Residents urge changes to feather-flag rules, veterans’ space and raise concerns about staff conduct

Three members of the public spoke during Burlington’s Sept. 16 council meeting on topics ranging from sign rules to veterans’ needs and staff conduct.

Amy Birkhead Riley, of Gibsonville, asked the council to revisit Burlington’s feather-flag ordinance, saying feather flags are a low-cost way for businesses to promote themselves and proposing regulated allowances similar to other municipalities. She cited examples from Greensboro, Graham, Mebane and Raleigh—describing limits some cities place on number, duration, height, permitting and prohibitions in the public right of way—and urged Burlington to consider a regulatory approach rather than a full ban.

Ron Allred, representing the Joseph P. Coble DAV chapter, told the council the local chapter has no permanent meeting place, relies on donations, and is paying rent that diminishes funds for services. He asked the city and county to help identify a stable space and said chapter leaders had discussed the Kernowals Senior Center as a possible location; councilmembers said staff would follow up and report back.

Donovan Hook thanked city staff for updates and the response to a recent Western Electric fire but said he was concerned about an earlier work-session moment when the city attorney appeared to be making light of flooding conditions on Chandler Avenue. Hook said he was 'taken aback' and requested the conduct not be repeated. The mayor replied that a video had been playing at the time and acknowledged perception differences.

The council noted the comments for the record and asked staff to follow up on the DAV space request.