JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
There are more allegations of wrongdoing involving Jackson's Community Improvement bid process.
Concerns arose last week and Tuesday city leaders met behind closed doors.
Jackson City Council members met in executive session for nearly 25 minutes discussing claims of improper procedures in the Community Improvement Division's bid process.
There are accusations that bids were not opened at the proper place and possibly awarded to family members of Community Improvement employees.
Councilman Quentin Whitwell, Ward One, was one of three council members who asked for an investigation.
"Some of the people that are being awarded these contracts are being awarded them due to the fact that they have family connections or otherwise that is exactly what we are identifying," Whitwell said. "It appears there are some of these things going on."
"I recommended that the City Council allow the Office of the City Attorney to continue its investigation," said Pieter Teeuwissen, Jackson City Attorney. "We answered questions that they posed to us last week, but more questions have arisen. We said that we would report back to the City Council and have a report in two weeks."
No action was taken during executive session.
The council also finally approved the March 13th and March 20th claims dockets that were held up by the lack of votes.
At issue was Edgar Patton, president of EZL Patton, a company hired to trim the overgrowth and board up two Jackson houses in November.
Code enforcement said the work did not meet city standards.
Whitwell refused to vote to approve the docket until Patton was paid.
The council approved Patton's more than $1,000 payment.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
