Cecil Supervisors Rescind Vote Approving Private Meeting With Range Resources

Cecil Township supervisors on Monday night rescinded a vote to meet privately with Southpointe-based Marcellus Shale company Range Resources.

A vote for the closed-door meeting had previously been approved by a vote of 3-2 in May. Supervisors Andy Schrader and Mike Debbis cast the dissenting votes.

But Schrader on Monday night brought the subject up again in light of a letter to supervisors sent by the township’s liability insurance carrier, which is acting as counsel in two legal matters between Range and the township.

Schrader read the letter, in which the insurance carrier told township officials to “refrain from any direct communication with Range Resources.” The letter also indicated that any direct contact without counsel present could open the township up to liability in the litigation process.

“I think we need to revote on that right now,” Schrader said. “Who would be stuck paying the bills (if Cecil loses its insurance coverage)? The tax payers just because someone wanted a private meeting.”

After several minutes of questioning from Supervisor Elizabeth Cowden over the role of the insurance carrier, she called the letter and discussion a “set up.”

Cowden in May broached the subject of a closed-door meeting with Range, and she defended the idea again Monday.

“What if we were able to speak like humans? Without litigation we could start communicating,” she told fellow supervisors.

But Schrader made the motion, which was seconded by Supervisor Mike Debbis.

“You can’t ignore the advice of your solicitor,” board Chairman Tom Casciola said during the robust discussion that came before the vote.

The vote carried 4-1, with Cowden casting the dissenting vote.

Then, under new business, Schrader told the board that he became aware that Cowden held a lease with Range Resources and asked her to recuse herself from all oil and gas-related matters—a request that was met with profanity-laced jeers from the audience.

“That’s none of your business!” at least one person from the audience screamed.

It also raised the ire of Cowden’s husband, Bob, who blasted Schrader for his tone and for attacking his wife.

“The next time, me and Andy wil figure it out,” he said before storming out of the meeting room briefly.

Elizabeth Cowden's final answer as to whether she would recuse herself: “I will not.”

Asked after the meeting if he had proof that Cowden had a lease, Schrader handed over a recorded memorandum of oil, gas and coalbed methane lease. The lease named the lessor Elizabeth Cowden as attorney-in-fact for Calvin Myers and Pualine Myers of Cross Creek. The lessee was listed as Range Resources.

A second memorandum listed Robert Cowden Sr. and Elizabeth Cowden as lessors and Range Resources as the lessee. The property in question is listed as being located in Cross Creek. The recording on the document is April 19.

“She has a large financial interest in oil and gas drilling,” Schrader said, adding that to “avoid the impression of impropriety,” she should recuse herself.

Asked after the meeting for further comment, Elizabeth Cowden said, “I believe in an open mind and an open dialogue.”

Contacted after the meeting, township solicitor John Smith declined to comment on the subject, saying he had not been directed by the board to give a legal opinion on the matter. He also indicated that he had not been given the information that Schrader had at the meeting.

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