to at least do two departments a month or three every two months. Not only does it keep everybody on their toes, but it reinforces the process. `Cause for me, myself, I know that personally I learn more when I'm questioned, and when I'm asked to perform and asked to defend actions. That's the greatest way to learn a process. That allows us to be able to engage and to effectuate proper departmental procedures and policies with recruitment. That's really key. The auditing process is a great way for us to ensure that everything's being done properly and correctly and the policy and procedures are being followed. I just wanted to put that on the record in response to your question, Chair. The second item I wanted to discuss is with much trepidation, although there's some excitement as well. I submitted my retirement packet to the ERS at the beginning of the week. My anticipated retirement date is August 1't I'm sorry, July 1st I will be submitting a formal letter at the beginning of June providing (inaudible)—close to 30 days' notice as possible. But, like I said, it's with trepidation. I do have the opportunity to pull back the anticipated retirement date prior to June 30th. As of now, the plan is to go forward with my retirement. And it's not really a retirement. It's just a break from 28 years of County service11 years with the Fire Department, three years with the AG's office, and then over 12 years with Corporation Counsel, and now these last four or five years with HR. It's been a very rewarding experience working in County government. Although, like I said, there's a lot of trepidation. I'm not sure I'm making the right decision, but we'll go with it. I'll keep the Board informed. As you know, you're tasked with appointing the director and evaluating the directorso, that could be quite an undertaking for you when it comes to picking my predecessor. Might be easy though! So, anyway, I enjoyed the selection process when I got appointed to this Board. It was hard, however, it made me appreciate the responsibility associated with this position. I came in at, somewhat of a trying time. With the assistance of Chair Cabanas and my staff, I hope we were able to re -instill trust whether it be public trust or County employee trust in our department to ensure that such a valued process of County employment was followed properly and was being done correctly, and selections were being based on merit and more of what you know and what you can bring to the table, as opposed to who you know and who's bringing it to the table. I'm confident and I hope that I was able to re -instill that trust in both the general public and with our County employees. So, with that, I'll be in formal communication with the Board moving forward through written notification. Thank you very much. And that completes my report. Page 9