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Commissioners debate wording of Mount Clemens flag ordinance; 'Calhoun Amendment' proposed
Summary
A proposed amendment to the city flag ordinance would permit flags and banners in all zoning districts so long as size or number do not make the display a commercial advertisement; commissioners debated phrasing, free‑speech limits and whether to keep specific references to government flags and banners.
During a Mount Clemens City Commission work session (date not specified), commissioners reviewed a proposed change to the city flag ordinance circulated as the "Calhoun Amendment."
Speaker 6 read the amendment aloud: "In all zoning districts, flags and banners are permitted as long as the size or number of such flag or flags are not such nature that it were commonly understood that their display was primarily intended to be a commercial advertisement to attract the attention of the general public." Commissioners questioned grammar and precise wording but generally agreed with a simpler approach that protects noncommercial personal and political flags while letting the city continue to regulate commercial uses under sign rules.
Several commissioners urged keeping broad permissions for noncommercial flags. One commissioner cautioned against drafting language that might put the city "in the middle of a political turmoil" by effectively singling out specific political flags. Commissioners discussed alternative phrasing (for example, using "flags and banners" and leaning on "commonly understood" rather than "reasonable person") and requested a brief summary of selection criteria or other clarifying edits before placing the amendment on a future agenda. The attorney present noted case law influences how political and commercial displays can be regulated.
The commission did not adopt the amendment at the work session; Speaker 6 said he would make the edits and asked if members were ready to place it on the next regular agenda, and several members indicated readiness. The item was scheduled for further consideration rather than final action at this meeting.
