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RESOLUTION R-1516-4: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $11,320.63 RECEIVED FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM RISK MANAGEMENT MISCELLANEOUS REIMBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS ACCOUNTS 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 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 October 18, 2014, a traffic collision occurred on Webster Avenue at Comanche 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 the intersection. On January 9, 2015, a $98.10 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 November 2, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Chautauqua Avenue 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 January 9, 2015, a $1,470.14 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 November 16, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Flood Avenue and Franklin Road 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 January 9, 2015, a $2,133.22 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 May 13, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Pendleton Drive and Rock Creek Trail 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 February 9, 2015, a $222.29 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 May 23, 2014, a traffic collision occurred on Houston Avenue south of Lindsey Street causing damage to a sign assembly. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On February 10, 2015, a $142.82 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On March 9, 2015, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 24th Avenue NW and Mt. Williams causing damage to a traffic signal pole. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On April 27, 2015, a $1,904.11 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 April 7, 2014, a traffic collision occurred on Buchanan Avenue at Meter 527 causing damage to the parking meter assembly. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at this location. On May 8, 2015, a $644.12 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 December 29, 2014, a traffic collision occurred on Tecumseh Road west of 24th Avenue NE causing damage to utility pole. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces responded by providing traffic control around the scene of the collision. On May 11, 2015, a $249.66 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 February 28, 2015, a traffic collision occurred on the northbound Interstate 35 off-ramp at Tecumseh Road causing damage to a roadway luminaire pole. The responsible driver was identified for collection purposes. City forces, with contractor assistance, repaired the damage at this location. On May 27, 2015, a $3,966.17 check was collected from the responsible party at this location. The check was deposited into account the Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management account.
On June 14, 2014, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of 12th Avenue NE and Tecumseh Road 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 May 27, 2015, a $490 check was collected as partial settlement from the insurance company for the responsible party at this intersection. 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 for these incidents described herein are $9,963.64 for damages to traffic signals and $1,356.99 for damages to traffic signs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the appropriation of $9,963.64 from Refunds/Reimbursements Risk Management (account 043-0000-367.12-64) to 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 $1,356.99 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.