EATONTOWN — The Borough Council has appointed Frank Cannella, a 13-year employee of the Department of Public Works, to the position of general foreman within the department.

Cannella, who had been a shade tree specialist, succeeds Nathan Albert, who was promoted last month to head of the department.

Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo told Cannella at the Jan. 30 Borough Council meeting, where his appointment was approved, that its passage was a proud moment for him. He told the audience that he had known Cannella a long time.

"I remember when he played football at Monmouth Regional," the mayor said. "He has done an excellent job as our shade tree specialist and I know his enthusiasm will carry over to the new position."

Cannella spoke briefly to extend his thanks to Albert and borough Business Administrator Michael L. Trotta.

"This is something I’ve been working for for a long time," he said. "I love this community. I’m raising my family in this community. I look forward to dedicated service to the community."

In other action at the meeting, the council approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the Department of Public Works. They are an SUV, to be bought off a state contract for around $21,000; a pickup truck, to be bought off the state contract for around $19,000; and a mason dump truck — a style of dump truck that is not full size — on which the borough will go out to bid.

— Sherry Conohan