Open Space Funding to Focus on Park Maintenance

Under a new proposal by River Edge Councilman Alphonse Bartelloni, the bulk of the would be set aside for park maintenance attendant Carl Etter's salary and to cover the overtime costs by the for park maintenance.

"Rather than allocate $5,000 to Mr. Etter, I would suggest we allocate his full salary of $7,031 and $8,000 for the overtime maintenance of parks," Bartelloni said. "This would remove the two items from our overall budget."

A previous recommendation by Borough Administrator Alan Negreann called for $5,000 to be set aside for Etter's salary and $9,000 for park maintenance. The borough has $23,000 total in the 2012 Open Space Trust Fund.

Recreation Director Bobbi Conway had previously called Etter her right hand man. As the park attendant, he is tasked with walking the parks and notifying officials of any damage to helping clean the area.

Additional requests for this year's Open Space Funding is $2,500 for Beautification Committee to place planters at 140 Kinderkamack Road; $700 to the 9/11 Commission for the Memorial Gardens, and $7,000 from Shade Tree to the .