The Palm Coast City Council’s evaluation of City Manager Matt Morton’s second year can be read as straight numbers. They can also be read for the politics: Morton has his three solid block of supporters in Mayor Milissa Holland and Council members Eddie Branquinho and Nick Klufas. He has a vote that may swing–though not quite a swing vote–in Ed Danko, who is “pleased with Mr. Morton’s overall performance.” And he has a barefaced antagonist, or at least not a fan, in Victor Barbosa.
For those familiar with the council’s business, the numbers are not a surprise.
For Morton, the evaluations are a slight improvement over his first year’s despite the very low marks of the one unhappy council member–the one who called for Morton’s firing earlier this month, days before his second-year anniversary in the city.
Morton scored an overall average of 3.84 out of 5. Last year, he scored a 3.73. A grade of 3 “meets expectations,” a grade of 4 “exceeds expectations,” so Morton is exceeding more than meeting expectations.
The evaluation form was scaled down from last year’s seven-page, 11-question form, which had the appearance of a standardized test answer sheet: each question had extended phrases defining each possible answer, each to be rated on the same 1-to-5 scale. This year, the council went to something more like the IRS’s EZ Form–a two-page document with just five categories, each described in a few sentences. Council members could choose to just give a grade or give a grade and add comments to each category.
Morton’s two highest scorers were Mayor Milissa Holland and Council member Eddie Branquinho, both of whom gave him 5’s across the board, with no additional comment. Under overall performance, Branquinho just wrote: “Wealth of knowledge.” Both council members’ grades were a significant improvement from last year, when Holland’s grades were between 3 and 4, leaning toward 3, and Branquinho’s were heavy on 4’s.
Perhaps the two council members anticipated that other council members might want to give him far lower grades, and they didn’t want the overall score to be skewed by that. If that’s the case, they were right: Council member Victor Barbosa graded Morton quite brutally, with comments to boot. His overall score was a 2–“improvement needed,” with a couple of “unsatisfactory” ratings along the way.
“Does the city manager inspire others to succeed?” the first question reads. “Does he actively promote efficiency in operations? Does he demonstrate a high regard for personal ethics?”
Barbosa gave him a 1. “He inspires some but not all,” Barbosa wrote, saying efficiency is in “need of great improvement.” The evaluation does not include examples. Regarding demonstrating ethics, Barbosa wrote: “I believe he could but he has not shown his best behavior.”
On decision-making, thoughtfulness and judgment, Barbosa again gave him a 1, saying Morton doesn’t discuss matters on a one on one basis. “He can sometimes be [led] by any one council member to their point,” Barbosa wrote. He gave the manager a 3 on both planning and budgeting, though his comments were no less severe, saying Morton “could use some additional training” on setting realistic objectives and appropriate timeframes. The grade falls back to a 2 on communication and responsiveness, where Barbosa declares that Morton “not professional” and does not respond to council or citizen requests in a timely manner.
“Wish he becomes more professional less emotional and works things out with a clear mind,” Barbosa wrote in his concluding comment, a statement that could also describe many of Barbosa’s prolonged Facebook videos, where he discusses city matters and his opinions at length.
Palm Coast City Manager Matthew Morton, 2021 Evaluations
| Leadership | ||||||
| Decision-making/Judgment | ||||||
| Planning & Organization | ||||||
| Budgeting | ||||||
| Communications | ||||||
| Totals | ||||||
| Averages |
1. Unsatisfactory, 2. Improvement needed, 3. Meets Expectations, 4. Exceeds expectations, 5. Outstanding
Barbosa was elected to the council last November, along with Ed Danko, so the two council members were not part of the group that hired Morton, and on the campaign trail both had been intensely critical of the city and its administration. Danko’s criticism cooled considerably soon after his election. Barbosa’s was never apparent on the council itself: until his move against Morton at the April 6 meeting, when Barbosa got no support from any other council member, he had not voiced the sort of issues, concerns or criticism he did in his evaluation, which appears to have been influenced by that meeting and its aftermath.
Danko was less critical, rating Morton a 3.2, or somewhat above “meets expectations.” Morton got 3’s across the board but for communications and responsiveness, where Danko gave him a 4. “Communications between myself and Mr. Morton have been excellent. He has responded quickly to my concerns, and more importantly, to the concerns and issues I have presented to him on behalf of our residents,” Danko wrote–a comment telling as much about Danko’s satisfaction as for how the comment is diametrically opposed to Barbosa’s on the same score. Since three other council members gave Morton either a 4 or two 5’s on that category, Barbosa’s outlying score raises questions.
Danko–who comes across in his evaluation, as on the dais in meetings, as more measured and thoughtful than the shrill and bombastic voice that animates his Trump Club persona–was reluctant to be too judgmental on such things as the budget or Morton’s leadership skills. But from what he’s experienced, Danko wrote, he’s liked what he’s seen. “From what I have also witnessed so far, I’ve personally have seen no issues regarding ethics,” he wrote–a particularly measured line whose use of personally nevertheless suggests something less than finality. Again, on the campaign trail, Danko’s criticism of the city had been more pointed, and his reckoning may be his gradual way to conceding that he may have been off base.
