A.
Intent. It is the intent of this section to establish uniform procedures
to reimburse residents for damage to mailboxes and incidental damage
caused to real property due to snow removal operations. The Township's
primary obligation is to insure that its roadways are as clear as
possible of snow and ice. It is also understood that most mailboxes
are located within the public right-of-way, and therefore while fulfilling
the primary objective, mailboxes and real property may be unintentionally
and unavoidably damaged. This policy assumes there is a shared responsibility
between the Township of Buena Vista and the homeowner when mailboxes
located in the public right-of-way are damaged during snow removal
operations.
B.
Policy. While there is no legal requirement imposed upon the Township
of Buena Vista, it is the policy of the Township of Buena Vista to
reimburse residents up to $75 for eligible damage to mailboxes caused
by direct plow contact on the part of the Township of Buena Vista
Public Works and reimbursement up to $50 for all incidental damage
to real property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to entitle
any resident to reimbursement for damage caused by the weight or placement
of thrown snow nor shall this section be construed to entitle any
resident to reimbursement prior to an investigation and determination
by the Township Administrator that the claimed damage is eligible
for reimbursement pursuant to this section.
C.
Eligibility. The reimbursement provisions of this section shall only
apply to those residents who satisfy the following criteria:
(1)
The mailbox is securely fastened to a sturdy post which is sufficiently
anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snows.
(2)
The damaged mailbox and/or post must meet the requirements of the
U.S. Postal Service, as well as all other applicable regulations in
regard to construction and location. Mailboxes that do not meet the
requirements of the U.S. Postal Service and/or any other applicable
regulations, and the incidental damage to realty resulting therefrom
are not eligible for reimbursement.
(3)
The damage must have been caused by direct contact with Township
plows or snow removal equipment. The Township of Buena Vista will
not provide reimbursement for damage to mailboxes, posts, and the
incidental damage to realty resulting therefrom, caused solely by
snow thrown from Township of Buena Vista plows or snow removal equipment.
(4)
The resident must notify the Township in writing within seven calendar
days of the date the damage occurred, unless the resident was out
of town, in which case the Township of Buena Vista must be notified
in writing of the damage within seven calendar days of the resident's
return. Damage reported outside of this time frame will not be eligible
for reimbursement.
D.
Procedure; investigation.
(1)
Within the time period described above, a resident making a claim
for reimbursement pursuant to this section shall contact the Township
Clerk to file the claim on a form provided by the Township.
(2)
After submission of the claim, the Township Administrator 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.
(3)
If it is determined the mailbox and/or realty was damaged by the
plow blade or vehicle, the resident will be reimbursed in an amount
not to exceed $75 for a new mailbox and/or post and an amount not
to exceed $50 for the incidental damage to realty resulting therefrom.
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 Department of Public
Works.
