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CC 2024-04-23_09d Resolution Authorizing Recurring Annual Display_Commemorative FlagsItem 9.d. MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Matthew Downing, City Manager BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney SUBJECT: Review and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recurring Annual Display of Specified Commemorative Flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park DATE: April 23, 2024 SUMMARY OF ACTION: Adoption of this Resolution by 4/5 of the City Council will authorize the City, in accordance with the Flag Policy adopted in May of 2021, to fly certain specified flags on an annually recurring basis at City Hall and Heritage Square Park for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The flags considered as part of this Resolution include: the Military Service commemorative flag in the month of May; the Pride commemorative flag in the month of June; and a commemorative flag for Juneteenth (the Sunday-Saturday of the week during which June 19th of each year falls). IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: There is minimal financial impact and impact on personnel resources related to authorizing the display of the specified commemorative flags on a recurring annual basis. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to display the commemorative flags specified therein on a recurring annual basis, in accordance with all policies and procedures established in the City’s adopted Flag Policy. BACKGROUND: In May 2021, the City Council adopted a policy governing the display of flags at City Hall and other City facilities. In accordance with this policy and with applicable law, staff is presenting this Resolution to authorize the City to fly, on an annually recurring basis, certain specified flags as requested by City Council members, which include: Item 9.d. City Council Review and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recurring Annual Display of Specified Commemorative Flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park April 23, 2024 Page 2 A. Commemorative Flag Marking Military Appreciation Month (May) In 1999, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. In connection with this remembrance, the City desires to approve the flying of the “Service Flag” during the month of May each year. B. Commemorative Flag Marking LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June) According to the Library of Congress, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (“LGBTQ+ Pride Month”) is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New Yo rk City. In connection with this remembrance, the City desires to approve the flying of the “Pride Flag” during the month of June each year. C. Commemorative Flag Marking Juneteenth Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in th e United States. The date of June 19th was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. In connection with this remembrance, the City desires to approve the flying of the “Juneteenth Flag” during the Sunday-Saturday of the week during which June 19th falls each year. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The City’s adopted Flag Policy expressly authorizes the flying of a “commemorative flag” at City Hall and Heritage Square Park upon a request by one City Council member to place the discussion of such authorization on a City Council meeting agenda, and at least one other City Council member agrees with the request. This Resolution is brought in accordance with this policy and requires a 4/5 majority of City Council members to agree to adopt the resolution, which would authorize flying the specified commemorative flags on an annual, recurring basis. While this was not a specific request of the City Council, staff have seen this practice in other communities and view it as an opportunity for the City Council to consider. Each such flag shall be approved to be displayed for a period of time that is “reasonable or customary” for the subject commemorated, but no longer than thirty (30) consecutive days each year. The term “commemorative flag” is defined by the Flag Policy to mean a flag that identifies with a specific historical event, cause, nation or group of people that the City Council choses to honor or commemorate consistent with the City’s mission and priorities. In accordance with federal law, the following are not allowed as commemorative flags and may not be considered for approval by the City Council: 1. Flags of a particular religious movement or creed, to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing religion or a particular religious movement or creed; 2. Flags of a political party, to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing a political party; and 3. Flags advocating a certain outcome in an election. Item 9.d. City Council Review and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recurring Annual Display of Specified Commemorative Flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park April 23, 2024 Page 3 Should this Resolution be adopted, the City will fly all approved commemorative flags annually in accordance with the rules and procedures set forth in the Flag Policy. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Adopt the Resolution authorizing the recurring annual display of specified commemorative flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park; 2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or 3. Provide alternative direction to staff. ADVANTAGES: Authorizing the display of the specified commemorative flags will commemorate important social and historical causes and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. DISADVANTAGES: No disadvantages are identified. