Star Tribune: Jon Gurban Sues Minn. Rec. & Park Assoc.
Rochelle Olson, Star Tribune
Interim Minneapolis Park and Recreation Superintendent Jon Gurban is suing his former employer for $26,877 in accrued vacation pay and penalties plus interest and attorneys' fees.
Earlier this year, Gurban for 12 days simultaneously held full-time posts as park board superintendent and executive director of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, the parks trade group. His hiring by the park board was abrupt and controversial.
In a counterclaim filed Thursday in Hennepin County District Court, the association said that Gurban started his board job on Jan. 1 and resigned from the association on Jan. 12. "As of that time, he was purporting to act as a full-time employee for two different employers at the same time," the association's claim said.
The counterclaim said Gurban breached his employment contract by serving as a full-time employee at two places and failing to provide 30 days' notice of the termination of his contract with the association.
The association asks that Gurban's complaint be dismissed and that he be ordered to pay damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
Gurban, who led the association for 10 years, claims he is owed $22,407 in accrued vacation and unused sick leave. He submitted a written demand for the pay on Feb. 5 and, because it was not met within 24 hours, he claims he is owed an additional 15 days of earnings, or $4,470. He also wants interest and attorney fees covered.
Gurban, a Minneapolis resident, is paid $112,000 annually by the park board.