CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 15 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 26-4662 File ID: 25-10520 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
MEETING DATE: November 17, 2025
SUBJECT:
Meridian Barriers — Approval
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution to approve an alternative purchasing procedure for a purchase contract with Meridian Rapid Defense Group, LLC for mobile public safety barriers and their associated materials in the amount of $187,541.87; establish a contingency reserve in the amount of $20,000.00; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the purchase contract in substantially the form presented and issue change orders as allowed by the contract documents and within the contingency reserve.
BACKGROUND:
In Summer 2024, planter boxes were built and installed on B Street at 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue. The boxes were installed to provide a separation between vehicles and pedestrians, help manage vehicular traffic, and support the goal of creating a pedestrian-oriented environment along the B Street Pedestrian Mall (Pedestrian Mall). However, as the Pedestrian Mall has evolved into a vibrant destination with regular programming, community gatherings, increased daily activity, and increased foot traffic, the City has evaluated how to best enhance perimeter safety at the 1st and 3rd Avenue entrances.
To address the risk of potential head-on, high-speed vehicles entering the Pedestrian Mall, staff investigated the use of the Meridian Archer 1200 Mobile Barriers (Meridian Barriers), which are crash-rated, mobile public safety barriers at the intersections of 1st Avenue/B Street and 3rd Avenue/B Street. The Meridian Barriers prioritize safety; crash rated for a full- sized sedan going 30 mph and are certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the Meridian Barriers provide straightforward installation, mobility, minimal maintenance, and flexibility and have been utilized by nearby municipalities like City of San Francisco, County of San Mateo, Santa Clara County, and Alameda County.
Meridian Rapid Defense Group, LLC provided a quote for purchase of sixteen (16) Meridian Barriers and their associated materials, including a transport trailer, haulers, and ramps, as well as training support, in the amount of $187,541.87.
These barriers will be placed strategically to cover the full road widths at 1st Avenue/B Street and 3rd Avenue/B Street while still allowing for pedestrian access between each barrier. Meridian Rapid Defense Group, LLC has proprietary rights for Meridian Barriers, and no other vendor sells the Meridian Barriers. San Mateo Municipal Code Section 3.60.70(h)(3) authorizes the City Council to approve an alternative purchasing procedure where it finds doing so is in the best interest of the City. The purchase of Meridian Barriers is in the best interest of the City, as they are the only product on the market that are crash rated at 30 mph unanchored, which allows them to be removed and repositioned quickly in the event of that emergency personnel need to access the Pedestrian Mall.
Therefore, staff recommends the purchase of the sixteen (16) Meridian Barriers and their associated materials in the amount of $187,541.87 to alleviate safety concerns and protect pedestrians within the B Street Pedestrian Mall.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
BUDGET IMPACT:
There are sufficient funds in the Pedestrian Mall Construction Project (No. 130004) to fund this work in the amount of $187,541.87, and to establish a contingency reserve of $20,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The purchase and installation of the Meridian Barriers is categorically exempt from CEQA as an” existing facility,” because it consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Resolution
Att 2 – Purchase Contract
STAFF CONTACT
Karen Cornejo, Assistant Engineer
[email protected]
(650) 522-7576
Stephanie Piñon, Senior Engineer
[email protected]
650-522-7315