Council Votes for Tighter Drilling Ordinance, Awareness Group Announces Signature Tally

Council chambers weren't as packed as typical Monday, however the Marcellus Shale talk and ordinance discussion was still as hot as ever.

As presented at the July 18 public hearing, —but Monday, members presented additional amendments, which are believed to further strengthen the legality of the ordinance. 

Council voted 5-0 in favor of the amendments made to the proposed-conditional use ordinance governing Marcellus Shale drilling. 

The meeting's agenda states, "The revised ordinance reflects the comments from residents and industry representatives, addresses concerns and further strengthens the legality of the ordinance."

A representative of the Marcellus Shale Awareness Group announced the group had —to place the home rule question on the November ballot—with 2,422 signatures. The deadline to submit the petition is Tuesday.

Council member Bob Lewis explained his reasoning not to support the referendum, and to solely support the ordinance, via slide show presentation.

"I do not support the proposed referendum question, I believe it has the potential to force the state to side with the gas companies, and to reduce or remove our current rights to enforce this ordinance," he said. 

"Without regard as to whether the referendum passes or not, this ordinance is still our best protection.

"I understand the election office may not have the authority to remove a referendum question, even if the question has no enabling authority from the Pennsylvania legislature," he continued. "It may take quick action of the legislature to correct their error and only permit what would be legal referendum questions. 

"The authority granted by the state only states: 'The municipality may exercise any power not denied by the Constitution, by its home rule charter or by the General Assembly.'

"(Therefore), the referendum question does not comply with this requirement," he said. 

When questioned by concerned residents about their personal agendas, each present member (including Chairman Robert Atkison, Frank Arcuri, David Ball, Bob Lewis and Vice Chairperson Monica Merrell) stated they have zero percent conflict of interest, no stocks and no gas leases. 

Council members James Berquist and Gary Stiegel were absent.

In other council news:

• Jordan Tax Service was reappointed as the township's tax service, for collection of real estate taxes, delinquent earned income taxes and garbage collection fees. 
• RCx Building Diagnostics, Inc.'s proposal was approved, with the lowest bid, for the design and management of implementing energy conservation measures. 
• MXI's proposal was approved, also with the lowest bid, for Household Hazardous Waste Collection. The bids are based on receiving a state grant, and MXI is now responsible to assist in preparing the grant application. The project is scheduled for Sept. 24. 
• Council met in an executive session, at the end of the public meeting, with attorney Lane Turturice to discuss the status of tax assessment appeals—all of which were later voted 5-0 by council and will be placed on the school district's next meeting agenda.

FYI: Gas line construction from to Inverness Drive will now continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for traffic reasons, and is projected to be complete before (or by) Aug. 29, the first day of school.

Stay tuned to Peters Patch for details regarding the referendum.