By DAVID SKOLNICK

Staff writer

YOUNGSTOWN — Thirty-three people applied for the vacant Youngstown downtown events and citywide special projects coordinator position.

The person hired will be the fourth downtown events and citywide special projects coordinator in a little more than six years.

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown’s office released only the names of the applicants for the job by email at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday without providing any information about them.

Among those applying for the job are a number of people involved in local arts and entertainment groups and businesses, including Billy Danielson, co-owner of Cedars West End, and Derrick McDowell, Youngstown Flea outdoor market founder and community engagement and inclusion coordinator for the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Raymond John Wean Foundation Park. McDowell was hired in May 2019 on a one-year contract for $40,000 with Brown involved in the hiring.

Brown said in a prepared statement: “In the coming weeks, a committee will convene to review applications and conduct interviews.”

He previously said he wanted to hire someone for the job as soon as possible.

The position has been vacant since city council unanimously voted Jan. 15 not to renew the annual contract of Terrill Vidale for the job, rejecting Brown’s recommendation to retain him. Without funding, Vidale no longer had the job.

Vidale, who operates 2Deep Entertainment, was paid $42,436.56 annually with no benefits.

The job description given by Brown on Feb. 11 didn’t include an annual salary.

The job listing states the position is for a minimum of 40 hours a week including nights, weekends and holidays as required.

The position, according to the job listing, reports directly to Brown and “will serve as the city of Youngstown’s staff liaison to, and work closely with, city council, especially the 1st Ward councilperson, downtown businesses, property owners and stakeholders as well as with individuals, groups and / or organizations who are interested in using all or portions of the downtown central business district for activities or special events. The coordinator’s primary purpose will be to provide, coordinate and assist in implementation of marketing, promotional and social events that promote the city and foster downtown development and redevelopment.”

dskolnick@tribtoday.com