COBDEN — A Foresters Falls man will have to go through his insurance company if he hopes to recoup the cost of repairing his snowblower.
Hugh Collins wrote a letter to council advising that on Tuesday, Nov. 22 while snowplowing the end of his driveway, where the township had left a “large windrow”, his snowpblower made a large noise and stalled. He found two shearbolts gone and a large steel bolt jammed in the blower.
Seeing township employee Lindsay Broadhurst plowing the sidewalk, he asked if the bolt was off the township’s snowplow and was told yes – so he gave him the bolt.
After repairing his own snowplow, Mr. Collins turned it on and the machine made a noise and the belts started to burn. He took it to the place in Eganville where he purchased the blower and was told to repair it would cost about $750.
Mr. Collins went to the township garage and spoke to public works manager Bill Misener and was told the township would not help with the costs of repair.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin, who received a phone call from Mr. Collins, said two pieces came off the township’s snowblower had caused the damage. He advised Mr. Collins to write the letter to council.
“In my 15 years (on council), I have never seen anything like this,” he said.
Mr. Misener said the township pays $156,000 for insurance, which is why Mr. Collins should contact his insurance company and see if a resolution can be found.
Mr. Misener noted the snowplow operator had plowed the sidewalks in Beachburg and Westmeath and had no problems.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said Mr. Misener did the right thing. The insurance companies will be the ones to settle the issue, she said.
However, Reeve Terry Millar had a different thought.
“It would be nice to help him out.”
But, when the reeve found out Mr. Collins was snowblowing on municipal property, that’s a risk the homeowner is taking.
However, from a public relations standpoint, Reeve Millar suggested the township offer to pay a portion after the insurance work is done.
Mr. Misener pointed out if that happens, “many, many people will be in here (the office) looking for money.”
Mayor Hal Johnson said no fault insurance was put in place so everyone could start with their own insurance company first and then the issue can go from there.
It’s important policy and procedure be followed, he said.
“I’d like to help him out too, but we can’t help everyone,” Mayor Johnson said.
It was agreed a letter would be sent to Mr. Collins enforcing what Mr. Misener had told him to do, and that is to contact his insurance company.
