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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-18 Merit Appeals Board MinutesREGULAR SESSION Merit Appeals Board Hilo Council Chambers Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room 1401 Hilo, Hawaii July 18, 2022 (Monday) Call to Order (Item 1) The regular meeting of the Merit Appeals Board, County of Hawaii, was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chair Gabriella M. Cabanas, at the Hilo Council Chambers, Hawaii County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room 1401, Hilo, Hawaii, on Monday, July 18, 2022. Roll Call — Present Ms. Gabriella M. Cabanas, Chair Ms. Kate De Soto, Member Ms. Gay Mathews, Member Absent and Excused Mr. Mel Ventura, Vice -Chair Mr. Charles Kunz, Member Also Present Mr. J Yoshimoto, Assistant Corporation Counsel, Office of the Corporation Counsel Mr. Waylen L. K. Leopoldino, Director, Human Resources Department Ms. Amanda Furman, Deputy Attorney General, State Office of the Attorney General (via Zoom) Mr. Ryan Thomas, Deputy Corporation Counsel, Office of the Corporation Counsel Ms. Glynis Yamada, Secretary -Reporter, Human Resources Department Mr. Relley Araceley, Council Services Coordinator, Office of the County Clerk Merit Appeals Board members will attend this meeting at the physical location listed above. Members of the public may attend this meeting either in-person at the meeting location or via ZOOM. Merit Appeals Board Call to Order (Item 1) July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: Good morning, everyone. The Merit Appeals Board meeting is called to order at 10:00 a.m. on this day, July 18, 2022. We have quorum today with three members present. I'm Gabriella Cabanas, Chair, of the Merit Appeals Board. Present with me at the Hawaii County Building in Hilo Hawaii, at 25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room 1401, in Hilo, at the Hilo Council Chambers are Ms. Gay Mathews— MS. MATHEWS: Here. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning, Gay. And Ms. Kate De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Good morning. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning, Kate. Our two other Board members are absent and excused today—Mr. Charlie Kunz and Mr. Mel Ventura, our Vice-Chair—are not here today. Also, in the Hilo Council Chambers with us are J Yoshimoto, our Assistant Corporation Counsel. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Good morning. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning, J. And our Secretary -Reporter, Glynis Yamada. MS. YAMADA: Good morning. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning. Also, sitting in via ZOOM is our Deputy Attorney General, Amanda Furman—good morning, Amanda. And we also pardon? Oh, she's still connecting? She will be connected soon? Okay. And also, we have Mr. Relley Araceley from the Office of the County Clerk staffing the computer equipment to ensure the Board has ZOOM capability. Also, sitting in the Hilo Council Chambers with us is Mr. Ryan Thomas from the Office of the Corporation Counsel. MR. THOMAS: Good morning. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning, Ryan. Addendum to Agenda (Item 2) CHR. CABANAS: And so, looking at the agenda the "Addendum to the Agenda"I understand we do not have any addendum. Page 2 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Statements from the Public (Item 3) CHR. CABANAS: "Statements from the Public" on agenda itemsorally testimony may be presented to the Board either at the outset of this meeting or immediately prior to the applicable agenda item. Due to time constraints from our Deputy Attorney General, Amanda Furman, she has asked that we take up Number 5 on the agenda—"Communications"—out of order. And so, I just need to check with my fellow Board members, are there any objections for take out—take up "Communications" at this time? MS. MATHEWS: No. CHR. CABANAS: Kate, it's okay with you? MS. DE SOTO: No objection. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. So, there are no objections, for the record. So, we will go straight to "Communications." For the record, are there any statements from the public on this matter? I don't see anyone that has any statements to provide the Board, so we will continue. 10:00 A.M. OPENING STATEMENTS ON THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THIS BOARD HAS JURISDICTION TO HEAR THIS APPEAL RE COMMUNICATION NO. 22-04: Communication No. 22-04, Received On April 5, 2022, Appealing A Recruitment And Examination Action By The Hawaii County Department Of Human Resources (DHR) And Hawaii County Department Of Environmental Management (DEM) (Alleging That DHR Submitted An Incomplete List Of Candidates To DEM; And DEM's Non - Consideration Of The Appellant's Application); And Communication No. 22-04.01, Received On June 8, 2022, Regarding A Letter From The Appellee, Requesting A Two -Week Extension To File Their Position Statement; And Communication No. 22-04.02, Dated June 9, 2022, From The Merit Appeals Board Denying Appellee's Request For An Extension; And Communication No. 22-04.03, Received On June 9, 2022, Regarding Appellees' Position Statement; Exhibits "1" – "3"; Certificate Of Service (Executive Session: The Merit Appeals Board Anticipates Convening One Or More Executive Meetings Regarding The Above Matters, Pursuant To HRS Sections 92-4, 92-5(a)(2) And 92-5(a)(4), For The Purpose Evaluating An Officer Or Employee Of The County Of Hawaii, Where The Consideration Of Matters Affecting Privacy Will Be Involved And Consulting With The Board's Attorney On Questions And Issues Pertaining To The Board's Powers, Duties, Privileges, Immunities, And Liabilities. A 2/3 Vote Pursuant To HRS Section 92-4 Is Necessary To Hold An Executive Meeting Page 3 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: At this time, may I have a motion for the Board to enter into executive session regarding these matters pertaining to Communication no. 22-04. MS. MATHEWS: So moved. CHR. CABANAS: Can I have a second. MS. DE SOTO: Second. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Ms. Mathews, and Ms. De Soto. Motion made and seconded to—for the Board to enter into executive session regarding Communication number 22-04. Is there any discussion at this point? Okay, everyone is shaking their heads, "no." Okay, so I'm going to start with a rollcall vote with Ms. Gay Mathews, on the motion made. MS. MATHEWS: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. Cabanas—aye. We have three ayes. For the record, Mr. Kunz and Mr. Ventura are absent and excused. Motion has been carried. So, it is now 10:06 a.m. The Board will enter into executive session. And I'm going to kindly request that only the Board members, along with Ms. Yamada, be secluded in the Hilo Council Chambers at this time until we're done. Thank you so much. RECESS: The Chair called for a recess at 10:06 a.m. to convene executive session. RECONVENE: The meeting reconvened at 10:25 a.m. in open session. CHR. CABANAS: So, at 10:25 a.m. because there are further questions, let us go back into executive session. So, may I have a motion for us to go back into executive session? MS. DE SOTO: So moved. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Kate. A second? MS. MATHEWS: Second. Page 4 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Gay. Any discussion? No discussion. We'll start with a roll call vote with Ms. Mathews. MS. MATHEWS: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. Cabanas—aye. There are three ayes. Motion carried for the Board to go back into executive session. CONVENE: The meeting convened at 10:26 a.m. in executive session. RECONVENE: The meeting reconvened at 11:50 a.m. in open session. 