After extended public comment and council debate over privacy, data sharing and value, the Middleville Village Council voted to cancel its Flock Safety license‑plate camera agreement and asked staff to pursue removal logistics before the contract renews.

Quick reference of motions and outcomes from the Oct. 27 Middleville council meeting: consent agenda approved (bills $171,074.81), Resolution 26‑20 (Little Bohemia) recommended, Resolution 26‑21 (surplus property) approved, Resolution 26‑22 (budget amendments) adopted, MAL study contract awarded to Williamson Works ($8,400), $10,000 trail match approved, Flock Safety contract cancelled.

The council recorded two formal actions: a motion to cancel the Flock contract unless a month-to-month option is secured (carried by roll call) and approval of DDA-funded downtown mailboxes (carried by roll call).

After a two-hour debate on privacy, oversight and public value, the council voted to cancel the village's Flock license-plate reader contract unless staff secures a month-to-month arrangement within 48 hours; the motion carried on roll call.

Several residents urged the Village of Middleville council to review and possibly end the Flock/ALPR camera program, citing Fourth Amendment concerns, risk of misuse, and an annual taxpayer cost of about $18,000.

Staff previewed committee schedules, retention visits and website updates; board members announced a conditionally approved bridge grant of about $2,000,000 targeting 2028 construction and praised volunteer efforts.

Village staff said MDOT conditionally awarded a $2.2M TAP grant for the Paul Henry Trail and that a pending DNR trust fund application could provide about $400,000 toward the local match, shifting likely construction to 2028.

The MERS presenter told council the plan's funded level including surplus rose to 94% for the 12/31/2025 valuation, but the valuation excluding surplus assets shows 88%; staff highlighted changes to the assumed rate of return and employer contribution projections.

On council recommendation, staff published a notice of intent under Act 34 to consider up to $4 million in capital improvement bonds to fund Fremont Street reconstruction, DPW expansion and related infrastructure; council approved the resolution of intent, starting a 45-day referendum period.

After questioning scale and benefits, the Middleville council voted to reject resolution 26-02, which would have asked Berry County's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to review a proposed Kellogg Crossing plan that includes a 25-unit development and a request for TIF assistance.

The Village of Middleville on July 14 adopted a new classification-and-compensation wage scale to be implemented Aug. 1 after council debate over large percentage increases for some positions. Council members pressed for caps and staged increases while staff said the changes correct years of underpaying.