[Adopted 3-13-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04]
A. 
It is the intent of this article to establish uniform procedures to compensate 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 their 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 Chesterfield to either repair, replace, or reimburse residents up to $25 for eligible damaged mailboxes and $50 for eligible damaged posts caused by direct plow contact on the part of the Township of Chesterfield Department of Public Works.
C. 
Nothing in this article shall be construed to entitle any resident to compensation for damage caused by the weight or placement of thrown snow, nor shall this article be construed to entitle any resident to compensation prior to an investigation and determination by the Public Works Manager that the claimed damage is qualified pursuant to this article.
The repair, replacement, and 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 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 (USPS) and/or any other applicable regulations are not eligible for reimbursement. If the mailbox or post are already in poor condition (rotted or rusted) they will not be replaced. Custom mailboxes, i.e., brick, mortar or other materials not in conformance with USPS regulations, are not permitted in the Township's Right-of-Way and will not be replaced.
C. 
The damage must have been caused by direct contact with Township plows or snow-removal equipment. The Township will not provide compensation 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. 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 Public Works Manager.
F. 
Eligibility under this article shall be limited to a total of one time per household.
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 Township Clerk or on the Township website.
B. 
After submission of the completed form, the Public Works Manager shall investigate the alleged damage to determine if was caused by the plow blade or vehicle itself, rather than thrown snow. The damaged mailbox and/or post must be available for inspection by the Public Works Manager for a claim to be substantiated. A written response on the findings of the investigation will be provide to the property owner.
C. 
If it is determined that the mailbox and/or post were damaged by the plow blade or vehicle, the resident will be compensated through repair, replacement in accordance with USPS regulations, or reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $25 for a new mailbox and $50 for a new post. Method of compensation will be determined by the Public Works Manager. If it is determined that the damage was not caused by the plow blade or vehicle, no compensation will be provided and actual repairs and/or replacements shall be the responsibility of the resident.
All residents and the Department of Public Works shall utilize the Mailbox and Post Damage Notification Form available at the office of the Township Clerk, Department of Public Works, or on the Township Website.