[Adopted 2-23-2016 by Ord. No. 4-2016]
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. While there is no legal requirement that
the Township do so, it is the policy of the Township of Mendham to
reimburse residents up to $50 for eligible damaged mailboxes, caused
by direct plow contact on the part of the Township of Mendham Department
of Public Works or their subcontractors.
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 maximum liability of the Township of Mendham for the repair
or replacement of a damaged or destroyed mailbox shall be the total
sum of $50.
The reimbursement provision of this article shall only apply
to those residents who satisfy the following criteria:
A. The mailbox is securely fastened to a sturdy post that is sufficiently
anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow.
B. The mailbox has been approved by the United States Postal Service.
C. The mailbox is set back a minimum of eight inches from the curb line
or, if no curb, from the traveled portion of the roadway.
D. The mailbox is located not less than 40 inches above the traveled
surface.