TOWN OF LINCOLN POLICY FOR CLAIMS OF SNOWPLOW DAMAGE TO MAILBOXES

 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to put forth the conditions under which the Town of Lincoln (TOL) will honor resident claims of damage to residential mailboxes by TOL operated snow removal equipment.

RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the responsibility of the resident to provide and to maintain a mailbox which complies with United States Postal Service specifications in terms of construction and proper placement. In preparation for winter be certain that the mounting of the mailbox is solid and in good repair.

TOL RESPONSIBILITIES: TOL snow removal equipment operators will use due diligence in the performance of safe snow removal operations making all reasonable efforts to avoid striking resident mailboxes in the performance of those duties. If a mailbox strike should occur the equipment operator will note the date and time of the strike and if possible take photos of the damaged mailbox. The mailbox damage shall be reported to the TOL office as soon as possible either at the completion of plowing operations or by a phone message to the TOL hall with appropriate details including address of the residence and whether or not the mailbox owner has been informed of the damage.

WHAT DAMAGE IS COVERED BY TOL: The TOL will pay for the cost of a BASIC mailbox if it can be determined that the mailbox was actually struck by snow removal equipment. Understand that snow that is pushed into a mailbox by snow removal equipment and results in damage to the mailbox is not covered. Residents using plywood or other material to block plowed snow from contacting their mailboxes do so at their own risk as that type of damage is not covered by TOL. In fact, the large flat surface of a deflector may actually play a part in increasing damage by pushed snow. At the earliest opportunity after receiving a mailbox strike report TOL snow removal personnel or a TOL board member will examine the damaged mailbox and make a determination of coverage. Once again, the town will cover a BASIC mailbox with a cost not to exceed $25.00.

 

Town Board approved at the Regular Meeting on February 13, 2018