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Natural Resources Board approves Beach Basket pilot program with Parks cost-share
Summary
The Sebastian Natural Resources Board unanimously approved a one-year Beach Basket pilot with Coastal Connections, agreeing to split first-year costs with Parks. The pilot funds quarterly reporting and data collection and installs two baskets at Riverview Park and the Main Street boat ramp.
The City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board voted unanimously June 2 to approve a one-year Beach Basket pilot program with Coastal Connections, contingent on Parks Department cost-sharing. The pilot would station two collection baskets — proposed locations are Riverview Park and the Main Street boat ramp — and run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
The board’s motion approved the program concept after staff presented a packet outlining materials, installation, program coordination and quarterly reporting. "The materials and installation cost is for the next fiscal year; the program coordination and reporting are recurring costs," staff member Felicia Gordian said, noting the first-year proposal totals $3,980 and includes an $800 quarterly reporting line item.
Board members asked about program details, including who would collect and monitor baskets, whether baskets would be tracked if moved, and what quarterly reporting pays for. Gordian said Coastal Connections would compile data from users via QR-code reports and produce periodic summaries for the city. She added that the city plans to split the pilot cost roughly two-thirds from Sustainable Sebastian funding and the remainder with Parks and Recreation.
A motion to approve the concept, with Parks’ cost-sharing confirmed, passed on a roll-call vote. Board members recorded affirmative votes for Mr. Krauss, Mr. Carano (transcript spelling varies), Mr. Trinkle, Miss Thompson, Mr. Bugan, Mr. Stleman and Miss Wear.
The board asked staff to coordinate with Parks, confirm final locations and prepare materials that would allow the Parks advisory committee and city council to review the proposal as needed. The program includes a data-driven element intended to support future decisions about permanent installations or program adjustments.
The pilot’s installation- and materials-related costs are first-year items; staff said subsequent years would likely be roughly $1,000 less if no replacements are required. The board also discussed contingencies for lost or damaged baskets and the possibility of fine-tuning reporting and outreach to increase participation.
The board’s approval gives staff authority to proceed with final coordination, pending Parks approval and final vendor agreements.
