Lynnwood residents press council over pride flag visibility; council members defend staff

Community members urged the Lynnwood City Council on June 9 to allow a visible Pride flag at Wilcox Park and to adopt a clearer, more equitable flag-raising policy.

The request came during the public-comment period, when several speakers said they were disappointed city staff had not approved a Pride flag-raising at Wilcox Park. Philip Lipson, who identified himself as a Lynnwood resident (98036), told the council, “Displaying flags that represent marginalized or under represented group does not diminish the honor of the American flag. It enhances it by living out the core values of flag stands for liberty, justice, and equality for all.” Charlotte Lafevre also raised concerns about the city’s process, saying she and others were “dismayed” by how the request was handled.

The exchange prompted several council members to explain the city’s actions. Mayor Christine Frizzell told the room the city had a flag raising at City Hall the previous week that drew roughly 50 people: “We did have a flag raising and it was here at City Hall. It was a week ago and there was about 50 people here.” Councilmember Decker publicly thanked Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Joel Faber for applying the city’s law and code at Wilcox Park and defended the city’s police response to an incident at that event: “He did an admirable job of professionally representing the city in a very difficult situation and has been unfairly attacked by Linwood Pride over his conduct.”

Councilmembers and staff clarified logistics that affected where flags can be raised. City staff said Wilcox Park lacks a permanent pole that can be used for additional flags without bringing in a boom truck; the mayor described the recent City Hall flag-raising as an event that required on-site setup. Councilmember Hurst suggested the city consider adding a proclamation flagpole at the 40 Fourth location so approved proclamations could be publicly recognized there.

Speakers from local advocacy groups asked the city for a policy that would allow timely, visible flag raisings for community observances year-round, not only as an employee-only activity. “We’re not asking you to replace anything, just add a pride flag, not just for June, but year round,” said Isabel Mata (98036).

Councilmembers said they hear the community’s concerns and offered next steps. Councilmember Escamilla said council and city staff support Pride and described the change from employee-only events to ones open to the public as “baby steps.” Councilmember Hurst said he supported both staff and a visible proclamation pole and proposed city staff bring proposals back for where and how to site a permanent proclamation flagpole so groups with approved proclamations could have a visible location.

The council also issued a formal proclamation recognizing Juneteenth during the meeting; Mayor Frizzell signed the proclamation on June 9. The mayor and several councilmembers encouraged the public to attend upcoming Juneteenth events in Lynnwood.

The council did not take formal legislative action on a new flag policy at the June 9 meeting. Instead, members asked staff to return with options for a visible proclamation flagpole and said they would continue discussion on flag policy and event procedures.

Ending

City staff and the council said they would follow up with concrete options: staff will clarify where permanent poles exist and what hardware would be required for year-round visibility, and councilmembers indicated they would consider placing a proclamation pole at the 40 Fourth site. No new ordinance or rule was adopted June 9; council members asked for further staff work and additional discussion at a future meeting.