Former fire chief Donald Donaldson, who is suing the city for wrongful dismissal, spent some time with Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez recently.
Rodriguez said the two men met Jan. 15 in the mayor's office.
"I was first of all interested in how he was doing and what he has been doing. We entered into some discussions about his time with the city and all of that, I told him how much he was appreciated by the firemen at the hall," Rodriguez said.
"His services were appreciated by the city. All the employees I talk to consider him to be a really good person and a really good leader."
Donaldson is seeking $220,000 in damages from the city, and is on unpaid leave. He has been off the job since May 2006. In a lawsuit filed against the city in October 2006, Donaldson alleges he suffered an emotional breakdown because city managers demeaned and undermined his ability to function effectively as a fire chief.
Alan Stephen, who was one of the senior managers named in Donaldson's lawsuit, resigned from his position as general manager of infrastructure and emergency services Jan. 11.
The city has reportedly filed its statement of defence about a month ago.
Neither Donaldson's lawsuit or the city's defence claim have been proven in court.
Rodriguez said his conversation with Donaldson was cordial in nature and that the lawsuit was never discussed.
"It was just to get to know him, I'd never met him before," he said.
