2024-02-23 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board February 23, 2024 So, pleased to report that the Department of Human Resources is now almost completely, fully staffed. I think we only have two vacant positions, and in divisions that were struggling with missing staff members and vacancies are now being filled. So, we're very pleased about that—pleased to have great new people joining our team, so I appreciate my team and all their hard work—and just wanted to allow you guys the opportunity to see our new members to the department. CHR. CABANAS: Well, we really appreciate the fact that you include, at every Board meeting, staff from the department. `Cause I think it's good for the employees and it's also good for the Board members to see who the hard working employees are of the Department of Human Resources. And so, we are very happy that you brought Lisa, Kirsten, Leslie, and Winter to today's meeting. Yeah, thank you so much. I hope you folks enjoyed—we had a lot of interaction today at the meeting. So, you see how we all think differently but we come to some sort of resolution to move things forward. And we are a participatory Board. I think it's safe to say that all five Board members we always ask questions, `cause I think each of us—we care about the department. We care about all of you. We want you to be happy. We know you work really hard in moving things forward. And Sommer is at the helm—she likes to involve the staff—so I think it's a really good situation that if you folks are included. Thank you, Sommer, for bringing them. MS. TOKIHIRO: Thank you. Thank you, everybody. (The employees responded "thank you" from the audience and proceeded to leave the meeting room.) MR. KUNZ: You guys can have an extended lunch now. CHR. CABANAS: Bye. MAB Monthly Divisional Activity Report: February 2024 MS. TOKIHIRO: Okay. And then, you folks have received the monthly activity report for February, so I'm happy to address any questions. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. Has everyone had the opportunity to read the director's monthly divisional activity report for February? MR. KUNZ: Sommer, I think I asked this in the past and not that you have to have it all the time but, well, maybe I didn't ask it of youI asked it of you. But do you have the figure same time a year ago or three years ago—against the worker comp. open cases? Like, how much of an increase? Page 22