Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the Office of the Texas Governor to seek funding through the Criminal Justice Grant Program FY2027, for the Vehicles Barriers Project which will provide the ability to deploy movable, yet highly effective vehicle barricades during public events and/or other emergency situations; and authorizing the acceptance of such grant if awarded (Chief of Police)
Background:
Approval of this item will allow the Police Department to submit a grant proposal to seek funding through the State of Texas Office of the Governor’s FY2027 Criminal Justice Grant Program for movable vehicle barricades that are a critical public safety tool designed to prevent unauthorized or hostile vehicle access in areas with high pedestrian activity. These systems provide rapid deployment of a physical barrier capable of stopping or redirecting vehicles while maintaining controlled access for emergency responders, city operations, and permitted vehicles. The barriers are mobile and can be linked together to create a continuous protective line, providing a safe and effective countermeasure to unauthorized vehicle intrusion, including potential vehicle-borne attacks. Due to their construction and modular design, the barricades are highly adaptable and customizable for a wide range of applications, allowing coverage of one to ten lanes of traffic and the protection of multiple ingress and egress points as needed. Unlike fixed infrastructure, movable barricades can be repositioned as needed, making them well-suited for special events, festivals, parades, farmers markets, and temporary street closures without requiring permanent roadway modifications. An attached image is provided as a visual example of the type of movable vehicle barricade system being considered.
The use of movable vehicle barricades significantly enhances public safety by reducing the risk of vehicle-related incidents in crowded spaces, whether accidental or intentional. Their visible presence also acts as a deterrent, helping to manage traffic flow and reinforce designated pedestrian zones. Operationally, these barricades are designed for quick setup and removal by on-duty police officers, minimizing labor time and disruption to normal traffic patterns. A key benefit is that these systems eliminate the need to use City-owned heavy equipment, such as dump trucks or other large vehicles, as makeshift barricades, allowing critical equipment to remain available for core operations while reducing safety and liability concerns. By investing in reusable, adaptable barricade systems, the City can improve event safety, increase flexibility in traffic management, and avoid reliance on improvised vehicle blockades.
Overall, movable vehicle barricades support the City’s commitment to public safety, emergency preparedness, and efficient use of resources while allowing community events and activities to continue in a safe, accessible, and well-managed environment.
This funding opportunity is a State grant requiring a zero-dollar City match. However, grant requirements mandate that the City initially fund the approved purchases and subsequently seek reimbursement from the State.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Criminal Justice Grant Program Grant Solicitation
3. Grant application pre-approval form
4. Barricades Photo Example
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
FUNDING
{x} If approved, anticipated expenses will be included in the FY2027 budget, along with grant reimbursements projected as revenue in FY2027.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE