Falls council discusses Minnesota flag question

International Falls City Council is looking at options that solicit public opinion about Minnesota’s State Flag.

There has been opposition to the changes the state made two years ago, including some cities and towns passing motions to return to using the former flag.

The new flag replaces the state seal was with an eight-pointed star to represent the North Star, and uses dark and light blue backgrounds to the land and waters, all key traits of Minnesota.

Falls Mayor Drake Dill says he has been approached by residents about wanting the issue to be a question posed in the upcoming elections in November.

City Attorney Chelsea Nelson says the city has the option of having an advisory, or non-binding question, but at its expense.

“It’s not on the same ballot, though. It’s essentially something the city would have to undertake itself,” says Nelson.

“I just want to also add that’s going to be a city cost. Betty (Bergstrom, City Administrator) may have better numbers, but I would anticipate they’d be similar to special election numbers. I think the last time we talked about that was $5,000 plus.”

Nelson says the other option is for the public to prompt a question on the ballot by petitioning Council for an ordinance.

“If that doesn’t pass, that could go to a ballot that way,” says Nelson.

Council has not taken any action either way.

An informal poll at this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting revealed members of Council to be split on the idea of a ballot question.