Because it involves a personnel matter, the performance evaluation report was not open to the public. However, Seidl elected to have his evaluation hearing conducted in the open.
From the council’s debate, the 2-inch-thick report seemed to allege Seidl had not completed official reports, jumped the chain of command and left the city without police protection by not informing Alaska State Troopers about changes to his schedule with enough advance notice.
 ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photo Sgt. Charlie Seidl was fired from the Houston Police Department Thursday night after the city council voted 4-2 to accept an annual performance evaluation calling for his termination. |
However, Houston Mayor Roger Purcell appointed McAnnaly as head of the police department after Seidl came off of a suspension last month.
Seidl was originally suspended in the wake of eight animals being shot at the Houston Animal Shelter. He claimed he was ordered to shoot the animals by Purcell. Purcell denied the claim and the council voted 4-3 to retain Seidl.
After that vote, Seidl was placed on suspension pending a legal review by the city’s attorney. The suspension was eventually lifted, but Seidl was no longer the department head.
At Thursday’s meeting, the council members were handed a copy of McAnnaly’s review of Seidl’s performance. Councilwoman Ruth Blanchard said she had seen proof for herself that Seidl had not been doing his job. She said reports were repeatedly left incomplete, and Seidl often assigned his work to McAnnaly.
Councilwoman Rosemary Burnett still seemed frustrated by the condition of the Houston Animal Shelter even before the eight animals were shot. As the head of the police department, the responsibility fell to Seidl, she said.
Deputy Mayor Lance Wilson pointed to two instances when Seidl failed to communicate with troopers. Even though the city has its own police department, troopers provide coverage for Houston when the city’s officers are unavailable or off duty.
First, Wilson said, Seidl received permission from the mayor to shut the department down to catch up on paperwork. However, Seidl failed to inform troopers of this until the day before.
Troopers threatened to pull coverage except in life-or-death situations, and Wilson said he and the mayor begged AST to reconsider, Wilson said.. The agency agreed, but said notice would have to come from the mayor about any changes to the schedule well in advance.
In January, Wilson said Seidl had to testify in a trial, meaning he couldn’t work his regular shift. Once again, Wilson said, Seidl failed to inform troopers until the day before he was due in court.
In the last few days, troopers issued a letter informing the city the agency will no longer cover patrols inside Houston city limits, Wilson said, adding he does not know what date that would become effective.
In response, Seidl said he informed McAnnaly he was going to court because McAnnaly was his supervisor. After Thursday’s meeting, Wilson responded McAnnaly had not been made department head at that time.
Councilwoman Natasha Schachle said the hearing was the first time she had seen any of the documents supporting Seidl’s termination. She said she had not done research on Seidl before the meeting like some of the other council members because she has never felt “very comfortable” at city hall asking for documents.
Councilwoman Virgie Thompson said it is not the responsibility of individual council members to check on the performance of each employee. That is what department heads are for, she said, and she asked for time to read McAnnaly’s lengthy evaluation of Seidl.
Schachle agreed, and made a motion to delay voting on the performance evaluation until the council had adequate time to read the report. That motion failed 4-2 with only Schachle and Thompson voting in support.
After the meeting, Wilson said the only new document in the report was a four- to five-page summary of McAnnaly’s findings, which the council had plenty of time to read. He said the problems pointed to were “not anything new. This has been an ongoing problem.”
Because of the format of a performance evaluation, Seidl was not given a chance to respond to the allegations in front of the council except for the brief rebuttal to Wilson. However, after the meeting Purcell said Seidl had almost three weeks to respond and chose not to do so other than some minor notes in the margins of the report. Purcell also said Seidl has received three previous disciplinary citations in the last year for insubordination, refusing to do official reports and general tardiness in addition to the charges in McAnnaly’s report.
Whatever the case, Blanchard, Wilson, Purcell and Burnett voted to accept McAnnaly’s recommendation to terminate Seidl. Schachle and Thompson voted against firing Seidl. Councilman Lee Himes was excused earlier in the meeting for health reasons.
