2021-09-15 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board September 15, 2021 MR. THOMAS: Thank you. So, I'm looking at my calendar inI actually have a scheduled vacation. I'll be out of the office from September 28h through October 8 ' -that's nine business days. And I'll be out-of-stateI'm just concerned that if we were to submit responsive pleadings, I'll be out of the office. I'm not sure if I'll be able to submit those. PerhapsI mean, I'm sorry to burden everyone. Would it be possible if we can move the hearing and their respective deadlines a month out from what it's currently set? If not, that's okay. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Sohi, this is J Yoshimoto, again. So, Mr. Thomas, you're requesting another hearing date—is that the request? MR. THOMAS: Yes, Mr. Yoshimoto, if that's possible. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay That's up to the Board. Mr. Chairman, would you—we can entertain a discussion on that. ACTING CHR. VENTURA: Okay, yes. At this point, I would actually entertain a discussion, `cause now we're talking about November. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. We're going to get the calendar again and we'll be right back. Did you want—call a brief (inaudible) rather than a timeline, just give us a brief recess, Mr. Chairman. ACTING CHR. VENTURA: Sure. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. We'll be right back. RECESS: The Acting Chair called for a recess at 10:19 a.m. RECONVENE: The meeting reconvened at 10:22 a.m. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Mr. Chairman, this is J Yoshimoto, again. We're ready to reconvene the meeting, if you're ready. ACTING CHR. VENTURA: Okay. Yeah, let's reconvene. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. I believe Ms. Mathews would like to address the Board. MS. MATHEWS: Mr. Thomas, I'm wondering if we extend the deadline for the filing by two days, would that solve your problem? MR. THOMAS: As far as the responsive pleadings go? MS. MATHEWS: Yes. MR. THOMAS: So, two days, that would be October 13'h Page 9