Anderson's administration had wanted to market the new flag so residents could buy T-shirts and stickers with the design. Over time they figured people would come to associate the design with Salt Lake City.

Some council members, however, noted the city recently redesigned its city logo, which should serve as the city's marketing brand. They suggest the city's flag could look similar to the logo, which includes the Great Salt Lake, a cityscape and mountains.

However, Colonial Flag owner Paul Swenson told the council a flag should be very simple and much less complex than a logo.

Some council members wanted the public to choose from the flag designs. Others said a public vote would be a nightmare because flags were really art, and everyone has different taste when it comes to art.

"To me, (a public process) seems absurd," Love said.

Saxton said she was concerned with the city spending so much time and energy on a new flag when there are much more important issues city leaders need to address.

In the end the council decided to form a subcommittee that would work with the mayor's office to choose some different flag designs.

Anderson and his staffers left Thursday's meeting a bit exhausted.

"We're talking about a flag here," he told the council. "Some of you are asking way, way too much of a flag."

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com