10:00 A.M. OPENING STATEMENTS ON THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THIS BOARD HAS JURISDICTION TO HEAR THIS APPEAL RE COMMUNICATION NO. 22-04: Communication No. 22-04, Received On April 5, 2022, Appealing A Recruitment And Examination Action By The Hawaii County Department Of Human Resources (DHR) And Hawaii County Department Of Environmental Management (DEM) (Alleging That DHR Submitted An Incomplete List Of Candidates To DEM; And DEM's Non - Consideration Of The Appellant's Application); And Communication No. 22-04.01, Received On June 8, 2022, Regarding A Letter From The Appellee, Requesting A Two -Week Extension To File Their Position Statement; And Communication No. 22-04.02, Dated June 9, 2022, From The Merit Appeals Board Denying Appellee's Request For An Extension; And Communication No. 22-04.03, Received On June 9, 2022, Regarding Appellees' Position Statement; Exhibits "1" – "3"; Certificate Of Service (Executive Session: The Merit Appeals Board Anticipates Convening One Or More Executive Meetings Regarding The Above Matters, Pursuant To HRS Sections 92-4, 92-5(a)(2) And 92-5(a)(4), For The Purpose Evaluating An Officer Or Employee Of The County Of Hawaii, Where The Consideration Of Matters Affecting Privacy Will Be Involved And Consulting With The Board's Attorney On Questions And Issues Pertaining To The Board's Powers, Duties, Privileges, Immunities, And Liabilities. A 2/3 Vote Pursuant To HRS Section 92-4 Is Necessary To Hold An Executive Meeting CHR. CABANAS: Okay. It is now 11:50 a.m. and this is Chair Cabanas. I would like to call the meeting back to order in open session. The question to our legal counsel, J Yoshimoto, is the Board has certain concerns and would like to discuss certain areas that have arisen as a result of discussions made earlier in a closed Page 5 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 hearing. And the Board would like to address these concerns at a later date. And, to me, as the Chair, it becomes a housekeeping measure as to how do we do that. So, we would appreciate your guidance so that we can be legally—okay, we don't violate any Sunshine laws—how do we address our concerns by placing it on future agendas or can we ask questions in part as the result of our director's report that's going to be made in a little bit. How do we do that? MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. Before I address the question, we the Board currently has the before it, agenda Item number 5. So, I would recommend we take care of that first, right, before—to keep the order. CHR. CABANAS: Okay, sure. Thank you so much. Okay. So we are in an open session and following up with Number 5—communication—which dealt with the issue as to whether the Board has jurisdiction to hear appeal regarding Communication 22-04. I would like to entertain a motion to concur with the recommendation that was made in the closed hearing. So, may I have a motion to concur with the recommendation made in the closed hearing. MS. MATHEWS: So moved. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you. MS. DE SOTO: Second. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Gay and Kate. Motion made and seconded to concur with the recommendation made in the closed hearing pertaining to the appeal regarding Communication 22-04. Is there any discussion? If not—everyone is shaking their heads—okay, if not, we'll start with a rollcall vote with Ms. Mathews. MS. MATHEWS: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. Cabanas—aye. Three ayes. Motion carried to concur with the recommendation made in the closed hearing regarding the appeal and the communication dealing with that appeal—Communication number 22-04. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. Page 6 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 So, in terms of answering your question, if the Board has something that it would like to have discussed on a future agenda, it has several options. If the Board wants to ask questions directed towards the Human Resources Director, the Board has the option of writing a letter and detailing what the questions the Board is interested in having answered by the HR Director—and that can be submitted to the HR Director and be placed for the next agenda. I think—in thinking it through, that's probably the easiest way to do it. Unless, for some reason, that approach does not work that way, the Director would have the time, from now until the next meeting to research and answer those questions. CHR. CABANAS: So, that's the preferred recommendation? MR. YOSHIMOTO: That's the preferred recommendation. If, for some reason, the Board has the ability to ask the question related to the director's report, then that's also another option. But, usually, the director's report is the director's opportunity to provide information to the Board. So, I'm not certain whether the question can be posed there, but that's always an option. MS. MATHEWS: So, of our multiple choice, you're actually giving us one? MR. YOSHIMOTO: Because if it comes up during the director's report and it's relevant to it, then it's fine. It's appropriate, right, under the Sunshine Law. MS. MATHEWS: Okay. So, can the director's report actually ask—he has three items, so Number 4 is—are there any concerns you would like me to address at the next one MR. YOSHIMOTO: Yeah, you can do that. MS. MATHEWS: —and that would give us the opportunity to voice? MR. YOSHIMOTO: You can do it that way as well. Yeah. MS. MATHEWS: Okay. CHR. CABANAS: I have a question, looking at the director's report, it's like the director chooses the topics that he wants to present. MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, Madam Chair, I was answering a question, but we're delving into discussion. We're not on any particular agenda item. CHR. CABANAS: No, we're not. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Yeah. Okay. Page 7 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: But my question is just generally—in the past, `cause I've worked under several directors they would give reports based on the functional areas. In other words, Classification and Pay—what's happening there. Recruitment and Exam what's happening there. It may not be detailed but just a little tidbit. But we're not—the Board is not getting that. It's like we are on the receiving end of what the department head has chosen to report. And we don't want to micromanage a director as well. But there might be things that we should know or we're hearing or we have concerns about because—let's face it, all five Board members participate in the community and we may be hearing things or seeing things and we have questions and people might be telling us things. It's likeso, where's the balance there? How do we navigate that? MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. So, I'd like to answer that question but I'm still worried about we're not any place on the agenda. CHR. CABANAS: No, we're not. MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, we need to be somewhere on the agenda. CHR. CABANAS: Oh, I see. MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, we should address this during Item number 8—director's report—and when we get there, then that's the appropriate time for the Board to request the information that it feels it needs for the Board to understand. CHR. CABANAS: So, at that time, we could request—well, let me backtrack. Does that need everyone's—does that need a vote, the consensus that—for instance, would we want information for each functional area? MR. YOSHIMOTO: Yes, it would be a Board action, right, so that'd be a Board request. CHR. CABANAS: Is that a motion and a vote? MR. YOSHIMOTO: Yes. CHR. CABANAS: Oh, okay. MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, why don't we take the rest of the beginning of the agenda we didn't do. And then, we'll get to the agenda Item number 8. MS. MATHEWS: Okay, so wait, point of clarification. Why wouldn't that fall under 6, "New Business." CHR. CABANAS: We don't have it agendized. Page 8 Merit Appeals Board MR. YOSHIMOTO: Because nothing is there under :New Business" that's why. CHR. CABANAS: We have "None." MR. YOSHIMOTO: Yeah. MS. MATHEWS: Oh. CHR. CABANAS: Okay, so let's move this forward. We are now on Number 4, the "Approval of Minutes"—on the agenda. July 18, 2022 MR. YOSHIMOTO: So, did we acknowledge that there's no "Statements form the Public on Agenda Items?" CHR. CABANAS: We did earlier, but I was going to make mention of that. MR. YOSHIMOTO: Okay. