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Mailbox Replacement Policy

Town of West Boylston Board of Selectmen Policy No.: L-20, Date Adopted: 2/20/13
Posted on: November 16, 2018 - 1:07pm

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the process the Town of West Boylston will follow for the repair or replacement of mailboxes and/or posts damaged by town equipment.

General

Plow operators are urged to take precautions to avoid hitting mailbox posts, however, often during a storm reduced visibility makes it difficult for a driver to see a mailbox post in time to avoid striking it or pushing it over with plowed snow.  Any installation within the right-of-way, including a mailbox, is placed there at the owner's risk.  Therefore, owners are encouraged to install mailboxes at the maximum usable distance from the edge of the roadway.  Posts should also be checked for deterioration by the property owners on a regular basis to reduce the possibility that the weight of the plowed snow may simply break the post.

Policy

1.  If it is determined by the Public Works Director or his designee that the Town equipment has made physical contact with the mailbox and/or post, with a plow or vehicle, the Town will replace and/or repair said mailbox and/or post.

2.  If it is determined by the Public Works Director or his designee that the mailbox is broken from the weight of the snow, ice, or slush, then the Town will not be responsible for repairing, replacing or reimbursing the resident for the damage.

3.  Replacement of mailboxes is not in-kind but a standard mailbox and pole (valued at not more than $40.00 combined) is provided.  Any person(s) who have something other than a standard mailbox, (upscale ornamental mailboxes and/or posts) will be required to submit for reimbursement or claim through the Town's insurance carrier or may request a flat reimbursement payment of not more than $40.

4.  Any mailboxes damaged along Routes 12 and 110 will be subject to reimbursement, replacement, or denial of claim by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation since the Town does not contract for or plow these roadways.  The exception to this claim would be if only a mailbox is damaged after regular plowing operations have ended and is damaged as a result of the Town plowing the sidewalks or traveling back to the DPW headquarters.  Then the other provisions of this policy may apply.

5.  This policy will take effect 90 days after its passage.