RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The Rapid City Council has determined that Mayor Sam Kooiker was justified in firing the city's parks and recreation director and has denied Jerry Cole more than $46,000 in severance pay.

Cole told the Rapid City Journal after Tuesday night's special meeting that he wasn't surprised with the outcome. He and his attorney say they will now sue the city.

Kooiker declined comment, citing the pending lawsuit.

Kooiker fired Cole in June without giving a specific reason. The City Council voted 6-3 to uphold the firing. Cole had been the city parks director for eight years.

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