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Blowing Rock Council approves purchase of Meridian vehicle barriers for large events
Summary
The Blowing Rock Town Council approved a budget amendment and purchase of Meridian Archer vehicle barriers after a presentation from Police Chief Nathan Kirk; council signaled intent to fund purchase with recently distributed ABC store funds.
Blowing Rock Town Council on a regular meeting approved spending to buy Meridian Archer vehicle barriers and an associated entry gate system for use at large public events and emergency deployments.
Chief Nathan Kirk presented the proposal, describing an initial package that would include eight Archer 1200 barriers, a hydraulic trailer and an Archer Rapid Gate Kit. Kirk said the barriers are tested to stop a 15,000-pound flatbed pickup at speeds up to 50 mph and that the kit could be configured to allow access for emergency vehicles. “We can get it everything set up within about 15 minutes,” Kirk said, describing deployment for events such as the town’s Monster March and Fourth of July parade.
Why it matters: Council and staff said the barriers would provide a more robust physical protection option for downtown parades and other gatherings that draw thousands of visitors. Kirk said the town has borrowed similar barriers from Boone and other agencies and that owning a set would reduce reliance on external loans.
The cost discussed was $118,000 for the quoted package; Kirk said the typical delivery time is about 12 weeks. Council members noted the town recently received an unbudgeted $100,000 distribution from the local ABC board and discussed using those funds toward the purchase. The council voted to approve both the purchase and a budget amendment to provide funding.
Council members asked operational questions about siting, mobility and surface requirements; Kirk said the barriers perform best on smooth asphalt and include underside “teeth” that bite into pavement when deployed. He also said one barrier can form a gate, but events typically use two; he recommended eight as a sufficient starter set given staffing and mutual-aid arrangements with Boone.
The council approved the purchase and the budget amendment by voice vote. The town plans to order the barriers to have them available before the next major summer event cycle.
Council members and staff said they would include deployment and usage details in public-safety planning for upcoming festivals and parades.
