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RESOLUTION R-1819-49: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $45,514.89 FROM REFUNDS REIMBURSEMENTS MISCELLANEOUS RISK MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT RECEIVED FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY TO REPAIR AND REPLACE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT, TRAFFIC SIGNS, AND PARKING METERS 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 November 14, 2017, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of State Highway 9 and 156th Avenue NE causing damage to an advance intersection warning beacon. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On April 9, 2018, a $4,052.37 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On November 14, 2017, a traffic collision occurred on the southbound I-35 off-ramp at Main Street causing damage to a street light assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor was obtained to perform the necessary repairs at this location. On April 16, 2018, a check in the amount of $8,657.07 was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 12, 2017, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Flood Avenue and Robinson Street causing damage to a Hospital and arrow combination sign. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On April 16, 2018, a $185.16 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On February 14, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at 3000 Oak Tree Avenue causing damage to a combination Speed Limit and No Parking Any Time sign. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On April 30, 2018, a $204.86 personal check was collected from the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On December 19, 2017, a traffic collision occurred on the eastbound off-ramp from State Highway 9 to Classen Boulevard causing damage to a street light assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor was obtained to perform the necessary repairs at this location. On May 7, 2018, a $3,705.29 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.\
On September 13, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Pickard Avenue with Boyd Street causing damage to a STOP sign and object marker. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On June 4, 2018, a $239.56 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On February 12, 2018, a traffic collision occurred on the eastbound off-ramp from State Highway 9 to Classen Boulevard causing damage to a street light assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor was obtained to perform the necessary repairs at this location. On June 29, 2018, a $1,292.35 check was received from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 28, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the Robinson Street intersection with Country Club Drive causing damage to a STOP sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On July 31, 2018, a check in the amount of $202.86 was collected from the insurance company of the responsible driver. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On February 21, 2018, a traffic collision occurred in the center median of I-35 south of Main Street causing damage to a street light assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. A contractor was obtained to perform the necessary repairs at this location. On August 13, 2018, a $9,712.27 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On July 22, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 120th Avenue NE and Alameda Drive causing damage to a STOP sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damages at this location. On October 11, 2018, a $239.37 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 13, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the 60th Avenue NE intersection with Franklin Road causing damage to a STOP sign assembly and necessitating closure of the intersection. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces closed and reopened the intersection and repaired the damages at this location. On October 11, 2018, a check in the amount of $389.02 was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 11, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Stewart Avenue and Carter Avenue causing damage to a STOP sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On October 16, 2018, a check in the amount of $309.01 was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 4, 2018, a traffic collision occurred at the 24th Avenue NW intersection with Radius Way causing damage to the traffic signal cabinet. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On October 29, 2018, a check in the amount of $16,325.70 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 responsible parties and insurance companies in order to do so.
Funds collected to date from the previously described incidents total $43,745.05 for damages to traffic signal equipment and $1,769.84 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution R-1819-49 for the appropriation of $43,745.05 from Refunds/Reimbursements, Risk Management (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 replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions. In addition, staff recommends the appropriation of $1,769.84 from Refunds/Reimbursements, Risk Management (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to the General Fund, Traffic Control Division, 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 collision.