ORDINANCE approving payment of $13,356.88 to HOUSTON HARRIS DIVISION PATROL, INC for Emergency Armed Security Guard Services for various Houston Health Departments and Solid Waste Management Departments - General Fund - DISTRICTS B - DAVIS; C - COHEN; D - BOYKINS; H - CISNEROS; I - GALLEGOS and J - LASTER

The General Services Department (GSD) recommends that City Council approve payment to Houston Harris Division Patrol Inc. in the amount of $13,356.88 for armed security guard services provided at the locations listed below for the Houston Health (HHD) and Solid Waste Management (SWMD) Departments.  This Council action is necessary because the prior FY2016 expenditures to date of $46,188.70 will exceed the $50,000.00 threshold limit for Council approval. In October and January of FY 2016, GSD received requests for armed security guards from HHD and SWMD, respectively.  The requests stemmed from concerns over the new open carry law and its impact in various HHD facilities, as well as health and safety issues surrounding the fatal shooting of a City employee at a SWMD facility. At the time of the requests, the City’s current security guard services contract was being finalized. Therefore, GSD utilized an open purchase order with Houston Harris Division Patrol Inc., to provide the requested services.