The purpose of this chapter is to establish guidelines for the display by the City of Chicopee of 1) flags of governments recognized by the federal government, and 2) other flags in front of City Hall on the City Hall traffic island. Nothing herein shall be construed to conflict with City of Chicopee Code, Chapter
87.
It is the policy of the City of Chicopee that flags should be displayed in conformance with federal and state policies, as stated in the federal "Our Flag" publication of the Congress, House Document No. 96- 144; Chapter 2, §
6 of the Massachusetts General Laws and Chapter 2, § 6A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Outdoor flags will be flown at City facilities in the following
order of precedence: first, the United States flag; second, the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts flag; and third, the City of Chicopee flag.
The City's flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for
free expression by the public. The following flags may be displayed
by the City as an expression of the City's official sentiments:
A. Flags of
government recognized by the United States. Flags of government recognized
by the United States may be displayed upon the proclamation of the
Mayor or by resolution of the City Council.
B. Flags displayed
in conjunction with official events or ceremonies as announced by
mayoral proclamation or City Council resolution. By proclamation of
the Mayor or resolution of the City Council, other flags may be displayed
as official City events or ceremonies.
C. Ownership
of other flags. The City shall acquire ownership of all flags that
it flies in place of the City of Chicopee flag.
D. The City
will endeavor to display other flags for a period of five business
days unless requested for a longer or shorter time by the requestor.
In no circumstances will an other flag be flown for more than 30 calendar
days.
This chapter shall take effect upon passage.