by Dennis Sharkey
Landmark reporter
A Gladstone man has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, the city of Riverside.
Former employee Brian Anderson is alleging in a complaint filed in Clay County on Nov. 4 by his attorney Sherry Danita DeJanes that he was wrongfully terminated from his job and was discriminated against because of a disability.
According to the court filings, Anderson began employment with the city in 2001. In 2008, Anderson was working as an animal control officer.
In July of 2008, Anderson developed a condition known as Charot Foot as a result of having type II diabetes. The condition resulted in a physical impairment of Anderson's ability to walk, lift or stand.
The filing says even after his injury, Anderson was still able to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations.
In August of 2008, Anderson became unable to work and took sick leave. By October of 2008, Anderson had expired all of his vacation and sick time.
On Oct. 17, 2008, Anderson was given the okay by his doctor to return to light duty. On Oct. 20, according to the filing, Anderson met with Sgt. Doug VanLeuwen about a dispatch position that was opening in January 2009, which would fit light duty.
Anderson claims in the filing that he had the same discussions with Police Chief Greg Mills and another sergeant. Anderson claims he offered to remain on unpaid leave until the position opened.
On Oct. 21, Anderson says he was informed by Mills that his transfer to the dispatch position would not be approved. Anderson was kept on the payroll until Dec. 31, at which time he was permanently dismissed.
Anderson is seeking $50,000 in damages and reinstatement, according to the court documents. The filing also says complaints have been filed with the appropriate state agencies. DeJanes could not be reached for comment for this story. No court date has been set in the matter.
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