Opinion ID: 160524
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: facts

Text: ICEE supplies and services carbonated beverage machinery. In 1985, Merrell began working for ICEE in its Salt Lake City distribution facility, which services parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Merrell began his employment with ICEE as a combination route delivery person and service technician. From 1986 until 1991, he managed the three-state service area. In 1991, Merrell was demoted to service technician. In June 1996, Merrell was promoted to service representative, a position he held until he left ICEE. As service representative, Merrell managed the service area, delegated work responsibilities, installed and repaired equipment, and engaged in other administrative tasks such as ordering and receiving. During Merrell’s tenure as service representative, he continued to maintain equipment and service accounts in the three-state service area. In March or April 1993, while making a delivery in Idaho, Merrell injured his back lifting the rear door of his ICEE truck. He continued to work and did not seek medical treatment until 1995. Merrell’s doctor determined that Merrell had a -2- herniated disk in his lower back and restricted him to lifting a maximum of forty pounds with no repetitive bending, stooping, or squatting. On July 17, 1996, Merrell submitted a written report of his injury with ICEE. ICEE filed its first injury report on Merrell’s accident on August 8, 1996. Later that month, Merrell notified ICEE of the restrictions placed on him by his physician. On October 24, 1996, Merrell refused to make a service call to Idaho due to extreme back pain. Merrell informed his supervisor, Richard Borland, that he could not work that day and that he needed to see a doctor. Merrell remained under the care of a doctor throughout the calendar year. By January 1997, a physical therapist recommended that the maximum weight Merrell lift be reduced from forty to thirty-five pounds. At the end of December 1996, Merrell requested information on “limited duty work” availability and accommodation with his position at the Salt Lake City facility. On January 8, 1997, ICEE offered Merrell a temporary position in Ontario, California, which Merrell rejected. In February, Merrell again requested work accommodation for his Salt Lake City position. Merrell sent a formal letter of resignation to ICEE in June 1997. In March 1998, Merrell filed an action against ICEE in federal district court, alleging that ICEE violated the ADA by failing to accommodate him in his job. -3- In February 1999, ICEE moved for summary judgment. The district court ruled in favor of ICEE, holding that Merrell was unable to establish that he is qualified and able to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodations. Merrell raises three issues on appeal. First, he argues the district court erred in granting ICEE summary judgment because there was evidence showing the essential functions of Merrell’s position were disputed and there was evidence presented that he could perform the essential functions with or without accommodation. Second, Merrell argues the district court erred by granting summary judgment because evidence revealed that ICEE denied his 1994 request for a leave of absence to seek medical treatment and to recover. Third, Merrell argues the district court erred by granting summary judgment because a reasonable fact finder could conclude that ICEE’s participation in the interactive process was not in good faith.