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. MR. YOSHIMOTO: All right. Approval of Minutes (Item 4) January 14, 2022 (Regular Session); Review of Executive Session Minutes January 14, 2022 (Executive Session: The Merit Appeals Board Anticipates Convening One Or More Executive Meetings Regarding The Above Matters, Pursuant To HRS Sections 92-4 And 92-5(a)(4), For The Purpose Of Consulting With The Board's Attorney On Questions And Issues Pertaining To The Board's Powers, Duties, Privileges, Immunities, And Liabilities. A 2/3 Vote Pursuant To HRS Section 92-4 Is Necessary To Hold An Executive Meeting) CHR. CABANAS: So, we are—Number 4, "Approval of Minutes" on the agenda and, at this time, are there any statements from the public regarding the "Approval of Minutes" for January 14, 2022, and the executive session minutes of January 14, 2022. Let the record show there's no one here in the Hilo Council Chambers other than the Board members, J Yoshimoto, our Assistant Corp. Counsel; and our Secretary -Reporter, Glynis Yamada. So, there are no statements from the public and our ZOOM capability has ended, right. Yeah. So, we have no statements. There are no members of the public in the Council Chambers. So, at this time, has everyone had the opportunity to review the minutes of January 14, 2022? Okay, great, they're nodding their heads. So, I'd like to entertain a motion to approve the January 14, regular meeting minutes—January 14, 2022, regular meeting minutes. And the Page 9 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 executive session minutes also of January 14, 2022 unless there's discussion regarding the executive session minutes, then we'll go into executive session. MS. DE SOTO: So moved. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Kate. MS. MATHEWS: Second. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Gay. Motion made and seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes, the January 14, 2022, and the executive session meeting minutes of January 14, 2022. Any discussion? Okay, everyone shaking their head no discussion. Starting with a rollcall vote to approve the meeting minutes—starting with Ms. Mathews. MS. MATHEWS: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. Cabanas—aye. Motion carried. The meeting minutes of the regular Merit Appeals Board meeting of January 14, 2022, has been approved. And the executive session meeting minutes of January 14, 2022, has also been approved. Communications (Item 5) 10:00 A.M. OPENING STATEMENTS ON THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THIS BOARD HAS JURISDICTION TO HEAR THIS APPEAL RE COMMUNICATION NO. 22-04: Communication No. 22-04, Received On April 5, 2022, Appealing A Recruitment And Examination Action By The Hawaii County Department Of Human Resources (DHR) And Hawaii County Department Of Environmental Management (DEM) (Alleging That DHR Submitted An Incomplete List Of Candidates To DEM; And DEM's Non - Consideration Of The Appellant's Application); And Communication No. 22-04.01, Received On June 8, 2022, Regarding A Letter From The Appellee, Requesting A Two -Week Extension To File Their Position Statement; And Communication No. 22-04.02, Dated June 9, 2022, From The Merit Appeals Board Denying Appellee's Request For An Extension; And Communication No. 22-04.03, Received On June 9, 2022, Regarding Appellees' Position Statement; Exhibits "1" – "3"; Certificate Of Service (Executive Session: The Merit Appeals Board Anticipates Convening One Or More Executive Meetings Regarding The Above Matters, Pursuant To HRS Sections 92-4, 92-5(a)(2) And 92-5(a)(4), For The Purpose Evaluating An Officer Or Employee Of The County Of Hawaii, Where The Page 10 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Consideration Of Matters Affecting Privacy Will Be Involved And Consulting With The Board's Attorney On Questions And Issues Pertaining To The Board's Powers, Duties, Privileges, Immunities, And Liabilities. A 2/3 Vote Pursuant To HRS Section 92-4 Is Necessary To Hold An Executive Meeting (Previously, taken out of order.) New Business (Item 6) CHR. CABANAS: Okay, moving along on the agenda. We are now on "New Business" but we don't have any new business. Any statements from the public—let the record show there's no one in the Hilo Council Chambers to make any comments no one from the public. Unfinished Business (Item 7) CHR. CABANAS: Same thing for "Unfinished Business" we don't have any. There are no members of the public to provide statements. Director's Report (Item 8) Leadership Retreat; Virtual Resource Job Fairs; Equal Opportunity/ADA Division Update CHR. CABANAS: We are now on "Director's Report"—did you call Waylen? Oh, he's now here. Okay. Let the record show our Director of Human Resources, Waylen Leopoldino, is present along with his Deputy, Director Danny Patel. Welcome. You may approach the dais you and Danny. We are now on the "Director's Report." There are no statements from the public as there are no members of the public in the Hilo Council Chambers. So, welcome, Waylen and Danny—hope both of you are doing well. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Good morning, Merit Appeals Board. CHR. CABANAS: Good morning. MR. PATEL: Good morning. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you. So, here we have Kate De Soto, Gay Mathews, and myself present today. Charlie Kunz and Mel Ventura are absent and excused. So, we are ready to hear your director's report, Waylen. Page 11 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Leadership Retreat MR. LEOPOLDINO: Okay, great. Thank you. Good morning, Chair Cabanas, and members of the Merit Appeals Board. I have an interesting director's report today. Something positive to share with you all. The first item on my director's report is leadership retreat. So, we—as you all know, we've got a lot of things going on in HR, with the County—and so, one of my priorities when I took this position was to, kind of, start fresh and re-engage our teamespecially, our management team. And I'm thinking—we got so much priorities going on in the County with HRI thought it would be a good opportunity to start fresh and work on a new mission, vision, and value statement for the department—new leadership, new direction. And so, I thought it would be a great opportunity to do that. And we are also working with the Mayor's office. When we—when the department heads when the mayor appointed all of his new department heads, he hired a consultant, John Barnett, for leadership training for all of his department heads and deputies. And so, we've been working with the Administration and John Barnett on leadership development for all department heads and deputies. And so, it's been an ongoing process. We've been meeting every few months. And so, I really liked John's approach. And so, I went up to John and asked him if he could help our department—and I, kind of, gave him some of my goals as far as working with our management team. So, John and I have been working closely