[Added 2-15-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]
A.
It is the intent of this article to establish uniform procedures
to reimburse residents for damage to mailboxes due to snow-removal
operations. The Township's primary obligation is to ensure that its
roadways are as clear as possible of snow or ice. It is also understood
that most mailboxes are located within the public right-of-way, and
therefore while fulfilling the primary objective, mailboxes may be
unintentionally and unavoidably damaged. This policy assumes there
is a shared responsibility between the Township and the homeowner
when mailboxes located in the public right-of-way are damaged during
snow-removal operations.
B.
While there is no legal requirement that the Township do so, it is
the policy of the Township of Stafford to reimburse residents up to
$50 for eligible damage to mailboxes caused by direct plow contact
on the part of the Township of Stafford Department of Public Works.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to entitle any resident
to reimbursement for damage caused by the weight or placement of thrown
snow, nor shall this article be construed to entitle any resident
to reimbursement prior to an investigation and determination by the
Superintendent of the Department of Public Works that the claimed
damage is eligible for reimbursement pursuant to this article.
The reimbursement provisions of this article shall only apply
to those residents who satisfy the following criteria:
A.
The mailbox is securely fastened to a sturdy post which is sufficiently
anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snows.
B.
The damaged mailbox and/or post must meet the requirements of the
United States Postal Service, as well as all other applicable regulations
in regard to construction and location. Mailboxes that do not meet
the requirements of the United States Postal Service and/or any other
applicable regulations are not eligible for reimbursement.
C.
The damage must have been caused by direct contact with Township
plows or snow-removal equipment. The Township will not provide reimbursement
for damage to mailboxes or posts caused solely by snow thrown from
Township plows or snow-removal equipment.
D.
The resident must notify the Township within seven days of the date
the damage occurred, unless the resident was out of town, in which
case the Township must be notified of the damage within seven days
of the resident's return. Damage reported outside of this time frame
will not be eligible for reimbursement.
A.
Within the time period described above, a resident making a claim
for reimbursement pursuant to this article shall contact the Department
of Public Works to file the claim.
B.
After submission of the claim, the Superintendent of the Department
of Public Works shall investigate the alleged damage to determine
if the damage was caused by the plow blade or vehicle itself, rather
than thrown snow. A written response on the findings of the investigation
will be mailed to the resident.
C.
If it is determined the mailbox was damaged by the plow blade or
vehicle, the resident will be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed
$50 for a new mailbox and/or post. If it is determined that the damage
was not caused by the plow blade or vehicle, no reimbursement will
be given. All actual repairs and/or replacements shall be the responsibility
of the resident.
