Alanson council unanimously approves MNRTF grant application, street certifications, property sale and streetlight authorization

The Village of Alanson council on March 11 approved a slate of unanimous motions covering parks funding, street system changes, a land sale and a streetlight authorization.

The council approved Resolution #2 of 2024 to submit an application titled "Alanson Ball Fields and Sports Complex Improvements" to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). The application requests $400,000 for development of baseball/softball field improvements, new concessions and restrooms, parking expansion and accessibility work. The village committed $211,000 in matching funds (34.5% of a $611,000 project) for the 2024–25 fiscal year; the motion carried 5-0 after Trustee Doug Larson moved for approval and Trustee Josh Larson seconded.

Trustees also approved Resolution #3 of 2024 to certify a 400-foot portion of Bonz Street (between Milton Street and South US-31) into the municipal street system for Act 51 purposes, and Resolution #4 of 2024 to decertify/vacate a 400-foot portion of Chicago Street between Milton Street and S US-31. Both motions were read into the record by Trustee Doug Larson and passed by roll call, 5-0.

In Old Business the council reviewed an appraisal placing a leased lot adjacent to 7661 Bass St. at $40,000. The tenant, Randall (Randy) Bricker Sr., offered $15,000 and said he could not build on the lot and would like to construct a seawall he estimated at roughly $60,000. After discussion and resident concern that the parcel could later be resold, trustees proposed and approved a $20,000 counteroffer; Bricker accepted and the council voted to sell the leased property to Bricker Sr. for $20,000 (motion passed 5-0).

President Greg Babcock also presented documents from Consumers Energy to change municipal lighting service and install a new streetlight at the US-31/Bonz intersection. Trustee Doug Larson moved to authorize signing the Consumers Energy authorization (Resolution #5 of 2024); the motion passed by roll call vote, 5-0.

Other operational items approved without recorded opposition included limited view-only access for the DPW time-clock mobile app for Street Commissioner Jason Losey (so he may view overtime and hours but not punch in), and authorization for Clerk-Treasurer Jennifer Murphy to complete and sign permit applications for reconstruction of village docks at Morgan/Memorial Park. Council approved payment of monthly bills and adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

Several informational reports accompanied the votes: the Sewer Authority reported a mainline break that will generate a large repair bill to be shared with Littlefield Township; the village reported a repair and replacement (R&R) account balance of $66,000; and Trustee Doug Larson said he submitted a $15,000 grant request for decorative lighting and baskets for new lampposts with notification expected by April 1.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution #2 (MNRTF application for ballfields): mover Trustee Doug Larson; second Trustee Josh Larson; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Resolution #3 (Bonz St. certification): mover Trustee Doug Larson; second Trustee Mark Fairbairn; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Resolution #4 (Chicago St. decertification): mover Trustee Doug Larson; second Trustee Scott Latva; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Sale of leased parcel next to 7661 Bass St.: mover Trustee Doug Larson; second Trustee Mark Fairbairn; vote 5-0; outcome: approved for $20,000. - Resolution #5 (Consumers Energy lighting authorization): mover Trustee Doug Larson; second Trustee Josh Larson; vote 5-0; outcome: approved.

All roll-call vote motions reported in the minutes were unanimous (5-0); no recorded dissents were entered in the minutes.