Nearing the completion in October of her second year as Flagler County Administrator, Heidi Petito received glowing evaluations from two commissioners (Dave Sullivan and Greg Hansen) and a distinctly less glowing one from a third (Andy Dance).
Commissioner Donald O’Brien didn’t bother turning one in. Commissioner Leann Pennington wasn’t allowed to fill one out, as she was told by human resources that she was not on the commission for the evaluation period–October 2021 to October 2022.
When the evaluations were requested by FlaglerLive, an evaluation by the commissioner Pennington trounced–Joe Mullins, who was on the commission during that period, but as a severely compromised member–was included in the packet. It, too, was a glowing one, if an irrelevant one.
The evaluation is a five-page document divided into five categories, four of them allowing commissioners to check boxes and make brief summation comments at the end of each section–organization and authority, communications, leadership, finances. The fifth section is for “overall comments,” and Petito’s response.
Dance and Sullivan provided detailed responses, Hansen a bit less so. Hansen and Sullivan checked all 26 boxes in the “outstanding” category (Sullivan actually overlooked one). Hansen described her running county staff “like a well-oiled machine,” communicating with constituents and standing as a “shining star” recognized for her “team building and her motivational style of leadership.” Hansen said “she makes my job easy.”
Sullivan credited Petito for taking the lead when dealing with her own staff and constitutional officers. Petito has had notable, civil duels with the sheriff at budget time, for example. “She took them all on without worrying about hurt feeling[s] in order to get the best decision,” Sullivan wrote. He also described her as “a very effective communicator. She makes her points clearly and [is] easily understandable and does not use excess amount of time to make her statements.”
To observers of the commission, Sullivan was not exaggerating: Petito is skilled at presenting complex issues lucidly and without jargon–or, as was at times the case with her predecessor, petulance.
Sullivan also underscores Petito’s successes in forging new relationships with the cities (particularly Palm Coast, overcoming what had previously been a more competitive dynamic). He listed her accomplishments in developing county goals and a comprehensive plan (the long-term blueprint for development).
Dance, a more analytical end deliberate member of the commission–especially in comparison with his three male colleagues–was less effusive, finding Petito to exceed expectations more often than reach outstanding levels, and in the case of “providing adequate information for knowledgeable decision-making,” finding her only to meet expectations. (On a basic level, workshops and at times meetings lack back-up information for public inspection ahead of meeting time, or even until they are requested.) But Dance applauded her for “creating an exceptional working environment with the other government leaders.”
He was less complimentary on communications, citing the “clumsy” way the Bull Creek Fish Camp building’s demise was handled, and citing the need for better internal and external communications. He was also cautious on her performance in finances, rating her as meeting expectations in five of six categories. Petito, he wrote, “walked into a budget that needed work, so there are growing pains as the County tries to catch up on deferred projects and needs while still meeting new pressures, such as inflation and beach repairs.”
He again used the word “clumsy” to describe the first budget process, but saw quick improvements. In most ways, the timing of the evaluations is such that they are already outdated, now that the commission is in its second budget process.
Petito’s contract as administrator for Flagler County refers to “an annual review” of her performance, but it doesn’t say when the review should be conducted.
Petito was appointed the permanent administrator in October 2021, giving her a full a year and nine months on the job, and at least one set of completed annual evaluations. FlaglerLive requested those evaluations on June 13. A week later, three were turned in (not counting the departed commissioner’s), with some commissioners scrambling to fill them out after the request was placed.
The evaluations by Dance, Sullivan and Hansen all had different dates, or no date: Hansen’s evaluation was undated. Sullivan’s evaluation was dated Jan. 12. Dance’s was dated May 14. Petito’s responses to all three were dated June 15.
The county did not explain why O’Brien did not turn in his evaluation other than to say he did not turn one in (nor did he for the county attorney: those evaluations were also requested and produced by four of the five sitting commissioners).
An email to Pennington from Pamela Wu, the county’s human resources director, explained why she had not received an evaluation package: “Mrs. Petito’s twelve-month evaluation period is October 18, 2021 through October 18, 2022. Therefore, you would not have been a Commissioner during the period in which she is being evaluated and would not have received the evaluation packet.”
The county administrator and the county attorney are the only employees the commissioners directly supervise and evaluate. The evaluation rules are not set by the administration–that would be a conflict of interest–but by the commissioners. It isn’t clear why the evaluations were not conducted at the end of October or openly discussed at a commission meeting. Since Pennington’s election there wasn’t a commission discussion setting the parameters of the evaluations as Wu described them.
“I couldn’t find anywhere where it actually said it’s outside the window other than HR telling me that,” Pennington said, “so I was caught off guard, to be honest with you, but I’m going to respect that for now.”
Asked how she would have evaluated the county administrator, Pennington said: “I think we’re doing OK. I’d like to see more solutions for getting our budget in line, solutions that come from staff, other than us having to look for them. I’d really like to see cuts from within, because we are short.” Petito warned the commission at an earlier workshop that the county could be looking at a $6 million deficit despite a windfall from tax valuations.
“I’m worried we’re going to be left with very difficult decisions and I’d have liked to see some better solutions from within,” Pennington said. “I do believe that falls within her purview to offer us alternative solutions that aren’t necessarily negative ones.”
When told that two of her colleagues had provided straight-ticket outstanding evaluations, Pennington said: “I don’t think it’s realistic to say everyone is outstanding at their job. I have room for improvement every day, so I would not really set my bar at that.” She would like to see better communications, and also cited the Bull Creek issue as an example.
Petito was hired at a base salary of f $179,000. The contract calls for raises based on her evaluations (commissioners may choose to give her a merit raise), in addition to whatever average percentage pay increase goes to county employees. The commission has not discussed a merit pay increase, but approved a cost of living increases last year and is set to approve another one this year.
Pennington, Dance, Sullivan and Hansen also evaluated Al Hadeed, the county attorney. Pennington was “allowed” to do that one since the evaluation window for Hadeed coincides with a few months of Pennington’s service on the commission. Again the evaluations followed the same pattern, with Sullivan and Hansen finding Hadeed’s work “outstanding” (“sage counsel,” is how Hansen described it), with Dance and Pennington less lavish with praise. Not all the evaluation forms followed the same format.
Though toggling between “meets expectations” and “exceeds expectations” in all regards, Dance’s written comments were still only of praise–for developing Assistant County Attorney Sean Moylan, for bringing in Flagler Beach attorney Scott Spradley as the ringer who sealed the deal on dune hold-outs to clear the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach-renourishment project, for being always available, and for his “prudent guidance.”
“His course of action may not be the most expedient, but he pursues a careful, well thought-out course of action,” Dance wrote.
Pennington was harsher, giving Hadeed the only “does not meet expectation” ratings in three regards, including in matters of confidentiality and timeliness . The confidentiality breach Pennington referred to, she wrote, “was done in error by another member of the Legal team; however, it caused some distress and led me to not being able to complete [a] task.” She also believes some of the lawsuits the county faces “could have been avoided.” She wants more active involvement from the attorney during meetings, at decision-time.
Hadeed, in a lengthy response, said Pennington misunderstands the county attorney’s role. “My role is not
to make policy choices for the Board, as in the choice of what grants the Commission chooses to pursue,” he wrote. “It is not to act as the ‘sixth commissioner’ interjecting my views during commission debates on issues.” Commissioners are always free to ask him questions, unless commissioners need to be alerted to certain legal ramifications of possible decisions. He provided responses to other issues Pennington raised, which can be read in their entirety here.
Danm50 says
Mrs. Petito has proven herself as dedicated, honest and respected. She is a leader not a manager trying to manage people. I hope she gets due compensation!
Jane Gentile-Youd says
$37,000 plus new bills from former County Manager to keep the illegally standing hotel which violates Florida Building Code in addition to not removing the illegal sign ” Hotel and Restaurant Coming Soon”. Hadeed told a few commissioners that the current owners of the hotel are ‘very wealthy people’ but did not pay their 2022 measley $4,500 property taxes for 7 acres of commercial property until 2 wees ago . Heidi has been e-mailed, she has been called,Adam Mengel is aware – Dave Sullivan is the Commissioner for that hotel site. Heidi makes up excuses and ignores her total responsibility when she sees fit in my opinion.
The lawsuit will be 3 years old August 21 which has allows the county to knock down the building – filed in court – with permission of the hotel owner – if all permits not in place by August 20, 2021 – NOT one ounce of improvement has been made. It it were not for the Health Department the pool would still be open and rats would still be running around – all under Heidi’s eyes. No- she did a great job in General Services – she is a showgirl now – not a county manager in my opinion.
Backslapping Commission says
Looks like more BS based on the dates and why isn’t there any community input on how well they are doing their
jobs since they are suppose to serve the community. All Petito is is a puppet of the good ole boys club. The
oversite should be done by the community , this is a closed system. Why not have the public in the
community decide how good she does her job from the outcome off the issues that face the county. Pennington
is right who gets “exceeds expectations” straight down the line. This shows and proves nothing but
favoritism and a strong buddy system in this county. The commission rubber stamped its own once again.
It’s a meaningless exercise and means nothing as this county is in a big mess with all kinds of unresolved issues.
Duane says
I supposed it is time to overpay for another local government employee manager.
Backslapping Commission says
Looks like more BS based on the dates and why isn’t there any community input
on how well they are doing their jobs since they are suppose to serve the community.
All Petito is is a puppet of the good ole boys club. The oversite should be done by the
community , this is a closed system. Why not have the public in the community decide
how well she does her job from the outcome off the issues that face the county.
Pennington is right who gets “exceeds expectations” straight down the line. This shows
and proves nothing but favoritism and a strong buddy system in this county. The commission
rubber stamped its own once again. It’s a meaningless exercise and means nothing as this
county is in a big mess with all kinds of unresolved issues.
Reply
BLINDSPOTTING says
2 commissioners gave great reviews.
1 commissioner gave mediocre
1 commissioner was not allowed
1 commissioner did not give any-kudos to that one
This does not hardly seem to be “Golden”
I'm inept but says
Proof the good Ole boy network exists. Look at who voted for her.
One Commissioner is married to Petito’s administrative assistant the other is part of the good Ole boys the other Commissioner didn’t bother to put in an evaluation because he is running for state house and don’t need anymore negative things on him and the most factual and truthful Commissioner wasn’t allowed because she would likely have not been so glowing of an evaluation.
Taxes went up, services cost went up and the deficit it bigger than we know because she is hiding it.
So let’s give her a raise and undermine the taxpayer.
What a joke!
Gina Weiss says
Time to end the charades , Leann Pennington does not get much cooperation
cooperation from Ms. Petito nor from the rest of the FCBOCC. She has been
mislead on several occasions from the airport director regarding issues that
has arisen and is still awaiting answers to her questions. This has been
going on for months now and the rest of the FCBOCC members are in
their own little worlds and want nothing to do to collaborate with her.
Ms. Pennington wants to address important issues with our communities
that affect our communities which appears that the others want to dismiss
or choose to ignore. It is important for the citizens to see that other
commissioners support each other instead of the mindset of just supporting
their buddy system. It’s not fair to cherry pick with one commissioner
thinks as an important community issue that they believe is not
important to them or the communities they represent, it is
important to listen to the voice of every commissioner that raises
important community issues. They need to stop the mindset
that they just represent there own agendas that has to do with
their own self interest and need to get onto the mindset the
they represent the voices of the citizens in Flagler County.
Celia Pugliese says
What a costly joke!
I wholly agree with Gina, Jane, Backslapping, Inept But Says, Blindspoting and Duane. You are so correct as in this county Good Old Boy’s Rule! Not the needs of the begging residents that pay their handsome compensations, and endure the overrun of their cities in the ground by ill planned growth and it unmanned traffic also roaring in the air 300 feet over their roofs with sun or storms by ill located arrogant pilots schools out of the airport in the almost center of Palm Coast breaking havoc to Quail Hollow and Seminole Woods 50,000 residents. None in the ground or air traffic safety, noise or emissions studies done as required, as residents are treated like chopped liver, just “pay and shut up”. We need to support in 2024 those running for the FCBOCC the one’s that will hear our concerns and will resolve our issues. None of the current elected and running for county or state or “their beloved administrators” will help the residents first and we know it well. So lets remember that! They collect their handsome pay and we endure!
Beach bum says
I love all the armchair QBs that think they could do a better job, or think they know some inside info. Mrs Dance already had the assistant job b4 her husband ran for office, Mrs Petito inherited her from the former administration, she could of fired her, but im sure Mrs Dance is very competent as well. I could see why all the haters think she might be a “show piece” she’s an attractive successful woman, when I first met Hiedi 9 years ago I thought a certain way about her, but soon found out she’s known go cut her own grass with a push mower, lay tile in her own house, came from a humble beginning, and while she commands who knows how many employees, if you introduce her as your boss, she will correct you and say we work together.
Bottom line is she is heads and tails the best administrator this county had seen in many years, and despite the truckload of problems she inherited, and the ones that daily come in, it is blind arrogance to think that any if you could do a better job
Gina Weiss says
The point is that all of the commissioners should be on board with residents
concerns no matter what they are as they all were elected to serve the citizens and not
just their own special interest in their own side of town, this is a huge problem in our county
where the county looks at Palm Coast as a separate entity, isn’t this one of the reasons
why Flagler Beach recently asked for the help and input from the FCBOCC for future growth?
Mr. Dance recently claims that he never receives emails from me when if fact I introduced myself
to him several months ago and he did tell me that he does receive my emails back then. So what’s
the story Andy, why does other commissioners receive my emails and you don’t? And I didn’t hear
anyone say that they can do a better job, of course the job is difficult, but that’s what she
signed up for, maybe she should start respecting and listening better to Ms. Pennington who
was elected by the people and not chosen for the job.
Gina Weiss says
Beach bum: I have a question for you, why don’t you ever use your real name?
Appears you are disingenuous when you make a comment about other people
who use their real names and you hide behind a fake name title. And I agree with you
I believe the term that someone used is “show girl” is not appropriate.
Beach bum says
Gina Weiss, I work for Flagler County, and I like my job, and politics can be a very dangerous game, the truth of the matter is i don’t have the stomach for politics, I’m honest, work hard, and try and stay off the Rader. In my approx 10 years working here, I’ve seen some of the most puzzling decisions in my life, but isn’t that all goverment? I must admit I’ve never been to a single CC meeting, im working, I’ve seen bits on YouTube, however from what I’ve personally seen of Hiedi is she is hard working, very smart, yet humble, cares about all employees, and in my opinion is doing a good job.
Gina Weiss says
Beach Bum: I respect the fact that you work here and are prefer not to show your real
name as so many are but it should not be like this in the first place, if people feel that
they can lose their jobs by exercising their first amendment rights something is very
wrong with that situation to begin with, don’t you think? But this is not your case
as you have a favorable opinion about Ms. Petito which of course you are entitled
to and I respect that too. What I have found in attending cc meetings and being in
the know so to speak is that most of the commissioners care about only
what happens in their own side of town and couldn’t care less about residents
who suffer in other communities, these same commissioners are voted by citizens
from all over the county not just their own district that they represent, they are clueless
when it comes to what others have to endure and turn a blind eye or talk a lot of
BS at these meetings when they see a large crowd, they almost sound like they have
concerns then weeks later, cause this is how they do it, vote on the same agenda not
in favor for what the citizens complaints are about. Unless the community is a richer
community and a crowd shows up with their own attorney that at times makes
a difference but how many people can afford this is the blue collar communities
and believe me they know this and this is the way they roll. I can understand
why you have no stomach for politics , it’s a dirty game that they know how to
play it well , when someone who is an outsider gets elected they do not help that
person as you read the article above , where is it written that Ms. Pennington
cannot give an evaluation and why wasn’t she informed by Ms. Wu ahead of time
and not receive the evaluation packet without an explanation, also appears to me that
Hadeed sets her up for failure by not delivering request on time. He also makes close to
200,000 a year if not that. These are very high paying salaries , lawn mowing
and putting up tiles have nothing to do with it and IMO they are giving her a joint
effort hard time.