Lock Haven council adopts policy listing 12 flags for Triangle Park after heated debate

The Lock Haven City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2023-14, which identifies a list of 12 federally or widely recognized observance flags authorized to be flown as the secondary flag at Triangle Park and preserves the requirement that other flag requests follow the city's application and review process.

Council discussion focused on the balance between recognizing particular observances and avoiding ad-hoc use of the city's flagpole for a wide variety of causes. Supporters said the resolution creates consistent rules and aligns the city with lists used by federal or military institutions; opponents argued it could be too restrictive and that residents should be able to ask the council for additional flags. One council member urged a limited approach, recommending the flagpole remain primarily for the U.S. flag and the POW/MIA flag except for the months when other designated flags would take precedence.

Several residents spoke during public comment. Linda Butler urged recognition of first responders and fire/EMS flags; another resident said the application process is available and encouraged people to follow it. A speaker who identified herself as Bridal Reynolds objected to the controversy over the pride flag and said the process had been straightforward when she used it.

Council members referenced a June 2021 policy that established the application form and said the resolution was intended to clarify what the city would routinely fly without re-approval. After extended discussion the council took a roll-call vote and the resolution carried.

What this means: The resolution standardizes which flags the city will rotate as the secondary flag for Triangle Park by month, while preserving a formal request path for groups seeking other flag displays. The city clerk and staff said the policy language and the list will be posted on the municipal website.