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The adoption of this Resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Proposed Resolution 2. Pictures of Commemorative Flags 3. City of Arroyo Grande Flag Policy ATTACHMENT 1 RESOLUTION NO. _____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE RECURRING ANNUAL DISPLAY OF SPECIFIED COMMEMORATIVE FLAGS AT CITY HALL AND HERITAGE SQUARE PARK WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt a resolution, in accordance with its existing Policy on the Display of Flags (“Flag Policy”), to authorize specific, qualifying “commemorative flags” to be flown on a recurring annual basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to reflect the dignity of flags flown on City flagpoles or displayed in front of City facilities, as well as the role of City Hall as an inclusive gathering location and local symbol of government and democracy; and WHEREAS, the City’s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public, but rather for the display of federal, state, and City flags, and any commemorative flag as may be authorized by the City Council as an expression of the City’s official sentiments; and WHEREAS, the adoption of this Resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Court expressly held in the 2022 case Shurtleff v. City of Boston that the First Amendment’s “Free Speech Clause does not prevent the government from declining to express a view,” and “[w]hen the government wishes to state an opinion, to speak for the community, to formulate policies, or to implement programs, it naturally chooses what to say and what not to say”; and WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable law and City’s Flag Policy, the City may take action to approve the flying of specific, qualifying commemorative flags as a form of government (rather than private) speech; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City’s Flag Policy, four (4) Council Members must vote in favor of displaying the requested commemorative flag(s) for such action to be successful, rather than a simple majority as is required for most Council actions; and WHEREAS, the City desires to approve the annual flying of these specified flags to commemorate important social and historical causes, and demonstrate the City’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. ATTACHMENT 1 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. SECTION 2. The City of Arroyo Grande does hereby resolve that the following commemorative flags shall be flown as specified (images of which are set forth within the Exhibit A), in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in the City’s Flag Display Policy:  The Service Flag shall be flown during the month of May each year to commemorate National Military Appreciation Month.  The Pride Flag shall be flown during the month of June each year to commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride Month.  The Juneteenth Flag shall be flown during the Sunday-Saturday of the week during which June 19th falls each year. SECTION 3. The City Manager or their designee is responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of the Flag Display Policy at all City facilities. SECTION 4. This resolution shall be effective immediately. On motion by Council Member ________, seconded by Council Member _______, and by the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing Resolution was adopted this 23rd day of April, 2024. ATTACHMENT 1 CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR ATTEST: JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: MATTHEW DOWNING, CITY MANAGER APPROVED AS TO FORM: ISAAC ROSEN, CITY ATTORNEY ATTACHMENT 1 EXHIBIT A PICTURES OF COMMEMORATIVE FLAGS A. Commemorative Flag Marking Military Appreciation Month B. Commemorative Flag Marking LGBTQ+ Pride Month C. Commemorative Flag Marking Juneteenth ATTACHMENT 2 A. Commemorative Flag Marking Military Appreciation Month B. Commemorative Flag Marking LGBTQ+ Pride Month C. Commemorative Flag Marking Juneteenth ATTACHMENT 3 RESOLUTION NO. 5083 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY CO UNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A FLAG DISPLAY POLICY WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande currently displays the United States Flag and the State of California Flag at the Arroyo Grande City Hall; and WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande does not have a policy regarding the display of flags; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a policy that provides guidance and standards for the outdoor display of flags at City facilities, including commemorative flags other than the United States flag, the State of California flag, and City flags; and WHEREAS, in adopting this Policy, the City Council desires to reflect the dignity of the flags flown at City-owned or City-maintained facilities, as well as the role of the Arroyo Grande City Hall as an inclusive gathering location and local symbol of government and democracy; and WHEREAS, in adopting this flag display policy, the City Council declares that flags and flagpoles owned or maintained by the City of Arroyo Grande are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public, but rather as a nonpublic forum for the display of the United States flag, the State of California flag, City flags, and any commemorative flag authorized by the City Council as an expression of the City Council's official sentiments (government speech); and WHEREAS, in adopting this Policy, the City Council declares that the following flags shall not be considered commemorative flags that can be displayed or flown on City owned or maintained flagpoles: 1) flags of a particular religious movement or creed to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing religion or a particular religious movement or creed; 2) flags of a political party to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing a political party; and 3) flags advocating a certain outcome in an election. