Title
Resolution to Approve a Bollard Purchase from Ameristar ($381,386), and a Bollard Design and Construction Engineering Contract with Wade Trim ($857,000)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution approving a design contract between the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (“DDA”) and Wade Trim, Inc., for $857,000 and an initial purchase of Ameristar retractable bollards not to exceed $381,386.
Background
The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) 2026-2055 Development Plan identifies improved event barriers as a priority.
Through the Downtown Area Circulation Study, DDA staff worked closely with City Fire, Police, Emergency Management, Community Services, and Transportation Departments to select two barricade models that meet the established safety, operations, and placemaking needs. These include:
• Meridian Archer 1200 Portable Vehicle Barriers (PVBs)
• Ameristar SP100 Lift-Assist Bollards
Next Steps
The DDA Board authorized an initial purchase of Meridian PVBs in March 2025. The following resolution authorizing bollard design and purchase is the first step to implementing retractable bollards. The Wade Trim Bollard Design and Construction Engineering Contract provides design support through the completion of the retractable bollard project (up to 35 street approaches). The Ameristar bollard quote enables purchase for phase 1 implementation with the active construction projects in 2026. Staff will bring construction-related contracts to a future DDA Board Meeting.
Tentative Bollard Implementation Approach:
• Phase 1: 2026 Construction Season - Incorporate retractable bollards into active construction projects where feasible, including Fourth Ave, Ann Street, and North University.
• Phase: 2027 Spring Construction - Focus retractable bollard installation to complete the Main Street Summer Streets closure area.
• 2028 and Beyond - Schedule remaining bollard locations following additional operations, maintenance, and feasibility discussions.
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s (“DDA”) 2026-2055 Development Plan identified improved event barriers as a priority;
Whereas, DDA staff worked closely with City Fire, Police, Emergency Management, Community Services, and Transportation to select a retractable bollard model that met the established safety, operations, and placemaking needs;
Whereas, To enable implementation during the 2026 construction season, it is now necessary to enter into a design contract and purchase retractable bollards for installation this season;
Whereas, Funding for the project is included in the approved capital budgets of the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Board approves a bollard design and engineering contract with Wade Trim, not to exceed $857,000 from the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Executive Director be authorized and directed to execute said design and engineering contract with Wade Trim Associates, Inc., after approval as to form by the DDA Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Board approves the purchase of Ameristar retractable bollards, not to exceed $381,386 from the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the Executive Director be authorized to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.