Alanson council approves river opening for boat race, bridge cameras, debris vacuum and twice‑year leaf pickup

The Village of Alanson council on March 9, 2026 approved a series of community and infrastructure measures, including a waiver to open the Crooked River for an outboard boat race, purchase of a new camera system for the swing bridge, acquisition of a debris vacuum and a twice‑a‑year curbside leaf collection program.

Village President Jamie Breithaupt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and presided over unanimous votes to remove the scheduled Master Plan hearing from the agenda and to approve the Feb. 9 minutes. Several agenda items drew brief discussion before votes.

Why it matters: The decisions aim to balance recreational activity, downtown appearance and public‑works capacity. The camera system and debris vacuum are intended to improve public safety, asset management and cleanup efficiency; the municipal contribution to decorative baskets supports downtown appearance during the summer season.

The council approved a request from the Top O Michigan Outboard Racing Club to waive the no‑wake restriction and open Crooked River on Sunday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. President Jamie Breithaupt presented the letter and Trustee Gail Greenwell moved to grant the waiver; the motion passed 5–0.

On infrastructure, Street Commissioner Jason Losey reported two quotes for a new camera system for the swing bridge, describing cameras facing east and west on River Street, north and south on the river (with live streaming capability) and a camera inside the bridgetender booth. "The system would allow the videos to be recorded and last 30–60 days," Losey said. Trustees voted 5–0 to accept NMI Technology's quote and authorize purchase not to exceed $3,200, including additional cameras for the boathouse.

Losey also asked the council to purchase a used debris vacuum he found in Harbor Springs for $3,000 to speed litter and leaf cleanup. Trustee Gail Greenwell moved to approve the purchase not to exceed $3,000; the motion passed 4–1. Following that vote, President Breithaupt moved to institute twice‑a‑year curbside leaf pickup; the council approved the program 5–0.

On downtown appearance, Deputy Clerk Craig Wilson said the DDA seeks self‑watering flower baskets (~$179 each) and American flags (~$150 each). Trustee Gail Greenwell moved that the village cover 50% of the cost, not to exceed $2,500; the motion passed 5–0.

Personnel and process items: The council accepted a letter of interest from resident Greg Babcock and appointed him to the Planning & Zoning Board by a 5–0 vote. During public comment, Babcock suggested setting criteria for leaf pickup (no branches or garbage, set collection days); trustees agreed to include cleanup vouchers in a spring mailer announcing the program.

Legal matter and closed session: Breithaupt reported the council is still handling an ongoing matter regarding 7661 Bass St. (Randolf Bricker). The village attorney provided a legal opinion and the council moved into closed session at 6:19 p.m. to discuss the matter; the meeting returned to open session at 6:52 p.m. Breithaupt then tabled further action pending additional information. No substantive details were disclosed in public minutes beyond that the matter remains active.

Finance and housekeeping: The council approved payment of current monthly bills (5–0) and adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance: agenda approval — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second by Trustee Mark Fairbairn, 5–0; minutes approval — motion by President Jamie Breithaupt, second Trustee Scott Latva, 5–0; appoint Greg Babcock to Planning & Zoning — motion by Trustee Wayne McPhall, second Trustee Scott Latva, 5–0; TOMORC no‑wake waiver and river opening Aug. 9 — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second Trustee Wayne McPhall, 5–0; approve NMI Technology camera quote not to exceed $3,200 — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second Trustee Mark Fairbairn, 5–0; approve debris vacuum purchase not to exceed $3,000 — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second Trustee Scott Latva, 4–1 (Trustee Mark Fairbairn voted No); adopt twice‑a‑year curbside leaf pickup — motion by President Jamie Breithaupt, second Trustee Scott Latva, 5–0; DDA baskets/flags funding (50% up to $2,500) — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second Trustee Mark Fairbairn, 5–0; send spring mailer including cleanup voucher — motion by Trustee Gail Greenwell, second Trustee Wayne McPhall, 5–0; pay monthly bills — motion by President Jamie Breithaupt, second Trustee Wayne McPhall, 5–0; adjourn — motion by President Jamie Breithaupt, second Trustee Wayne McPhall, 5–0.

What’s next: The council awaits a Par Plan grant decision on the bridge camera system in May; the Bass Street legal matter remains under review and will return to the council when more information is available.