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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM12152000 RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES December 15, 2000 Deputy Prosecutor David Alvarez and Risk Manager David Goldsmith reviewed the following claim for damages. Claims Coordinator Erin Lundgren was also present. CLAIMS CLAIMANT: PUD No. 1 CLAIM#: C-31-00 DAMAGES: $873.99 ALLEGATION: Damaged Fire Hydrant DISCUSSION: The Risk Manager reviewed the claim referenced above. He stated that the fire hydrant was damaged during an accident involving a Port Townsend Lumber Truck and a Jefferson County vehicle driven by a Jefferson County employee. The Deputy Prosecutor and Risk Manager agreed that the claim should be paid. DECISION: The Risk Manager and Deputy Prosecutor will recommend to the County Administrator that the full amount of the claim be paid. The Risk Manager David Goldsmith and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Alvarez met with Bruce Laurie of the Public Works department regarding the Washington State Department of Transportation's Policy Change for "Watch for Ice" signs. Mr. Laurie explained that a study of ice signing practices and ice signing effectiveness was conducted by the State Department of Transportation. The study revealed that there were no engineering standards in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or otherwise,which mandate or recommend the signing for ice. The study also revealed that there is no research which establishes that ice signing has any effect on motorists' behavior or collision rates. The apparent reason for the ineffectiveness of ice signing is that icy conditions are so varied and transitory that ice may not always be present where the signs are located. Mr. Laurie stated that Jefferson County currently has ice warning signs posted in various areas. Ice related accidents occur throughout the County and are not concentrated in specific areas making it impossible to predict what roads will be affected by ice. He noted that the State Department of Transportation was sued because ice warning signs were only posted in certain areas and an accident occurred in an area that was not posted. Now they are changing their policy and are discontinuing the use of ice warning signs. Mr. Laurie stated that electronic intelligent signs which detect ice by sensors cost approximately $4,000 - $5,000 compared to $55.00 for a standard road sign. Risk Management Committee Minutes - December 15, 2000 Page 2 Mr. Alvarez asked if there are certain roads in Jefferson County which by design are more prone to icy conditions? Mr. Laurie replied that ice is due to weather conditions, not road design or maintenance. Micro-climates throughout the County cause ice in various areas at varying times. Problems with roads are addressed immediately by the Public Works Department. There are no design defects or problems with Jefferson County roads. In conclusion Mr. Laurie stated that this matter was brought to the Risk Management Committee so they would be aware of the State's policy change. The Public Works Department has not discontinued the use of ice warning signs and is not requesting any action to be taken by the Committee. Meeting adjourned.