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Vehicle Mitigation Barriers Program

At a glance

  • What: Purchase of 560 Advanced Security Technologies vehicle mitigation barriers and 7 transport trailers for $1,635,684. Barriers are lightweight (53 pounds each), rapidly deployable (10-15 seconds per lane), and designed to prevent vehicle-into-crowd incidents. Intended to replace trash trucks currently used for street closures.
  • Where it stands: Ordinance and resolution approved unanimously September 22, 2026.
  • Next: Barriers will be deployed downtown and in strategic locations throughout the city. Cost recovery structure and event access policy to be developed.

Funding and deployment

Total cost: $1,635,684
Procurement: 6% discount through bulk procurement agreement with manufacturer
Financing strategy: Three sources

  • Parking fund contribution
  • Municipal Services District (MSD) contribution
  • General fund contribution
    MSD-designated equipment: Marked for MSD use and stored downtown; other trailers in strategic City locations

Barrier specifications:

  • 560 lightweight barriers (53 pounds each)
  • 7 transport trailers (80 units per trailer; 560 total capacity)
  • Deployment capability: 10-15 seconds to close one lane of traffic
  • Design feature: open structure allows visibility, no concealment for active shooters
  • Thickness allows clear visibility through barriers

Deployment strategy

Primary focus: Downtown area (bulk of barriers based on roadway measurements)
Secondary locations: 6 trailers in strategic City locations for broader coverage
Design advantage: Nimble deployment compared to other barriers; rapid response to traffic control needs

Benefits

Law Enforcement perspective:

  • Recognized benefits including open design (no hiding places)
  • Clear visibility through barriers
  • Rapid deployment capability

Comparison to previous practice:

  • Replaces trash truck use for street closures
  • Provides more flexible deployment options
  • Maintained as first choice; trash trucks available as backup if supply insufficient

Council discussion

Mayor Saffo inquiry: Whether barriers could be used for street closures of City-sponsored events outside downtown

  • Response: Most events are City-supported but organizer-responsible for traffic control; City could deploy if needed but staff will later present cost recovery structure and policy for events in public spaces and Central Business District

Councilmember Joyner inquiry: Current MSD fund balance

  • Response: Approximately $745,000 available prior to this purchase

Councilmember Santaguida inquiry: Whether these replace trash truck usage

  • Response: Yes, intended as replacement; though trash trucks may still be used if supply of barriers exceeded

Motion history

September 22, 2026:

  • Ordinance Appropriating $1,635,684 for Purchase of 560 Barriers and 7 Trailers

    • Motion by Councilmember Andrews
    • Second by Councilmember Santaguida
    • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
    • Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana, seconded by Councilmember Santaguida, 7-0)

  • Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract for Purchase of 560 Barriers and 7 Trailers for $1,635,684

    • Motion by Councilmember Santaguida
    • Second by Mayor Pro-Tem Spears
    • Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)

Sources

Log

2026-09-22 - City Council

Deputy City Manager Thom Moton presented vehicle mitigation barriers program in response to incidents in local and national media of vehicles driven through crowds. Project would outfit primarily downtown area with rapidly deployable lightweight barriers (53 pounds, deployable in 10-15 seconds) as replacement for trash truck usage in street closures. Presentation included information on Law Enforcement benefits of open design (no hiding places) and clear visibility. CFO Martha Wayne reported available MSD fund balance. Council approved both ordinance and resolution unanimously.