Words to the wise on municipal snow plowing

(From North Branford, CT., Public Works folks, but applicable to many towns:)

 

To All Town Residents,

As we come into the colder months, the Public Works Department would like to clarify some of the issues that have come up when plowing snow.  It is The Public Works Department’s main goal to make the streets passable and safe for travel as soon as possible so we ask for your cooperation and patience during these times so we have a safe season for all.

Residents should keep in mind that snow plows are designed to remove snow from the roadway to the edge of the road.  It is likely that the plow will leave behind a windrow of snow in front of driveways.  Residents are responsible for removing this snow. 

PRIVATE PLOWING - Depositing of any snow from private driveways in the public streets that results in a hindrance to traffic is prohibited. This includes piles pushed across the street and the windows that are created in the street. Homeowners and plowing contractors should take notice that violators may be subject to a fine per offense. Homeowners may be held responsible for the actions of their contractors.

Residents are responsible for keeping their mailboxes clear for mail to be delivered.

Mailbox Policy

Residents and taxpayers are advised of the importance of proper placement

and anchoring of mailboxes and support posts to prevent damage form snow removal operations.

Mailboxes should be securely fastened to a sturdy post which is sufficiently

anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow.

Mailboxes should be installed 12” from the face of the curb or edge of road

to the mailbox closed door in order to prevent contact by the snowplow. The height

of the bottom of the mailbox should be between 42” and 48” from the road surface.

If it is determined a mailbox is struck by a Town snow plow, not the snow coming off the plow, the Town will reimburse the owner for a basic support post and a basic mailbox. Payment will not include costs other then materials and will not cover the cost of decorative wood or metal posts or decorative mailboxes.

The Town Manager or his designated representative is authorized to use reasonable discretion in resolving disputes involving unusual circumstances.

The Town will no longer be replacing mailboxes that are hit by snow coming off of the plows. We will only replace mailboxes that are physically hit by a plow truck.

ALL trash cans and recycling bins should never to be put on the roadside.  If a plow truck hits them because they are in the road we will not be held responsible for replacing them.

ANY AND ALL PLANTINGS within (usually) the first 10 feet from the curb which is Town owned is not the Town’s responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of  removal of snow from roads.

ANY AND ALL fences, walls, etc within (usually) the first 10 feet from the curb which is Town owned in not the Town’s responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow from roads.

INVISIBLE DOG FENCE LINES within (usually) the first 10 feet from the curb which is Town owned is not the Town’s responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of  removal of snow from roads.

ANY SORT OF SPRINKLER HEADS ETC. within (usually) the first 10 feet from the curb which is Town owned is not the Town’s responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of  removal of snow from roads.

The Town will not be held responsible for any damage to anything that is in the Town owned portion of your property in from the curb.