While Jeremy Matlow denounced city manager, other Tallahassee commissioners gave him high marks

Glowing remarks in City Manager Reese Goad's evaluation show most of his bosses are pleased with his performance, with the notable exception of Commissioner Jeremy Matlow. 

Goad received perfect scores from three commissioners and little criticism overall until Matlow's bombshell, three-page, tweeted evaluation that pointed to a shattered trust and expressed doubt Goad can effectively do his job.

Commissioners, with the exception of Matlow, submitted their reviews on an administrative template and numerical formula to gauge Goad's first full year. Criteria were whittled down to five categories: customer service, City Commission support, leadership, general management and employee management. 

Documents:Read City Manager Reese Goad's full performance reviews from mayor, all commissioners

On a scale of 0 to 5, Goad received a median score of 5, which aligns with his overall 2018 review score of 4.9. (There was no score from former Commissioner Nancy Miller). 

Goad was hired in September 2018 as the city manager with a starting salary of $194,361. That increased to $230,000 during the October 2018 to September 2019 evaluation period. 

Here's what commissioners had to say about Goad. 

Mayor John Dailey 

The gist: The mayor has no plans to show Goad the door. While Dailey included no comments in his annual evaluation of Goad, he submitted the highest scores in every category. 

Following an impromptu press conference Wednesday at City Hall, Dailey released a statement that was essentially a praise report of Goad. Daily referenced the city's creation of a first-ever five-year strategic plan, the adoption of a 100% net, clean renewable energy plan, the acceptance of the $6.4-million Greater Bond Neighborhood Plan and the $1.3 million pledge toward Purpose Built Communities, among other highlights.

Back story:Mayor Dailey defends city manager after Commissioner Matlow's stinging performance review

Quotable: "None of these achievements would have been possible without the steadfast commitment of Reese and the excellence with which he performs his job ...  I have been nothing but extremely pleased with Reese and the three other appointed officials for the city of Tallahassee."

The score: 5

Commissioner Elaine Bryant

The gist: Bryant didn't offer any comments in her evaluation of Goad either, but she gave him the highest scores possible.

Quotable: In a later phone call with the Democrat, she said: "Based on the information he provided as a part of the performance discussion, he actually exceeded in my estimation standards associated with the areas of assessment based on his accomplishment for the year ... He did an exemplary job."

In addition, she asked Goad in one-on-one conversations to provide definable goals for each category for the upcoming review period. 

The score: 5

Commissioner Jeremy Matlow

The gist: Matlow makes no attempts to hide his disapproval of Goad in a scathing annual evaluation review, which ends with a "no-confidence" thud. He points to a litany of infractions that Matlow said can only be remedied with Goad's removal and the hiring of a new city manager through a national search. Matlow wrote about his lack of trust in Goad to "do the right thing for our neighborhoods and community." 

Back story:City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow says he's lost all confidence in City Manager Reese Goad

Quotable: "Our city manager is meant to be an executive who operates our government in a professional manner without political considerations. I view you as propped up by department heads that do and have done an exceptional job. I believe they provide exceptional services in spite of our politicized leadership, not because of it ... I believe your integrity has been compromised, and I do not believe you are capable of moving our city forward."

The score: 1.4 (Based on the scale, this score means "Does Not Meet Expectation.")

Commissioner Curtis Richardson

The gist: Richardson is the sole sitting commissioner who supported Goad's appointment in 2018 and has not wavered since. Last year, Richardson gave Goad the highest marks in every category, hailing his superb leadership after taking over as the interim city manager during "tumultuous times." He repeated that assessment this year.

Quotable: "Has done an excellent job of assisting with the onboarding of an 80% new commission. Has established an excellent working relationship... Guided the city through a rough start to the fiscal year... Facilitates teamwork and a sense of family in the organization."

The score: 5

Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox

The gist: Williams-Cox believes Goad is an effective leader and said it's a pleasure working with him. She notes "a lot of momentum heading into Fiscal Year 2020."

Quotable: "In my observation, Mr. Goad exemplifies good leadership. Based on what I have seen and heard, his leadership style is situational. Simply put, he leads according to the situation. He has led us through preparation for storm recovery, from data breaches, community crime issues and many other challenges that we have faced in the past year. I have listened to staff members who have had to work through some of these issues. What I have learned is that he can be very firm if need be to go get the job done." 

"There is room for improvement in my opinion in this area (leadership). I strongly recommend that Mr. Goad seek advanced certification in public management. Certification from a university or institute focused on city or public management could satisfy this recommendation." 

The score: 4.3

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.