2024-06-25 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board MS. TOKIHIRO: Yes. June 25, 2024 CHR. CABANAS: So, they get credit, they complete their 6 -month probationary period, and now they're permanent, right? MS. TOKIHIRO: Yes. CHR. CABANAS: So, let's say someone goes through the mentoring program in Planning. The Planning mentor provides the training and all of that. And then, there's a position, let's say, Water Supply—and the trainee gets hired at Water Supply. What benefit did the Planning Department get? The only thing is they got help for two years, but more work for the mentor. The mentor doesn't really get anything. Doesn't get recognized for putting that extra—`cause it is extra in to train the person. Have you folks thought of what the mentor could possibly get? Is it built into—I wish we could see the whole thing. That's why we're asking so many questions of you, Sommer, because we don't see the whole written document of maybe went— that entthat went to the Union. That would help us, I think. But what does the mentor get? It's extra work. They're already working more probably. So, have you folks thought about that or MS. TOKIHIRO: Yeah, and that's why we met with the departments first, to see if there was interest from the departments, and being very transparent and saying because the program can't exist if departments aren't able or willing to provide that. So, we actually met. We did a notification to departments to say, "Hey, we're looking to put together this program, but we need your assistance otherwise it's not going to work." And so, we met with departments individually, talked about positions, talked about what the program would entail, asked for interest. We have 10 positions, we got more than 10 departments that indicated interest. And so, of course, we're thinking about it because in order for it be successful we do need that buy -in from the mentors. But as far as, like, something specific to recognize them at this point— no, ointno, we don't have all of that finalized but, definitely, going forward if we're able to be successful in this—want to show that we appreciate those efforts. But, yes, it is more work—but the departments that we met with were thrilled that we had come up with a means of providing an opportunity to individuals that would not, otherwise, qualify for these positions in this professional series. So, they were happy to learn of our creative attempt to try and provide this opportunity. MS. BOND: I just still worry about putting two years into something and then not ending up with a joba permanent job at the end of it. I mean, there's nothing worse than that, believe me. Page 15