City secures million dollar grant for urban forest restoration

During a recent city council meeting, members discussed several key resolutions, including the postponement of a resolution related to a master plan conformance and the approval of significant budget amendments and grants.

The council decided to postpone a resolution until August 27, primarily due to the need for conformance with the master plan. Councilman Rutherford emphasized the importance of providing clear bullet points during presentations to combat misinformation and highlight the benefits of the proposed Master Plan Enhancement Zone (MEZ) projects, which are expected to directly benefit local homeowners.

In a separate discussion, the council approved a budget amendment that will allocate $30,000 in grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to assist with the master planning process. This funding is intended to help cover costs associated with the city's master plan, which is crucial for future development projects.

The council also celebrated the approval of a $1 million grant from American Forests for urban forest restoration. This funding will support tree planting and maintenance efforts across the city, addressing the need for better care of public trees and enhancing green spaces. The project is set to begin with an inventory of city-owned trees and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Additionally, the council authorized participation in a class action lawsuit settlement against Kroger related to opioid distribution. The city is set to receive approximately $60,000 from this settlement, which will be allocated for opioid remediation efforts. This is part of a broader initiative, with the state receiving around $1.2 billion to combat opioid addiction.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to urban development, environmental sustainability, and public health initiatives, with several resolutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents in Pontiac.