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RESOLUTION NO. R-1314-109: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $22,547.13 FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT MISCELLANEOUS REIMBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS ACCOUNT TO REPAIR AND REPLACE DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT.
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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 June 6, 2013, a traffic collision at the intersection of Alameda Street and 24th Avenue East resulted in damages to the pedestrian crossing equipment at this signalized intersection. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. The City Attorney’s office has pursued collection of the damage amount from the responsible party.
On September 1, 2013, a traffic collision at the intersection of 24th Avenue NW and Rock Creek Road resulted in damages to a street light near this signalized intersection. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. The City Attorney’s office has pursued collection of the damage amount from the responsible party.
On June 24, 2013, an employee of American Services, Inc., was involved in an incident while performing contract mowing that resulted in damage to the traffic signal control cabinet at the intersection of State Highway 9 and John Saxon Boulevard. The responsible driver was identified and the insurance company information obtained for collection purposes. City forces repaired the damage at the intersection. The City Attorney’s office has pursued collection of the damage amount from the responsible party.
On November 18, 2013, a $470.23 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at the Alameda Street intersection with 24th Avenue East. On November 25, 2013, an $8,142.44 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the collision at the 24th Avenue NW intersection with Rock Creek Road. On November 21, 2013, a $13,934.46 check was collected from the insurance company for the responsible party for the incident at the State Highway 9 intersection with John Saxon Boulevard. All three checks represent full recovery of the actual cost of repairs, labor, and associated overhead. The three checks totaling $22,547.13 were 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 replacements units. This item is requesting that revenues that have resulted from the funds collected from the insurance companies of the parties responsible for the damages noted above be appropriated into the Traffic Signal Parts account in order to purchase additional replacement equipment inventory.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of a $22,547.13 (from all three settlements) appropriation of funds from Miscellaneous Risk Management Revenue (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 replacement inventory for the equipment damaged in the respective collisions/incidents.