Iola soon will have a written policy in place to ensure American flags are on display around the courthouse square on certain holidays.
City Administrator Sid Fleming told City Council members Monday he was developing a schedule for their formal approval March 27.
In years past, flags have adorned streetlight posts on Memorial Day weekend, Flag Day, July 4, Patriots Day and Veterans Day.
The flags were purchased by the city, with Iola American Legion members assisting with placing them on designated days.
However, with no written policy or schedule, some days have been missed, Fleming noted.
“We’re hoping to get some other groups, but ultimately, we’d be the ones responsible” for ensuring the flags were erected.
Council members agreed to keep the same schedule, but wondered about special events.
Fleming such such flexibility is the plan, such as when the Veterans Day parade falls on a different day than Veterans Day itself.
“It’s good to see this list,” Councilwoman Nancy Ford said. “We now have a plan and a process.”
Likewise, Fleming noted the city has fielded questions about other days of the year.
“Somebody noted the flags aren’t up for Pearl Harbor Day,” Fleming said. “That’s why we want the list for firm guidance. We’re not doing to do ‘Holiday X.’”
Plus, he added, having the flags up extra days of the year increases the wear and tear.
Additionally, Fleming said enough “good” flags are in stock to easily have them displayed through 2018, however Council members should consider replacing a portion of the flag supply in 2018.
REQUESTING a hearing in front of Iola’s Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals will once again cost filers $100.
Council members voted, 5-0, to reinstate the fees, which were inadvertently omitted the last time Iola’s code book was updated.
