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Board reviews meridian-barrier allocation; members question single-barrier effectiveness
Summary
City staff proposed allocating $208,000 for meridian barriers by expected deployment days, which raises Main Street’s share to about $114,915.96; board members praised the data but debated effectiveness and urged doubled barriers at key entrances. No formal vote was taken.
City staff presented a revised method for dividing $208,000 in meridian-barrier funds that prorates payments by how often barriers are expected to be deployed, generating a Main Street share of roughly 55.2% (about $114,915.96).
"Of the total meridian-barrier days... the Main Street contribution is about 55.2%. Of that of 208,000 is $114,915.96," said Anne Ruby, reporting as part of city staff, describing the spreadsheet-based calculation tied to event days and a 36-barrier inventory.
Board members said the approach is fairer than the prior flat allocation. "It's definitely more equitable on this. There's more information there," said a committee member who reviewed the spreadsheet and historical event counts.
Several members pressed staff on operational effectiveness. One board member who had observed barrier deployments during Bike Week said a single barrier at an entrance is often easy for a motorist to drive around and recommended using two chained barriers at key entrances to stop vehicles and increase safety. "I still think 1 at a location is not enough because anyone in a car can drive around them, and I still think we need 2," the member said.
Staff said the police have determined a need for 30 meridian barriers to close off Main Street for large events, while current deployments have been about 18–20 barriers; staff also said ownership of additional barriers will allow more reliable deployments in future years.
The item was presented for information; staff confirmed the detail and answered questions but the board did not take a formal vote on reallocating funds at the meeting. Chair remarks and member comments indicated acceptance of the staff method but requested continued attention to deployment logistics and public-safety effectiveness.
The board moved on to other agenda items; staff will carry the allocation figures forward for operational planning and future budget work.
