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RESOLUTION NO. R-1213-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $43,555 FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT FUND BALANCE TO PURCHASE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE TRAFFIC CONTROL DIVISION.
ACTION NEEDED: Motion to adopt or reject Resolution No. R-1213-26.
ACTION TAKEN: ____________________________________
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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.
On October 19, 2011, a traffic collision at the intersection of Porter Avenue and Sandpiper Lane resulted in damages to one of the traffic signal poles. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damaged portion of the pole.
On May 28, 2012, a traffic collision at the intersection of State Highway 9 and 12th Avenue SE resulted in damages to the traffic signal controller cabinet assembly and video detection cameras. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces replaced the controller cabinet the evening of the collision utilizing the last spare controller cabinet assembly in our inventory.
City Legal coordinated with the Traffic Control Division to pursue reimbursement of these expenses from the insurance companies of the responsible parties. On September 24, 2012, $42,973.82 and $580.74 checks (total of $43,554.56) were collected from Farmers Insurance Company for damage to the equipment located at State Highway 9 and 12th Avenue SE and for damage to the equipment located at Porter Avenue and Sandpiper Lane, respectively, forwarded to the Finance Department and then deposited into account 043-0000-367.12-64, Miscellaneous Risk Management.
DISCUSSION: The recent and unusually high number of traffic collisions involving damage to traffic control signal 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 the two replacements units and needs to access the funds collected from the insurance companies in order to do so.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of a $43,555 (from both settlements) appropriation of funds from the Risk Management Fund Balance (account 043-0000-253.20-00) to General Fund, Traffic Signal Parts (account 010-5023-429.32-12). These funds will be used for the purchase of a traffic signal controller cabinet assembly, video detection cameras, and miscellaneous traffic signal equipment.