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande as follows: 1.The recitals set forth herein are true, correct and incorporated herein by this reference. 2.The City of Arroyo Grande Policy on Display of Flags, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, is hereby adopted. 3.This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption. Page 48 of 583 RESOLUTION NO. 5083 PAGE2 On motion by Council Member Barneich, seconded by Council Member George, and on the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: Council Members Barneich, George, Storton, Paulding, and Mayor Ray Russom NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 25 th day of May, 2021. Page 49 of 583 RESOLUTION NO. 5083 PAGE 3 CARE~MAYOR ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: l~ 1 '.. a 16 ~ WHITNEYMONALl},liZrv MANAGER APPROVED AS TO FORM: TIMO~E~EY Page 50 of 583 I. Purpose CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE POLICY ON DISPLAY OF FLAGS EXHIBIT A A The Arroyo Grande City Council desires to establish clear guidelines regarding: 1. The outdoor display of the United States Flag, the California State Flag, and the City of Arroyo Grande Flag at City facilities or City-owned or City-maintained flagpoles; and 2. The outdoor display of commemorative flags at the Arroyo Grande City Hall and Heritage Square Park. B. In adopting this Policy, the City Council desires to reflect the dignity of the flags flown on flagpoles or displayed at City-owned or City-maintained facilities, as well as the role of the Arroyo Grande City Hall as an inclusive gathering location and local symbol of government and democracy . C. In adopting this Policy, the City Council declares that flagpoles owned or maintained by the City of Arroyo Grande are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public, but rather as a non-public forum for the display of the United States, State of California, City of Arroyo Grande, and any commemorative flag authorized by the City Council as an expression of the City Council's official sentiments (government speech). II. Policy A Conformance with Federal and State Regulations. Flags shall be displayed in accordance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1 and California Government Code section 430 et seq ., and this Policy. 1. Per California Government Code section 431 (a), the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of California shall be prominently displayed upon or in front of public buildings of the City. 2. Per California Government Code section 434 . 7, any Flag of the United States or Flag of California that the City purchases must be made in the United States. 3. The United States Flag may only be flown at half-staff in accordance with the guidelines set forth at https://www.usa.gov/flag. The State of California Flag shall be flown at half-staff if the United States Flag is flown at half-staff or on order of the Governor. B . City Facilities other than the Arroyo Grande City Hall. At facilities that the City owns or maintains (other than facilities maintained by other governmental entities), there may be one flagpole where the United States Flag shall be flown and the State of California flag may be flown as described in Section II. Page 51 of 583 C. Arroyo Grande City Hall. 1. There shall be flagpoles at the Arroyo Grande City Hall to fly the following flags in the manner described below: Flag of the United States, Flag of the State of California, Flag of the City of Arroyo Grande, and any approved commemorative flag. 2. The City of Arroyo Grande Flag shall fly at half-staff if either the United States or California Flag is at half-staff. The Mayor may order the City of Arroyo Grande Flag to fly at half-staff at the death of a current or former City Council Member or current City staff member or a historically significant member of the community. 3. Commemorative Flag. a. As expression of the City's official government speech, the City Council may authorize the display of a commemorative flag to fly at the Arroyo Grande City Hall and the Heritage Square Park flagpoles only. b. The City Council shall only consider a request to display a commemorative flag if the request is made by a member of the Arroyo Grande City Council and another City Council member agrees to place the discussion to authorize such display on the agenda for a regular or special City Council meeting. Requests to fly a commemorative flag by members of the public will not be considered. c. At a noticed and agendized City Council meeting, four (4) Council Members must agree to display the Commemorative Flag. d. Commemorative flags shall be displayed for a period of time that is reasonable or customary for the subject that is to be commemorated, but no longer than thirty (30) consecutive days. e. Commemorative flags must be either purchased by the City or temporarily donated for the City's use and must be clean, without holes and tears, and be made of an all-weather fabric. Commemorative flags must be the same size or smaller than the United States and California flags that are flown. The City will not be responsible for the condition of the commemorative flag once flown. f. If any other flag is flown at half-staff, the commemorative flag will also be flown at half-staff. g. A "commemorative flag" as defined in this Policy shall mean a flag that identifies with a specific historical event, cause, nation or group of people that the City Council choses to honor or commemorate consistent with the City's mission and priorities. The following are not allowed as Commemorative Flags and will not be considered by the City Council: Page 