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RESOLUTION R-1920-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $51,220.92 FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT MISCELLANEOUS REIMBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS ACCOUNT TO BE USED TO REPAIR AND REPLACE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT OR TRAFFIC SIGNS DAMAGED IN TRAFFIC COLLISIONS.
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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 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 March 11, 2019, a traffic collision occurred in the 1900 Block of West Lindsey Street causing damage to two traffic signs. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On March 22, 2019, a $352.31 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On January 25, 2019, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 26th Avenue SW and Butler Drive intersection causing damage to a STOP sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On April 4, 2019, a check in the amount of $159.61 was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 7, 2019, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Jenkins Avenue causing damage to a pedestrian signal assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the location. On April 9, 2019, a $497.65 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 22, 2019, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 24th Avenue NE and Rock Creek Road causing damage to a STOP sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On April 29, 2019, a $215.70 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On December 26, 2018, a traffic collision occurred on the northbound Interstate 35 off-ramp at Main Street causing damage to a streetlight pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. Contracted forces repaired the damage at the location for the City. On May 13, 2019, a $5,248.40 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On January 10, 2019, a traffic collision occurred on Main Street near Park Avenue causing damage to a streetlight pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. Contracted forces repaired the damage at this location for the City. On May 22, 2019, a $9,860.00 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The amount received was a negotiated settlement between the insurance company and the City’s Legal Department. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On April 16, 2019, a traffic collision occurred on intersection of Tecumseh Road and Flood Avenue causing damage to a YIELD sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces made repairs at the location. On May 22, 2019, a $195.31 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 11, 2019, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Berry Road causing damage to a pedestrian signal pole assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On June 24, 2019, a $1,103.34 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On May 7, 2019, a traffic collision occurred on Santa Fe Avenue between Tonhawa Street and Gray Street causing damage to a STOP sign installation. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On August 1, 2019, a $265.52 check was collected from the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 30, 2019, a traffic collision occurred on the intersection of Porter Avenue and Sandpiper Lane causing damage to the traffic signal pole located on the northwest corner of the intersection. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces performed the necessary repairs at this location. On August 5, 2019, a $854.92 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On May 25, 2019, a traffic collision occurred on the intersection of 24th Avenue NW and Radius Way causing damage to the traffic signal and battery back-up cabinets controlling the intersection. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces performed the necessary repairs at this location. On August 6, 2019, a $32,368.16 check was collected from the insurance company of the responsible party. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On February 8, 2017, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 24th Avenue NW and Parkland Way causing damage to a large arrow sign installation and two chevron sign installations. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damages at this location. Prior to incarceration of the responsible party, partial payments totaling $100.00 cash were collected between April 17, 2017, and September 21, 2017. These funds would have been 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 $49,932.47 for damages to traffic signal equipment and $1,288.45 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of Resolution R-1920-22 for the appropriation of $49,932.47 from Refunds/Reimbursements 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 appropriation of $1,288.45 from Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management (043-0000-367.12-64) to Traffic and Street Signs (010-5023-429.32-13). These funds will be used for the purchase of replacements for the equipment damaged in the respective collision.