MEEKER | The disappearance of the community bulletin board at the Meeker Post Office and installation of a new mailbox outside during the last few weeks generated a number of questions from the public.
The bulletin board has long been a location for residents to post information about missing pets, fundraisers, events, meetings, and more. It’s common for notices to be placed by community members and then forgotten, even after the event has passed or the lost cat has been found.
“I noticed that the bulletin board was looking quite shabby and that there were items posted that did not belong on the board,” said Meeker Postmaster Beth Fox. When she went to remove outdated items and clean up the board, she saw that the cork beneath was “in dire need of being replaced” and that the board itself needed an overhaul. “As my maintenance worker was here at that time, I had him take it down for me so that I could more closely assess what needs to be done,” Fox said.
Comments from concerned residents ranged from will it be replaced (yes) to assertions that the post office is legally required to have a community bulletin board on site (not true).
“This is the first Post Office that I have worked in that actually allowed the community to have a board to place announcements,” Fox explained via email. “Usually, it is a tricky business to make sure to not seem to be endorsing any businesses or events. The United States Postal Service is very strict about appearing neutral in all ways.”
She added, “Also, it is difficult to get people to get approval before posting anything and verify that it is appropriate material. In addition, being short-staffed makes it difficult to regularly monitor the contents being posted.”
Despite those issues, Fox is planning to replace the board once volunteers can be found to restore the board’s condition and integrity. It needs new paint and new cork and someone with the skills to do the work. The Post Office will supply the needed materials.
“I realize that the Post Office in Meeker is rather like a meeting place where it is very convenient to announce important events and fundraisers. I would like to continue on with this tradition as long as it is not being abused. I would also like to keep the original board as a kind of landmark,” Fox said.
As of Tuesday, one volunteer had stepped up, but, according to Fox, they might need some help. Once the board is refurbished, it will be reinstalled, with the request that those who want to post notices get approval before placing notices, post them neatly and remove outdated items promptly.
As for the outside postal dropbox in the alley that was recently moved and swapped out for a newer model, Fox said that change came directly from the U.S. Postal Service, which mandated installation of more secure dropboxes. The new box has no dropdown door for larger packages (or hand and arms to fit through) and the letter slot has “teeth” that prevent mail from being pulled back out.
Fox told the HT that when maintenance workers went to exchange the boxes, they realized a new concrete pad would need to be poured at that spot after getting approval and finding a local contractor to do the work. Meanwhile, the new box had to be installed somewhere, and has been temporarily placed on the north side of the alley closer to the building.
BY NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
