Snowplow V. Mailbox: City Considers Payment Option

As fall starts to grow older, the city is considering a change to its policy that addresses mailbox damage by city plows.

Currently the policy requires residents who wish to make a claim to fill out a request, and if it's deemed legitimate, the city will send a crew to install a 4x4 wooden post and standard mailbox. However, Dave Simpson, Director of Public Works, told the Public Works Committee that some residents who live in subdivisions cannot install these styles, as they do not comply with requirements set by a homeowner's association.

Often the styles are more expensive, being either metal or PVC, and Simpson asked the committee if offering an option for payment to such residents. He thought $50 paid toward the replacement boxes could be a consideration.

Simpson said that approximately 30 incidents of mailbox damage occur every year. He felt the cost was close to an average after he reviewed what other municipalities are offering.

Overall the committee felt it was worthy of further clarification, and requested that a draft of an amended policy be drafted before it would move forward as a recommendation. A similar form for reimbursement would be required as exists for replacement.