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Highlands Today

Grosh Seeks Settlement In Employment Grievance

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: February 5, 2008

SEBRING — Through a new legal firm, former Sun 'n Lake of Sebring interim general manager and planning director Michael "Mick" Grosh sought an employment settlement with the improvement district, claiming he was illegally terminated.

A letter dated Jan. 21 to District Manager Al Grieshaber Jr., from the Disparti Law Group, P.A., in Holiday, Fla., indicated its willingness to settle and compromise with the district.

The letter cites discrimination and violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act; deprivation of benefits pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security; and violation of the Florida Whistle Blower Act.

It cites discrimination due to Grosh's weight as well as an attempt to smear Grosh by reporting his district cell phone as stolen.

The firm sought to clear Grosh's name and end all other grievances by requesting one year severance, a reference letter from the district outlining Grosh's professional accomplishments, verbal references, payment of any accrued and unused vacation time and un-credited pension funds and classification of his dismissal as a resignation.

Grosh's salary with the district was $72,000.

Grosh was also seeking the district to clear his name from allegations as well as "wild and inflammatory statements," reportedly made by Supervisor Joely Polokoff-Collard, that "greatly injured" Grosh's reputation, his attorney Robert K. Michael included in his letter.

The law firm further gives the district until Friday, Feb. 29, to respond prior to proceeding with any other legal options.

Grieshaber said Monday that the matter has been turned over to the district's law firm, Allen, Norton and Blue, from which attorney Brian Koji responded on Jan. 30, that it represents the district and all matters raised in regard to Grosh should be directed to the firm.

The law firm has offices in Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee and Tampa.

"We dealt with Mick's employment situation in a fair and just manner," Grieshaber said. "He was asked to return to work April 3. Mr. Grosh never returned to work, claiming medical complications."

Grosh did not communicate with the district concerning his medical condition and he was administratively terminated, Grieshaber added.

"His position was eliminated in the 2008 budget, effective Oct. 1, 2007," he said.

He said it will now be a matter for the Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

"This will be in their agenda package for this Friday, Feb. 8," he said.

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