After the vote, Houston resident Julia Normand responded to a claim that Purcell’s critics are only a small but vocal minority. She asked Purcell to issue an executive order for the clerk to pass a pending application to start a recall petition.
“Approve the recall. Let’s have a vote,” Normand said.
Lorita Shumway, a member of the Houston Planning Commission, said residents are going to remember how the council members voted on Thursday.
“You will be sure we will not vote you back on,” Shumway said.
Thompson said it was unfortunate Seidl’s performance evaluation turned into a “premeditated lynching.”
Seidl thanked the public for its support. He thought “justice might prevail,” but he said he did expect this outcome. He said he doesn’t know where he goes from here, but, “I think there are some serious indiscretions, and the mayor’s time will come.”
Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiresman.com or 352-2252.
HOW THEY VOTED
Should Houston Police Sgt. Charlie Seidl be fired?
Blanchard — yes
Burnett — yes
Purcell — yes
Schachle — no
Thompson — no
Wilson — yes
Himes — did not vote
Comments
105 comment(s)Willow Pass wrote on Mar 30, 2010 11:58 PM:
peas in a pod wrote on Mar 30, 2010 12:03 AM:
Follow The Leader wrote on Mar 25, 2010 4:07 PM:
roger the bum wrote on Mar 25, 2010 1:25 PM:
Out Done wrote on Mar 25, 2010 6:05 AM:
Lie Detecter wrote on Mar 24, 2010 12:27 PM:
Amazed wrote on Mar 24, 2010 10:36 AM:
Truth Be Known wrote on Mar 24, 2010 7:15 AM:
cmh wrote on Mar 22, 2010 10:37 PM:
toJesse and Lynn W. wrote on Mar 22, 2010 10:34 PM:
badcopgone wrote on Mar 22, 2010 4:27 PM:
One who knows wrote on Mar 21, 2010 8:30 PM:
It is public servants like YOU that restore trust in "we the people". Please don't resign. I know it's hard, but, please just hang in there. Don't let that bully get what he wants and that would be for people like you to give up and allow him free reign. I KNOW it's hard, but PLEASE HANG IN THERE! "
Semper Fidelis wrote on Mar 21, 2010 9:59 AM:
kayjoe wrote on Mar 20, 2010 9:21 AM:
I understand how hard this has been for you. Please don't give up. You are the reason we believe. You have all kinds of backers. Let us know how to help you. Because you have helped us so much.
Sincerely,
Vicitmized Citizen's of The Valley! "
It is that simple wrote on Mar 19, 2010 8:51 PM:
its not that simple wrote on Mar 19, 2010 7:31 AM:
Jesse and Lynn W. wrote on Mar 18, 2010 12:40 AM:
Virgie for President wrote on Mar 18, 2010 12:33 AM:
P.O.A.P wrote on Mar 15, 2010 8:53 PM:
Houston Rez wrote on Mar 15, 2010 6:47 PM:
Anyhow Houston Residents that would like to sign may do so by contacting
idiotsinalaska@yahoo.com "
unbelieveable wrote on Mar 15, 2010 6:37 PM:
When will she learn? She isn't going to get anything from him??? And she can't spell or write worth beans! Ha. Should have known all of those were her....
