Mail Box Damage at 16100 Dysprosium St

During the plowing event on April 19th the city snowplow inadvertently struck the mail box at 16100 Dysprosium St causing considerable damage to the mail box and a brick and mortar planter that surrounds the mail box.  This address has also reported sod damage on several occasions over the years. The property owners maintain their yard to a high standard and are diligent about marking the boulevard to help plow drivers locate the pavement edge.

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Current city policy for mail box replacement contains two options.  City staff will replace the damaged mailbox with a 4x4 treated post and standard mail box.  This type of installation is considered typical by the postal service. Attached to this case is the postal service recommended mail box installation guide. The second option is to issue a check to the property owner for $75.00 and they can make the repairs or replacement. The cost of the mail box in this case exceeds the $75.00 reimbursement policy.  This style of mail box was chosen for aesthetic reasons, but also to address a security concern. The property owner had reason to believe their mail was being tampered with, so they chose a mail box with a locking option.  The other portion of the damage would be to the planter surrounding the mail box.  It has been the city's policy that any private amenities placed in the ROW are the responsibility of the property owner to repair and maintain.  This policy is consistent with surrounding communities, as well as Anoka County and MnDot.

General fund line item 0311-6267

Staff recommends following our existing policies and issuing a reimbursement check to the property owner for $75.00.  The Public Works Superintendent will also meet with the property owner this fall and help stake the boulevard with city supplied fiberglass stakes.  In addition the route driver for that area will attend a refresher course on snowplow operation.

Motion to accept staffs recommendation and continue to follow our existing policies and issue a reimbursement check to the property owner for $75.00. The Public Works Superintendent will also meet with the property owner this fall and help stake the boulevard with city supplied fiberglass stakes. In addition the route driver for that area will attend a refresher course on snowplow operation                                                                             or
Reject staffs recommendation and direct staff to update the mail box replacement policy to include an increased dollar amount for mail box replacement based on committee discussion.