SHHHHHHH Quiet In The Library

Do you recall the war between Council and the Library Board? The Star reported

• "A deeply divided Windsor city council spent several hours Monday debating the merits of ordering an audit of Windsor library operations, with some councillors describing the move as "a witch hunt" and others saying it was necessitated by tips to the city's hotline over "possible fraud."

In the past, there were e-mails claiming computer equipment was stolen and anonymous tips about improprieties at the Library. No one seemed to know what the issues were but it may have had to do with what Councillor Budget said in the past "I believe the library should become a department of the city because we fund it to the tune of about $8 million, which is 90 per cent of its budget."

Well Council passed a Resolution and agreed to spend $65,000 to retain KPMG to do an audit:

• CR170/2006
  
  That an independent financial and operational audit of the Windsor Public Library Services BE COMPLETED by KPMG in the form of a collaborative approach; and
  
  That this review ENCOMPASS the following:
  -A review and commentary on the effectiveness of corrective actions taken and implemented to address issues identified in the 2003 and 2004 External Auditor Management Letters;
  -A review of the appropriateness and adequacy of specified key management systems, controls and practices, including governance practices; and
  -A review of the effectiveness of specific key programs and operations; and further,
  
  That a Project Steering Committee BE ESTABLISHED to confirm the scope and objectives of the initiative, and that it BE COMPRISED of Roger Bryan - KPMG, as Project Coordinator; the General Manager of Client Services; the Coordinator of Risk Management; the Executive Assistant - Client Services; along with participation by Library staff (as appointed by the Windsor Public Library Board); and,
  
  That a budget of up to $65,000 BE FUNDED through the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (139) to cover the professional fees of KPMG for the operational review; and
  
  That no senior level hirings at the Windsor Public Library be considered, until the completion of the operational review.
  
  Carried
  
  

It appears that KPMG has completed its Report. It will be on the agenda at the next Council meeting. You would think that since there were serious allegations of impropriety that the complete Report should be available to the public. After all, money was taken out of the Slush Fund for unexpected expenditures to pay for it. If I were on the Library Board or was a member of Library management, I would demand it. If I were on Council, I would want to clear the air.

So I asked for a copy of the Report since it was not on the City's website. Silly me. I thought we had open and transparent government in Windsor. Here is the response I received from Steve Vlachodimos, Deputy Clerk:

• "Thank you for your email respecting the Operational Review of the Windsor Public Library.
  
  Please note that the report indicates that the KPMG report is confidential in nature and has been distributed to the Mayor and Members of Council only."

Here is my reply:

• "What is the legal basis for withholding the Report considering that taxpayers paid for it and it is on the Agenda for delegations to appear.
  
  The Report from Administration does not say that it is confidential (except in a reference re the Appendices.) In any event, by discussing it in the Report, confidentiality has been waived. I am sure that Mr. Wilkki will agree.
  
  Please provide me with a copy."

So far I have received no response.

But can you believe it! The Report is CONFIDENTIAL. I do not know if I should laugh or I should cry. The secrecy of this Council is incredible. Taxpayers pay for the Report and only the Mayor and Council can see it. Ridiculous.

What are they afraid of? They are so quick to claim that there is something wrong at the Library and to point the finger but so scared to release the results. Why? Does it mean that there was no problem and $65,000 was wasted. Does it mean that their rationale for doing whatever they wanted to do with the Library failed and they will have to make up some other excuse.

Where is the leadership by the Mayor in this? It's a farce already!

UPDATE---Here is the response I received

• Further to your email of yesterday afternoon, yes, indeed the KPMG report is confidential as there are personnel matter references contained in that report.
  
  Regards,
  
  Steve Vlachodimos
  Deputy City Clerk

Of course, the "personnel"matters could be removed couldn't they! So I'll make that suggestion. I just need the balance right now.