Brentwood aldermen direct staff to broaden festival wristband eligibility to include city employees and school communities

Brentwood, Mo. — The Board of Aldermen on June 17 directed staff to expand eligibility for Maddenfest/Brentwood Days wristbands to include city employees, students who attend Brentwood schools (including participants in voluntary integration), and employees of Brentwood School District.

Alderman Kelly Wege (first appearing in the meeting as Alderman Wege) raised the issue during alderman reports, noting the wristband policy had been set for Brentwood residents only and that wristbands go on sale in two weeks. Wege argued that city employees and school communities are “part of our community” and should be considered for inclusion. “I feel like they should be accepted as well,” Wege said while outlining categories to include.

The chair allowed a motion from the floor to direct staff to implement the change despite not being on the published agenda. Alderman Plovka seconded the motion and the board voted in favor by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried.

Why it matters: Expanding eligibility affects access to a popular city festival and the pool of purchasers when wristbands go on sale imminently, so staff will need to implement any changes quickly and coordinate with school administration about student and staff verification.

What happens next: The motion directed staff to work out operational details and how to verify eligibility; the board did not adopt a written policy amendment during the meeting. The mayor and city attorney indicated staff will determine the mechanics and report back to the board if needed.

Context: The board had previously approved wristbands for residents only. Wege noted the sale timeline and urged rapid action if the policy is to be broadened.