for the last six/eight months on, kind of, where I wanted to go. So, we have set a date as August 9h --August I Oh—excuse me. Our managers are having a half-day leadership workshop retreat at the Mauna Kea State Park. And so, just to kind of get us out of the work setting. And so, we're going to work on a bunch of different thingscommunication, interpersonal working skills, focus on diversity/equity/inclusion—and really building some leadership skills for our management team. And the end goal is to walk away with a mission, vision, and value statement a road map for our management team as we move forward. So, we're excited about that. John will be meeting with our managers in advance at next—this— tomorrow, ext thistomorrow, at our division head meeting to get some input and feedback from our managers and then, subsequent to that division head meeting, we're going to meet to develop a program for the 10''. So, we're very excited about that in our effort to move forward. Page 12 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: So, meeting with the managers to get input from them or to assess where they're at or MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, both. I think it's this is going to be his first meeting the managers. So, it's going to be their opportunity to have some dialogue—and so, he can get a better idea and so, we can fine tune a program that he feels is going to be most effective. CHR. CABANAS: And his background is in? MR. LEOPOLDINO: He's been a leadership consultant for some pretty big private companies. And he came highly recommended by the mayor's office for us to work with him. I guess the mayor's office has been working with him. So—and he already has that connection to the County as he's already advising and working with our current directors and deputies in the County. So, he has awareness of operations and County and government operations. MS. MATHEWS: And what was his name, again? MR. LEOPOLDINO: John Barnett. CHR. CABANAS: So, what happens after August I O h (inaudible) in your development of the new mission, vision, and value statement? MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, we have a schedule of follow-ups with John. And that's, kind of we're, kind of, mimicking the format that he has with the deputies and directors and departments. He does regular follow-ups to ensure that whatever comes out of this workshop will be maintained and applied. So, we have, kind of, worked that into what he's going to be providing for our managers. CHR CABANAS: And then, you, in turn will develop—with the mangers the new mission, vision, and value statement? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Any questions? CHR. CABANAS: Any questions on that? Kate, do you have any questions? MS. DE SOTO: No question, but congratulations on finding a consultant that's able to do this with you all. That's exciting. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, we are very fortunate, actually, to have found John. He's very knowledgeable in the field, so we're very pleased. Page 13 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: Gay, do you have any questions, comments? Okay. Yeah, sounds good, Waylen. And then, to engage the rest of the staff with your managers to move it forward? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. The overall Administration is trying to break down silos and work smarter, not harder—and we're trying to figure different ways to do that. So, once we get our managers engaged, I would—my goal is to eventually have something more broader to include our staff because they're the team—so we'd like to, in the future, engage with our staff and have something similar so that they can have their voices heard as well. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. So MR. LEOPOLDINO: That's it? Any questions? CHR. CABANAS: That's it. Yeah. Virtual Resource Job Fairs MR. LEOPOLDINO: Okay. The next item on my director's report is our virtual resource job fairs. I wanted to—in addition to everything—all our efforts that we're putting into recruitment, I wanted to highlight this new opportunity and the similar opportunities we're getting when it comes to recruitment. So, the Office of Housing and Community Development has a setup where it's a virtual resource fair and they use it in different types of events, like, recently, they did a hurricane resource fair where they have different agencies log in and the public get sent out an invitation. They log in and it's a ZOOM type setup. And there can be breakout sessions where the public can choose what room virtual room they want to attend to get more specific information. So, the Office of Housing and Community Development approached us and asked us if we would like to do a job fair using a similar setup and they've done it for other agencies and organizations. So, we are actually in discussions with Housing to setup two days and we've already had interest from departments. And our setup is, basically, going to be to recruit. So, we're going to do different virtual rooms that a department a County department will be assigned to, to do a presentation about that department and also discuss the vacancies that are available in that department. This first one that we're going to be implanting has a targeted audience. The Office of Housing and Community Development had a Rental Assistance Program for those affected by COVID- 19. And so, this program is actually going to sunset soon. So, the Housing Department is trying to find ways to get these people employed. So, we have a targeted audience I believeI can't say what the number is but, primarily, West Hawaii—people in West Hawaii were receiving benefits from this program. So, the primary Page 14 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 target audience would be people in this program, however, the Housing office has also offered to invite the general public to this opportunity. So, we're going to get the targeted audience in addition to the invitation being sent out to the general public. So, we'll be working with Housing on how to get those invitations out. But it's a really neat system because you can set up commercials and all kinds of things that, I think, will benefit us promoting the County and its vacancies. So, we'll see how this first round goes and, hopefully, build upon it. CHR. CABANAS: So, how does the public get these notices? How are you folks going to outreachI guess electronically, right? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. CHR. CABANAS: Or what means of advertisements or how are you going to let the public know? MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, Housing would create this link and we would likely be the ones to promote it—whether it be an ad, a radio ad—or whether it'd be something on our website. But it sounds like we would be doing the promotion for it. