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RESOLUTION R-1415-69: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $14,581 RECEIVED FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM RISK MANAGEMENT MISCELLANEOUS REIMBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS ACCOUNTS TO REPAIR AND REPLACE DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT 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 $85,000 in the Division's operating budget (approximately $500 per signalized intersection per year). These funds are used for the purchase of the various replacement traffic signal system components necessary 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 $50,000 in the Division's operating budget (approximately $1.67 per sign per year). These funds are used for the purchase of the various replacement sign components necessary for the safe and efficient navigation of our roadways.
On March 9, 2013, a traffic collision occurred on Franklin Road east of Porter Avenue 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 the intersection. On July 10, 2014, a $149.47 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On January 19, 2014, a traffic collision at the intersection of Oakhurst Avenue and Whiteoak Circle 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 July 31, 2014, a $298.12 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On February 7, 2014, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of 48th Avenue SE and State Highway 9 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 December 19, 2014, a $182.14 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On March 18, 2014, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Interstate Drive and Conference Drive 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 the intersection. On July 10, 2014, a $137.20 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On April 6, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Classen Boulevard with the eastbound State Highway 9 ramps causing damage to a signal support pole. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces, with assistance from a traffic signal contractor, repaired the damage at this location. On July 10, 2014, an $8,841.61 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On April 5, 2014, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of 24th Avenue NE and Franklin Road 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 December 11, 2014, a $122.51 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On April 7, 2014, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of 12th Avenue SE and Boyd 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 December 19, 2014, a $163.64 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On May 5, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and McGee Drive causing damage to pedestrian signal equipment. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On December 11, 2014, a $1,322 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On September 5, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 60th 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 November 18, 2014, a $142.37 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
On October 16, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Imhoff Road causing damage to pedestrian and vehicular signal equipment on two corners of the intersection. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On October 16, 2014, a $3,222.39 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this intersection. The check was deposited into the Miscellaneous Risk Management account.
DISCUSSION: The recent and unusually high number of traffic collisions involving damage to traffic control equipment has depleted 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 for these incidents described herein are $13,386 for damages to traffic signals and $1,195.45 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the appropriation of $13,386 from Miscellaneous Risk Management (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund Traffic Signal Parts (account 010-5023-429.32-12 (Traffic Signal Parts). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions. In addition, staff recommends the re-appropriation of $1,195.45 from Miscellaneous Risk Management (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to Traffic & 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.