Two reports are out on how the municipal Building Department functions in Arran-Elderslie.
Consultant Glenn Tunnock says the Chief Building Official was properly appointed and is actually better qualified than some in similar rural municipalities.
He says the permitting and inspection process is being carried out in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.
Tunnock does recommend though that the municipality develop an official job description for Craig Johnston’s role, simply because one doesn’t exist currently.
He says it’s reasonable to have the description because it will help the person to better perform according to the responsibilities.
Tunnock stresses the need for the Chief Building Official to have complete control over what is in building files, and to ensure only authorized personnel are able to access them.
He stresses that council must also not have any influence over the Chief Building Official and cannot make binding recommendations for permits to be issued.
Councillor Paul Eagleson says he wants to know of examples where that may have happened.
Forensic Accountant Karen Grogan of KPMG’s report focused on the role of the Chief Building Official.
She says financial matters regarding expenses and time sheets were found to be in good order.
Grogan’s biggest concerns are with respect to Johnston’s contract with the municipality which does not clearly state responsibilities or details like compensation for expenses or time off in lieu of overtime pay.
Johnston says he’s relieved by the reports showing he is doing his job within the law.
Mayor Ron Oswald says the report suggests changes are needed—something he think’s is good, and says the ball is now in council’s court to address them.
He says council will be following up on the directions in both reports.
Councillor Mark Davis is not pleased with the reports.
He doesn’t like that the 60 files examined in the audit were selected randomly.
Davis says 12 “problem” files should have been specifically looked at first.
Arran-Elderslie Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, June 1st to consider the findings and recommendations in the reports further.