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. Because right now, other than your little Sunday ads in the newspaper, like Sunday's ad there were three new recruitments but the public doesn't know that you have 50 -something other recruitments open— MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. CHR. CABANAS: with that ad. So, how can you expand on that? They know—okay, you have three new ones but there are 50-somethingI don't know what the number is now but there are 50 -something other recruitments open, so that they could—it will prompt them to go and check out the website MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. CHR. CABANAS: to apply. So, how MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, we're working on ad—different ad campaigns. It's just, that one ad that we ran that listed all 56 continuous recruitment—that was thousands of dollars to advertise for in the newspaper. So, we're trying to leverage our budget. And the comments we were getting at our last job fair is nobody looks in the newspaper and we got a lot of those comments. So, we're trying to strategize different ways of advertising these positions. Page 15 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 So, we got projects—we're working on projects where we're beefing up our social media. We're working with—we've already engaged in IT to have something more solid on the social media side of things. So, that's, kind of, initially, what we're planning on doing. CHR. CABANAS: I guess what I was trying to say, Waylen, is you know on that small ad yes, you're right, to list all 53 is going to cost a lot of bucks. But you could also add a sentence to that small ad. "and many more job opportunities" or "and 50 -plus other jobs" to prompt them to get to the website. `Cause, otherwise, they just see three and they think, "Oh, that's all there is there." MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. CHR. CABANAS: For those that look at the newspapers there are people that still do. But the social media—what's the word the social media postings are very effective. So, how soon are those postings going to be broadcast because it's been, like, six months and we don't see any of that unless Public Works puts a few out ora few times, Water Supply put theirs out, but then we don't—members of the public, they don't see that. How soon is that going to occur? I mean, how long more is it going to take, `cause it's been like six months already. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. We'll work on those soon. CHR. CABANAS: Is there a timeline for that? MR. LEOPOLDINO: There's a—what we're trying to do, is we're trying to develop a QR code so that it can actually go on the ad. But then, there's a lot of legal issues with that, that we're trying to work out. And I don't—like I said, I want to try and leverage some of the budget that we have, so when we post these ads and we post these social media posts we're doing it right the first time, so we are trying to expedite it. We do need buy -in from IT because they're going to be supporting us on the QR code. Apparently, the QR code is how everybody is actually accessing websites these days. So, we are—we're trying to expedite as quickly as possible. On the other end, we're being bombarded with all these applications. So, our staff is working overtime at screening applications and trying to push all these applications that are coming in through continuous and our regular recruitment. So, I mean, we're absolutely doing our best trying to recruit. Page 16 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 MS. MATHEWS: What—do you have any idea about the demographics of the new recruits and then the internal recruits? Age the basic demographic kind of thing. MR. LEOPOLDINO: I don't have that information but we can, definitely, try and find that. We can get that information. But we the applications that we don't collect age or anything like that. So, it would only be—once they're onboarded. CHR. CABANAS: I guess, my concern is that the public sees the County as a competitive employer. So, when we look at it now, we see advertisements from all these other companies but we don't see it from the County. There's nothing other than the small ads in the paper. There's nothing on social media. There's nothing. So, it's like, I have to be honest—it's bothering me. It's like, this is killing me. It's like, where is it? It's like—although you're saying "soon" it's not—for me, it's not—I'm going to be very honest. It's not soon enough. Because you have 50-something—the last time I looked, it was almost 60 -something. And so, where is it? Even though you can do certain things that are not costly, there are things that can be done that are not as costly. So, even if the QR code comes—takes a little while longer, I don't know how much longer that will be. It's, like, if you're going to be competitive, you need to be in that race—and it is a race because everybody's looking for the quality applicants, and you want to grab them before somebody else grabs them. So, it becomes a very competitive race. Yeah. MS. MATHEWS: And I'm, kind of, curious about the QR code. QR code do nothing more than taking you to a website. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. MS. MATHEWS: So, it's your website that would actually have the legal issues—not the QR code. Why is the QR code taking a while? This I'm having trouble understanding that. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Well, what we currently have is a free QR code, so I just want to be sure that when we implement the QR code, we'reI just want to make sure that we're not—we're doing the right thing using—we're using a free QR code. But, I mean, so I guessI don't want to say that we're sitting on not recruiting. I think we're trying to do our best. We're just being bombarded with applications but a lot of them are not qualifying. So, we've even—I've offered Danny and my help in screening applications because the staff is just constantly screening applications and doing written exams. So, when I go back, we'll prioritize putting ads out there for sure. MS. MATHEWS: So, the good news is you've got a bunch of applications and that's exciting. Page 17 Merit Appeals Board MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. July 18, 2022 MS. MATHEWS: So, I guess, one of the questions iswhat's your rejection rate and where is it—where are the pockets? The QR code—what's the worse that happens if you're not supposed to be using a free QR code? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Go ahead. MS. DE SOTO: I was going to mention, I'm assuming(inaudible) for QR codes before is that they will sometimes terminate or they will break over time MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. MS. DE SOTO: if you're putting money into marketing, then you would have to change the QR code with every renewal. So, if you have a paid one it lasts longer. It's a really helpful, innovative way to direct traffic and it is visually catching. I think for younger generations, especially, if they see a website typed out and listed, they're not even going to bother to type that long thing in. So, I do appreciate that you guys are being innovative. I was going to ask, if I could, if it doesn't mess up the flowso, you've seen an uptick in applications? MR. LEOPOLDINO: We haven't done that evaluation yet, but that's part of our plan because that's part of my timeline is to, kind of, measure where we're at right now. But that would also include our rejection rate and things like that for sure. CHR. CABANAS: So, when you're getting a large number of applications are just overall ballpark estimate—are you you're shaking your head. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah. I mean, I wasn't prepared to provide that, so CHR. CABANAS: Yeah. But I guess that's one of the concerns that we, as Board members, have. And maybe add your—at the next Board meeting, you can provide all Board members with the information. `Cause this is, like, a growing concern for us. It's the applications, the advertisements but it's not only for recruitment. I think, if I may say—can I do it? Maybe you give us the quarterly reports, but when—and we appreciate that—those are very database, very statistical and all of that. But I think for our monthly report, if we could have a little tidbit—and that's the word I'll use — a little, very short tidbit about each of the functional areas so that we're not focused on just one Page 18 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 functional area. Because the Board would be concerned about all 8 functional areas that the department is responsible for. Recruitment, right now, is a big thing for all the employers. You're all looking for the same quality applicants. If you're telling the Board that you're getting a lot of applications that's good. But if the data reflects that, most of the applications coming in are not being accepted that's problematic because then, your recruitment efforts, to me, need to be a little bit more strategic. In other words, if you need people who are support (inaudible) those are the individuals you're going to go focus on. You need civil engineers, then you need to do that. If you need clerical, you need to do that. It needs to be categorized so that you get those quality applications for those designated positions. So, it would give the Board, I think, more information that would help us too, when we need to discuss matters with you and the deputy. