Wells

Highland Heights council had a work session this week but mayor was absent from session. During the discussion, Mrs. Murphy made clear that she believed that the law director should rescind the lease with Bass and resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into gas drilling leases.

Mr. Legan clearly spoke out in favor of rescinding the Bass leases. He mentioned both the safety issues and Bass's behavior in obtaining permits from the state w/o council's knowledge or approval. He made clear that he does not feel comfortable dealing with Bass, given their conduct.

Mr. Lombardo---who approved putting gas wells in Lyndhurst when he served on Lyndhurst council---stated that he thought there was still at least one place that you could put a gas well in the park - behind the old pool---near the storage shed and cell phone tower.

The city engineer acknowledged that there are wetlands in the park and stated that he superimposed old federal wetland maps on his city maps. He admitted, however, that the wetlands have not been fully delineated or mapped and that there clearly is a wetlands area behind Kennelwood.

The engineer mentioned the city's own ordinance about where gas wells can be placed. The law director at first stated absolutely that the state had taken full control over that issue, but acknowledged that, as the landowner, the city in fact has a great deal of control over where wells are placed on city property.

On an unrelated issue---whether the owners of the golf course can put up fences around certain holes--the issue came up about notifying interested residents about the appeal. The law director said the city was not legally required to notify impacted homeowners. Mrs. Murphy suggested that broad notification should be made. Mr. Pilla agreed, saying that he wanted to avoid "another gas well situation".