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City Council Minutes April 15, 2019 Page 8 suggested they hold the event at the River's Edge Downtown Park. The American Legion came before the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 13 in request of a permanent flag pole behind the stage. The Commission discussed this request acknowledging there have been other requests and chose to continue the discussion in order to discuss and create a plan for all parks. She explained a letter to the editor was published saying the request had been denied and cast city officials in a negative light for doing so. She clarified the Commission did not deny the request and simply asked for the item to be brought back for further discussion on location and funding. She explained it is unfortunate much of the information on social media was emotionally driven and included inaccurate statements. She stated the Commission never said the flag was "unappealing" as stated in the letter. She indicated some members of the public came to the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting where facts were discussed and a solution agreeable to all parties was reached. The solution is for the Fire Department to display a very large flag from a ladder truck for the 2019 Memorial Day celebration. She stated Chair Anderson did a good job of explaining the process at the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Mayor Dietz added the request included the city paying for the flag pole and installation; however, funding is not currently available since the budget for 2019 is already in place. Councilmember Wagner noted staff estimated the pole installation would cost $4,000 and by allowing time to review this request and putting a plan in place it could be discussed for the 2020 budget cycle. Mayor Dietz indicated he has been in contact with the American Legion commander since this issue. He stated many things are going on in this park including a potential dock and these items really need to be reviewed before granting requests. He stated he asked Mr. Sevcik to see if renting a flag pole is an option but it is not. The Legion agreed to the temporary solution of the flag on the fire truck. He explained he was very upset by the Letter to the Editor as items were taken out of context and believes the Star News should have included an editor's note under the letter clarifying what the Parks and Recreation Commission actually said. He further explained he is a veteran and believes Elk River does a lot for its veterans. He personally spends a lot of time on the Yellow Ribbon campaign. He stated for city officials to be called names is ridiculous and people should step back and get the facts before they jump to conclusions. Michael Kaufinann, 15300 196`h Ave NW, member of the Flag Runners group, indicated September 7 is the American Legion's 100th Anniversary and they would like to see a flag in place by then. He indicated the group started a GoFundMe account and hopes to raise money for a flag pole installation and maintenance. P 0 W I R I I 11 APURE