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RESOLUTION R-1617-100: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $3,870.79 FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT FUND BALANCE RECEIVED FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES TO REPAIR AND REPLACE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAFFIC SIGNS DAMAGED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
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BACKGROUND: The City’s Traffic Control Division maintains more than 170 traffic and pedestrian signals citywide using $105,291 in the Division’s operating budget (approximately $620 per signalized intersection per year). These funds are used for the purchase of replacement traffic signal system components needed for the safe and efficient operation of our traffic signals. In addition, the Division also maintains approximately 30,000 traffic control signs throughout the City of Norman using $44,480 in the Division’s operating budget (approximately $1.49 per sign per year). These funds are used for the purchase of the replacement sign components needed for the safe and efficient navigation of our roadways.
On August 27, 2015, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Lindsey Street and Oakhurst Avenue causing damage to traffic signal equipment at the intersection. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. On June 14, 2016, a $319.56 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 1, 2016, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Constitution Street and Oak Tree Avenue causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor repaired the damage for the City at this location. On August 1, 2016, a $141.36 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On May 21, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and Gray Street causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On August 9, 2016, a $172.13 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 14, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 24th Avenue SE and Imhoff causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. On August 29, 2016, a $307.98 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 22, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Webster Avenue causing damage to a traffic signal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On October 17, 2016, a $1,403.30 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 13, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection 12th Avenue SE and Cedar Lane Road causing damage to traffic signal equipment. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On January 10, 2017, an $873.39 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On July 1, 2016, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek Road and Stubbeman Avenue causing damage to traffic signal equipment. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On January 18, 2017, a $495.57 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 10, 2017, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of 12th Avenue SE and Cedar Lane Road causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On March 30, 2017, a $157.50 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
DISCUSSION: The continuing number of traffic collisions involving damage to traffic control equipment depletes the City’s inventory of spare units. Replacement units are necessary in order to address future emergency situations. The Division does not have adequate funding in its operating budget to purchase replacements units and needs to access the funds collected from the insurance companies in order to do so. Funds collected to date from the previously described incidents total $3,091.82 for damages to traffic signal equipment and $778.97 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution R-1617-100 for the appropriation of $3,091.82 from the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Public Works Department, Traffic Signal Parts (account 010-5023-429.32-12). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacement parts for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions. In addition, staff recommends the appropriation of $778.97 from the Risk Management Fund, Refunds/Reimbursements (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Public Works Department, Traffic and Street Signs (account 010-5023-429.32-13). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions.