You did not mention whether you need to do variable positioning or just fixed point to point?
if P to P. Then you could consider limit switch positioning and AC stepper motor fed from 120vac, you can pick these up at giveaway price on ebay, they do not need a stepper controller.
The are capable of immediate start stop, and are very accurate for this kind of app.
And if you just need indication that you are in posistion, this could be done with a light/lED indicator, or an encoder and Red Lion counter.
The details of what you want to do are a bit vague on what degree of sophistication you need.
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.