EGF council to consider flag policy/resolution

East Grand Forks is looking to draft a policy granting joint powers to the mayor and council president to lower flags to half-staff.

Mayor Steve Gander says the idea stems from the recent passing of former Mayor Lynn Stauss out of a show of honor and respect. Gander says the city has to ability to lower local flags under the U.S. flag code.  “I would very much like to see some local authority to do that.”

Council member Marc DeMers says he understands the intent – but he also has a problem with how often the flag is lowered.  “It does bother me a lot that we lower our flag too often.  It’s no sign of disrespect for any of the people that people are looking to lower it for.”

The resolution will likely place a limit on how long flags can be lowered.

The council is expected to vote the issue up or down next week.