[Ord. No. 18-10]
It is the intent of this article to establish uniform procedures to reimburse residents for damage to mailboxes due to snow removal operations. The borough'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 their primary objective, mailboxes may be unintentionally and unavoidably damaged. This policy assumes there is a shared responsibility between the borough 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 borough do so, it is the policy of the Borough of North Caldwell to reimburse residents up to twenty-five ($25) for eligible damaged mailboxes and $50 for eligible damaged posts caused by direct plow contact on the part of the Borough of North Caldwell 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.
[Ord. No. 18-10]
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 which is sufficiently anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow.
B. 
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 are not eligible for reimbursement.
C. 
The damage must have been caused by direct contact with borough plows or snow removal equipment. The borough will not provide reimbursement for damage to mailboxes or posts caused solely by snow thrown from borough plows or snow removal equipment.
D. 
The resident must notify the borough within seven days of the date the damage occurred, unless the resident was out of town, in which case the borough 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.
E. 
The Mailbox and Post Damage Notification Form must be completed in its entirety and signed by the resident, and subsequently approved by the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.
[Ord. No. 18-10]
A. 
Within the time period described above, a resident making a claim for reimbursement pursuant to this article shall complete a Mailbox and Post Damage Notification Form, available at the office of the Borough Clerk.
B. 
After submission of the completed form, 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 with a check, if appropriate.
C. 
If it is determined that the mailbox was damaged by the plow blade or vehicle, the resident will be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $25 for a new mailbox and $50 for a new 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.