Berwyn confirms John Marchand as public works director after tie-breaking mayoral vote

The Berwyn City Council confirmed John Marchand as the city’s new public works director on Tuesday after a tied roll call left the decision to the mayor’s deciding vote.

A motion to concur with the mayor’s appointment proceeded to a roll call that the clerk announced as a four‑ayes, four‑nays tie; the mayor then cast the deciding vote in favor of Marchand. Marchand was sworn in immediately afterward.

Councilors split during the roll call. One alderman told the council he voted "nay" because he had not yet had an opportunity to meet Marchand and wanted to review the appointment details; other aldermen said Marchand was well qualified. The mayor later noted he would cast the deciding vote in favor and the oath of office followed in council chambers.

The motion carried by the mayor’s tie‑breaking vote; council did not adopt any formal amendment to the appointment at the meeting. The council thanked outgoing public works staff for prior service during the meeting’s remarks.

Why it matters: The public works director oversees city infrastructure projects, water and sewer work and streetscape efforts that were also discussed at Tuesday’s meeting; confirmation finalizes leadership for those operations.

Details: The appointment was presented under Item F‑3 on the agenda. Council members debated the procedural timing of the vote and one alderman asked whether a secondary motion could be introduced after the primary motion and second; the mayor directed the council to proceed with the roll call. No additional conditions were attached to the appointment at the time of the vote.