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Because what it sounds like is you're getting a lot of applications and you folks are working your butts off—and it's taking a lot of staff time to screen it, but it—you may not be getting enough applications to refer to the hiring department and that's why you have 50 - something recruitments open because those positions are not being filled. And how do the departments feel at this point `cause it's been awhile already. So that—looks like the pressure is on HR, right? Yeah. MS. MATHEWS: But in defense of the department, my guess is part of this is COVID related where a whole lot of people decided working from home was, kind of, fun—and we could run out our unemployment. So, are you guys are getting stuck with a bunch of applications where the people their real goal is to be able to check off the box with unemployment and it's making you scramble in order to follow the criteria? But the reality is these people, really, are just after their unemployment till it runs out. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes, that's part of it. But I think if you all were able to see the past few job fairs and the recent articles that are coming out, people are not looking for work. I mean, it doesn't take much research for you to find that people are not looking for job fairs, they're not looking to apply for work that's not the case here. So, part of this, is I was going to mention that we're kind of re-strategizing. And instead of just focusing on job fairs and promoting all these vacancies we haveDHR is going to partner with all the departments and participate more in community events, so that the departments are highlighting what services they provide in the community, in addition to promoting the vacancies that they have. Page 19 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Because then what we're doing is, we're letting the public know that "Hey, this is what the County does. This is why we're here. Join us. Be part of this great team." And so, that's where our focus that's where we're moving that's the focus we're moving into right now. Our first event, we're going to partner with Prince Kuhio Plaza, is having a craft fair on August 5'h and 6h and they've offered to give the County a wing in the Plaza—and the County is going to be hosting its first community resource fair hosted by the Department of Human Resources. And so, we've already started that process. We're also looking into a job search kiosk in the mall. Another opportunity where—when we looked at the job fairs, we thought the only way we're going to get traffic is if people are interested in working. So, we decided not just to have something at the Civil Auditorium because, if people don't want to work, they're not going to come. But then, when you have a venue like the Plaza where you already have foot traffic, I think that'll be a little bit more effective. So, that's going to be first attempt is to host this community resource fair and we'll build upon it. I've already made contact with the mayor's office in Kona to also offer us that same opportunity on the Kona side because they have a lot of events and things—like the Kona Coffee Festival that I'd like to do pop -ups at where, if it's just Department of Human Resources, we just be out there just to be visible in the community. We just had the air force—we had something in Honoka`a the bandit was some kind of military band that was out in Honoka`a—air force band, thank you, J. And so, we worked with helping them get that set up. So, we are shifting gears trying to think outside the box and focus more on community. I think we're going to be a little bit more successful there. MS. MATHEWS: Could you piggy -back on the DMV kiosk? People are having to pay money right there and they may rethink not having a job. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, actually, that's where the idea came from, Gay—so thank you for making that recommendation. But it was the DMV kiosk where I got the idea to have a MS. MATHEWS: Yeah, but I'm saying you actually use their kiosk. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Oh, right, that's a good idea. MS. MATHEWS: And that you can press another button and it's County job opportunities. MR. LEOPOLDINO: When they be digging for the loose change to pay for (inaudible)I got it. Yes, thank you. That's a good idea. Sure. If we could just add our link or something on there, if you're looking for employment. That's a good idea. Page 20 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 MS. MATHEWS: Because those kiosks, I know from having an ATM in the past—that whole setup is a pain in the neck and it's expensive unless you have somebody sponsoring it and blah, blah—and you're always looking for ways to cut. They already exist and I used one the other day and went, "Whoa, this thing's cool"—so taking advantage of the traffic that has to be there, because they don't want to stand in line DMV. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. MS. DE SOTO: Canoh, do you want tosorry, go ahead. CHR. CABANAS: No, go ahead, Kate. MS. DE SOTO: I was just going to say the discussion that's happening right now, I think it's a good opportunity to circle back to what Gabe was saying about how, if you put on the agenda, the different functional areas—especially because as you're going through all of this innovation and brainstorming. The Board is a huge resource because we come from such varied backgrounds that if the items are on the agenda, we can chime in and contribute, I think, more easily, and this is an example of that—this discussion. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Kate. And then, we don't want to just single out one division, right, because all eight divisions are equally important. But it's just because the recruitment is such an issue now in our community where you see a lot of the employers with large ads—or even ask the newspapers to do a feature article the way police and fire have done. You could approach them and see if they could feature a number of articles for different departments—and that might help you there. I like the idea of the community involvement because, you know what, the personal touch with individuals when they're out and about shopping or going to some other function, that's how you grab them because they don't understand what the County does, they really don't. For those that got that, way back then, they got it. But now you have other people—we have new residents in the community, you have individuals who have now grown up and are now young adults. They have no clue and that engagement with them is where your worth is while. It would make it effective and that's how you encourage them to apply for County recruitments. Even when we had the town halls around the island and police took us to all those town halls pau hana. I tell you. That worked. We went into the communities. We went to Honoka`a, we went to Kona, we went to Ka`u, we went to Kea`au, we went to—did I say KohalaWaimea, we went to all of those. And police went—they took us, they drove us out there and we worked from, like, 5 to 78 at night. And the residents of each of those communities, they turned out. They had no idea what the County does. They had no idea what HR did, until we got there and gave our little presentation—about an hour or so—answered questions. And we had employees from Water Page 21 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Supply—all the different departments, they came and they helped—and they had little things to give away, little key chains and all of that. It made a difference. That was really effective. And that was one of the things I listed on that handout I gave the Board and to you. But, yeah, that really works. So, try out the Prince Kuhio Plaza and the different kiosks, and wherever you can participate—even the Merrie Monarch Parade, we marched in two years in a row. That made a big difference. So, just some ideas to help you folks along. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. MS. MATHEWS: Are you, by any chance, partnering with Hawaii County FCU? MR. LEOPOLDINO: No. We—do you have— MS. MATHEWS: I mean, well, I could. But my point is, they only deal with County employees. So, you've got this great opportunity for their stuffers, their statements, or possibly getting on their website with a link orI'm just, sort of, looking at partnerships that should be free and it's a win for both of them. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. MS. MATHEWS: It's a win for the credit union and it's a win for you. So MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: You can do it will all credit unions and not just designate one credit union. But Gay is right, there's a lot of areas that you could network with and just increase the visibility out there that's not costly. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. MS. DE SOTO: Just to, kind of, tag on. There's this other piece where I think you were alluding to that recruiting isn't just about marketing and advertising, right, because the workforce may not be there necessarily. And so, it does broaden this is an example of how it broadens to other areas—is thinking about classification. Like, do you have the educational pathways and to really that are lining up with how positions are being classified or how minimum qualifications are being written. Because from the universiat the university side, we have a lot of graduates that can't find jobs that are not—they're getting degrees and they're not translating into employment. Page 22 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 So, there is some type of larger gap happening in our communities and that is an example of an area where you could have an impact on recruitment by going completely outside of the recruitment route. So, I think, I just encourage you to continue to look into some of those bigger phenomena's and dynamics are happening in our community, `cause they're people—it's just somethings happening, right. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. Yeah. MS. DE SOTO: We're falling short somewhere. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. Do you have anything else under "virtual" MR. LEOPOLDINO: No. CHR. CABANAS: I know we, kind of, went into detail. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah. No, thank you for the information. CHR. CABANAS: But I think we're allI think we're concerned MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. CHR. CABANAS: And the concern is because we care. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Right. Absolutely. CHR. CABANAS: Yeah. And we want all of you to be successful in what you're doing. And maybe we're getting a little antsy about it but I know I wasI was getting a little antsy"Okay, where's the County, I want to tell people to apply for County jobs." And so, yeah, whatever you can do to move it forward—increase the visibility and then once you increase the visibility, you keep at it. It's a momentum already. You just—the drumbeat—you just got to keep at it, and see where it goes. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Yeah, go ahead, continue. Page 23 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 Equal Opportunity/ADA Division Update MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, the last item on my director's report is actually supporting what Chair Cabanas is saying. I didn't want our monthly meetings to just focus on recruitment even although it's a hot topic, I did want to include at least a presentation or an update from each of the functional areas. And so, that's why you see here our EO/ADA division update. I was going to—my proposal was to have one division per meeting, but I'd be happy to do a rundown of all eight, if that's what the Board prefers. But I, kind of, wanted to spend some time on the functional areas, so I could give you the opportunity to ask questions as well. So, for this meeting I wanted to highlight the EO and ADA Division. So I just wanted to do a quick recap of what that division has been doing. And, as you know, Danny is serving duo roles, right now, so he's been doing a great job with trying to keep up as well as serve as our Deputy. So, a brief overview of the EO/ADA Division. Our new Mass Transit Administrator is— there's—the sthere'sthe DOJ compliance ruling that our Mass Transit Administrator is trying to work with. And so, one of the ideas he had and he wanted to implement was the "mystery rider program" on the buses. And so, he's currently trying to recruit mystery riders to go along and just identify any areas that may be of concern. And so, in our EO/Deputy Director here, decided to jump on a route on both East and West Hawaii to get a feel of for what that would be like. So, I was very glad that Danny had an opportunity to do that. And so, he worked closely with John Andohis the Mass Transit Administrator—so he's working with both John and Tiffany Kai over there on doing that mystery ride for them. So, he did that. And then he will be providing a report to Mass Transit on his findings, so that Mass Transit can work on improvements, if needed, or beefing up anything that (inaudible). So, that was one of the programs that we participated in on our own. John did not ask us to do that. The Hawaii Department of Transportation had provided a week-long expert training on accessibility for pedestrian routes in Hawaii County for public rights-of-way. And so, Public Works is a big player in that. So, going forward, they'll make sure they're in compliance with anything new related to accessibilities for pedestrians in our County. So, Danny participated in the training to provide support, if needed, for Public Works. We also had awe revised our Reasonable Accommodations training. Throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic, we had to institute some changes to our reasonable accommodations request primarily focused on religious exemption, which we were not prepped for at the time we received them. Page 24 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 So, we were working through some hurdles at that time and there—through—there was an EO complaint filed with EEOC and it led toI always forget that word—mediation—excuse me. So, Corporation Counsel, DHR, and a representative from the EEOC met and, as a result of that mediation, the mediator gave us some tips on how to revise our reasonable accommodation training. So, Dan—once we received the report from EEOC—Danny immediately updated our reasonable accommodations training, so that all