David Bird was named Fredonia Department of Public Works director in November.

Public access cameras may have been off, but there were plenty of fireworks following the Fredonia Village Board meeting on Monday.

Shortly after its gathering, the village parted ways with David Bird. The discussion regarding the decision was not part of the Fredonia Public Access broadcast. It happened after an executive session with the board coming back into public session — with no one at the meeting. It was approved by a 3-1 vote by all Democratic trustees — LeeAnn Lazarony, Christine Cruz Keefe and Ben Brauchler.

“This is a character assassination on David Bird,” said Paul Wandel, village trustee, the lone no vote.

Wandel said he is working with the village’s legal team to see what can be done to challenge the vote on Monday. “This is a political, personal attack,” he said. “I’m very upset about it.”

Bird was cleaning out his office this morning.

The decision led to no department head after the early part of the morning. In addition, Central Avenue paving work was not taking place on Wednesday.

“We’re in a state of turmoil,” Wandel said, “internally and externally.”

Bird was hired in late November at an annual salary of $57,000. His first day on the job was Dec. 8.

Even before the executive session, Village Hall was the site of a tussle. After the public portion, which is not recorded, there were reports of pushing and shoving by those in attendance as well as shouting. Fredonia police had to be called to the board room to make sure cooler heads prevailed.

Save Our Reservoir members were in attendance, though their comments were not part of the access broadcast.