City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: MARCH 25, 2025 FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF MOBILE BARRIERS, TRAILERS, RELATED EQUIPMENT, AND CERTIFIED DEPLOYMENT TRAINING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS TRAFFIC SAFETY FROM MERIDIAN RAPID DEFENSE GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $750,000 ISSUES:
Approve the purchase of forty-eight (48) mobile barriers, seven (7) trailers, a beam gate system, related equipment, and certified deployment training for special event traffic safety measures from Meridian Rapid Defense Group in the amount of $750,000.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council approves a purchase with Meridian Rapid Defense Group for mobile barriers, trailers and related equipment in the amount of $750,000.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Riverside continues to look at ways to increase security at special events and further ensure the safety of the public. Historically, staff and event organizers relied on devices such as water-filled barriers to close streets for special events. These devices, while effective, have drawbacks such as how they are deployed, cost, and the use of water needed to fill them.
To find a more secure and sustainable option, the City purchased nine (9) Archer 1200 Anti-Vehicle Barriers in 2018. These portable barriers are the only devices of their kind, which are designed to flip, dig into the pavement, and catch vehicles from the undercarriage upon impact. The barrier system is MASH TL-3 tested and carries a Safety Act Certification through the Department of Homeland Security as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology. The barriers require minimum maintenance, are 100% reusable immediately after any impact, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Over the course of the last several years, the City has found these barriers to be useful for planned events and recognized the utility for unplanned events. The Riverside Fire Department utilized Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funding to purchase 34 additional barriers and respective system equipment for use at both special events, such as the Festival of Lights, as well as during emergency incidents.
Depending on the spacing of the deployed barriers, if they are linked with an arrestor cable, or linked directly to each can decrease the stop distance of vehicles accidentally or intentionally entering areas that have been closed and increase efficacy. Having a larger network of devices will yield increased protection at closure points and enable the City to secure more locations within an event footprint.
The Public Works Department worked with Arts and Cultural Affairs, Riverside Fire Department, and Riverside Police Department staff to catalog annual large-scale events in the Downtown to determine possible locations for and the feasibility of installing removable bollards for street closures. Due to the high cost, potential underground conflicts, and limited space for storage, Staff determined temporary, movable barriers would be a more cost-effective option and would provide the flexibility of being used Citywide.
As a result of the study, Staff is recommending the purchase of 48 additional Archer 1200 Barriers and respective equipment such as arrestor cables for use with the City’s existing barrier stock to cover the closures of the City’s large-scale events. Staff determined the need to purchase specialized drop deck trailers for both storage and deployment of the devices, which weigh 700 lbs. each and cannot be maneuvered up and down typical truck and trailer ramps. Lastly, staff determined a need for quick emergency access to closure areas and is recommending the purchase of a Beam Gate system, which integrates with Archer 1200 Barriers.
Given the City of Riverside has previously invested in this anti-vehicle barrier solution and wishes limit the amount of vehicle barrier systems public works staff and first responders must train and work with across City events, the Single Source option best suits the needs of this purchase per Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 602 (c) which states, “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances… (c) When the Procurement can only be obtained from a sole source and the Manager is satisfied that the best price, terms and conditions have been negotiated”.
The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommendation complies with Purchasing Resolution No. 23914, Section 602(c).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation and Goal 1.4 - Prioritize safety at parks, trails, arts, cultural and recreational facilities, and Strategic Priority 2 – Community Well-Being and Goal 2.4 – Support programs and innovations that enhance community safety, encourage neighborhood engagement, and build public trust.
Furthermore, this project aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The purchase of this equipment is based on feedback from community event organizers in need of a more affordable anti-vehicle barrier option to ensure the safety of their attendees.
Equity – The equipment being purchased will be available for use at free events, providing the community with the utmost safety, while they enjoy access to entertainment and experiences.
Fiscal Responsibility – This purchase ensures the City is obtaining highly rated equipment at a fair price and is an investment in reusable, low maintenance equipment that will replace the need for recurring rental and water costs.
Innovation – The Public Works Department explored various anti-vehicle mitigation systems and identified the Archer Barrier system as a best-in-class technology that leverages innovative design to support the City’s long-term plans for safety.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Investment in high-quality, low-maintenance equipment that can be reused provides the City with a sustainable option for safe events.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the action is $750,000.00. Due to a high demand for their equipment, the supplier is requiring a 50% deposit to place the order. An initial disbursement of $375,000 will be paid to place the order. The remaining $375,000 will be paid upon receipt of the equipment. Sufficient funds are budgeted and available in the General Fund, Traffic Engineering - Machine and Equipment account number 4120000-462200.
Prepared by: Philip Nitollama, City Traffic Engineer
Approved by: Gilbert Hernandez, Public Works Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Jack Liu, Interim City Attorney
Attachments:
Meridian Rapid Defense Group Quote
Purchasing Concurrence
Award for the Purchase of Mobile Barriers and Equipment ● Page 2