of our HR reps. recognize that any reasonable accommodation request that come in not only medical—but religious exemptions should also go through the interactive process. And then, finally, we interviewed three people for the EO Manager position last week. All did— we did not make any selection. The recruitment is on continuous recruitment. So, as soon as we get additional names, we will continue our interview and selection process so that we can relieve Danny of some his long list of duties. So that is the update I have for our EO/ADA Division. Any questions? MS. DE SOTO: May I ask a question related to the division but not specifically (inaudible). CHR. CABANAS: Go ahead, Kate. MS. DE SOTO: Okay. I was curious over the last couple years, if you've seen an increase in requests for reasonable accommodations that I know you mentioned religious but also mental health related, `cause we have seen an increase in mental health issues in our society as a whole in the last couple years. MR. LEOPOLDINO: We have not. I don't know if MR. PATEL: No. Yeah, we actually have not and based on the more recent data I'm tracking, the requests have actually gone down, somewhat. At least since last December, since I first filled the position, so. A lot of things happening. It's not really clear why, but yeah. No, for an answer. MS. DE SOTO: Do you feel that the, like, employees have sufficient knowledge and understanding their rights around reasonable accommodations and what types of diagnosis or disabilities fall under ADA? MR. PATEL: It does appear that way in the sense that if—haven't been getting much requests for consultations regarding—related to reasonable accommodations from individual departments. So, that says to me that they know what their obligations are when requests do come in they're able to address it. Most of them are typically along the lines of more immediate, I guess, relatively smaller needs, right, with ergonomic chairs and standing desks and that sort of thing, which we would usually provide. And part of the trainings that I've you can tell from the reports that we've gone through Page 25 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 20 -something trainings just within March and April alone. So, part of what I've been trying to do in those trainings is to really highlight that if there's any question to just ask. It's—we're there to provide the accommodation where needed, it helps the County because it makes the employees more efficient and able to perform their duties. So, I know I've been really trying to highlight that in the trainings I've been providing. CHR. CABANAS: I have one question, Waylen. So, yeah, now that there's the 988 that suicide hotline number that went into effect, I think, this week—any plans there to include that in your brochures or the payroll forms or anything like that. MR. LEOPOLDINO: We have not discussed that. There's no plans but, definitely, we can visit that and promote that. MR. PATEL: On the training side, part of what I have been doing is referencing the EAP fliers and always providing that with every training. So, with the 988 hotline that's definitely something to be added on that front as well. But more Countywide I don't think we've gotten to that point, yet. I think that was just released within the last week or two where there was a big advertising push for that. CHR. CABANAS: Yeah. It's recent. I just thought it might be something, `cause you never know what employees are going through as well or their family members. So, to help spread the work type of thing. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, I think one of the priorities that I had mentioned in prior meetings is mental health. It's been pretty common in the HR world. And so, obviously, our focus is on the recruitment end but it's, definitely, a priority that we want to look at going forward. So, that could be part of our whole mission as we, kind of, look into it. So, thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Okay, any other questions for Waylen or Danny. Okay. So, I just want to thank both of you, on behalf of the Board, for a detailed report today. But, yes, we do look forward to having just general summaries for each of the eight divisions, maybe starting next month, if you can do that. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Sure. CHR. CABANAS: That way, we provide equal—an equal opportunity to each of the eight divisions. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. Page 26 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: And not just one or two divisions. And the other thing I just want to add is the employment counseling component. So, when you—we have applicants whose applications are not accepted and the staff have contact—especially if it's a phone call or that—are they providing some employment counseling to the applicants? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes, absolutely. I got to say, we haveI don't want to say our senior staff—but our two Specialists in the position have been there for quite some time, and I have had the opportunity to see some of the email interaction with them and the applicants. And I do see that there is that piece that's still continuing. So, yes, that is definitely something we do. We don't just reject. If we feel the applicant can provide us more information or just the additional advice for counseling, we do provide that information. And I know our HR Manager in Recruitment also does that as well. So, we definitely promote that. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. But—good. That's good to hear. Because if someone doesn't meet the minimum qualification requirements for, let's say, this recruitment— MR. ecruitment MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. CHR. CABANAS: but maybe for another recruitment, they are having that conversation as well? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes. CHR. CABANAS: Okay, good. I think the trend is to sell, sell, sell. So, that's part of not only recruiting but we have a whole bunch of positions available -56 continuous recruitment positions. So, and I think our staff can also share the angst with trying to get these positions filled and they're doing everything possible to try and get it filled. So, definitely. And I was a former employment counselor, so I feel that's a very critical piece in our work. So, yes—short answer. CHR. CABANAS: Okay, good. That's good to hear. Thank you, Waylen. Okay, well, I guess that's it for today. Thank you so much. MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you, Danny, for coming today as well. Schedule Next Meeting Date (Item 9) CHR. CABANAS: Okay, next on the agenda is our scheduling the next meeting date, which Glynis will be polling Mel Ventura and Charlie as well, for an August meeting date and then she will get back to all of us. Okay, thank you, Glynis. Page 27 Merit Appeals Board July 18, 2022 So, that's going to be to be determined. Adjournment (Item 10) CHR. CABANAS: So, at this point, does—there's nothing else on the agenda. We are now on Item number 10 "Adjournment"—may I have a motion to adjourn today's meeting? MS. MATHEWS: So moved. MS. DE SOTO: Second. CHR. CABANAS: Thank you. Motion made to adjourn today's meeting and seconded. So, is there discussion? No discussion. So, we'll start with a rollcall vote with Ms. Mathews. MS. MATHEWS: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. De Soto. MS. DE SOTO: Aye. CHR. CABANAS: Ms. Cabanas—aye. Three ayes. Motion carried to adjourn today's meeting at 12:48 p.m. Thank you very much, everyone. Respectfully submitted, Glynis amada, StJ71A-a(a) ary-Reporter APPROVED: Altaintit` Gt, . �a (a-tt in 5-- Gabriella M. Cabanas, Chair Merit Appeals Board Page 28