Traffic signals at Morton, Indiana to be fixed soon

Traffic accident in October responsible for damage

Those irritated by flashing red lights on the traffic signals at the intersection of Morton Avenue and Indiana Street will be happy to know that the city is in the process of getting them repaired soon.

The Porterville City Council, at its meeting Tuesday, authorized the cost of emergency repairs of the traffic signals at the intersection to Loop Electric in the amount not to exceed $69,880, inclusive of all parts, taxes, labor and a 15 percent contingency, said Mike Reed, the city’s public works director.

Reed said Loop Electric, which was the lowest bidder, will respond, replace and upgrade the traffic signal cabinet at Morton Avenue and Indiana Street. He said the total repair cost will be funded out of the Capital Improvement Projects Signs and Signal Upgrade Fund.

The reason those traffic signals are not working, Reed said, is due to a vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection on Oct. 15.

At the time of the accident, Reed said one of the vehicles struck the city traffic signal cabinet, shearing it from the foundation and destroying the cabinet. He said the intersection was restored to an interim operation with flashing red lights only creating a four-way stop.

Reed said city staff has been working with local vendors to get cost estimates for permanent repairs, taking into consideration the urgency of repairs due to holiday congestion and pea- hour demands. He said estimates were requested from multiple vendors to replace the cabinet, as well as upgrade the signal to the current city standard. In other matters:

Approved the ratification of staff travel to Reno, Nev. to attend the California Narcotics Officers’ Association Training Institute.

Approved the closure of Main Street between Thurman and Cleveland Avenues for the Police Department’s Santa in the Park event on Dec. 12.

Approved a resolution amending the City’s Employee Pay and Benefit Plan, seasonal and part-time rates.

Approved a resolution amending the Fair Labor Standards Act Work Cycle for Fire Officer Series employees.

Approved a resolution amending the Fair Labor Standards Act Work Cycle for Porterville City Firefighters Association employees.

Approved the cancellation of the first city council meeting in January 2018.

Approved the continuance of the Declaration of Local Emergency.

The final city council meeting of 2017 starts at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the council chambers at Porterville’s City Hall.