1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: October 17, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Judie Wilke, Assistant City Manager
By: Viviana Garzon, MPA, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: Approval of the City of Burbank Administrative Procedure I -26 – Flag and Light Display Policy
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the City of Burbank Administrative Procedure I -26 – Flag and Light Display Policy.
BACKGROUND
At the April 25 , 2023, City Council meeting, staff presented a first step staff report for Council’s discussion on the City’s flag policy in response to Council Member Takahashi’s request for a first-step report on raising the pride flag at City Hall during the month of June in support of Pride Month. During the presentation , s taff presented Administrative Procedure I-26 – Flag Display Courtesy which currently outlines the city’s policy on the display of the National flag of the United States and the State flag of the State of California.
In response to the presentation, Council directed the staff to return with a proposed amendment to the current Administrative Procedure I-26 – Flag Display Courtesy, which would encompass a Light Display policy . Furthermore, Council requested additional information regarding the feasibility of installing additional flagpoles at city facilities.
DISCUSSION
Updates to Administrative Procedure I-26
Per Council’s request, staff has revised the existing Administrative Procedure I-26 – Flag Display Courtesy and introduced a new section detailing the procedures for Light Displays CITY MANAGER’S
OFFICE
2 in front of the City Hall and Burbank Water and Power Ron E. Davis Administration Buildings. The updated document now bears the title of City of Burbank Administrative Procedure I -26 – Flag and Light Display Policy (AP) and is included in this report as Attachment 1.
Flag Display
The proposed AP aligns the City’s Flag Display Policy in accordance with the United States Code, Chapter 1 of Title 4, commonly referred to as the United States “Flag Code” and the California Government Code, Sections 430- 439, Chapter 3 “Display of Flags”.
Furthermore, this AP establishes standard procedures for flag displays at City facilities, specifying that the authorized flags for display include those of the United States of America, the State of California, and the City of Burbank. The AP also details the protocols for proper flag care and maintenance, sets forth rules of flag courtesy, and provides guidance when flags should be flown at half-staff.
Light Display
The community has embraced and celebrated the Light Displays at City Hall and the Ron E. Davis Administration Building for many years. The display s are prominently visible to both pedestrians and motorists passing by the buildings and offers an easily accessible and captivating backdrop for the public to capture the special recognitions. Additionally, it significantly elevates the visual appeal of both buildings, and shows the City Council's commitment to causes that hold profound significance to the community.
Section III of the AP outlines the process and timeline for public requests to use the Light Display at Burbank City Hall and the Ron E. Davis Administration Building. The option to use a variety of colors is currently only available for the Light Display at City Hall. Starting in January 2024, the Ron E. Davis Administration Building will be able to accommodate multi-colored lighting as this system is in the process of being upgraded.
Members of the public may submit a request to use the Light Display at both buildings in conjunction with a City Council Proclamation. Requests should be submitted with basic contact information and details about the Proclamations at least 30 days before the Council meeting date . The Mayor is responsible for evaluating and deciding on the approval or denial of these requests based on a recommendation from staff . The procedure for request ing the use of the Light Displays promotes diversity and inclusion within the community and offers a straightforward process for the public to engage with.
Flagpole Inventory and Installation of Additional Flagpoles Per Council’s request for additional information, Staff conducted a comprehensive inventory of all existing flagpoles in the City of Burbank’s facilities, encompassing parks, community and recrea tion centers, the animal shelter, office buildings, fire stations, libraries, memorials, and the water pumping plant.
3 In total, there are 24 city facilities equipped with flagpoles at their fronts. Among these, 21 facilities have a single flagpole, two facilities boast three flagpoles, and one facility has a pair of flagpoles. The inventory process also involved a detailed examination of the flag displays, including the number of flags flown on each pole, the specific type of flags, the lighting for the flag displays, and the responsible parties entrusted with the duty of raising and lowering the flags at these 24 facilities. The detailed flagpole inventory is included in this report as Attachment 2.
After compiling the data included in the flagpole inventory, staff engaged in multiple discussions with City engineers and building code inspectors to explore the feasibility of both adding new flagpoles at these facilities and hanging additional flags on existing flagpoles. This evaluation involves a comprehensive analysis by a licensed engineer with significant time and financial implications.
For example, an analysis of every flagpole would have to be made to determine whether an additional flag can fly on each flagpole. Engineer's rules for flying flags on flagpoles primarily revolve around ensuring safety and structural integrity. Engineers would have to consider factors such as the size and weight of the flag, the flagpole's design and material, wind loads, foundations, and adherence to Burbank’s building codes.
Regarding the installation of additional flagpoles, a licensed engineer would have to delve into lengthy field research and analysis to consider the structural integrity and stability of existing structures, compliance with local building codes, and adherence to regulations regarding flagpole height, proximity to other structures, and proper foundations. A wind load analysis would have to be conducted to assess the flagpoles' ability to withstand strong winds and adverse weather.
Conducting an in-depth analysis as described above may not align with the Council’s financial goals or be feasible due to constraints on staff resources. Such a study would involve significant costs, and the City has a long list of priorities for other vital community projects and initiatives. Staff believes the proposed AP , including procedures for Light Displays, provides a robust process for the City to recognize and celebrate significant occasions with the Burbank community, such as Pride Month, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and Denim Day.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
4 FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the approval of the City of Burbank Administrative Procedure I-26 – Flag and Light Display Policy.
CONCLUSION
Having a Flag and Light Display Policy in the City offers numerous benefits. It nurtures civic pride and identity, while also providing a platform to recognize significant occasions, show support for various causes, and celebrate cultural diversity. The pr oposed AP will further enhance the City's aesthetics, foster community engagement, and ensure transparency and consistency in the City’s flag and light displays. Staff looks forward to collaborating with the community on future requests and promoting unity and civic involvement.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Administrative Procedure I-26 – Flag and Light Display Policy Attachment 2 – Flagpole Inventory