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SPECIAL CLAIM SC-1819-9: SUBMITTED BY OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,600 FOR DAMAGE TO A LIGHT POLE AND WIRES AS A RESULT OF AN INCIDENT WITH A SANITATION DEPARTMENT TRUCK AT 625 NORTH BERRY ROAD.
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BACKGROUND: A claim was filed by Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) in the amount of $6,600 for damage to a light pole that occurred on August 30, 2018, at 625 North Berry Road.
DISCUSSION: This incident was investigated by Casey Sides, Utilities Supervisor. On August 30, 2018, a Sanitation Department trash truck driver went to ONG located at 625 North Berry Road to service a dumpster. The driver pulled up to the property entrance gate but the gate didn’t open so the driver began to back up to leave the area. The gate subsequently opened and the driver began to re-enter the property. As the driver pulled forward, the dumpster forks at the top of the truck pulled an electric line that was connected to a nearby light pole, causing damage to the line and felling the pole.
ONG submitted an invoice in the amount of $6,600 for replacement of the damaged light pole and repair of the associated electric wiring. As indicated above, there appears to be possible negligence on the part of the City in this matter and consequently potential liability on the City. ONG’s request, in the amount of $6,600, appears reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above and foregoing, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney’s office that the claim of ONG, in the amount of $6,600 as set forth above, be approved.