Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 03-11-08 Special agenda ‎(finance director)‎ — reading text

does not proceed as she anticipated. This in turn hinders the successful and timely completion of a vast amount of city business. Most often, employees are not clear as to what is expected of them, due primarily to.their inability to candidly discuss issues with Ms. Absher. DvFjL4LL RATwG: Below Average As mentioned above, Ms. Absher is very skilled, knowledgeable, and capable of completing the duties and tasks assigned to hex. I recognized these attributes and in turn hired her as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Alachua. It is my intention that by bringing these deficiencies to her attention early, she will have the opportunity to strengthen in those areas. I would rather Ms. Absher assist me in moving the city in a more progressive manner, but I must also stress the need for her to be more respectful towards staff and myself and not use profanity in the workplace —those outbursts will neither be accepted nor tolerated.  15001 Northwest 140 Street Post Office Box 9 Alachua, Florida 32615 Phone: ( 386) 462 -1231 Fax: ( 386) 462 -1985 April 1, 2003 To: Lisa A.bslber Assistant City Manager Fro lovis Watson, Jr. 5- City Manager Re: VAwous CONmNs Per our conversation April 1, 2003, you advised me of concerns you have pertaining to a memo addressed to you, which I left on your desk yesterday. The Memo was in regards to the Engagement Letter from C.P.A. & Associates. You advised me you felt by me providing a copy of the memo to each Commissioner, I was attempting to " throw you under the bus." You further stated this was an opportunity for me to get the Commission upset with you, and in turn `take the heat offmysel£" This certainly is not the case. It has always been my practice to provide the Commission with a copy of the correspondence relating to a matter any member of the Commission brings to my attention. In this particular circumstance, Vice -Mayor Robbins called my office and asked me to provide her with a copy of the Engagement Letter, after her Public Records Request had not been met. I immediately approached you and asked you to be sure to forward a copy of the letter to the Vice -Mayor. You may recall the conversation, because I referred to the letter in question as a contract. You corrected we and advised it is referred to as a Letter of Engagement. You just informed me today that you gave the document to Deputy Clerk Colin Whitworth, prior to his vacation. However, he advised me he never received the documentation. I am not sure where the communication lines got crossed and this is certainly not an opportunity for me to try to cast blame. I received an e-mail from C.P.A. & Associates stating when the data would be available. However, I still needed you to follow up and advise me when the project would be complete. When the Vice Mayor didn' t receive the information, I wrote the memo to explain to her what took place. Clovis Watson, Jr. City Manager As City Manager it is my responsibility to report to the Commission. I am fully committed to the responsibility I have to each Commissioner as well as to the staff and citizens of this community. As my Assistant City Manager, I need you to carry out the duties I assign to you, in an effort to assist me in getting back with the Commission or citizens, etc. in a timely fashion. In addition to that, if I advise you of a request from a member of the Commission, I would appreciate your not telling me I don' t have to promptly respond, because in your words, " That' s what they will expect each time." Instead of you debating the validity of the request, I would rather you assist me in meeting the request. If circumstances won't permit you to meet the deadline, I encourage you to provide me with a deadline that' s conducive to your workload and reasonably close to the initial deadline, so I can advise the Commission when to expect the requested information. Furthermore, I am fully aware of the dynamics of the city and its special. circumstances. As a result, I know what needs to be done and how things need to be executed. As my Assistant City Manager, I need you to be Handful of the fact I report to the Commission and you report to me. I need you to work with me in order to keep City Hall running smoothly. Another concern you brought to my attention, involves rumors you' ve been hearing pertaining to City Hall, the Commission, and myself. You stated the rumors have caused you to feel uncomfortable. I advised you I do not give credence to rumors, neither will I take action based upon rumors. It is my responsibility to govern this city based solely on policy and procedure. My decision to relieve you of various duties is another area of concern you brought to my attention. You advised me you feel my decision was based on me not being pleased with your ability/performance. I assure you this is not the case. Initially, I assigned you with multiple tasks because we were short staffed. However, my decision to relieve you of some of the duties you were overseeing, is based on the fact the Commission approved the budget for the purpose of filling a number of vacant positions. I am currently in the process of doing so. In turn, by me filling these positions and delegating these various tasks and responsibilities, I feel it will enable me to be a more effective City Manager. .. Furthermore, I feel increasing the staff wffl result in the city operating more efficiently. In accordance to what I stated earlier referencing your ability to follow through with tasks I assign to you, I feel compelled to share a few concerns of my own. On numerous occasions you have shown your unwillingness to accept my directives without taking issue with the tasks being requested of you. Allow me to share a couple of examples. Today, I presented you with several tasks I need completed relating to the Finance Department. You advised me to direct the tasks to Nat Hadsock, since I have named him Acting Finance Director. When I explained it is my objective to have you coordinate with Mr. Hadsock, you responded by saying say " No, have him do it." I explained for a second time, as my Assistant Clovis Watson, Jr. t City Manager