Longtime Jackson construction manager Don Frank will replace departed council member Melissa Turley.

After two days and nearly three hours of discussion in closed-door meetings, the four sitting town council members unanimously agreed to appoint Frank to the position at a meeting this morning.

The council had 11 candidates to choose from, but Mayor Mark Barron cited Franks’ leadership and knowledge of town issues as what set him apart.

His construction background also helped.

“That did not hurt his application,” Barron said. “Much of what the town works on are planning and building issues.”

Frank was pleasantly surprised when he learned the news.

“I’m humbled,” Frank said. “On the one hand, I feel prepared. On the other hand, I know that I’ll depend on other councilors and all sorts of town employees to help mentor me and bring me up to speed.”

He will serve out the remaining two years of Turley’s term. Turley was elected last year to the Teton County Board of Commissioners.

Frank will be sworn in at the beginning of the town workshop scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 22 at Town Hall.