By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Council for the Town of Essex adopted a change to the existing Mailbox Damage Policy, meant to improve customer service to residents whose mailboxes are damaged during winter control operations.
The appended policy was adopted during the November 5 meeting.
The report to Council notes the Town has historically provided the physical mailbox and post as replacement for the damage, however, has received complaints in the past with residents preferring to install decorative mailboxes in lieu of the standard rural mailbox.
Administration recommended providing two options to residents able to tap into the program.
The first option, already in place, includes having the post and mailbox replaced by the Town at the discretion of the Director of Infrastructure Services or a designate with a standard metal rural mailbox with a 100mm diameter wooden post. Installation would be up to the property owner. In the case that weather is a conflict with installation, the Town will provide a temporary mailbox for the resident.
The second option includes, at the discretion of the Director of Infrastructure Services or a designate, providing the property owner with a cheque for $75, which is considered the cash equivalent of the replacement noted in the first option.