MAHONING COUNTY Recycling division chief to take job in Columbus

The chief is recommending that the assistant director be tapped to replace him.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The head of Mahoning County's recycling division is resigning to take another job in Columbus.
Timothy B. Berlekamp has been director since January 1999 and his last day on the job is Friday. He's been hired as director of planning and business development for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.
"It's an absolutely dynamic opportunity as far as I'm concerned," Berlekamp said of his new job. He will be responsible for development of a "green" industrial park on more than 200 acres in Franklin County, using "the power and resources of a landfill."
Berlekamp has recommended that county commissioners appoint assistant director John Cox to succeed him. Cox, a former Boardman Township trustee, also was hired into the division five years ago.
"It just makes sense that the assistant would step in," Berlekamp said, noting that Cox has been actively involved in administration of the department over the years and is familiar with its operation.
Commissioners Vicki Allen Sherlock and Ed Reese said the board hasn't had a chance to discuss naming a replacement for Berlekamp. Reese said it could come up at today's board meeting.
Background
Berlekamp came to Mahoning County from Green Springs, Ohio, where he had been director of the Ottawa/Sandusky/Seneca County Solid Waste District for seven years. He is also a former Seneca County commissioner.
"He's done a good job of raising awareness about the [recycling] division and its services," Reese said.
The recycling division, also known as the Green Team, oversees and regulates the county's landfills and waste haulers and sponsors programs to promote recycling and reduce waste.
Berlekamp, who makes $70,000 a year here, said he will be paid $80,000 at his new job. That will increase to $82,500 in six months and to $85,000 in another six months.
bjackson@vindy.com