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Council debate over allowing flags mounted to trees ends after motion fails for lack of second
Summary
Council considered an ordinance amendment to allow flags to be displayed on trees, but a motion to approve the change failed for lack of a second after members raised concerns about U.S. Flag Code, permanence and unintended sign or political-flag implications.
Council discussed a proposed amendment to the city's flags and flagpoles ordinance that would permit flags to be posted on trees. After extended discussion about the U.S. Flag Code, display standards and potential side effects, a motion to approve the amendment failed for lack of a second.
The item, introduced by city staff member Mr. Perez, was prompted by a constituent who had placed a flag on a front-yard tree and questioned whether the ordinance should prohibit that display. During discussion, Councilmember Wade cited U.S. Flag Code language that suggests flags "be displayed only on buildings and permanent flag staffs" and questioned whether attaching a flagpole to a tree would meet the federal guidance.
Other council members raised practical concerns: how a flag would be mounted, whether flags wrapped around trees would be allowed, whether attaching hardware to a tree might violate tree-protection rules, and whether permitting flags on trees could open the door to political or other non-U.S. flags displayed in yard trees. One council member suggested alternative assistance to help a veteran constituent trim trees or obtain a permitted front-yard flagpole.
After discussion, a council member moved to approve the ordinance as drafted but the motion failed for lack of a second, and the item did not advance. No ordinance change was enacted at the meeting.