Danko’s evaluation may be summed up by four of his words: “So far, so good.” Not a rousing endorsement, not a condemnation, and room to go either way.
“While we may disagree on some spending issues (Jacksonville University comes to mind),” Danko wrote in his concluding remarks, “I do believe he does have the best interest of Palm Coast in his heart and mind. I have been very impressed with his willingness to accompany me and meet with residents and work on finding solutions to address their concerns. However, I do have concerns about our city’s future and I am expecting Mr. Morton to work the remainder of this year coming up with a long-term plan to address and fund dredging of our saltwater canals and a plan that will focus on real efforts to attract businesses (as opposed to universities) to relocate or expand in Palm Coast. We are a changing community and we need high paying jobs.”
Danko’s relatively recent move to Palm Coast–he bought his house three years ago–may explain his statement about attracting business as opposed to universities: both the city and the county for years had attempted to attract businesses, with a steady record of fiascoes and little to no success despite lavish subsidies, rare and oversold exceptions exceptions aside. Drawing the two universities to Palm Coast amounts to the most significant and presumably lasting economic development success a local government has scored in over a decade. A close second is the return of a Brunswick Corp. subsidiary, Boston Whaler, with the promise of 300 to 400 manufacturing jobs, to replace the loss of Sea Ray a few years ago–a gain in which the city, not the county, played a key role. (The county had one exchange with Brunswick.) Boston Whaler’s plant represents the largest manufacturing operation in the county, with some of the county’s highest-paying jobs.
In sum, Morton’s watch over the past year has ticked to three economic development coups of unparalleled magnitude when compared to the years going back to the housing crash. A previous administration was far more adept at patting itself on the back.
None of the evaluations made reference to those seemingly significant developments–nor to the challenges of the Year of Covid, with one exception: that of Council member Nick Klufas, who referred to the pandemic: “Over the past year we’ve experienced some of the most difficult times I’ve seen on City Council. Mr. Morton you did a tremendous job migrating our staff to a virtual environment and navigating the Covid-19 pandemic from my perspective,” Klufas wrote in his concluding remarks. With his across-the-board 4’s, Klufas had given the manager high marks, including Morton’s improvement in “getting ‘in-front’ of issues before they come to Council.” There was much applause throughout. But Klufas gave no explanation about why the 5’s were lacking, or what Morton is expected to do to get there.
Last year when Morton was evaluated just as the pandemic’s first wave was crashing over the community, he turned down a $7,000 raise, calling the timing inappropriate. It would be seven months before he’d accept it, without backpay. That was last January. The latest evaluation puts him in line for another raise–and the odd position of becoming eligible for one just months after taking his last.
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Michael Cocchiola says
Morton’s doing just fine. A solid 4. If the construction around the intersection of Old Kings and PC Pkwy improves traffic flow at midday, I’ll bump my rating to 4.3.
Jimbo99 says
Like most evaluations, there seems to be a rubber stamping process going on. I don’t know how there are 5’s indicated and no comments/examples. There seems to be incomplete grading. Do these look like grade school report cards. One has to take the poorest grading with a grain of salt considering what recently has transpired. The grades across the board reflect the internal politics of the council pretty much. This almost looks like the same results of the politics of a council vote when Joe Mullins was up for censure ?
Judy says
I heard our City Manager does not live in Palm Coast but on Flagler Beach? Is this correct? Is it allowed?
FlaglerLive says
That is incorrect. The city manager lives and owns property in Palm Coast’s E section, as can be verified through property appraiser records.
metoo says
What can the average citizen SEE what he’s done?
John Stove says
Surprise….Surprise…..Barbarosa’s ratings are well outside the average norm given by the other evaluators. That is called an “outlier” and unless detailed facts and figures are given to justify such a rating they are dismissed. It is quite obvious after calling on Mr. Morton to be “fired” that Barbarosa was/is incapable of being impartial when evaluating someone.
Sounds like Barbarosa is whining again and is lashing out after being exposed for the imbecile he is. Like a 2 year old who works himself into a tantrum and doesn’t know how to calm down and act like the rest of the kids at the playground.
Greg says
The city counsel, mayor and manager will only be happy when they have totally destroyed the character of Palm Coast. Building everywhere. I think tax dollars are all the seek. Traffic getting worse everyday. I moved here several years ago but have seen Palm Coast’s roads fall apart. Too much low income housing. If you can’t afford to live here, don’t. Soon to be like Orlando and the crime is sure to follow. We are already talking out moving out.
GR says
The character of Palm Coast is already destroyed and will get worst. They just keep building houses and commercial buildings and the traffic is terrible now! I’m thinking about moving too.
Monte Cristo says
Not taking a raise last year was what a good manager should have done. So on that point he gets and “A” for effort.
