Staff Report.Flag Policy (2)
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 09/21/2021 ITEM NO: 9
DATE: September 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Consider a Flag Policy Update during the Next Strategic Priorities Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a Flag Policy update during the next Strategic Priorities discussion.
BACKGROUND:
At its August 24, 2021 meeting, the Policy Committee listened to public testimony and
discussed potential modifications to the Flag Policy and/or a new policy for artwork or symbols
on Town property, including streets (Attachment 1). This item was motivated by past resident
requests to fly flags of the Town’s Sister Cities and flags to support interests of the community
(e.g., the Rainbow Flag during Pride Month). The public comments received in June for the
rainbow crosswalk also raised potential policy questions.
DISCUSSION:
The Committee had a robust discussion and brainstormed different approaches, including the
possibility of the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) to assist in the development of an updated
Flag Policy. The ACC might be in a good position to identify the criteria for additional flag
displays due to its role in understanding different cultures within Los Gatos.
The Committee unanimously agreed to request staff notify the Arts and Culture Commission of
their potential role as it may relate to a modified Flag Policy and forward the potential
modifications to the Flag Policy item to the full Town Council for discussion and direction before
any further staff work occurs. The Committee had no interest in addressing a new policy for
artwork or symbols on Town property, including streets.
PAGE 2 OF 2 SUBJECT: Flag Policy DATE: September 16, 2021
CONCLUSION:
As staff gave this item more thought, staff is recommending that a potential Flag Policy update
be considered during the next Strategic Priority discussion. The Liaison to the ACC has been
notified of this potential role should the item become a Strategic Priority for next year.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Council could direct the preparation of an update at this time; however, given existing work
commitments on existing Strategic Priorities, Council would also need to identify which
Strategic Priorities should be placed on hold to create capacity to do this work.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Discussion of this item has no financial impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This item is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachment:
1. Report to Policy Committee with Existing Town Council Flag Policy