CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PAT BURNS, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2023
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE THAT LIMITS FLAG DISPLAYS AT CITY
FACILITIES TO ONLY THE AMERICAN, POW/MIA, STATE, CITY, AND, AS NEEDED,
THE COUNTY FLAGS
The City of Huntington Beach has always flown 3-5 flags at City facilities - the American, POW/MIA, State of California, and Huntington Beach City flags. It has occasionally displayed the County of Orange flag. That was it. We, the City of Huntington Beach, are one community with many different cultures and people. All are equally valued members of our community, and none are to be treated differently or discriminated against.
As a municipal organization, the City of Huntington Beach should avoid actions that could easily or mistakenly be perceived as divisive. In keeping with the proper role of municipal government and in the spirit of true unity, the City of Huntington Beach should only fly or display on City-owned property the American, POW/MIA, State of California, and the Huntington Beach City flags. The City should also display the County of Orange flag when the need or occasion requires it.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to work with the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for introduction at the February 21 Council Meeting that the City only fly or display on City property the American flag, the POW/MIA f lag, the State of California flag, the Huntington Beach City f lag, and, as needed, the County of Orange flag.
If the ordinance is adopted, direct the City Manager to update Administrative Regulation (AR) 705: Citywide Flag Policy, accordingly.