This item is for information only and possible direction from Council.

Over the past few years, some members of the City Council have shown interest in supporting certain causes and observances by raising a symbolic flag over City Hall to show support for the cause. Currently there is no policy that defines that process. If Council is interested, Staff would like to develop a commemorative flag policy to better define that process and possibly expand the practice.

For example, October is domestic violence awareness month, and the symbol for domestic violence awareness is a purple ribbon. If Council were to adopt a commemorative flag policy, that policy could recognize October as domestic violence awareness month and direct Staff to raise a flag donning a purple ribbon over City Hall for a specified period of time in October. Similar actions could be taken to support other causes that Council would like to support throughout the year. 

If Council has interest in creating a commemorative flag policy, the City could install a fourth flagpole in front of City Hall for that purpose. The policy would limit the use of the commemorative flag pole to flags that are the property of the City and have been approved by Council action. 

Staff is seeking direction from Council as to whether it would like to consider a commemorative flag policy at a future meeting.  

Attached for your further consideration is a flag policy that was adopted by the City of Santa Ana, California, which includes a commemorative flag component. This is provided only as an example.