Council to redraft mailbox ordinance for central commercial square, to consult postmaster

During discussion of signage and public amenities, councilors addressed requests to amend the village mailbox ordinance for the central commercial area.

A council member proposed defining the central commercial 'square' by compass streets — east to Earl, west to Church, north to Perry and south to Ohio — and to allow residents within that square to place mailboxes in alleys rather than at curbside on the main roads. The stated purpose was to reduce obstruction on main thoroughfares used for deliveries and parking.

Councilors noted at least two curbside mailboxes are already present within the proposed square and discussed whether those should be grandfathered. One council member said, as read into the record, that one of the mailboxes had been placed after the existing ordinance and that the postmaster at the time did not object because the new box was adjacent to an existing box. Council agreed it would be prudent to verify installation dates (Google Street View was suggested) and to consult the postmaster about delivery routing and operational impacts before adopting any change.

The council asked staff to draft ordinance language clarifying the square’s boundaries and the grandfathering approach, and to bring proposed wording to the next meeting. No formal vote on the mailbox amendment was taken during the session.

Next steps: staff will draft clearer ordinance language, consult the postmaster to determine delivery feasibility if mailboxes are moved to alleys, and present the proposed amendment and suggested grandfathering language at the following council meeting.