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RESOLUTION R-1516-92: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $4,875.93 FROM RISK MANAGEMENT MISCELLANEOUS REIMBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS ACCOUNTS 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 $85,000 in the Division’s operating budget (approximately $500 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 $50,000 in the Division’s operating budget (approximately $1.67 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 13, 2014, a traffic collision occurred on Acres Street at Berry 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 the intersection. On June 11, 2015, a $182.54 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 30, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near 8500 Alameda Drive causing damage to two sign assemblies. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On June 30, 2015, a $243.42 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On May 5, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Alameda Drive and 84th Avenue NE 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 October 26, 2015, a $220.51 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On July 5, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Flood Avenue and Franklin Road causing damage to a signal ahead flashing beacon assembly. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. On November 1, 2015, a $3,062.28 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 24, 2015, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Tecumseh Road and 48th Avenue NW causing damage to a pedestrian signal head assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On November 24, 2015, a $282.60 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 23, 2015, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Alameda Street and 72nd Avenue East causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On January 21, 2016, an $80.00 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 16, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Tecumseh Road and 24th Avenue NE causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On February 1, 2016, a $148.56 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 23, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Tecumseh Road and 60th Avenue SE causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On February 17, 2016, a $148.84 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On September 10, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Franklin Road and 24th Avenue NE causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On February 29, 2016, a $341.88 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On August 9, 2015, a traffic collision occurred near the intersection of Interstate Drive and the I-35 Northbound on-ramp causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On February 29, 2016, a $165.30 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements 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 from the previously described incidents total $3,344.88 for damages to traffic signals and $1,531.05 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution R-1516-92 for the re-appropriation of $3,344.88 from Account No. 043-0000-367.12-64 (Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management) to Account No. 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 $1,531.05 from Account No. 043-0000-367.12-64 (Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management) to Account No. 010-5023-429.32-13 (Traffic & Street Signs). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions.