Franklin installs acting city manager after Milner's resignation

FRANKLIN — Scott Clarenbach was sworn in as acting city manager Monday night, filling former City Manager Judie Milner’s seat, at the Franklin City Council meeting.

Having served as acting manager twice already — once in 2003 and again in 2008 — this was far from Clarenbach’s first rodeo. He's expressed no interest in staying in the role for the long-term. Having grown up in Franklin and graduating from the high school, he said he only wants to give back to his community.

“Anytime there's a transition, it can be tough for the employees, for the citizens, keeping projects moving and doing all those things,” he said “Somebody that's got some experience in that area is able to help the city along.”

The mayor and city councilors met with lawyers from Drummond Woodsum prior to the city council meeting, which took place the Elks Lodge. Mayor Desiree McLaughlin directed questions regarding the content of the meeting to attorney Shawn Tanguay. A call placed to Tanguay was not returned by press time.

An acting city manager is only to be in office for 180 days, according to the city’s charter. The council must appoint a new manager at or before that time. The council also has the power to discharge the manager at any time by majority vote.

McLaughlin offered her update at the beginning of the meeting to briefly address Milner's resignation. She said she was not able to speak to the situation, and directed anyone with questions to attorney Mark Broth of Drummond Woodsum.

“I understand that people are looking for details, and while I'm a very vocal supporter of transparency, I am also not always permitted to give details about other individuals who are protected by law,” she said. “Please have some respect for the process and the individuals involved.”

Public comment came afterward, with many residents speaking favorably of Milner. Former Mayor Jo Brown defended Milner’s track record, and attempted to dispel conspiracies about the city manager’s role. She explained the city council designates the source of any money appropriated, and annual, independent audits are performed by public accountants. And the city council is responsible for approving all the spending of taxpayer dollars. She believes Milner received unfair criticism.

“There seems to be a willingness to let people tell them what to think, and to hate someone because someone else hates them, even though the parties have never met,” she said. “And I can tell you that has happened to me.”

Linda Holstein Stronge read a letter from Leanne Hamilton, both from Ward 1, defending Milner.

“I'm amazed that she's able to sit through many meetings where, after being disrespected by the public,” Stronge read. “She was professional. As difficult as it must have been, I appreciate that she has carried on.”

City Councilor Leigh Webb of Ward 3 was the only councilor to speak about Milner at the meeting.

“There is no doubt in my mind that everything she did during her tenure was motivated by her belief that she was acting in the best interest of the City of Franklin,” he said.

Clarenbach’s sole responsibility as acting manager was to read the manager’s update. He said highlights were prepared for him to read. The report included topics like an upcoming short-term rental community form, to be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 10, at the Franklin Lodge of Elks. He also said Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord is filling in until June 30 in the wake of the Franklin Animal Shelter's dissolution. And he said the city website domain is soon transferring from .org to .gov.

The mayor in her update also touched on other issues. She encouraged more parents to attend school events, as criticism of the school district’s educational practices are prominent on social media.

“I know it's winter, and that it gets dark early and it's cold and it's out of the way, but we need more buy-in from the community to make changes to support our children, their future and the future of our community. Because that's who's the future of our community, our children,” she said.

She also noted the New Hampshire Humane Society was scheduled to attend the meeting, but after learning of the temporary contract with Pope Memorial postponed their presentation to a later date.

The city council adopted the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2025.

McLaughlin also highlighted recent division in the city. She offered a personal anecdote about losing a friend in former City Councilor George Dzjuna due to policy differences. She recently reconnected with him at church, making her realize the importance of unity.

“This community has been divided, and division is not caused by just one person. In all fairness, this division is occurring globally, nationally, in addition to right here in this room,” she said. “We as a community cannot wait for our nation's leaders to be the examples. We must be the examples.”