2 of 3 Page 52 of 583 i. Flags of a particular religious movement or creed to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing religion or a particular religious movement or creed; ii. Flags of a political party to avoid the appearance of City government endorsing a political party; and iii. Flags advocating a certain outcome in an election. Ill. Procedures A. No other flag shall be placed above the United States Flag and no other flag shall be larger than the United States Flag. Other flags may be flown at the same height and in the same size, in accordance with this Policy. Where both the United State Flag and the California State Flags are flown, they shall be of the same size. 8. Flags should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The United States Flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. C. Flags shall be displayed during operating hours on all days on which the City is open for business, and on national and State holidays. Flags may be displayed twenty-four (24) hours a day as long as they are illuminated during darkness. D. Flags shall not be displayed during inclement weather, unless all-weather flags are used and are illuminated during darkness. E. When flags are displayed on a single pole, the order from top to bottom shall be: the United States Flag, the California State Flag, and, if displayed, the City of Arroyo Grande Flag. F. When the flags are flown from adjacent flag poles, the United States Flag shall be flown at the highest point of honor, which is the furthest point to the left from the standpoint of the observer ("the flag's right"). G. When a flag is displayed at half-staff, it shall first be hoisted to the peak for a moment and then lowered to half-staff position. Before being lowered at the end of the day or when taken down, the flags shall again be hoisted to the peak for a moment and then fully lowered . Page 3 of 3 Page 53 of 583 OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION I, JESSICA MATSON, City Clerk of the City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury, that the attached Resolution No. 5083 was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande on the 25 th day of May, 2021. WITNESS my hand and the Seal of the City of Arroyo Grande affixed this 27 th day of May, 2021. JSs1cA MATSON, CITY CLERK Page 54 of 583 MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Jessica Matson, Legislative & Information Services Director/City Clerk SUBJECT: Supplemental Information Agenda Item 9.d. – April 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Review and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recurring Annual Display of Specified Commemorative Flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park DATE: April 23, 2024 Attached is correspondence received for the above referenced item. cc: City Manager Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director City Attorney City Clerk City Website and Public Review Binder Enc From:Alison Hinrichs To:public comment Subject:Take down pride flag Date:Friday, April 19, 2024 7:50:31 PM Hello, I find it offensive and non-inclusive to hang the pride flag in the Village of Arroyo Grande. If we are going to hang the pride flag, then we better hang all the other flags of religion & personal stances to include everyone. The American flag includes everyone, the California flag includes everyone. I don’t understand that because the LGBT+ community makes such a stink that that’s why they get to hang their flag. They preach inclusiveness but are very exclusive to those only in their camp. Keep the flag down and include everyone. Blessings, Alie Hinrichs Sent from my iPhone From: To:public comment Subject:Pride month Date:Friday, April 19, 2024 8:26:54 PM Please don’t give any undue consideration to any and all bigots who may show up to discourage the city’s support and inclusion for all citizens and guests of our community. With pride and courage, continue to fly the rainbow flag ‍ in June. Arroyo Grande is a “no hate” zone. In strength, Elizabeth Fordyce, MPT, CAE Safety In Motion "Work That Fits" From:Paul Fordyce To:public comment Subject:Pride flag Date:Friday, April 19, 2024 8:30:32 PM Please don’t give any undue consideration to any and all bigots who may show up to discourage the city’s support and inclusion for all citizens and guests of our community. With pride and courage, continue to fly the rainbow flag ‍ in June. Arroyo Grande is a “no hate” zone. In strength, Paul Fordyce Arroyo Grande Sent from my iPhone From:robin greene To:public comment Subject:Pride Flag for June 2024 Date:Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:17:51 PM I would like to express my support for the initiative to fly the Pride Flag in our city during the month of June. The significance of the pride flag for the LGBTQ+ community serves as a powerful symbol of unity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Why as a city would we not choose to promote everyone to feel welcome? By displaying this flag, we are embracing this message of inclusivity and compassion for all members of our community. