Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.A
Meeting Date: May 27, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Downtown Safety Barrier Project
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the purchase of twenty-one (21) Meridian Archer 1200 mobile barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC, including all associated accessories, support equipment, and related components necessary for deployment and operation, at a total cost of $189,225.10; approve a budget adjustment utilizing Environmental Conservation Fund 246 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in the amount of $42,306.27 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 in the amount of $52,306.28; and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
BACKGROUND:
Downtown events have increased in size and frequency, requiring City staff to regularly close streets and establish pedestrian-only areas around City Hall and adjacent public spaces.
These closures are currently managed with temporary traffic control devices such as cones, delineators, and barricades, which require significant staff time and resources for setup and removal during each event.
At the April 22, 2026, Study Session meeting, staff presented traffic control options aimed at improving safety and efficiency. Following discussion, the City Council directed staff to pursue the purchase of mobile barriers.
The acquisition of mobile barriers would improve event safety and increase the efficiency of street closure setup and removal activities. The deployable barrier system is designed to quickly establish secure street closures and pedestrian-only zones while reducing reliance on labor-intensive traffic control devices such as cones, barricades, and water-filled K-rails.
Compared to existing methods, the system can be deployed with fewer staff and in less time, allowing city personnel and resources to be utilized more effectively during downtown events and other public gatherings.
DISCUSSION:
Following City Council direction at the April 22, 2026, Study Session, staff worked with Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC (Meridian) to procure a quote reflecting a full buildout for Locations 1-4 (see attached map). Locations 5-7 and additional safety improvements will be evaluated in the future biennial budget and brought back at a future City Council meeting for consideration.
Meridian Quote (Attached)
The following terminology and cost table reflect the full buildout associated with deployment at Locations 1 through 4, including all required accessories, support equipment, and operational components necessary to efficiently deploy the Meridian mobile barrier system.
The proposed equipment package is intended to provide staff with a complete and functional deployment solution that supports recurring downtown events, improves operational readiness, and minimizes setup and breakdown time during street closure and event operations.
Terminology / Cost Components
Archer 1200 Barrier: Crash-rated mobile barrier used to prevent unauthorized vehicle access.
Archer Manual Hauler 2.0: Hauler used to set up and remove mobile barriers. Archer Field Tow Bar: Emergency tow bar used to quickly relocate a mobile barrier. 4’ Arrestor Cable 2.0: Cable used to connect each mobile barrier for improved safety. 3 Channel ADA Cable Protector: ADA ramp cable protector used to shield the arrestor cables connecting each mobile barrier.
Wayfinding Package: Wayfinding signage that can be placed on the mobile barrier. Graphics Package: Reflective decal of city logo and reflective tape.
Meridian Quote
Archer 1200 Barrier $ 136,788.75
Accessories/Components/Equipment $ 30,927.58
Shipping/Taxes $ 21,508.77
Total Cost $ 189,225.10
Funding Sources
FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Programmed Biennial Budget A portion of the funding is included in FY 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Biennial Budget, with a total programmed budget of $94,612.55.
Funding Source Fiscal Year Funding Amount
Gas Tax 2025/2026 $21,153.13
Measure A 2025/2026 $21,153.13
Gas Tax 2026/2027 $26,153.14
Measure A 2026/2027 $26,153.14
Total Programmed Budget $94,612.55
FY 2026 and FY 2027 Budget Adjustment
To cover the remaining funds needed to complete the project, staff is proposing that the Environmental Conservation Fund provides a 100% matching contribution to the programmed funds through a budget adjustment for FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 in total amount of $94,612.55. This funding source is appropriate because the mobile barriers support the operational needs of the city’s environmental programs, thereby establishing a nexus to the use of Environmental Conservation funds. Budget adjustment funding is summarized below:
Funding Source Fiscal Year Funding Amount
Environmental Conservation Fund 2025/2026 $42,306.27
Environmental Conservation Fund 2026/2027 $52,306.28
Total Budget Adjustment $94,612.55
Based on the quote provided, the anticipated improvements to operational efficiency and public safety, and the direction provided by the City Council during the April 22, 2026, Study Session meeting, staff recommends that the City Council approve:
The purchase of twenty-one (21) Meridian Archer 1200 mobile barriers, including all associated accessories, components, and related equipment necessary for deployment and operation, at a total cost of $189,225.10. A budget adjustment utilizing Environmental Conservation Fund (Fund 246) for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 in the total amount of $94,612.55. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff proposes funding the total project cost of $189,225.10 through a combination of programmed funds from Gas Tax and Measure A, along with budget adjustment funds from Environmental Conservation Fund 246 for FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027.
The following table summarizes the budget allocations for this project.
FISCAL
YEAR DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE AMOUNT
ONE TIME
or
ONGOING
2025/
2026 Gas Tax 241-400-460-
461-8200-8201 N/A $21,153.13 One Time
2025/
2026 Measure A 243-400-460-
461-8200-8201 N/A $21,153.14 One Time
2025/
2026
Environmental Conservation
Fund (Budget Adjustment)
246-900-910-
911-8200-8201 N/A $42,306.27 One Time
2026/
2027 Gas Tax 241-400-460-
461-8200-8201 N/A $26,153.14 One Time
2026/
2027 Measure A 243-400-460-
461-8200-8201 N/A $26,153.14 One Time
2026/
2027
Environmental Conservation
Fund (Budget Adjustment)
246-900-910-
911-8200-8201 N/A $52,306.28 One Time
Total $189,225.10 One Time
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL E: Safety
Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.
E-14: Renew and improve our event safety planning, protocols and standards: streets, parking garage, Amphitheater, parks and others.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Meridian Rapid Defense Group mobile barrier quote
2. Meridian Product Sheet & Details
3. Downtown Safety Barrier Map