KPMG Will Handle Review Consultations

The Dryden Business Group will have to wait for a call from consulting firm KPMG to hear if they will have an active role in the upcoming operational and service level review.
Council decided Monday night that the Sudbury based firm will have the final say on who will be involved.
Shayne MacKinnon says a motion approved last month stated that Council will work with the business community as a whole.
MacKinnon says he’s hoping that the Business Group will be able to work closely with the consultant and has suggested the formation of a “focus group.”
He notes KPMG has a reputation of working with businesses.
Everyone agreed Monday that the business community should have some say in the review process and most on Council stressed the importance of including everyone.
Martin MacKinnon says that the consultant should be spending a lot of time talking to the business community, noting they have some really good ideas.
MacKinnon stresses that the City must take this issue seriously and not bump these key decisions off anymore.
He notes the city has to restructure itself and no longer waste tax dollars.
Questions continue on what role the Business Group will play following a public meeting last week.
The group demanded at that meeting that it play an integral part in the review but Council agreed Monday that the decision ultimately lies with the consultant.
Some on Council weren’t happy with that Dryden Business Group meeting.
Sid Wintle says it was discouraging and some in attendance opted to use the time to criticize the work done by council and staff.
Wintle did mention that he’s still willing to work with the group and suggests that they be involved with decisions after the consultant releases its final report.
Brian Collins called the meeting counterproductive and notes it lacked a sense of direction.
KPMG will address Council at a special meeting next Thursday to outline its plans for the review and who will be involved.