After debate, Somerville narrows municipal flag policy; cultural flags moved to Main Street displays

Somerville Borough Council on Dec. 1 adopted an amended municipal flag display and lowering policy that removes cultural flags from municipal building flagpoles and directs those displays to Main Street or banner events.

The policy as adopted limits flags flown at municipal facilities to the U.S. flag, the state flag, the POW flag and a KIA (killed in action) flag. Councilmembers debated whether the mayor should retain broad discretion to lower flags “for any reason deemed appropriate.” Councilmember (name used in roll call) proposed limiting that language; the mayor and others argued the mayor and council president need discretion to act promptly in sensitive situations.

The council initially voted down a combined motion to both reduce the mayor’s power and eliminate cultural flags from municipal buildings. Following that vote, members then voted on a single amendment to remove cultural flags from municipal building flagpoles; that amendment passed unanimously. The council president and mayor will still have authority to lower flags under established guidelines such as gubernatorial or presidential directives.

Supporters said the change clarifies decision-making and keeps cultural banners on Main Street during festivals and commemorative events. One councilmember said restricting municipal poles to the core official flags prevents disputes over what is appropriate to fly on borough buildings.

The amended policy was approved as part of the meeting’s consent/resolution items; aldermen recorded the amendment vote by roll call.