The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today announced the appointment of an inspector to review the operations of the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips. This inspection is being undertaken at the request of the town.

Minister Byrne has appointed Ken Kelly as the inspector tasked with reviewing the nature in which business of the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip�s is being conducted. Mr. Kelly has an extensive background in organizational and policy reviews, strategic planning, performance measurement frameworks and efficiency reviews in the municipal sector.

The minister said this is a necessary step to restore confidence and order in the municipality of Portugal Cove�St. Philip�s. "I have asked Mr. Kelly to assess the conduct of the councilors and senior officers to determine if the business of the town is being negatively impacted by the conduct of any or all individuals," says Minister Byrne. "I have requested that the inspector submit a comprehensive report to my office outlining if in fact the affairs of the town are being conducted in an irregular, improper or improvident manner."

The terms of reference of Mr. Kelly�s inspection outline a number of issues to be examined for the preparation of a report to the minister. They include assessing the conduct of councilors and officials; reviewing of the committee structure of council and assessing its effectiveness; and finally, assessing the working relationship and environment between elected officials and staff.

The budget for the review will be covered by the town as it initiated the request for inspection, with an estimated cost of $12,000. The inspector will be provided until July 31, 2007, to submit his report.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2007 06 29                                          2:20 p.m.