NIU is currently involved in a lawsuit with a university employee who has not paid $530 in parking fines incurred by his failure to properly register his vehicle from October 1987 to May 1988.

During this time period, Wayne Fetzer, an NIU laundry facilities repairman, parked his vehicle in a blue lot near NIU’s physical plant. However, he did not buy a parking permit required of employees for use of the lot, said George Shur, University Legal Counsel.

Court records state Fetzer was issued 53 notices of violations for lack of proper vehicle registration, which he has failed to pay.

In addition, Fetzer did not appeal the parking violations through the proper vehicle and parking regulation appeal procedure.

Court records state, “Northern Illinois Motor Vehicle and Parking Regulations…require all vehicles using university parking facilities other than pay or visitor parking to be registered with the university and to display a valid parking permit.”

A condition of employment at NIU is compliance with university policies and regulations, the records state.

Court records indicate Fetzer has filed a counterclaim against NIU stating that NIU’s claims are without merit and that he has a valid defense.

In addition, Fetzer’s claim states that NIU has “wrongfully withheld” money, not exceeding $2,500, from his paycheck, was without authority and lawful right to do so, and he requested that NIU return the money.

Fetzer would not comment on the lawsuit and referred inquiries to his attorney.

Howerd Wertz, an associate of T. Jordan Gallagher, Fetzer’s attorney, said, “Our policy on pending litigation is not to comment to the press.”

Shur said that under state statute, NIU is permitted to remove money from an employee’s paycheck.

He said Fetzer requested a jury trial for the case, which is scheduled for 0ct. 24 at the DeKalb County Courthouse.