Northampton refines mailbox policy

A year after one of its snowiest winters ever, Northampton has clarified its policy for replacing mailboxes that are damaged by snowplows.

In a typical year, residents file 10 to 15 mailbox-related claims, according to Mary Midura, executive secretary to the City Council.

“This past winter, that number just exploded,” with 45 people filing claims, she said. “There were so many people coming in. I took it to the city solicitor, and she said, ‘We need to have a very clear policy.’ ”

Several of the claimants, according to Midura, wanted more than just the $50 voucher the city offers to replace destroyed mailboxes. These residents, she said, filed claims with the City Council’s Ordinance/Claims Committee, a time-consuming process that also involved the city solicitor and public works director. Some residents also waited months before filing their initial claims.

The new policy, approved by the City Council on Nov. 14, makes clear that the maximum amount for reimbursement is $50; that all claims must be submitted within 30 days of the damage; and that only one claim per residence can be filed in any one winter.

“Most people are grateful that there is even a $50 voucher,” Midura said.

Some residents, she added, “may have wanted to push the envelope.”