A proposed change to current policy posted to Templeton Town website under DPW.
The first paragraph is what is currently in place:
Another area of concern is mailboxes. We do not “deliberately” knock over or damage mailboxes. Most mailboxes are not damaged by the vehicle itself but by the snow that is thrown from the plow. But, at times, with the combination of reduced visibility during a snowstorm and snow banks, it is not always possible for our drivers to see a mailbox in time to avoid it. Remember, anything installed within the town’s right-of-way (i.e., fence, mailbox, etc) is placed there at the owner’s risk. Hence, residents are encouraged to place mailboxes at the maximum allowable distance from the pavement.
What I proposed to put in place in an effort to help residents.
Mail Box policy:
Purpose: The intent of this policy is to establish a uniform process to reimburse citizens for mailbox damage due to snow removal operations performed by the Town of Templeton Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW’s mandate during “Snow and Ice Season” is to ensure that its roadways are kept free of snow and ice. It is also understood that most mailboxes are located inside the public right of way, and therefore, damage to them is often unavoidable for various reasons. This policy assumes there is a shared responsibility between the town and homeowner when mailboxes are damaged during snow removal operations.
Background: While the Town employees and contractors taking part in snow removal operations take care and due regard while performing their duties, plows may come in contact with privately owned mailboxes in the Town’s right-of-way and damage or destroy them, or snow rolling off snow plow due to speed. This policy recognizes there is inherent risk involved in plowing operations and is intended to provide some relief to property owners should their mailbox be damaged. The weather conditions at the time of the storm dictate the weight and characteristics of the snow that is being removed.
Policy: The DPW director may grant residents a reimbursement of $55.00 when the resident’s circumstances meet the following conditions:
1. The property owner notifies the DPW within 72 hours when the damage is discovered.
2. The property owner furnishes pictures or other visual evidence of the damage along with a written request (mail or e-mail) for reimbursement under this policy.
3. The DPW director will visually inspect the mailbox and post for damage consistent with physically coming into contact with a snowplow or snow rollingoff a snow plow.
4.The DPW director will determine if the existing mailbox shows any signs of disrepair or lack of maintenance that would lead to the damage. (i.e. rotted mailbox post).
5. The existing mailbox must have met the requirements of a United Postal Service mailbox.
6. If it is determined that the snowplow made contact with the mailbox or post causing damage, or there is evidence of damage caused by snow rolling off a plow, the property owner will be notified by the DPW in writing that their request has been approved. Residents may appreal a denial of reimbursement to the Templeton select board.
