Saturday, June 9, 2001
The city's director of engineering will take over duties for now.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A little less than a year after he took over as the city's director of community development, Kevin Kralj is on his way out.
Kralj, 34, tendered his resignation, effective June 19, to take a position elsewhere.
He declined to say where but noted he plans to stay in the Mahoning Valley and will use his legal background in his next job.
Kralj was chosen from a field of more than 40 candidates to replace Jack Foley, who retired last year after 34 years with the city. Kralj's first day was July 17.
Before that, he was community development director for the city of Youngstown since 1996. He was Youngstown's assistant law director from 1994 to 1996 and served as in-house counsel for the Cafaro Co. from 1992 to 1994.
Kralj said he leaves the city on friendly terms, explaining his resignation was a mutual agreement between himself and city administrators.
To fill in: Mayor Hank Angelo said David Robison, the city's director of engineering, building and planning, will be appointed acting community development director.
Robison's salary will have to be adjusted by city council because he will be acting in both capacities for now, Angelo said.
Robison's overall knowledge of city operations made him the easy choice, the mayor said, especially because there are so many upcoming projects that will need direction.
A citizens advisory committee will soon meet to look over applications for Community Development Block Grants, and cleanup of the former Mahoningside Power Plant on Summit Street will continue, he said.
The mayor said he's not sure if Robison's appointment will become permanent and that officials haven't decided if the job will be posted.
Good things to say: "Kevin leaves us with very good feelings," Angelo said. "He did an excellent job for the short time he was with us. He'll be missed."
Kralj said he'll begin his new job in early July and noted he's a little sad to leave the post here.
"I enjoyed working with the administration and city council, and of course, my staff," he said. "It's a good group of people."
davis@vindy.com