ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- An Elmira City Council meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023, brought two agenda items in front of the board members. At the meeting, the board voted on the removing its endorsement of a departmental flag of the Elmira Police Department.

Elmira's Police Department flag was unveiled on April 1st, 2022 and according to the Police Benevolent Association, looks too similar to New York State Police Department's flag.

"PBA is the one that requested it a couple of weeks ago," explains Elmira City Manager, Michael Collins. "So I mean, that request came from them directly.  I can tell you back at the time that the flag was, accepted, I did hear feedback from the PBA that they were not asked for their opinion, but again, it still went forward."

Collins said he received a letter from the PBA requesting that Elmira rescind their support for the flag. PBA members told city officials, they felt they were never included in any decision about the flag's creation or purpose. The flag's concept was brought to the city by former Elmira Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz. Collins explained, that Monday's unanimous vote to remove the flag has nothing to do with Alvernaz, who was terminated in early 2023.

Additionally discussed at the Elmira City Council meeting was a proposed sculpture for Mark Twain Riverfront Park. Board Members voted against spending no more than $25,000 for a sculpture designed by a local artist. 

"I was surprised that it did not pass. I did not realize that. There was any concern about it. We had a workshop meeting last week. During workshop, you know, questions can be asked by city council and I was surprised that it did not pass. It's too bad. So now we'll have to go back to the drawing board," Collins said. 

The sculpture's blueprint features Mark Twain's Home of Quarry Farm and shows trees made of stainless steel and books made of bronze, lying on top of the tree's branches.  An earlier design approved by the city fell through, and this was the second attempt to bring a sculpture to Southern Tier Park. The project is expected to go back to the drawing board.