February 18, 2025

Present

Charles Wright- Inspector General; Saul Morse- Chairman, Megan Norlin- Board Member; JaeJin Pak- Board Member; Shirley Perez- Board Member; Greg Walkington- Board Member; Demetra Brown- Administrative Assistant

Called to Order - 11:00am

Quorum present to commence the meeting.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

  • December 17, 2024, minutes were reviewed.
  • Motion to approve the minutes - Greg Walkington
  • Motion Seconded - Shirley Perez
  • All in favor, No Opposed - December 17, 2024, minutes approved.

Bi-Monthly Update on OIG Operations

  • Continued discussion regarding cameras at SODCs.
  • Proposed code change to MH and DD regarding neglect and financial exploitation.
  • Alleged employee is put on leave and cannot work- with change, employees of alleged cases of neglect or financial exploitation of less than $100 would be allowed to work.

Administrative Matters

  • Confirmation completed- Charles Wright appointed Inspector General.
  • Deputy Inspector General has been named, waiting for approval.
  • Budget is currently in limbo due to transition at federal government level; budget address is Feb.19th, 2025.
  • 101 employees at OIG currently, 99 approved for 2025.
  • Goal is to secure 104 employees by next year (2026).
  • Creating efficiencies, possibly employ more contracted employees.

Other Business

  • Questions/comments from board members.
  • Are employees paid when on leave?
  • The order of accountability and how to minimize allegations. OIG should be the last resort not the first response. (Shirley)
  • Is there anything in the policy regarding employee's past behavior? (Nancy)
  • Policy development and rules to address employees with allegations should be considered. (Saul)
  • Met with Charles concerning guidance such as: keeping the parties involved in the incident separate until the interview process has been completed. (Greg)
  • How to responsibly assign risks to allegations. (Charles)
  • Language is subjective- monitor employees displaying questionable patterns. (JaeJin)
  • More minor cases are allowing employees to continue working until a decision is made by change the environment. (Greg)
  • The Administrative Procedures Act- A record of accountability to avoid leave of absences. (Saul)

Adjournment

* Meeting was adjourned at 11:45am

Motion to adjourn- Greg Walkington

Motion seconded- Megan Norlin