Post Office Discontinuance Meeting

The meeting with the Postal Service representatives was held on November 2, 2011 in the Max Community Center from 6:00pm until just after 7:00pm. Although we can't say if the meeting was a success or not, as the meeting was only part of a study conducted by the Postal Service to determine if they should close the Max Post Office.

About 30 people showed up for the meeting, in addition to the two Postal Service representatives, and Jason Frederick of the Benkelman Post. The meeting seemed to be a good one, with Postal Service representative Kevin Allard (postmaster from Gothenburg, Nebraska) giving an overview of the Postal Service and what the closure of the Max Post Office would mean to Max residents. After this presentation, Mr. Allard opened up the meeting for questions and answers from those present.

Among the topics discussed were the justification for closing the Max Post Office. The question was asked how can the Postal Service justify closing the post office when federal law prohibits the closing of any post office simply for economic reasons. Ms. Barton (the other Postal Service representative) stated that the Max Post Office was being studied for closure due to “insufficient customer demand” and “insufficient workload” rather than economic reasons. Mr. Allard stated that the law prohibiting the closure of any post office only for economic reasons had been changed and no longer contained that prohibition. Further research by this writer has shown that Senate Bill S.3831 which would change the law as Mr. Allard has stated, has not yet passed and is still being considered. Therefore, it is still a violation of federal law to close a post office solely for economic reasons.

A question was also brought up concerning the printed Postal Service proposal sent out by the Postal Service, which states that the justification for closing the Max Post Office was “severe building deficiencies” which were defined by the Postal Service as a lease which expires in July 2016. The question asked was, how can a five-year lease contract be considered a “severe building deficiency.” Neither Mr. Allard nor Ms. Barton would answer that question. When pressed, both Postal Service representatives said that they did not have an answer, but would “look into it.”

The question was asked, how would Max residents receive their mail if the Max Post Office was closed. Mr. Allard stated that residents would make that decision, but that the preferred method would be personally purchased mail boxes set near the road in front of each residence. When asked about the possibility of locked cluster boxes (as mentioned in the proposal), Mr. Allard stated that the Postal Service would rather not use cluster box units (CBU) due to the potential buildup of mud, snow and debris and the lack of anyone to clear it away from the CBU. It was also pointed out by Mr. Allard that there would be a potential for injury should anyone slip and/or fall as a result of that buildup.

Several other attendees asked about package pick-up and delivery, and also any possible reduction of services which could or would occur as a result of the post office closure. Mr. Allard explained that the route carrier would be able to handle any of these services from his or her truck while they are delivering mail. Other attendees voiced their opinions and suggestions regarding the Postal Services financial woes, and the Postal Service representatives made note of each of these, and offered some discussion for them. Mr. Allard emphasized the need for each resident to write everything down and send it to their congressmen, representatives, and also the Postal Regulatory Commission. Mr. Allard explained that it was very important for residents to document everything and to present as detailed as possible letters, proposals, etc., and that each piece would be placed into a “docket” (or file) and would be used to make the final decision as to whether or not to close the Max Post Office.

After the meeting concluded, both Mr. Allard and Ms. Barton remained at the community center to answer any other concerns individually with residents.