Oceanside City Council Expected To Approve Event Protection Barriers

OCEANSIDE, CA — The City of Oceanside will discuss various issues at this week's City Council meetings. The online agenda shows the city's top issues, including the need to better protect residents during citywide events.

During the Wednesday, Feb. 5 meeting at council chambers, located at 300 North Coast Highway, the Oceanside City Council members were expected to approve consent calendar items, including a new contract to improve barriers for city functions.

The line item in the council's calendar calls for the purchase of event protection barriers not exceeding $237,031, to be used for the Oceanside Street Market events and a coinciding Professional Services Agreement with Meridian Rapid Defense Group LLC., who will deploy those bollards for city events. That dictates a separate $117,000 contract with Meridian, according to the details from Oceanside's Development Services Department.

That department requested upgraded barriers to protect celebrating residents who enjoy the Morning Farmer's Market and Sunset Markets, which attract year-round visitors to Oceanside's downtown.

The bollards are needed to enhance visitor safety during these events, ensuring no one drives on city streets while residents shop, eat, and listen to outdoor music.

Oceanside has sought to improve safety at events since 2019, adding K-rails or permanent bollards, and they have determined that the moveable barriers are the most favorable option.

Officials have selected a "ballistic-rated steel bollard" that can be installed as necessary around town. They have also selected a company familiar with its installation and regular deployment, Meridian, as a contractor. The council will determine if more barricades are needed.

"It is likely that the purchase of additional barriers may be needed to support other city needs and events in the foreseeable future," the report reads. "As a result, the city staff is seeking authorization to purchase additional bollards, not to exceed $474,062, within six months of the approval.

Read thefull agenda for Feb. 5's council meeting here.