Franklin Park interviews two candidates for Environmental Advisory Council; appointments expected at next regular meeting

Franklin Park council conducted candidate interviews for openings on its Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and will place appointments on the next regular meeting agenda.

Katrina Kelly Pichu participated virtually and described professional experience relevant to the EAC: she leads the local practice of SmithGroup, works on stormwater and conservation projects, and is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Pichu said she has observed EAC meetings, is comfortable with the committee’s cadence and virtual format, and wants to apply technical planning and stormwater expertise to local green infrastructure and trail work.

A second candidate, a long‑term resident with a background in environmental engineering and municipal water and wastewater, described past volunteer service on an earlier EAC and involvement in community recycling efforts; he said he retired in 2014 and is eager to help the borough.

Council members asked candidates about attendance, scheduling, prior EAC involvement and specific interests (stormwater, conservation, trails). Pichu emphasized translating technical analysis into clear, community‑facing recommendations and highlighted experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams to reduce repeated infrastructure repairs. The resident candidate spoke about prior municipal recycling and volunteer programs and servicing a past EAC.

Council confirmed there are three EAC vacancies and that the council will add the two candidate appointments to the regular meeting agenda for a vote. Staff said the appointments will be formalized at the next regular meeting and that newly appointed members will receive onboarding information and meeting schedules.

What’s next: The council will vote on EAC appointments at the next regular meeting after staff posts the finalized agenda and provides onboarding materials to the candidates.