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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 25-016 Flag PolicyCITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON RESOLUTION No. 25-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING THE CITY COUNCIL'S POLICY RELATED TO THE DISPLAY OF FLAGS AT CITY FACILITIES, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, state and federal laws establish rules and regulations concerning the display of certain flags; and WHEREAS, the City intends, by adoption of this policy, to continue to follow said rules and regulations; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to exercise its control over messaging from City -owned flagpoles by establishing a policy that comports with the values of the City; and WHEREAS, by establishing and following this written policy, the City is lawfully engaging in government speech. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington as follows: Section 1. Purpose. It is the policy of the City of Spokane Valley to correctly honor the flags of the United States, the State of Washington, and the City of Spokane Valley, and the national league of families' Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flags in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. The City's flagpoles are exclusively utilized by the City for government expression. Therefore, in addition to complying with state and federal laws and protocols related to proper flag display, it is the policy of the City of Spokane Valley to ensure that the flagpoles are used only for government speech and that alternate flag displays on City flagpoles reflect the views, values, and goals of the City. The City's flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public. Section 2. Flag Display. The City of Spokane Valley shall comply with national and state laws and protocols concerning flag display and etiquette for the official United States flag, Washington State flag, POW/MIA flag, and City flag. These laws and regulations include 4 USC §§ 1-10, RCW 35A.21.180 and RCW 1.20.010. Specifically, but not to the exclusion of any other law or protocol, the City recognizes that the United States flag shall only be flown at half-staff on days required by law, and upon order by the President, or proclamation of the Governor. The State flag, City flag, and alternate flags, may be flown at half-staff upon declaration by the Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley to honor the passing of current or former local or regional officials, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Section 3. Display of alternate flags. In addition to the flags referenced in Section 2, other flags may be displayed on a temporary basis on City -owned flagpoles below or in place of Resolution 25-016 Flag Display Policy the City's flag that a) recognize and honor members of the U.S. armed forces and public safety institutions, including local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and emergency services, or b) promote adopted City Council priorities or programs that positively impact the community; provided that the flag display does not conflict with local, state, or federal law or the other terms of this policy. Section 4. Procedure for alternate flag display proposals. As part of the ceremonial duties of the Mayor, the Mayor may issue proclamations at his or her discretion that call for the display of alternate flags on certain dates to recognize groups, events, or occasions that comport with City Council's desired message in Section 3. A request to fly an alternate flag shall be directed to the Mayor or City Clerk at least one week prior to the proposed date for the display. The request shall contain a copy of the proposed alternate flag, a written description of the message to be conveyed, date(s) for display, and an explanation of how the display comports with the desired message in Section 3 and other relevant terms and restrictions of this policy. The Mayor shall retain full authority and discretion in determining whether the proposed display comports with the desired message in Section 3 and other relevant terms and restrictions of this policy. The City Cleric shall communicate the Mayor's decision to the individual making the request. If accepted, it shall be the responsibility of the individual making the request to provide the flag, make arrangements through the City Clerk to display the flag on the appropriate date(s), and draft a proclamation. The City retains the right to modify/edit the proposed proclamation as it sees fit. The proclamation shall be signed by the Mayor, and mailed or delivered by alternate means to the requestor as determined by the Mayor. Upon approval of an alternate flag display by the Mayor, the alternate flag may be displayed annually, at the Mayor's discretion, for the same event, or on the same date(s), without additional application by a requestor when consistent with the other terms and restrictions of this policy. Section 5. Pre -approved alternate flags. The following alternate flags comply with the City Council's desired message described in Section 3, and may be flown at the Mayor's discretion at special events, or on days connected to the flag's message: Purple Heart flag Tree City USA flag This list may be supplemented by City Council resolution. Section 5. Restrictions. No alternate flag shall be flown for more than seven days per year without approval by City Council. Nothing herein shall be deemed to allow the flying of a flag at a time or location which would create a conflict with local, state, or federal law, or the aforementioned protocols and policies contained herein. Flag displays shall not be used to promote any particular candidate, or political campaign, or be used to promote political, or religious causes. Nor shall flags be displayed that sow division amongst or discriminate against groups of people on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Resolution 25-016 Flag Display Policy Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon adoption. Adopted this 23rd day of September 2025. Qp-,r�� - Pam Haley, May r ATTEST: City Cl rk, Marci Patterson Approved as to Form: i 1151 •the CiTmo-mey Resolution 25-016 Flag Display Policy