Report Prepared by: Devin Lotez, Records Clerk
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of Draft Policy for the Display of Flags at City Facilities, Provide Direction on Modifications Thereto, if any, and Approve the Policy as Proposed or Modified
REPORT IN BRIEF
Brings back for discussion, consideration, and potential adoption of a policy for display of flags at City facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Administrative Policy C-7 regarding the display of flags at City facilities.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Provide direction on specific revisions to the policy; or,
3. Decline to take action.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200 grants the City the power to make and enforce all laws and regulation in respect to municipal affairs.
DISCUSSION
Background
On March 1, 2021, the City Clerk’s Office received an email from the LGBTQ+ Alliance requesting to fly the Pride Progress flag at Bob Hart Square. The email was sent to Council as part of a late submission for Public Comment for the March 1, 2021 City Council meeting.
At the March 15, 2021 City Council meeting, District 1 Council Member Jesse Ornelas during the Request to Add Item portion of the agenda to add an item to discuss the flying of the Pride Progress Flag to the May 3, 2021 Council agenda.
On May 3, 2021, the City Council approved the flying of the Pride Progress Flag during the month of June and directed City staff to draft a policy regarding the display of flags at City facilities.
Staff sent out a list serve to get examples of other cities flag policy and drafted the policy (Attachment 1) following the direction of the Council.
The Request for Display of Commemorative Flag form (Attachment 2) shall be used by any group or individual requesting the display of a commemorative flag at a City facility and should be delivered to the City Clerk’s Office and be reviewed by the City Manager for adherence to the policy prior to the request being placed on the City Council agenda.
The City Clerk’s Office will receive any requests for flying commemorative flags. In the second meeting in January, every year, Council will be presented a calendar with all flag flying request for their consideration.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Administrative Policy C-7
2. Request for Display of Commemorative Flag form