By JONATHON DAWE
Statesman Staff Writer
A local property owner has been struggling with the Dexter Post Office in the past year; and, after numerous phone calls to numerous people -- including his congressional representative's office -- he has one message. Stand your ground.
Greg Lentz, of Dexter, owns 38 rental properties in the city of Dexter. According to Lentz, he was informed that many of his properties would have to have a rural route mailbox installed next to the street.
"Nobody was ever contacted or asked about their opinion on the situation," Lentz commented. "They were all just given letters saying that 'due to vicious dog attacks' the delivery method was changing."
Lentz said he responded by going to the Dexter Post Office and speaking with the local postmaster.
"I asked for a copy of the vicious dog reports," Lentz explained. They didn't have any."
After meeting with the postmaster, Lentz said he didn't feel that he had gotten anywhere. As a result, he contacted the office of Rep. Jason Smith (8th district).
"I called (Smith's office) and spoke with a lady that worked there and told her what was going on," Lentz said. "She got involved and made some phone calls."
Lentz said he urged his tenants to not give in to the demand to place a mail box by the road; but many of them did.
"I stood my ground and a few of my tenants did, too," Lentz remarked. "And guess what? They're getting their mail delivered to their porch just like they always did."
Lentz went on to explain that he was informed by Dexter Postmaster Patrick Powell that a law would soon pass that would require all mail to be delivered in a rural-route style.
"I told him, 'when that happens, I'll abide by it," Lentz commented. "(Powell) said he was just trying to get everyone used to the change."
According to US Postal Service Spokesperson Stacy St. John, that is incorrect.
"I think he may have misunderstood (the postmaster)," St. John commented. "There is a proposition for postal reform which would convert the delivery method to neighborhood boxes. But no action has been taken on that. That may have been what the postmaster explained."
According to St. John, neighborhood boxes are free-standing boxes containing individual mailboxes for each residence in the neighborhood."
St. John went on to explain that she was made aware that the method of mail delivery in certain neighborhoods of Dexter was due to dog attacks.
"It's my understanding that the postmaster met with the chief of police in Dexter and informed him about these issues," St. John said.
According to Dexter Police Chief Sammy Stone, there was a meeting with Powell over a year ago; but he also informed the postmaster that the Dexter Police Department hadn't received any reports from postal employees.
"I'm not exactly sure how they're supposed to go about making reports concerning dogs, but we hadn't gotten any up until that point," Stone explained. "We got some after I told the postmaster about that, but there weren't many."
Stone explained that he was informed by Powell that North Sassafrass was a bad area for his carriers to deliver because of dogs.
"I went with our animal control officer and we walked on both sides of North Sassafrass for about four or five blocks and we only saw one dog; and it was restrained," Stone remarked. "I don't know exactly what issues would be there."
Dexter Police Department has received only four reports from postal employees concerning dogs in the past 13 months.
"None of the reports were for attacks," Stone explained. "One was a report of a dog following a carrier. Another report was of a dog acting menacing."
"But that's a safety concern for our carriers," St. John responded. "People need to understand that. One of our main priorities is ensuring a safe working environment for our employees."
When asked if changing the delivery method from on foot to rural-style delivery was an effort to minimize costs, she said no.
"We are not mandating any conversions of delivery method at this time," St. John remarked.
According to postal regulations -- specifically 631.6 -- customer signatures must be obtained prior to any conversion of delivery method. The regulation goes on to state: "When a residence is sold, the mode of delivery cannot be changed arbitrarily prior to the new resident moving in. The existing mode of delivery must be retained absent an agreement otherwise."
According to Lentz, some of his tenants were informed, upon moving into his property, that they would need to place mail boxes by the street.
"It's just not true," Lentz remarked. "If people would just stand their ground, they wouldn't have to change anything. They may not get their mail for a while, but they won't have to change."
When reached for comment, Justin Gibbs, who is deputy chief of staff to Congressman Jason Smith, said:
"After hearing concerns from a constituent, Congressman Smith's staff has been in contact with officials from the Dexter Post Office regarding new delivery methods."
Lentz said he knows numerous residents are dissatisfied with the new delivery method; and he said more people should get involved by contacting Congressman Smith's office.
"If you call the congressman's office, he can get things done," Lentz commented. "The postmaster is just lying to people so he can do whatever he wants."
St. John said the issue is purely one of safety.
"The only time we mandate a delivery change is for carrier safety," St. John explained. "We have the responsibility to our employees to provide a safe work environment."
Despite multiple attempts, Powell has not made himself available for comment.
Congressman Jason Smith may be contacted by mail at: 2230 Rayburn House Office Building; Office phone: (202) 225-4404; Fax: (202) 226-0326