By a 5-1 vote, Leander City Council on June 4 approved a $10 fee for attendees who bring coolers with food and drinks to Leander Liberty Fest on July 4. Attendance and parking at the event itself will remain free, Leander Mayor Chris Fielder said. Funds raised will go toward Leander Veterans Park being built on Sonny Drive, said Steve Bosak, director of the Leander Parks and Recreation Department. Bosak said members of two advisory committees—for Veterans Park and for the parks department—favored the recommendation. Place 4 Councilmember Ron Abruzzese voted no, saying the fee could discourage event guests. Abruzzese said he had spoken with several city residents who reacted negatively to the charge. Fielder said he had spoken with residents who favored the fundraising idea. Leander Liberty Fest also has food and drink vendors—who pay fees that go to the parks department—who earn nothing when festival guests bring their own coolers, Fielder said. Abruzzese said festival-goers might not learn about the new cooler fee before they arrive. Bosak said the parks department would promote the fee in advertisements and fliers for Leander Liberty Fest, and could also have the option of allowing payments by credit card. Leander Liberty Fest will begin at 6 p.m. July 4 at the future site of Austin Community College located northeast of the Hero Way and US 183 intersection. The festival will feature live music performers, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and a grand finale of fireworks.