The Niles City Council unanimously approved a new policy Monday for the replacement of mailboxes damaged by city equipment.

Under the new policy, the city will replace roadside mailboxes only if city equipment comes in direct contact with the mailbox, causing damage. Also, mailboxes will have to be properly installed and in good condition to qualify for replacement.

Ric Huff, city administrator, said the policy took effect immediately.

Under the old policy, the city would replace mailboxes damaged by any means during winter snow removal.

Also Monday, the council:

• Unanimously approved a $2,000 allotment toward the cost of water use for the Niles Community Gardens for this year’s project.

• Unanimously approved an industrial facilities exemption certificate to Niles Steel Tank Company, 1701-A Terminal Road, for the total project amount of $620,850 for 12 years.

• Tabled a motion to approve a request to participate in the community based summer program until the next meeting. Huff said council members requested more information about the program.

• Unanimously approved entering into a contract with Wightman and Associates of Benton Harbor for design engineering on the removal of the Pucker Street Dam and River Restoration project. The cost is $282,029.

• Unanimously re-appointed Marie Weimer to a three-year term on the board of review.

• Introduced and had first reading of a proposed amendment to the demolition ordinance which would allow National Standard to demolish the unused “city complex” without removing concrete floors and footings. If the council approves it, the amendment could be enacted at the next meeting following a second reading.

• Entered into closed session to discuss the sale of city property. Huff said no action was taken.