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Council adopts resolution to fly the newly adopted Minnesota state flag after split vote
Summary
The East Grand Forks City Council approved Resolution 26-03-28a to fly the new Minnesota state flag (adopted 05/11/2024) by a 5–2 roll call vote; council discussion included comments about community reaction and concerns raised by some members that public debate had racial undertones.
The East Grand Forks City Council voted to adopt Resolution 26-03-28a, authorizing the city to display the newly adopted Minnesota state flag on city property where the state flag is flown.
The city attorney explained the council had three sequential resolutions on the agenda: (1) adopt the new state flag, (2) adopt the original flag, or (3) refrain from flying a state flag. He said passage of the first option would remove the other two from consideration. After brief discussion, Council Member Karen Peterson moved the resolution and Council Member Tammy Schumacher seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 5–2.
The roll call recorded the following votes: Bridal Larson — yes; Tammy Schumacher — yes; Ben Pukshivinski — no; Tim Riopelle — no; Dale Helms — yes; Don Kaysme — yes; Karen Peterson — yes. City staff then removed the subsequent two flag-related agenda items from the docket.
Council discussion included expressions about community concerns. Council Member Tammy Schumacher said the flag debate “felt more racially motivated than a real reason” for some residents and noted people had told her they were afraid to speak publicly. Council Member Karen Peterson said she sought to provide factual context about the flag’s intended meaning rather than perceived meanings. A council member listed in the transcript as Mark Shabinski clarified later that his ‘‘no’’ vote did not mean he endorsed the old flag.
The resolution as presented at this meeting authorizes display of the state flag adopted on 05/11/2024 at city-owned flag poles and buildings where the Minnesota state flag is flown. The council did not record any immediate implementing ordinance language or timetable in the meeting minutes.
