Council pauses contract award to Big Ben after labor-compliance concerns; Bayless recuses

The Anaheim City Council on a motion by Council Member Kurtz voted to continue consideration of consent calendar item 7 — an award recommendation to contractor Big Ben — to the council's March 25 meeting after public testimony raised labor‑compliance concerns.

At a public-comment slot on the meeting, Gus Garcia, senior investigator with the Center for Contract Compliance, told the council that the contractor recommended under the consent calendar has “a documented history of noncompliance including multiple civil wage penalty assessments as well as involvement in civil lawsuits related to labor law violations,” and urged the council to seek reassurance that the contractor meets city standards and qualifications.

The council returned the consent calendar item to the meeting agenda after Council Member Bayless announced a recusal, saying she lives within 300 feet of the noticed area. Kurtz moved to continue the item to March 25 so members could review questions raised during public comment and examine contract and procurement details. The motion passed 6 ayes, no nays, with Bayless recorded as recused.

City staff confirmed to the council that the contractor bids would remain within their warranty period through the continuance. No award was made and no contract was signed on the night of the meeting.

The council did not take a final vote to approve the Big Ben award and directed staff to return with additional information at the March 25 meeting.

Clarifying details from the meeting: Bayless stated she owns property within 300 feet of the noticed area and recused herself; staff confirmed the bid remained valid during the continuance period. The Center for Contract Compliance explicitly linked labor noncompliance to risks to project quality and safety in its public comment.

The item will return to the council agenda on March 25 for further consideration.