November 21, 2023

“Chair Zullas moved to accept the Select Board's statement and to instruct the Town Administrator that effective immediately only the American flag shall hang in the gazebo and remain there until the end of November. The motion was seconded by Mr. Zoll. Ms. Musto asked the Chair if she could poll the Members to see if they would support hanging the U.S. Flag in the gazebo and developing a policy regarding flag displays. Chair Zullas had no objection. Chair Zullas, Mr. Zoll and Ms. Bradley all support hanging the U.S. Flag in the Baron Hugo Gazebo. They also support an initiative to draft a policy on flag displays. Ms. Bradley noted that she is looking forward to working with Ms. Musto as the Policy Committee on this proposal. Mr. Wells shared a different perspective. He stands by the Board's original decision to hang the Flag of Israel in the Gazebo until the end of November. Part of the reason the Israeli flag is on display is not for sympathy of the Israelis and it is not a lack of sympathy or humanity towards the Palestinian, but it is a statement against terrorism and hate. Mr. Wells would be open to working on a draft policy for flag displays, but he does not want the Board to paint its into a corner. Mr. Zoll requested to move the previous question. He does not believe that continuing debate will be beneficial. Mr. Zoll feels that the Board owes the Town a resolution. Ms. Musto began offering her suggestions on the Select Board's statement, but was interrupted on a procedural matter. Mr. Zoll requested that his motion be seconded and a roll call vote be taken. Chair Zullas apologized for the oversight. Ms. Bradley seconded Mr. Zoll's motion to move the previous question. Chair Zullas offered to give latitude to Ms. Musto and allow her to finish her remarks. Mr. Zoll agreed to the Chair's suggestion and allow Ms. Musto and Ms. Bradley to offer their comments before preceding to a vote. Ms. Musto expressed her appreciation to the Board and offered a few suggestions on the draft statement from the Select Board. Remove: "without context" and replace with "would cause" Include a policy for flag displays for the gazebo Ms. Musto felt that her previous comments may have been misinterpreted. She reiterated her sympathy for the innocent lives of civilians lost, no matter their origin. Ms. Musto stated that she respects all people and supports both the Jewish and Muslim communities. She stands against Hatred, antisemitism and islamophobia. Chair Zullas noted that the statement did not need to be amended. A request for a new policy should be referred to the Policy Committee. Ms. Bradley concurred. Ms. Bradley reiterated her sympathy for all the innocent lives lost and was saddened by the comments she received from Milton residents about her demeanor at a previous meeting. Ms. Bradley stated that empathy is a must. We should have compassion for those who have been affected by this crisis in the Middle East. Without empathy, we have nothing to build on. Chair Zullas shared the motion again. Move to accept the Select Board's statement and to instruct the Town Administrator that effective immediately only the American flag shall hang in the gazebo and remain there until the end of November. The motion was seconded by Mr. Zoll. Mr. Zoll requested to move the previous question. He does not believe that continuing debate will be beneficial. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bradley. The Board voted by roll call (3-2) to approve statement and authorize the Town Administrator to hang the U. S. Flag in the gazebo for the remainder of November. BRADLEY: YES MUSTO: NO WELLS: NO ZOLL: YES ZULLAS: YES.” (Motion: Zullas, second: Zoll)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)