Council OKs variance to direct Ford’s tree-fee funds to Great Americans Project, tree board warns funds fall short
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Summary
The City Council approved a resolution allowing Ford Motor Company to divert part of a fee-in-lieu payment toward a public sculpture and tree-planting initiative; tree board members said the remaining $100,000 will not fully fund the planned 250-tree planting and urged council to identify additional funding.
The Liberty City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution that allows Ford Motor Company to direct a portion of a previously required fee-in-lieu for replacement trees toward the Great Americans Project and toward planting 250 trees for the city’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The change was presented during a public hearing on an amended general development plan and a variance related to a Ford stamping plant development. Planning staff said the application does not change building use or access, and that the planning commission recommended unanimous approval.
Greg Knudson, who identified himself as representing the Great Americans Project, outlined the proposal and thanked Ford Motor Company for a combined contribution: $150,000 directed to the Great Americans Project for a public sculpture that will be unveiled on July 4, 2026, and $100,000 proposed for the tree-replacement fund to help plant 250 trees as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration.
Karen Ritter, a member of the tree board, said the tree board supports the project but told the council the $100,000 left for tree planting is insufficient. “The $100,000 that would be left over is not gonna be enough money to plant 250 trees. We did the math, and it comes up about $50,000 short,” Ritter said during public comment. She urged council to find additional money so the city can plant appropriately sized trees and fund the three years of care the board believes are necessary for long-term survival.
Council members acknowledged the shortfall during discussion and said the city’s upcoming budget process is the appropriate place to identify additional funds. A council member noted the concern would be discussed during budget committee meetings.
The public hearing closed with no other speakers objecting to the variance. Council members moved, seconded and voted to approve the resolution; the chair announced the measure passed unanimously.
What happens next: staff said they will return later with a memorandum of understanding for the sculpture donation and the tree board will proceed with tree selection. Council members signaled they will consider the tree-funding shortfall during the city’s budget process.