WHY DOESN'T THE CITY OF HUDSONVILLE PAY FOR MAILBOXES DAMAGED BY SNOW PLOWING ACTIVITY?

The City will not pay for mailbox damage due to snow propelled against the mailbox from snowplowing activities:

1. Use of the public right-of-way for drive approaches, mailboxes, etc. is permitted; however, this use creates some risk, which property owners should recognize and accept.
2. Snowplowing of streets and sidewalks is an essential public service. There is no "negligence" in performing this activity.
3. Most mailbox damage is (but not always) caused when:

• the mailbox is not sufficiently constructed so as to withstand the impact of snow being thrown against it.
• there is an accumulated volume of snow to contend with. Curb lawn snow is already close to the height of the mailbox. The street plow must have sufficient speed to throw the snow over the snow bank, where it strikes the mailbox. This occurs more often when streets have been salted and the snow is wet and heavy.

Some helpful hints:

• Make sure your mailbox is sturdily constructed.
• Reduce the height of piled snow in the curb lawn near the mailbox, or dig a cavity around the mailbox and post so that there is some storage space for snow to fly into.
• Ask your insurance carrier about reimbursement under your homeowner's policy. In most instances, however, it is not a "covered peril" and the damage is probably far less than the insurance deductible.

Other snow removal requirements and information:

• By city ordinance, cleaning the sidewalk in front of your home is the resident’s responsibility. If we have time, the city will try to remove the snow from your walk; however, the streets come first. If the sidewalk in your area has been shoveled, it is much easier for the sidewalk plow driver to line up his path. Please cooperate during snow emergencies.
• Do not shovel or blow snow into the street or sidewalk. If you use a private snow removal contractor, make sure the plow operator is insured and is licensed with the city. Commercial plow vehicles must have an oscillating or flashing yellow or amber light. Neither private property owners, nor private contractors, may push driveway snow on property that he does not own, without permission.
• Keep fire hydrant(s) clear of snow and ice. It is extremely important for the hydrants on your street to be clear of snow or ice. If there were a fire, it would take much longer for the firefighters to get water if they had to clear an area first.
• Cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets have lowest priority. When plow trucks complete their routes, employees are reassigned to pickup trucks to clean cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets.
• Do not leave obstacles on the street or the sidewalk (shovels, refuse bags or containers, children's sleds, etc.).