Greenfield Residents Voice Displeasure Over Damaged Mailboxes

Several Greenfield Township residents attended the supervisor’s regular monthly meeting on Feb. 5 to express displeasure over damage to mailboxes that occurred from a township plow truck during a recent weather event.

One of the residents said that nine mailboxes had been damaged on Evergreen Street. She encouraged plow drivers to slow down and be careful so that the situation does not happen again, but noted that this was the first time she experienced a problem in 38 years.

Overall, “I think the township people do a good job,” she said.

“We apologize,” chairman Matt Treon said on behalf of the township, which maintains the road. He said that the damage was not done “maliciously.”

The board reviewed winter policies, which are also available on the township’s website.

“When mailboxes are placed in the State, County, or Township right-of-way, government agencies are not responsible for any damage caused by road maintenance or snowplowing to any private property located in the right-of-way,” the website says.

The snowplow driver’s “goal is to keep our roads clear so you and your family can travel safely and without major delays,” the website says. The plow “has to throw the snow somewhere, and that is your front yard.”

The township also reminded residents to not “shovel or push snow and ice onto the roadway when clearing your driveway, sidewalk, or street parking area.”

“The Township provides winter maintenance to more than 23 miles of road,” the website says.

In other news, the township accepted the resignation of Suzanne Barry, assistant secretary-treasurer, effective Jan. 11.

The township is seeking a part-time assistant secretary-treasurer to work up to 20 hours per week. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, March 1, with interviews to be scheduled in March and an anticipated starting date in April. The position comes with a starting salary of $12 per hour, with the potential for a raise.

Police Chief Ron Sharkey encouraged residents to display their house number to assist fire, police and EMS in responding to emergencies.

A resolution to appoint the Blair County Tax Collection Bureau as local service tax collector was adopted.

A resolution to establish a bond for holding tanks on commercial property was also adopted.

The video surveillance system at the township building will be upgraded to high definition quality. The installation cost of $2,832 also includes two additional cameras.

Supervisors voted to purchase new fork lift tines at a cost of $1,250.

Lighting efficiency upgrades in the open storage building at the township’s maintenance facility will be made at a cost of $550.