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File Number: 14-090 <br />Following substantial public discussion, the Mayor exercised his authority to suspend <br />implementation of the above action, per Section 305(h) of the City Charter. Per the Charter, <br />this action was subsequently reconsidered by Council on October 7, 2013. At that meeting, <br />Council referred the matter to an ad hoc committee, comprised of Mayor Cassidy, Council <br />Member Lee, and Council Member Cutter, who were tasked with developing a policy for <br />raising the flags of other nations and celebrating other cultures. <br />This ad hoc committee subsequently convened a publically-noticed meeting on February 24, <br />2014. Following public testimony, the ad hoc committee voted 2-1 to return the matter to the <br />City Council with a recommendation to make no changes to existing policy. Council Member <br />Cutter also requested that staff return with an estimate of the cost to install an additional flag <br />pole either in front of City Hall, or at an alternative City -owned site, such as Root Park or <br />Marina Park. Based upon preliminary discussions with Public Works staff, it is estimated that <br />the costs of such an installation would not be significant. <br />City Manager Recommendation <br />The City Manager recommends that Council modify the existing flag policy to require <br />applicants requesting the raising of a special designation flag or flag of a foreign nation to <br />provide a detailed assessment of the ancillary needs associated with their request. For <br />example, if a ceremony were to be held along with the raising of the flag, the applicant would <br />be directed to provide an overview of the requested location and duration of the event, the <br />specific timing of the event, the number of anticipated attendees, or any other associated <br />logistical needs that would impact City resources or staff. <br />Additionally, the City Manager recommends that the decision to raise such special designation <br />flags or flags of foreign nations rest solely with the City Council. As such, the policy should be <br />revised to remove the City Manager from the approval process. <br />ATTACHMENTS <br />• October 7, 2013 Memo to Council regarding Flag policies of other Bay Area cities <br />• Existing Flag Policy <br />PREPARED BY: Eric Engelbart, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager's Office <br />City of San Leandro Page 2 Printed on 3/11/2014 <br />