Chesterfield Plans 25th Birthday Celebration in 2013

The Finance and Administration Committee chaired by city Councilmember Matt Segal weighed a proposal for a 25th birthday celebration in 2013 

Chesterfield's current City Manager Michael Herring, who is also the first and only city manager Chesterfield has had, described the proposed year-long commemoration throughout the year 2013 as a celebration of excellence—and recognizing "25 years of an ongoing success story." 

In general terms, officials talked about planning special events and community-building activities for residents throughout the year—music, sports tournaments, festivals. Officials indicated it was just scratching the surface on ideas.

A ballpark figure of $250,000 for the yearlong anniversary was approved by the finance committee, made up up four councilmembers: Segal, Elliot Grissom, Bob Nation, Mike Casey. Mayor Bruce Geiger attended the meeting, and voiced his support for the celebration.

It was pointed out and events last year cost $125,000.

Officials said the city's fund reserves were "in very good shape," indicating the city could afford the anniversary celebration. Councilmember Casey, who made the motion to approve the celebratory funding, described it as $10,000 per year of the city's lifetime.

Councilmember Nation said a price tag of $250,000 for a "birthday party" might raise some questions.

However, others said it was not a one-night blow out party, or a junket for city staff, for example, or anything negative. It is for the residents to enjoy their city, officials said.

City staff was tasked with getting down to details on birthday events, and bringing that to elected officials again.

So far, the concept phase included the theme "25."

Just last month, the city celebrated its 24th birthday in .

Some 9,000 concert-goers, according to organizers, were served 1,800 pieces of birthday cake, and watched fireworks after the concert—as a birthday celebration.

FYI: What is the F&A Committee?

(It) makes recommendations to the Finance and Administration Committee of City Council on designated and assigned areas of study, including but not limited to budget, budget process, long-range economic planning, personnel policies and procedures, and investments. Members serve for a period of three (3) years and are appointed by the Mayor with approval by the City Council. (Ordinance No. 558)