MINUTES
FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
CALIFORNIA UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE APPEALS BOARD
Docket No. 5716
Open Session
The Appeals Board meeting convened at 11:00 a.m., August 13, 2025, with Chair Michael Allen presiding.
1. Roll Call: Members Present Absent
Michael Allen, Chair x
Laura Kent-Monning, Vice-Chair x
Mike Eng x
Bob Wieckowski x
Richard Roth x
2. Approval of Minutes:
The Board approved the July 16, 2025, Meeting Minutes, with Vice-Chair KentMonning abstaining.
3. Chair's Report:
Since the last meeting, the Board resolved approximately 993 cases. Of these, 986 were processed through CAMS, and 7 cases were completed in the legacy system. Chair Allen thanked the Board and the members of the CUIAB organization for their work and dedication.
4. Board Member Reports:
Vice-Chair Kent-Monning commended the field offices for their work.
Member Eng thanked the staff for their support, particularly in managing the transition of cases from the legacy system to CAMS.
5. Public Comment:
There were no public comments made during the meeting. One written public comment was received and entered into the record.
6. Board Member Reports:
In July, the average daily appeals intake remained consistent with levels over the past two years, after a brief increase in December and January. The average case age decreased to 31 days, significantly lower than the national average. In July, 24.8% of first-level appeals were resolved within 30 days and 69% within 45 days.
Member Eng commended the field offices for their work and asked about CUIAB's goals for the end of the year. Chief Cutri advised that CUIAB will continue to work towards meeting the DOL Timeliness Standard measures and work on implementing CAMS in the Office of Tax Petitions. In response to Member Eng’s question about the impacts of recent wildfires on workload, Chief Cutri reported that the fires have not resulted in a significant increase.
Member Wieckowski commended CUIAB on its progress towards meeting the DOL's timeliness standards and inquired about the variations in processing times among the field offices. Chief Cutri discussed the reasons for the apparent variations in processing times, explaining that certain categories of complicated cases are processed in a central office, then distributed for hearings.
Member Roth asked about personnel workload expectations once DOL timelines are met. Chief Cutri advised that the workloads are evaluated on an ongoing basis with consideration placed on the ability to respond to fluctuations in appeals.
7. Supervising ALJ for Appellate Operations, Rebecca Bach Report:
In July, 32.8% of second-level appeals were resolved within 45 days and 98.9% within 75 days. The average case age was 32.2 days, significantly ahead of the national average.
The Board thanked Supervising Judge Bach for her work.
8. Chief Information Officer, John Caampued Report:
Chief Information Officer Caampued reported that IT is currently migrating AO tax petitions to CAMS. To support these efforts, IT is hiring additional developers with expertise in Salesforce.
Member Eng asked if CUIAB has received feedback on CAMS and how it is being handled. Chief Cutri advised that advocate groups have provided feedback and requested enhancements that CUIAB has been able to implement.
Member Wieckowski inquired about the migration of program codes for the Office of Tax Petitions. Chief Cutri advised that the majority of the tax program codes associated with tax rulings are currently in CAMS; the small portion of remaining program codes and associated cases will be migrated.
Member Roth inquired about a party representative’s request for a copy of the case file. Chief Cutri explained that representatives may become portal users, allowing them to download the case documents. Member Roth also asked about the feasibility of implementing a system for texting reminders to parties. Chief Cutri advised that this is being evaluated.
9. Chief of Administrative Services, Robert Silva Report:
Chief Silva reported that two new support staff have been hired since the last Board meeting, with nine pending support staff recruitments. He noted that the Bay Area office continues to face challenges hiring entry-level support staff due to the high cost of living. Chief Silva stated there was an 86% retention rate in the State Fiscal Year 2024-2025, consistent with the average over the last six years.
Purchasing for State Fiscal Year 2025/2026 has opened, and Chief Silva will present CUIAB's Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget at the September Board meeting.
Chair Allen asked about CUIAB's retention rate compared to other State agencies. Chief Silva will gather this information.
Member Eng also asked about support staff vacancies. Chief Silva indicated that CUIAB's challenges in recruiting support staff primarily involve the Bay Area Office of Appeals. Member Eng inquired whether trailer legislation may impact CUIAB's budget. Chief Silva will review and advise the Board.
Member Roth asked whether other State agencies located in the Oakland area have difficulty recruiting staff in lower wage grade classifications. Chief Silva will consult with LWDA on this.
Closed Session:
The Board deliberated on Case No. 10319742.
Open Session:
The Board reconvened open session and adjourned.