Federal Way public pushes council to reverse limits on ceremonial flag raisings; council schedules further review

Mayor Jim Farrell opened the meeting and allowed an extended public comment period in which dozens of residents and community leaders addressed a recent council action limiting ceremonial flag raisings at City Hall.

Paul McDaniel, Council Member, urged a deliberative approach to city authority over flags but said his intent in raising the topic had been to shift decision-making from the mayor to the council. "My main purpose was to pull the power back from the mayor and give it back to the council for the decision," McDaniel said during his remarks.

Several speakers representing diverse organizations said the vote to restrict flag raisings had immediate emotional and civic consequences. Alexander Milstead (resident) told the council, "Repeal this garbage resolution at once immediately." Pastor George Houston, speaking on behalf of the Diversity Commission, said the commission had not been consulted before the item was placed on the Oct. 21 agenda and that removing symbolic recognition "may erode trust and cause harm." Lisonbee Fine, founder of Federal Bridal, said she had been "in tears" after seeing the council action and urged Council members to locate public recognition opportunities in more visible public settings if a compromise is needed.

Members of local nonprofit and civic groups emphasized the flags' role as public signals of safety and belonging. Michelle Meeker, vice president of Federal Way Bridal, said, "The pride flag is not a political statement. It is a symbol of safety, love, resilience, and belonging." Amanda Miller, executive director of the South King Tool Library, described the change as a "misstep" and asked that the city reconsider both the timing and process used to arrive at the decision.

Other speakers defended the council vote. Jeffrey Tancredi and Navy veteran Ron Kehler said the American flag served as a unifying symbol and that the council's action preserved that unity. Doug Stensby, a long‑time resident, said raising the U.S. flag "speaks to...the hope" of inclusion on which government rests.

Council members did not reverse their Oct. 21 decision at the Nov. 5 meeting. Mayor Farrell said the council had "heard you" and that the conversation would continue. Council members agreed to schedule further discussion at a later date (the mayor and council president referenced agenda-setting and an upcoming retreat as likely venues). Council President Kochmar suggested creating a community working group to develop a recommended policy outside the dais, a proposal several council members supported.

What happened and what comes next

- The meeting devoted the bulk of its public comment time to the flag‑raising policy; speakers urged either repeal, modification, or relocation of ceremonial flag events to more visible community spaces such as Town Square Park or the public marketplace. - Council did not vote to reverse the earlier Oct. 21 action. Instead, members said they would pursue additional community engagement and policy development and revisit the issue at a future meeting or retreat.

Why it matters

Raising a ceremonial flag at City Hall is a visible statement about whom a government recognizes. For residents who told the council they feel marginalized — including LGBTQ people and Black residents — the practice has been a signal of public safety and inclusion. For others who spoke to the council, limiting City Hall flag raisings preserves the primacy of the U.S., state and city flags as unifying civic symbols.

What the council and staff said

Mayor Jim Farrell: "We've heard you. This conversation will continue." Council President Kochmar recommended a community committee to draft policy recommendations. Pastor George Houston (Diversity Commission): "Removing that recognition may erode trust and cause harm." Michelle Meeker (Federal Way Bridal): "The pride flag is not a political statement. It is a symbol of safety, love, resilience, and belonging." Alexander Milstead (resident): "Repeal this garbage resolution at once immediately." (These quotes are drawn from the Nov. 5 public comment record.)

Documents and next steps

Councilmembers asked staff to bring the matter back for more public engagement and suggested convening a community working group that would recommend clear standards for ceremonial flag raisings and alternative public venues. No formal reversal or ordinance was enacted at the Nov. 5 meeting.