Article submitted by Angela Cornell, The Pilot News Staff Writer
BREMEN—The Bremen Town Council received recommendations from Director of Operations, Trend Weldy, regarding recommended appointments for various roles in town government with the intent of voting on it at their Dec. 22 meeting. Almost all of the recommendations were approved without discussion. However, one person, Jeff Byrd, was not appointed to the Park Board after nine-plus years in service on the board.
When a reason was requested, Weldy explained that the decision was made after a discussion with the town attorney, Tony Wagner, because there was a resemblance to nepotism, since Jeff’s wife, Jill, is the manager and the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) for the park pool.
Upon request, Wagner explained that the situation isn’t strictly nepotic, which was defined as favoritism based on kinship. However, the resemblance exists. “Indiana has a nepotism statute says that it’s only nepotism if it’s someone who reports directly to the relative. So in this case, no, it does not meet the nepotism statute because Brian, the park director, is technically her supervisor. We have to understand what we’re talking about here.” He went on to clarify, “I am not suggesting that there is anything untoward that has gone on with Mr. Byrd or Ms. Byrd. I think she is perfectly well-qualified for the job. I don’t think you can find many WSI instructors. They’re kind of a dying breed. If she wants that position, I don’t think the fact that her husband is on the board should necessarily keep her from doing that. And I would point out that according to the deputation of the State of Indiana, they don’t think so either.”
The challenge comes with the potential of a conflict of interest. “Is there something that needs to be done because he is on the board? Any time that her position comes up, or if there’s a new position to be created—which I understand there might be that she would be well-suited for and interested in—he really ought not to be a part of those conversations,” Wagner explained. “If I had to pick somebody to come off of that board, and I mean no disrespect to Jeff… he would have been my pick for that exact reason. Not because anybody has done anything wrong, but because there’s one member who can’t participate in full discussions on certain subjects, or subjects that may become before the board.” He further explained that this has been an issue for several years and no action has been taken on it until now.
Jeff, who was sitting in the audience, was asked to explain what he does when such a discussion item comes before the board. “I abstain,” he said. “Every time.”
Weldy said that he spoke with Jeff twice over the phone to explain the situation and offer thanks for several years of faithful service. Jeff then explained the situation to the rest of the park board, including the town council liaison. “My job is to make recommendations for the park board. It’s [the town council]’s job to appoint them. It’s up to you guys,” said Weldy. The situation was first brought to town council’s attention on Monday, Dec. 19 to be voted on at the Thursday, Dec. 22 meeting.
Byrd was asked by the council if he had anything to say on the matter. He explained that, in hindsight, he wished he was given the opportunity to discuss the challenge with his wife before any official decision was made. Nonetheless, he remained diplomatic throughout his statement. “It has been a pleasure to work on the board. I’ve enjoyed my time there,” he told the council.
Through the discussion, though tense at times, everyone involved maintained an attitude of general courtesy toward each other. The town council chose to table to vote about Byrd’s position with the park board until the first January meeting to give them more time to fully understand the situation as well as to give the Byrds a chance to discuss it over the next couple of weeks and decide how they would like to proceed.
Other town council appointments for 2023 include Dennis Bilinski to Economic Development and Redevelopment Commission for three year terms, Blain Maxon and Tim Orcut to the Park Board for four year terms, Kent Koontz to the storm water board for a three year term, Mike Venable and Henry Aguayo to the tree committee for two year terms, and Deb Sahloff to Marshall County Tourism Board for a two-year term. It was also recommended that all department heads maintain their positions.
