Judge issues restraining order to city after contract awarded

A firm losing out on a security contract Sept. 4 sued the city and Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr. in state court, alleging violations in the awarding process and City Commission vote.

Judge Abel C. Limas issued a temporary restraining order against the city and Ahumada Sept. 27, stopping them from entering into a contract with American Surveillance Co., pending an Oct. 11 hearing.

Attorney Frank E. Perez, who represents American Investigations and Security International, was not available for comment.

City Attorney Jim Goza said the restraining order was issued after the contract with American Surveillance was signed.

“We will address the court and try to find some resolution,” Goza said.

The minutes of the Sept. 4 commission meeting reflect that the contract was issued to American Surveillance with Ahumada and commissioners Anthony P. Troiani, Charlie Atkinson, Ricardo Longoria, Carlos Cisneros and Edward Camarillo in favor and Leo Garza abstaining.

Ex-purchasing director Paul Calapa had recommended that the contract be awarded to both firms.

Perez alleges that the videotape of the meeting shows that only Ahumada, Atkinson and Garza voted and that the remaining majority commissioners, by their silence, did not vote, essentially abstaining and rejecting the award.