Disputed LAX contract approved

The City Council on Tuesday hired a Costa Mesa firm to build a $271 million new heating and cooling system at LAX, a controversial decision because of a council member's romantic ties to a lobbyist for a rival contractor and other questions about the bidding process. Daily News.

City Councilman Dennis Zine recused himself from the vote because of his relationship with a lobbyist at Tutor-Perini, the Sylmar-based firm which also bid on the contract but was disqualified before the final decision.