Thanks for pointing it out. What a joke. "
Houston Rez wrote on Mar 15, 2010 5:05 PM:
Psycho wrote on Mar 15, 2010 3:54 PM:
RECALL ACCEPTED wrote on Mar 15, 2010 11:35 AM:
GOOD RIDENCE ROGER
I'd like to say it was nice knowing you but unlike you I don't lie "
horrible houston wrote on Mar 15, 2010 11:08 AM:
matt vally wrote on Mar 15, 2010 10:53 AM:
Oh hey and Purcell he guarded the front door of the FBI he didn't work for them. "
Out Side The Box wrote on Mar 15, 2010 8:31 AM:
aka wrote on Mar 15, 2010 7:53 AM:
Judicial Precident wrote on Mar 15, 2010 6:20 AM:
BobinHouston wrote on Mar 15, 2010 6:06 AM:
Frontiersman Lover wrote on Mar 15, 2010 3:19 AM:
Betcha Its Real wrote on Mar 15, 2010 3:11 AM:
McAnnaly get out while you still can wrote on Mar 14, 2010 9:37 PM:
BMW mechanic wrote on Mar 14, 2010 8:35 PM:
finally done wrote on Mar 14, 2010 7:33 PM:
Clean House wrote on Mar 14, 2010 6:55 PM:
Barney wrote on Mar 14, 2010 6:08 PM:
snowshoe wrote on Mar 14, 2010 2:11 PM:
Charlie, as you progress through this experience you might consider serving the City of Houston as a Councilman or Mayor. Thus far you have displayed the qualities needed for real public service. "
houston resident wrote on Mar 14, 2010 1:51 PM:
john wrote on Mar 14, 2010 12:33 PM:
Values and Integrity wrote on Mar 14, 2010 11:01 AM:
IF wrote on Mar 14, 2010 9:55 AM:
Snowshoe wrote wrote on Mar 14, 2010 9:53 AM:
Conundrum wrote on Mar 14, 2010 6:45 AM:
houston resident wrote on Mar 14, 2010 6:27 AM:
houston resident wrote on Mar 14, 2010 6:27 AM:
.
We have done our time. We have been involved. Why would you think otherwise? Have YOU at least tried? "
howcome wrote on Mar 14, 2010 1:09 AM:
Moses wrote on Mar 13, 2010 11:49 PM:
Its all in the name wrote on Mar 13, 2010 11:37 PM:
BobinHouston wrote on Mar 13, 2010 9:25 PM:
alaskaveritas wrote on Mar 13, 2010 9:10 PM:
Guess Purcell and the City of Houston will have to pull their checkbook out. "
snowshoe wrote on Mar 13, 2010 5:21 PM:
COURT wrote on Mar 13, 2010 4:27 PM:
Call an employment attorney.
You have a wrongful terminitaion claim (hostile work environment, for openers)...
you can sue the city. Let the lawyers see the real truth. Let the attorneys do the depositions.
You will prevail- and send a strong message to the council and mayor.
Itcould be very, very lucrative- and punitive.
Get 'em. "
Sorry Charlie wrote on Mar 13, 2010 3:42 PM:
Too bad Wasilla doesn't have any spots open for you. "
justthinkin wrote on Mar 13, 2010 3:05 PM:
Another one bites the Dust wrote on Mar 13, 2010 1:22 PM:
Roger fired Me... or you might have one
I work for Houston and know how to kiss uppp "
Stormy wrote on Mar 13, 2010 11:47 AM:
To Charlie Siedle wrote on Mar 13, 2010 11:33 AM:
If they refuse to put it in writing, then don't do it!
This is called CYA.
Good luck to you! I wish you the best in the future. "
john wrote on Mar 13, 2010 10:49 AM:
Why no one has filed a US civil rights complaint with the US Attorney or FBI for false arrest, kidnapping and whatever else under color of authority (1983 Act USC) is beyond me. The FBI needs to step in since the Troopers have no guts to do so.
The refusal of AK Troopers to charge Purcell is typical and pathetic. He needs to be stiing in fed lockup! "
chance_giver wrote on Mar 13, 2010 9:10 AM:
Border Reiver wrote on Mar 13, 2010 5:33 AM:
Looking In wrote on Mar 13, 2010 1:57 AM:
To McAnnaly wrote on Mar 13, 2010 12:59 AM:
To Houston resident wrote on Mar 13, 2010 12:43 AM:
To Houston resident wrote on Mar 13, 2010 12:40 AM:
Then on the hand we have a "few" leaders who are willing to tale a stand. In the meanwhile their names are being slandered in the name of the first amendment. If you are a real American, vote and show up at council meetings, assembly meetings and voice your opinion. "
To Houston wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:44 PM:
blueeyedgurly wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:37 PM:
WTH wrote on Mar 12, 2010 6:59 PM:
GameOver wrote on Mar 12, 2010 3:08 PM:
Roger set aside your review so you could be used to get rid of Seidl.
