During the August 24, 2021 work session, the Council reviewed a draft Flag Policy.  Per the direction provided at the meeting, the attached policy has been amended and is ready for further consideration by the Council and possible adoption of the policy.  If adopted would allow the Council to grant permission to display commemorative or ceremonial flags on a city owned flag pole or poles.

Earlier this year, a citizen approached the city requesting to have the Pride flag placed on a city flag pole during the month of June which was recognized as Pride Month.  The request was not granted as the City lacked a policy to assist in determining if such requests should be granted and what criteria would be used in assessing what flags would be appropriate to allow and which would not.  

Councilor Farmer asked to have the matter scheduled for discussion at a Council work session.  The City Attorney was asked to undertake some research and present his findings / advice at the June 28, 2021 work session. On July 27, 2021, the City Attorney presented his research findings. On August 24, 2021 the Council reviewed and discussed a draft flag policy prepared by the City Attorney.  The draft flag policy has been amended based on direction provided by the Council. 

The proposed policy addresses a key concern by noting that any commemorative or ceremonial flags displayed are being done so in order to express the City's sentiment concerning a particular issue or matter, and as such, the public at large does not have a constitutional right to have their particular flag displayed.