Committee amends flag-display ordinance to include U.S. states and territories, sends item back with favorable recommendation

Council President TJ Clark presented an ordinance amendment intended to restore the display policy's original intent regarding the flying of flags. During the committee's discussion, Councilman Mitcham said the draft language would "not permit the flying of the flags of other states or territories," arguing the ordinance should explicitly allow U.S. state and territorial flags so events such as parades could display them without confusion.

Council President Clark said it was "never my intent or purpose to leave out, US territories, such as, Puerto Rico and The US Virgin Islands and others," and indicated he was amenable to including them in the ordinance's language. Corporation Counsel Jonathan Harding advised that adding territories likely constituted a friendly amendment and would not require returning the matter to public comment, saying, "I would say it's a friendly amendment."

Councilman Mitcham moved to amend the permitted-flags section to include "the flags of any of the several states of The United States and of its territory;" a council member identified as Kyle seconded. The committee voted in favor of the amendment with recorded "Aye" votes and at least one abstention; the amendment was declared passed. The committee then moved and seconded a motion to send the ordinance, as amended, back to the council with a favorable recommendation; that motion carried with recorded "Aye" votes and at least one abstention.

The committee's action sends the amended ordinance back to the full council; corporation counsel and members indicated the change was intended to avoid future disputes over which flags may be displayed.