Thursday, August 26, 1999
Zoning chief latest to quit development department
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Long-time Covington Zoning Administrator Ralph Hopper has become the third key employee to leave the city's economic development department within the past seven weeks.
Mr. Hopper, who has served as Covington's zoning administrator for about 13 years, submitted his resignation Monday to Economic Development Director Ella Brown-Frye.
“After talking with him, he said he wanted his resignation to be effective immediately,” Ms. Frye said.
Mr. Hopper, who recently took an unscheduled vacation after submitting a memo critical of Covington Commissioner J.T. Spence, City Manager Greg Jarvis, Ms. Frye, and others, did not offer a reason for his resignation, Ms. Frye said.
A city ordinance requires employees to first work out problems with their supervisors before complaining to Covington City Commission.
Mr. Hopper could not be reached for comment.
“He just said that after so many years of service working with the city of Covington, this is something he's talked over with his wife and family and wanted to do,” Ms. Frye said.
Mr. Hopper's departure comes less than two months after the resignations of Leah Konicki, Covington's historic preservation officer, and planner Susan Conrad.
Mr. Jarvis said the three departures were unrelated, and he added the city soon hopes to fill some of the vacancies in the economic development department.
The city manager described Mr. Hopper's resignation as a surprise, adding, “It was his decision, and we wish him well.”
Until Mr. Hopper's replacement can be named, Ms. Frye said she will serve as acting zoning administrator.
“We are working with the housing department on some of the routine, fundamental things that we can handle without an in-depth evaluation or review — things like fencing or sign permits,” Ms. Frye said.
“We've also contracted with the (Northern Kentucky) Area Planning Commission to help fill the void.”
Mr. Hopper's departure comes as the Scheper Com mission prepares to submit its long-awaited management study on Covington city operations.
However, Ms. Frye said that the study was not a factor in Mr. Hopper's resignation, and that she would like to fill the position “as soon as possible.”
“Ralph knew the zoning code backwards and forwards, without even reading from it. He is a major resource, and we will dearly miss him,” Ms. Frye said.
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