Joe Gregor of the Newton Falls employee helps unveil the Statue of Liberty at Liberty park in Newton Falls.

NEWTON FALLS — This weekend’s proclamation by Newton Falls Village Manager David Lynch declaring the village a “sanctuary city” for unwanted and discarded historical statues was met Monday with anger from village residents during a lengthy council meeting.

Lynch’s proclamation came as the city was unveiling a Statue of Liberty replica erected Saturday night at the corner of North Center Street and East Broad Street during a mini Fourth of July celebration.

But one resident called the proclamation “the most reprehensible thing you could do.”

“If you wanted to make a statement on your own, that is one thing, but to put a target on our backs in Newton Falls, that was wrong,” said resident Catie Karl. “We all have our own opinions but this is a serious concern for the safety of our community. What you did endangered us and that is a breach of your contract.”

Lynch called his proclamation a “Statuary Sanctuary City,” and it states, “the great leaders of our country were flawed in many ways but made great achievements, citing the founding of the country and the ending of slavery as some of the achievements.”

Lynch signed the proclamation on Independence Day declaring a general amnesty for statues of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant, Patrick Henry, Francis Scott Key, Theodore Roosevelt and Christopher Columbus.

Triggered largely by Black Lives Matter protests nationwide, many monuments and statues commemorating U.S. leaders have been denounced and torn down in recent weeks for associations with slavery and violence rooted in racism.

Newton Falls will reinstate any monuments it receives “in a place of honor and respect to inspire greatness and achievement by all who observe them,” Lynch said.

Several residents said they would fear for their families’ safety if statues from other communities are brought to Newton Falls.

Resident Laura Neiheisel, and others, expressed concerned that erected statues would bring protesters to Newton Falls.

“Are we prepared for any fallout from your decision. Are we prepared for what could happen here that is happening in other cities like Baltimore and Minneapolis,” she said.

“You crossed the line by doing this,” said resident Brian Kropp, who questioned Lynch’s authority.

Resident Tim Stinson, chairman of the park board, said he and the board were not informed of plans to place statues at any village parks.

Councilmembers Zachary Svette and John Baryak attempted to add a motion to the agenda to have council rescind Lynch’s proclamation, but failed to receive required support from four of five councilmembers to add the item to the agenda.

“Who gave you permission to do this proclamation? You don’t know what could go on if there are repercussions that happen,” Baryak said.

Mayor Ken Kline, however, said the nation has been through difficult times and it is important to remember the liberties and freedoms we all have with statues a part of history.

“This memorial park will be a constant reminder of the freedoms we have today,” he said. “These statues are history and we love our country. The thought was that if others don’t appreciate our nation’s history, we do in Newton Falls. I believe it would be a great opportunity to teach our children.”

Saturday, village officials dedicated the corner of North Center Street and East Broad Street as Liberty Park. The park is located near Newton Falls First Christian Church.

Lynch said the village purchased the replica of the Statue of Liberty from Liberty Tax Service for $2,000.

“It is such an authentic duplication of the original. Six weeks ago I went through many channels with Liberty Tax Service which has headquarters in North Carolina,” he said.

Lynch said local resident Vonda Vensel takes care of the four corner lots at the intersection and agreed the replica statue should be placed at the park.