New London — The city successfully has defended itself against a federal lawsuit brought by Daniel Golodner, owner of Security Technology Systems LLC, who claimed the city violated his civil rights when it chose a different alarm company in 2009.

Golodner had filed suit claiming the informal bid process initiated by the city in 2009 for a security alarm company, and its subsequent choice of another company, was retaliation for Golodner filing suit against the city and police.

Security Technology Systems of New London had been the city’s vendor between 2002 and 2009, responsible for monitoring and maintenance of security alarms at several city buildings, at a cost of about $4,752 per year.

In 2008 Golodner filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and several New London police officers alleging police misconduct, harassment and false arrest following a dispute with his neighbors. The city later settled that suit for $50,000.

In 2009 the city initiated an informal bid process for the security contract, soliciting proposals from four companies, including Golodner’s.

At the time, the city was examining its business with vendors who had expired contracts or no written contracts, according to evidence submitted by the city.

The city later contracted with Integrated Security Systems, which was the low bidder at $1,760 a year.

Federal District Court Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer issued a ruling on Jan. 26 following a two-day bench trial held on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12.

The city and former City Manager Martin Berliner were defended by attorney Melinda A. Powell of the Hartford law firm Rose Kallor.

Golodner was represented by New Haven attorney John R. Williams.

Based on his review of the case, focused on First Amendment rights of protected speech, Judge Meyer concluded that Golodner did not prove a connection between Golodner’s police lawsuit in August 2008 and the city’s decision to initiate a bidding process “or its ultimate decision not to award the alarm services contract to STS.”

Golodner offered no evidence, Meyer wrote, to prove personal animus by Berliner or former Public Works Director Robert Myers or that they made any derogatory comments against him.

“It is far from unusual or nefarious that a new city manager and finance chief would decide to initiate a bidding and formal contract process for basic city services such as alarm monitoring and servicing,” Meyer wrote.

Even so, Meyer wrote, the bidding process itself was conducted in a “questionable manner” because it appears that at least two vendors were contacted before Golodner.

In the end, Meyer concluded that Golodner had not proved “any adverse actions were motivated in whole or in part by any intent to retaliate against protected speech.

Reached by phone on Wednesday, Golodner said he was disappointed by the decision, which he called “upsetting.” He said he would continue to examine his options.

“I believe we had made our case,” Golodner said.

Powell said, "We are delighted with the court’s decision and pleased to have closure to this matter that has been in the court system for over five years."

In addition to the suit against the city Golodner has a pending federal lawsuit filed in 2015 against three Groton Town police officers he claims failed to investigate a harassment complaint.

He filed a federal civil rights suit against New London police officers in 2014, claiming unlawful entry into his yard without a warrant.

Golodner also has several pending criminal cases stemming from arrests in Groton that include multiple counts of impersonating a police officer.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay