Flat Rock council appoints Jeremy Paul, adopts 2025 calendars and approves vacation payout; city attorney reports one pending lawsuit

The Flat Rock City Council approved a slate of routine items and an appointment and heard an update from the city attorney about litigation affecting the city.

Actions taken: the council approved the minutes for the Dec. 16 regular meeting, appointed Jeremy Paul to the Downtown Development Authority, adopted the city's 2025 calendar and the meeting calendar required by the city charter, and approved a vacation payout related to staffing for the animal shelter. All items were moved and supported and approved by voice vote.

“He's a real estate, and that was 1 of the, 1 of the qualifications to have somebody on real estate in the DDA,” Mayor Beller said when introducing Jeremy Paul; council members moved and supported the appointment.

During citizen comment a resident asked about a newspaper report referencing a $1.5 million lawsuit. City Attorney Zick told the council the city has one pending lawsuit — Stone Creek Banquet Center — filed about a month ago in the 33rd District Court. He said two earlier matters that had been pending were dismissed by circuit court judges and are technically on appeal; he also noted the city’s insurance limit at the time of an earlier matter was $15,000.

Why it matters: appointments to the Downtown Development Authority affect local business and property decisions; adopting the annual calendar is a procedural requirement of the city charter and sets public meeting dates and pay dates for the year. The litigation update clarified the city's current litigation posture but did not change council actions.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of Dec. 16 regular meeting minutes — outcome: approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified). - Appointment of Jeremy Paul to the Downtown Development Authority — outcome: approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified). - Adoption of 2025 city calendar — outcome: approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified). - Adoption of 2025 meetings calendar (charter requirement) — outcome: approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified). - Vacation payout (animal shelter staffing) — outcome: approved (voice vote; mover/second not specified).

Ending: City Clerk Rebecca reminded residents that business-license applications and animal licenses are available for 2025, with animal-license fees increasing on May 1, and staff said additional follow-up on negotiations with the DDA is expected at a future meeting.