Letter: Mailbox issue clarified, heads to board

To the Editor:

Thanks to everyone who attended the mailbox meeting June 18 in Millville. The feedback was constructive.

One issue that was clarified by County Engineer Dietrich Flesch was the intent of the May 8 letter he sent to several hundred residents. His communication to “remove or bring your mailbox installation into compliance by July 15” was only intended to be a recommendation in an effort to notify them that they were out of compliance.

Certainly we all support safety and want to encourage corrective actions regarding mailbox installation. However, after listening to the public input, it became obvious the letter was understood to be a mandate. Flesch assured the public that, unless the County Board authorizes it, enforcement of corrective action will not be carried out by the highway department.

The message from the public was unmistakable. Attendees definitely support safety but prefer to take personal responsibility and make their own decisions regarding mailbox installation. What I heard was that people do not want county government interfering in their personal decision-making. As a result, I will be assessing the current county mailbox policy more closely and bringing forward recommended changes to the full board over the next month. I will see to it that those Wabasha County citizens who received a mailing from their county government regarding this issue are mailed a letter communicating the new board policy as soon as it is developed.

In the meantime, while the original letter was instructive as to the mailbox standards outlined in law, no action is currently required of those who received it.

Rep. Steve Drazkowski attended the meeting and assisted in clarifying the state law regarding mailbox installations and helping us understand how the law is being applied throughout our state.

I also want to recognize Flesch and Michael Plante, assistant county attorney for making themselves available and responding to questions: Your willingness to assist with the meeting demonstrated your commitment to public service.

Merl Norman

Zumbro Falls

Tags: opinion, letters