For experience we hired a “C” level assistant City Manager.
Maybe one day he’ll grow up to becoming a a better City Manager but I wish it wasn’t going to be on my time and dime.
Palm Coast dosen’t need him learning here by mistakes.
You have a 3-2 Council that is not a good thing in your job.
Learn respect, make sure you study your growth and projects before you just say yes to the select few on Council, that gave you good reviews, and or lead you by your nose.
If I were on Council, you’d get to keep your job with some re-training, an improvement calendar, and no raise until the following review.
You can’t be trusted, and your lack of experience shows.
As far as your assistance with the boat folks, Mednexus well that actually it the job you should do. To get any accolades beyond thanking you is not the reason for your greatness.
Earn it my friend, just earn it!
William Moya says
Barbosa’s comments:
“I believe he could but has not shown his best behavior”
“not professional”
“Wish he becomes more professional less emotional and works things out with a clear mind.”
E tu Brute?
Denali says
In my 30 plus years of being in management positions for both the public and private sectors and responsible for dozens of annual staff evaluations, I have never seen such a poor example of an evaluation. I would only hope that Mr. Morton does not accept this level of quality from his department managers when they evaluate their staff.
You need to start with a clear cut set of expectations for the individual, some places call them goals and I am not speaking of a ‘job description’. What do you expect this employee to accomplish during the year? Without expectations, you have nothing against which to measure the employee. There is no basis for the evaluation. Do we even have expectations for this position?
To simply assign a number to a category is unfair to the employee and the city. Whatever rating you assign to category, it must be supported by facts. If an employee needs improvement, say so. If they have exceeded the expectations, state how this was accomplished. Here we are, back to those expectations or goals once again. To simply assign a number to a category or write some meaningless tripe is an insult to the employee – it shows that you just do not care enough to put your thoughts into words.
What the city is calling an evaluation would be best used to wrap last nights fish for the trash. With two exceptions no thought was given to these ‘evaluations’. The best evaluations I ever received were from my biggest detractors – they were well written and on point with regard to areas where I needed improvement.
Mr. Barbosa, you lost any credence by misspelling Mr. Morton’s name and using a word not found in the English language; “affective”, just what does that mean? Am I picking nits? Perhaps, but leading by example is one sign of a good manager. Perhaps in lieu of using this evaluation as a tool to further your personal agenda, you could have used it as intended and provided guidance to a city employee as to how he could meet the predetermined expectations for his position.
I do not know why we should expect more from our city council. They have once again failed in their duty to the taxpayers of Palm Coast, they have made the evaluation of a city employee a political football. When will we as voters wake up and start electing individuals with integrity and the clarity of thought required to guide our city?
Percy's mother says
There IS indeed a word found in the English language, which is “affective”.
“Affective” is used commonly in the mental health field, i.e, “affective disorder” or SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
“Affective” has to do with an emotional component.
A new word, definition and way to use the word has been learnt today!!
Denali says
My error, I got wrapped up in his failure to use the word “effective” properly – just as I see red when people use “there”, “their”, and “they’re” interchangeably. And please, do not get me started on ‘to’, “too”, and “two”. . . .
Underdog says
In the midst of a global pandemic wherein Palm Coast was projected to have a massive death toll, our city manager shepherded his staff and electorate to one of the lowest infection and death rates which permitted businesses to come back on line faster and led to schools opening sooner. While the critics were safely at home, he and staff were working to make sure your toilet flushed, garbaged was picked, your swale was maintained, sheriff was paid and your grocery store was open so you could purchase even more toilet paper. I am sure you never volunteered a pay cut as Morton did. That! my fellow citizen is a leader and something that trolls & critics would never contemplate, only complain about.
Concerned Citizen says
Just curious as to why a City Councilman with a known dislike/animisity towards a City Manager is being allowed to evaluate Mr. Morton?
Also if Mr. Barbosa wants his evaluations taken seriously he should check his spelling and grammar. Both are important and matter when conducting official busniess.
Lastly
Mr. Barbsosa
You have no call to be critical about being emotional. You continue to bully and harass City staff. You have created what’s called a hostile work environment. And in the private work force you would no longer be employed.
If you expect your subordinates to not be emotional correct your ways and lead by example.
palmcoaster says
Mr. Morton is a fine manager that has an open door to us the residents request trying to preserve our quality of life and safety. I agree that was outstanding refusing a pay rise last year and along our Mayor and Council promotes the mask wearing safety for all. Lets appreciate the good that we have and be very careful of what we wish for with negative critique. To Mr. Morton I will only kindly ask to not initiated, as reported if true, legal action against Councilman Barbosa …as you can show him that way a greater example of class, respect and camaraderie as I believe that you both can still work together. We trust that our city officials, in spite of the offensive word “corrupt” can still set a better example for the county always embroiled in sue happy extraordinary legal fees funded with “other peoples monies” , the taxpayers.