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. but cannot condone this activity. Because you are in leadership in AG you are spitting in the face of God and as such you will be held accountable for your actions in the life to come. OK, so you are laughing and say do you really believe that? Well you got a lot more to loose if you don't believe this than I do if I should be wrong..think about it!!!! I will be praying that you vote this item down regarding the flying of the Pride flag...for our community"s sake and ultimately for your sake in the life to come. Glenn Vander Plate From:Karen Miller To:public comment Subject:Flying of Flags at City Hall & Heritage Square Park Date:Sunday, April 21, 2024 1:25:53 AM Dear City Council, As a citizen living in Arroyo Grande, I have a concern along with many others over the proposed Pride Flag issue again this year to be flown at the city hall and heritage park for June. Only this year you have grouped in with two other flags rather than voting on the flags separately as it should be done. To keep things simple and fair in flying flags rather than showing favoritism, I feel that we should only fly our national, state and city flags and no other. As American living in Arroyo Grande, California, this we should all support. This keeps it simple, fair, and consistent year after year. The council needs to listen to their constituents. Last year the majority of emails sent in except for one or two, I believe, said no to flying the pride flag yet the council voted unanimously to fly the flag. Thank you for taking the time to listen to your citizen's concerns. Blessings, Karen Miller From:William Honeycutt To:public comment Subject:Flying of Flaggs Date:Sunday, April 21, 2024 6:32:19 AM The American Flag (and its colors) represent , as stated in the pledge, "ONE NATION", not a group of "special interest". Flying flags of special interest groups promotes DIVISION, not UNITY. Men and women who fought and died did so for what the American flag (not flags) stands for. Please do not allow another thing that only creates disunity and division among residents of this city. Respectfully. W. B. Honeycutt Arroyo Grande Resident From:Becky Mosgofian To:public comment Subject:I support flying the Pride flag during the month of June Date:Monday, April 22, 2024 4:48:05 PM Subject: Support for Flying the Rainbow Flag during Pride Month Dear Members of the City Council, I am writing to express my strong support for flying the rainbow (or progress) flag in our city during Pride Month. As a resident of this community, I believe that displaying this flag sends a powerful message of inclusivity, support, and celebration of diversity. Here are several reasons why flying the rainbow/progress flag is beneficial for our city: Symbol of Inclusivity: The rainbow flag is universally recognized as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. By flying this flag, our city demonstrates its commitment to welcoming and embracing people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Support for LGBTQ+ Residents: Many LGBTQ+ individuals in our community feel marginalized or face discrimination. Seeing this flag flown proudly in public spaces can provide them with a sense of safety, acceptance, and affirmation of their identities. Tourism and Business Impact: Cities that are perceived as inclusive and welcoming to diverse communities often attract more visitors and businesses. By visibly supporting Pride Month through the rainbow flag, we enhance our city's reputation as an open and progressive place to live, work, and visit. Educational Opportunity: Flying the rainbow flag serves as an educational opportunity for residents, particularly young people, to learn about the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of equality and acceptance. Promotion of Unity and Respect: Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community's history and achievements. Flying the rainbow flag promotes unity and respect among all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge you to consider the positive impact that flying the rainbow flag has on our city and continue your support. It would demonstrate our commitment to equality, diversity, and human rights. Thank you. Sincerely, Becky Mosgofian Arroyo Grande, CA From:Carol Swain To:public comment Subject:The Pride Flag represents freedom, much like the Stars and Stripes Date:Monday, April 22, 2024 8:30:22 PM Thank you to the City of Arroyo Grande! You're a beautiful city with a cool, upbeat vibe, which has been fostered by your actions such as flying the Pride Flag. I'm proud to be your neighbor!! Carol Swain Morro Bay From:Linda Busek To:public comment Subject:Please continue to support our LGBTQ+ community members Date:Monday, April 22, 2024 6:06:17 PM Fly the Pride flag proudly! Thanks for standing up and standing firm! best, Linda Busek From: MICHELE NORWOOD < Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 10:07 AM To: Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org> Cc: Jim Guthrie <jguthrie@arroyogrande.org>; Kate Secrest <ksecrest@arroyogrande.org>; Kristen Barneich <kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>; Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org> Subject: Flags IRONSCALES couldn't recognize this email as this is the first time you received an email from this sender Dear Mayor and City Council Members, While I have nothing against LGBTQ people, I do have a problem with ANY flag being flown for ANY reason on public grounds other than the American flag. Should you chose to entertain this special interest group, no matter what your, “honorable” intentions, you must be prepared to allow the same display for ANY group that requests. Now just think about that-do you really want satanic, Nazi, Defund the Police, etc. flags displayed? What message are we sending? This is not about inclusion. Don’t start a trend in a community that does not need any more problems. Why such a small sliver of the population is always so overrepresented is beyond me. Michele Norwood Arroyo Grande, CA Michele From:Marja Rafiee To:public comment Subject:Support for Progress Flag Date:Monday, April 22, 2024 7:56:07 PM Hello AG City Council, This email is to express my support of the LGBTQ+ community through the continued flying of the Progress flag in our fair city during Pride Month. There is not one downside I can think of to showing our fellow humans and community members that they are acknowledged and supported. I encourage you (and local leaders) to continue making decisions that will hopefully, in turn, encourage our citizens of all ages, backgrounds, etc. to be welcoming to everyone with open hearts and minds. Or, at the very least, I hope those opposing the Progress flag become aware that it is not hurting or taking anything away from them for other people in the community to feel seen and welcome here. Thank you for your time, Marja Rafiee Homegrown AG Resident Questions and Comments Question #1: Have each of you, as members of Arroyo Grande City Council, been elected to represent all citizens of your city? Question #2: By voting for this controversial issue of allowing for the annual flying of both the “pride flag” and “Juneteenth flag” mean that you will also fly our Christian flag at all our holidays and days of prayer? Question #3: If this vote goes through can each of you, in good conscience support the mutilization of children, young adults and consenting adults in this horrifying procedure of a sex change? And have you researched this process? As you have probably deduced, I am a born-again, Bible believing Christian and I do my best to live my life according to the Word and Will of God—not always succeeding, but trying each day. I researched what God has to say about the homosexual lifestyle and here are just a couple of references: Leviticus 18: 22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” I Corinthians 6: 9: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites will inherit the Kingdom of God…….” I am more concerned, at this point, to please God and not man, to obey His Word and not my opinion, and to share His love which leads men and women to repentance. I would add—this has NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, to do with loving each one of these individuals who are in this lifestyle. Rather, it is a true concern and act of obedience to love each of these and pray for each of these so that their lives will turn around to what God created them to be—for His plan and purpose in their lives. In this, I pray for their change back to God’s plan for them and that they experience the wonderful love, mercy, hope and grace He offers. I choose NOT to “love them to hell” by accepting and enabling this lifestyle. Thank you for your time and I would appreciate answers to my questions, Sincerely Diane Johnson From:Shannon Kessler To:public comment Subject:Citizen opposed to flying the LGBTQ+++ form the city"s Flag Poles Date:Tuesday, April 23, 2024 9:54:59 AM Dear council members,I am writing to express my deep concern over the fact that you, our representatives are again choosing to fly a flag that distinctly represents the endorsement of a sexual lifestyle choice made by a few people. Please reconsider this decision and do not vote to make this decision perpetual. Taking this vote away from future council members removes our voice as people to come to you each year on this matter. I wrote lastyear to object to this along with many others and feel that you ignored us, yourcitizens.A public display of this flag is inappropriate in this public setting since it indicates thatthe citizens of our city endorse this behavior which is not the case for myself, myfamily, and many other residents.I have heard that one of the reasons you want to do this is to take a stand for an underrepresented and historically persecuted group of people. In this free nation, we currently have the freedom to behave how we choose as long as we do not harm others. If mistreated the recourse to address injustice exists through the police and the courts - standing on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The nation's flag - Old Glory/ the Stars and Stripes- already represents these rights.The only flags that should fly from our city poles are the American Flag, the CaliforniaState flag, and our city's flag. These three more than represent us ALL by standingfor the governments of our free nation, state, and town. No more flags need to beflown especially not one that has nothing to do with a body of governance. -- Grace and Peace, Shannon Kessler MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Jessica Matson, Legislative & Information Services Director/City Clerk SUBJECT: Supplemental Information Agenda Item 9.d. – April 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Review and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recurring Annual Display of Specified Commemorative Flags at City Hall and Heritage Square Park DATE: April 23, 2024 Attached is correspondence received by 4 PM for the above referenced item. cc: City Manager Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director City Attorney City Clerk City Website and Public Review Binder Enc This past Friday, April 19th, I received the City Council Agenda notice via email. I called City Hall to speak with a staff member about item 9D, however the City Hall was closed. I was unable to contact a staff member at City Hall as offices were closed. The Deputy City Clerk did return my call Monday morning and confirmed item 9D was on the consent agenda. If citizens had been made aware item 9D was going to be on tonight’s agenda I believe there would have been more input from the community. could have met and had a discussion on this protocol before this meeting. I am asking the Mayor and City Council to consider a Continuance of item 9D for a later date. This will allow citizens to have the time to review the current policy and procedure along with having the opportunity to suggest any possible changes. Many of my fellow citizens have questions regarding the current procedure and policy about which flags can fly over our City Hall and other Government offices. I will be attending the meeting tonight to give further rationale for my request. Heather Jensen , Arroyo Grande