[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Mendham as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 2-23-2016 by Ord. No. 4-2016]
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 the 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. While there is no legal requirement that the Township do so, it is the policy of the Township of Mendham to reimburse residents up to $50 for eligible damaged mailboxes, caused by direct plow contact on the part of the Township of Mendham Department of Public Works or their subcontractors.
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.
The maximum liability of the Township of Mendham for the repair or replacement of a damaged or destroyed mailbox shall be the total sum of $50.
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 that is sufficiently anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow.
B.
The mailbox has been approved by the United States Postal Service.
C.
The mailbox is set back a minimum of eight inches from the curb line or, if no curb, from the traveled portion of the roadway.
D.
The mailbox is located not less than 40 inches above the traveled surface.
