SEBASTIAN – A new system to relieve sanitation concerns at Sebastian’s Riverview Park could soon be installed.
The Sebastian City Council, after two public hearings and a revision, agreed to split incoming federal dollars between the park and helping a military veteran living in the city.
The nearly $100,000 in funds will be split between the two projects, with the park receiving approximately $74,600.
City Manager Al Minner told the council at the recent meeting that the county’s veterans services is willing to handle the city’s allocated $25,000 for veterans assistance because the county already has a program in place.
That program assists disabled veterans in modifying their home to accommodate their needs.
Minner called it a “wise way” of meeting the city’s goals.
While the Sebastian City Council was unanimous in its support of the federal funding split, resident and business owner Damien Gilliams again objected, raising the same concerns as he had the last time the issue came before the council.
He voiced opposition to the council’s taking of $75,000 from veterans to fix up a park numerous non-profits utilize to make money – such as the Clambake Foundation.
“How pathetic,” Gilliams said of the city’s move to not ask such groups for the funds to fix the lift station at the restroom facility. “This is shameful.”
City Councilwoman Andrea Coy, a military veteran herself, told Gilliams and the rest of the audience that she believes the city’s veterans are well taken of.
“We treat our veterans very well in the city,” she said, also noting that the city has received funds from the Clambake Foundation for park improvements.