Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 09-08-06 special minutes — reading text

Dr. Pullen asked whether Ms. Absher has ever been associated with a military community such as Fort Walton Beach. She her replied family has a military background and feels she would fit in just fine. Mr. Tucker expressed his personal feeling that the city, county, state, and country are going through some tough times financially, and whoever is chosen as Finance Director will have major decisions to make regarding the City. The Mayor asked Ms. Absher if she had any closing comments she would like to make. She thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to interview, and that she is enthusiastic and excited about working for the City of Fort Walton Beach. Ms. Absher' s interview was completed at 12: 50 p. m. RECESS The meeting recessed at 12: 50 p. m. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 1 : 05 p. m. JAMES FULKERSON INTERVIEW Mr. Wiltsie introduced James Fulkerson. Mr. Fulkerson discussed his education and background, including employment with the City of Owensboro, Kentucky, since 1982, where he started as a cost accountant and rose to the position of Finance Director in September of 1998. Mr. Fulkerson stated he has been there for 24 years and is looking for a new challenge. 34 Special Council Meeting 9- 08- 06 JAMES FULKERSON INTERVIEW lCONT) The Mayor explained to Mr. Fulkerson that each Council member will be given the opportunity to ask two sets of questions. Mr. Minich inquired of Mr. Fulkerson his long- range career is active in the GFOA and plans. Mr. Fulkerson replied he attends many educational continue to do so. When asked meetings, and he would like to how long he would Director, Mr. Fulkerson stay with the City if hired as Finance replied he would like to retire within 10 years. Dr. Pullen asked if he has read the Charter of the views the position as a Charter City of Fort Walton Beach, and how he Officer. Mr. Fulkerson and views the replied he has not read the Charter, position as a Charter Officer a great the citizens. responsibility to both the Council and When questioned by Mr. Tucker whether Owensboro is a full- service responded that it was. city, Mr. Fulkerson Mr. Campbell commented on the City of Owensboro 27 years, and that Mr. receiving the Award of Excellence for Fulkerson was on staff for 24 of Fulkerson what he thought was his those years. He asked Mr. greatest achievement during those 24 response was that the City won the GFOA years, and his Award for budgeting his first received it every year since. year there and has As with Ms. Absher. Mr. Patterson questioned Mr. Fulkerson' s council persons every two to four years, and his ability to adjust to new to those not willingness to simplify the budget process readily familiar with it. Mr. Fulkerson responded he has never had a adjusting to new Councils; in fact, he considers it a problem people and hearing new ideas. He advised he pleasure meeting and working with new has always strived to the most user- present the budgets in friendly method as possible, and he would continue to strive to do that. Mr. Holmes inquired what difficulties, if any, he years and relearning a new anticipated leaving a system used for 25 city and new methods. Mr. Fulkerson challenge, and cited differences in millage rates and responded it would be a state statutes, among others. In response to Mr. Patterson' s questions on his take him to make management style and how long it would changes or improvements in the daily Department, Mr. Fulkerson stated a operations of the Finance service, and that there is a key point to his style of management is customer good way and a bad way to make would do is learn about the system and the people here before changes; the first thing he making changes. Mr. Campbell asked Mr. Fulkerson to describe a situation solve a problem. He where he had to build a team to responded that in Owensboro, he built a Department after the swift departure of his whole new Finance team that was put in predecessor. Mr. Fulkerson also discussed the place that worked out an annexation City Owensboro by 10%. of incentive plan and enlarged the Upon questioning, Mr. Fulkerson advised that if hired, he would Owensboro 4 to 6 weeks notice like to give the before beginning work for the City of City of Fort Walton Beach.  Special Council Meeting 9- 08- 06 35 JAMES FULKERSON INTERVIEW ( CO NT! Upon questioning by Dr. Pullen regarding working with a stated that would not be a military community, Mr. Fulkerson problem, and noted that Kentucky has several facilities as well. large military Mr. Minich asked Mr. Fulkerson to describe the relationship between the Finance and the City Manager. Mr. Fulkerson Director stated he sees the team. Mr. Minich also relationship as a key part of the inquired how he would handle a financial situation or with the City Manager, and Mr. Fulkerson disagreement informed he would follow the order of the Manager. City The Mayor asked Mr. Fulkerson if he had any closing comments he would like to make. He thanked Council for the opportunity to interview, and stated he feels he has the skills and experience to do a very good job for the City. Mr. Fulkerson' s interview was completed at 1 : 25 p. m. VOTING PROCEDURES Mr. Baenzinger distributed straw ballots to each Council member to fill out, and were returned to the City Clerk, who read the results as follows: Mr. Holmes, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Tucker, and Dr. Pullen voted for Lisa Absher; Mr. Campbell and Mr. Minich voted for James Fulkerson, with Mr. Hartwell absent. Mr. Baenzinger asked Council how they wanted to proceed. Consensus was to have a formal motion and open the floor to discussion of the candidates. Dr. Pullen moved to nominate Lisa Absher to the position of Finance Director. Mr. Tucker seconded motion. Council discussed what they felt were the positive points for each candidate, as well as their concerns. Positive points regarding Ms. Absher included a dynamic personality; flexibility; familiarity with Florida laws and procedures; confidence; and is articulate. Concerns regarding Ms. Absher included a civil rights lawsuit filed against the City of Alachua including its City Manager; lack of longevity in previous employment and that she may be using this position as a stepping stone to further her career; and possible pre- conceived notions regarding ex- military supervisors. Mr. Baenzinger advised if the lawsuit is not already settled, it is very close to being settled. Positive points regarding Mr. Fulkerson included intelligence, experience, and longevity with the City of Owensboro. Concerns regarding Mr. Fulkerson included a lack of motivation; possible unwillingness to try new ideas; and planned retirement in the next few years.  Special Council Meeting 36