Vernon Officials: Plows Not Called For Charging At Hoops On Roads

VERNON, CT — There will be no offensive fouls called on snowplows that knock over basketball hoops on roads in Vernon.

Vernon Department of Public Works officials Tuesday sent out reminder of the winter rules for hoops, mailboxes and ash from fireplaces and wood stoves.

Here they are:

Basketball Hoops/Poles

The Public Works Department would like to remind residents that the town will not be responsible for basketball hoops and poles placed on town property, either at the edge of the road or on a cul-de-sac. Basketball hoops or poles damaged by town vehicles, especially during removal of refuse, recycling, snow, slush, etc. will not be repaired or replaced. These items should be placed on private property.

Mailboxes

While plow truck drivers make every effort to avoid mailboxes, they do, on occasion, hit or knock one over. Operators must report these incidents to their supervisor. However, snow thrown against a mailbox is often sufficient to cause damage to a less than perfect installation. Posts with cracks, dry rot or deterioration at the bottom are likely to fail when wet snow hits them. Check the attachment hardware - rusty nails or screws eventually fail. If your mailbox has been damaged, please call the Public Works Office at 860-870-3500 to report it the day after the storm. Mailboxes that are knocked over by heavy, wet snow where no contact with the plow has occurred and where they have not been maintained or adequately mounted or braced will not be repaired by the Town. Also, mailboxes damaged by private contractors, homeowners clearing snow, errant drivers, etc., will not be fixed by the Town.

Ash Disposal

Under no circumstances are ashes to be disposed of in the refuse and recycling cart(s). Wood ash retains enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days. Sparking embers are a fire hazard. There is a designated container at the Public Works Garages located at 375 Hartford Turnpike that is available to the public 24/7. The ash receptacle is located in the parking lot near the community swimming pool.