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Resident alleges withheld evidence in firefighter termination; council notes independent hearing and ongoing federal suit
Summary
A Cedar Park resident, David Doscher, told council staff that evidence was withheld in a disciplinary process that led to a firefighter's termination; city officials said an independent hearing examiner upheld the termination and city staff and legal counsel are coordinating review; the matter is now in federal court according to speakers.
During the public communications portion of the meeting, David Doscher, a Cedar Park resident, addressed the council with allegations that material evidence had been withheld in a city civil‑service discipline proceeding and that the city’s outside counsel had been retained in a manner that did not represent an independent investigator.
Doscher said he filed a complaint in April alleging that Fire Chief Malenger and an assistant chief withheld material evidence during a civil service hearing and that City Attorney JP Lecomte played a role. "That statement gave the impression that an independent investigation had been launched, but that was not the case," Doscher said. He told the council he had submitted an open records request and later received documents after the attorney general’s office reviewed the matter; he said the engagement letter was for legal advice, not for an independent investigation, and that the law firm’s clients included the mayor, the city manager and individuals named in his complaint.
City response and context A council speaker summarized the city’s position: the October 2023 termination of firefighter Dean Doscher was appealed, the city held a 7‑day hearing, and an independent hearing examiner issued a 47‑page ruling upholding the termination for misconduct related to several incidents. City representatives said additional reviews are ongoing in coordination with outside counsel and that the city expects the federal lawsuit filed by the terminated firefighter to be handled by the courts.
Why it matters: The public comment raises concerns about process transparency, evidence disclosure and the city’s handling of disciplinary reviews. Council members and staff noted legal and procedural limits on public comment in matters under litigation.
No council action was taken during the meeting on this matter. Council members stated they would not adjudicate matters now in federal court and that ongoing personnel and legal reviews remain in process.
