Citizen-designed proposal for an official Owasso flag moves toward resolution

Holden Foyle, the citizen who proposed an official Owasso flag, and JJ Dossett, a city staff presenter, described the design process and asked the council for guidance on next steps.

Dossett said staff conducted historical research, consulted the Owasso Historical Museum and worked with local artist Keith Whitfield to develop simple, recognizable designs that reflect Owasso’s history. He said the team also sent the design to the Cherokee Nation’s cultural art department for review; according to Dossett, the Nation’s cultural reviewer advised the image was “appropriate.” Holden Foyle thanked councilors for including citizens in the design stages and said he would be comfortable with modest changes.

Councilors asked why staff selected a single local artist rather than holding a broad open submission. Dossett said the city sought a balance: keeping the process local and manageable rather than opening an unconstrained contest, and then using a public comment period to gather feedback. Councilors also discussed color choices tied to the city’s existing branding and whether the city name should appear on the flag.

Several councilors said they were satisfied with the outreach and the overall concept but also acknowledged comments requesting a more open submission process; one councilor suggested a middle path of inviting documented local artists to submit within defined guidelines. City staff asked whether council wanted staff to prepare a resolution; Mayor Alvin Preger and multiple councilors directed staff to bring a resolution forward for council consideration at an upcoming meeting.

Councilors and staff said the resolution would be scheduled for a future council meeting for formal action. The council did not vote during this session; staff said they will prepare a resolution to be placed on the March 17 or next available agenda.