Now he has a perfect opportunity to get rid of the evidence as well!
YOU'RE NEXT... "
houston resident wrote on Mar 12, 2010 2:51 PM:
I pay my taxes (unlike some), I work (unlike some), I pay property taxes (unlike some), I do all the things a good citizen should do. Yet I see those who flaunt the law and go unpunished. And my $$ support them. What good is city code if the mayor laughs at it and works to circumvent it? What good is city law enforcement if the enforcers are owned by the mayor? What has happened to right and wrong? "
houston resident wrote on Mar 12, 2010 2:50 PM:
Cant belive a word you say wrote on Mar 12, 2010 1:47 PM:
Palmer Farm wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:52 PM:
You'd think, logically, after all the mess up there that maybe they'd have the revue conducted by an outside, 3rd party source? NAH! Just fuel the fire and have the other cop do the revue! DUH!
I wonder what Purcell wants to be when he grows up? "
LisaJ wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:08 PM:
Charlie was railroaded wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:06 PM:
WTH wrote on Mar 12, 2010 11:27 AM:
SusanBob wrote on Mar 12, 2010 11:09 AM:
What a farce wrote on Mar 12, 2010 11:02 AM:
disgusted wrote on Mar 12, 2010 11:00 AM:
Justice wrote on Mar 12, 2010 10:21 AM:
houston resident wrote on Mar 12, 2010 10:10 AM:
houston resident wrote on Mar 12, 2010 10:03 AM:
Jason, Elizabeth, Aaron, and now it looks like Charlie too. 4 good officers discarded by Roger since his mayorship. How likely is it that the city hired 4 subversive and disloyal officers in a row? And don't forget about Dennis. thrown to the wolves. Doesn't ANYONE smell something rotten???? Charlie showed a lot of courage in doing what he did by following the spirit AND the letter of the law. He did the right thing by exposing Roger, true to his oath to the law. Proud of you Charlie. " "
About time wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:56 AM:
just watching wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:55 AM:
in Payton Place, the only thing missing
is "Balin Palin". good luck Charlie. "
Final continued wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:18 AM:
Purcell isn't only making the Mat-Su look like a joke but the entire state of Alaska. The world is still watching us. Purcell take your mafia tactics somewhere else. PLEASE. "
continued wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:15 AM:
A fly on the wall wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:11 AM:
makahalaska wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:52 AM:
WTH wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:36 AM:
madashell wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:31 AM:
allisaw wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:31 AM:
Matt vally wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:28 AM:
Peter principle wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:03 AM:
Unless you're afraid YOU'LL be found incompetent. "
chance_giver wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:53 AM:
Purcell has been crisp and utterly decisive in all matters related to this very complex and difficult job. Let us all salute smartly and carry on with the business of being good citizens. Support Mayor Roger Purcell and his like, who are truly enslaved by their commitment to doing what is right.
Let the leader lead;
Let the public servant serve;
Let the decider decide;
Let the man be the man;
Let this juggernaut soar! "
Dave Herrmann wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:53 AM:
chance_giver wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:29 AM:
To paraphrase George W. Bush, "it's hard work." The big difference here is... the Mayor hasn't shared his burden by complaining about that fact. "
howisit.. wrote on Mar 12, 2010 7:04 AM:
Watch Out wrote on Mar 12, 2010 6:26 AM:
akmom wrote on Mar 12, 2010 5:53 AM:
No room here for lieing cheating cops.
Try again Virgie, Maybe you will be needing a new pit bull to do your dirty work. Good bye Charlie maybe you can get the dog job in Bethel., Or maybe a dog musher needs a puppy killer.... "
KnikBoy wrote on Mar 12, 2010 4:50 AM:
Whattt wrote on Mar 12, 2010 4:35 AM:
Mike wrote on Mar 12, 2010 3:04 AM:
Tired of Purcell wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:31 AM:
No Surprise wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:29 AM:
No one gets the better of the mighty Roger Purcell! "
s.c. wrote on Mar 12, 2010 12:08 AM: