Southington Council Reviews Snow Response, Mailbox Damage Claims

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — The Southington Town Council reviewed recent snow removal efforts and mailbox damage claims following recent snowstorms this winter.

And while, generally, town road crews were praised for the work during the storms, the town has been hit with several complaints about damaged mailboxes, town officials said.

The discussion came during public works committee reports at the last council meeting Feb. 9, which was the first meeting following the massive snowstorm Jan. 25.

Councilor Michael DelSanto, who heads the public works subcommittee, reported on a Feb. 4 committee meeting, where snow removal was a primary topic following recent storms.

DelSanto reminded residents that they are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks.

He said Southington Superintendent of Highway, Parks & Recreation David Lapreay reported more than 70 complaints of broken mailboxes after plowing operations.

Residents seeking reimbursement must file a claim through the town’s website, DelSanto said.

Damage must have been caused by the plow itself — not by wind or blowing snow.

The current reimbursement amount is $75 per mailbox.

He added that much of the reported damage was not caused by Southington plows and said the issue will be discussed further at future meetings.

DelSanto also commended the Southington Public Works Department for its storm response, saying crews worked about 32 consecutive hours during recent weather events.

In addition to road clearing, crews have been clearing sidewalks and improving sightlines at intersections, he said.

Chaplinsky echoed those remarks, noting he received a call from a Laning Street resident whose bus stop area was cleared by public works within a few days after concerns about snow buildup.

He also shared thanks from resident Stephanie Urillo, who contacted him to express appreciation after snow was cleared from her cul-de-sac.

For the minutes of the Feb. 9 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.