With the Fredonia Department of Public Works supervisor position still unfilled, the former director is speaking out. Dave Bird, who served in the role from December through May, says he has not “given up” in a hope to return.

On Tuesday he issued this statement to the OBSERVER: “Five weeks ago, I was removed from a position that I truly loved and to which I dedicated my full effort and commitment. Throughout my time in the role, I regularly worked well beyond the hours for which I was compensated because I believed in serving our community and fulfilling my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

“My termination came as a complete surprise. I received no written or verbal complaints regarding my performance, and the decision was made during an executive session. Since that time, I have continued to seek answers and advocate for my reinstatement.

“Two members of the board expressed concerns about the process and introduced a resolution to reconsider my termination. However, for the past five weeks, that resolution has not been brought to a vote. (Monday) night, rather than addressing the question of my reinstatement, the board voted to hire a part-time individual to temporarily fill the position while my situation remains unresolved.

“I want the community to know that I have not given up. I continue to seek a fair review of the circumstances surrounding my termination and a clear explanation for the decision that was made. My commitment has always been to serve this community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication, and that commitment remains unchanged.

“Thank you to everyone who has offered support, encouragement, and kind words during this difficult time. It has meant more than I can adequately say.”

Trustee LeeAnn Lazarony, who led the charge to dismiss Bird, pushed for the hiring of Jenness Merrill, a retired DPW employee, as supervisor of the department.

“He’s worked at the DPW for a long time, he comes highly recommended and he’s willing to give us a hand,” Lazarony said at a trustees’ workshop Monday. “He doesn’t want to do it permanently, he doesn’t want to come out of retirement — he’s willing to do it until we can find someone.”

Merrill will make $36 an hour with no additional benefits — that’s $8 an hour more than Bird was earning.

Although trustees generally vote on items at their twice-monthly meetings, Lazarony sought a vote on his employment at Monday’s workshop. It went 3-1, with Trustee Paul Wandel dissenting.