The Supervisors of Summerhill Township held the May Board meeting with Supervisors Duane Agnew, Bob Arendash and David Johns in attendance.

Secretary MaryAnn Goodrich was absent due to health reasons, so Spring Township Secretary Shelby Field took the minutes.

It is possible that Shelby Field may cover the Board meetings until July.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said and there were 4 concerned citizens present.

Solicitor Alan Shaddinger was also present.

The public had a moment to review the minutes from the April Board meeting, the motion then carried unanimously to accept these minutes.

No one was present from the Therapeutic Massage Clinic on Wing Road and as far as anyone can tell, the owners are respecting a Cease and Desist Order, as per the township.

There was not much development in the ongoing Mattera-Fisher issue; this regarding a small business that constructs mini-barns and structures and the truck/ noise issue on the local road.

A fence may be required around the business, but the owner is requesting a time extension.

The Storm Water Maintenance Plan has officially been passed in ST, at the April Board meeting.

This is the state mandate for all new impervious surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots, homes and structures.

Citizens should become aware of this mandate, as footage requirements and permits must be strictly followed; fees and possible engineering reports are required.

Catch basins, trees and shrubs may also be required to manage storm water run-off.

The state had threatened to with hold funding, including Liquid Fuels Allocations, should any municipality refuse to adopt the mandate.

Moving on, citizens are also being strongly advised to seek the services of an attorney regarding the signing of any gas leases.

Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling continues in the state; citizens are urged to attend public Board meetings and read the newspapers concerning this important issue.

Water wells, aquifers and streams are at risk of possible contamination due to the "Fracking" process used in Marcellus Drilling.

Chemicals, salt, sand and up to 7 million gallons of water are blasted deep within the earth to free up the natural gas within.

The water either stays within the earth, or may be stored in "lagoons."

Well sites are around 6 acres in size, with right of ways, and rig operations and pumps run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, after gas is discovered.

Attorneys should be consulted by landowners before any leases are signed; neighboring North Shenango Township is considering a complete ban on Marcellus Drilling, by passing an Ordinance as such.

Gas well drillers have released information that they intend to use water straight out of Pymatuning Lake, to be used in the Fracking process, this according to N. Shenango Township Supervisor, Eloise Settlemyre, who is currently attending seminars and lectures on the Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling.

Even if you do not sign a lease, your neighbor may sign one and drill right under your front yard or garden.

Your water well may be at risk of contamination.

Citizens should attend their monthly Board meetings to stay informed on this important issue.

Moving on, there was some small discussion concerning the Weight Limit Study on roads in ST.

Supervisor Bob Arendash had said at a recent Board meeting that he had closed two roads because some gas companies were using them with trucks that were too heavy, and were destroying the roads.

ST is protecting its interests by having a Weight Limit Study done.

With ongoing Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling in progress, local roads are at risk of damage due to heavy trucks.

Attending local Board meetings keeps residents informed on this issue, also.

The motion then carried unanimously to pay all the bills, with Supervisor David Johns abstaining from the bill at Conneautville Hardware.

Having no further business, the motion then carried to adjourn for the evening.

The Summerhill Township Board of Supervisors meets every second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm.

The public is invited to attend.