This is the first major issue that Merryall Manse, Inc., its Board and Community, have had to address since we formed the Corporation.
We are going to document the process and decisions arising from these issues, to create a record for the future. These pages will stay in the Manse archives, both on the Web site, as electronic files on back-up computers, and in paper format to be archived at the Manse itself. SMR.
I am posting people's expressed points of view through emails posted over the past few weeks. I have asked whether Board members are willing to cast a straw vote so that the Board and the greater Merryall Community, knows the ongoing thinking over this and its related issues. I will, with others' permission, add other community members viewpoints here. SMR November 1, 2009
Larry Wood: see Summary:
I think we should secure the land-use now with a well-negotiated non-surface-disturbance lease, get the bonus money while it's being offered.
Margaret Wood, Larry Wood's wife and long-term tenent at the Manse. Margaret, as well as Larry, has stayed current on the developing situation in PA around drilling for gas. Margaret sent the Board a Word.doc on October 17, 2009, which expands on her statement at the beginning of the document:
"Several of you have contated me, puzzled, wondering where I am on this now after my July 4th (2009) report on gas drilling. I am reluctantly moving 180 degrees into favor of a no surface disturbance lease because it seems the best overall direction and protection for the Merryall Manse property overall." Attached is a PDF of Margaret's statement.
Susan Reynolds (SMR): At November 1, 2009. I agree with Larry's and Margaret's conclusions: I am for pursuing a non-surface-disturbance lease. I think the Board should:
Phyllis Altenhaus:
October 13 in email reply to Board group messages: Wow, it does sound like a turn-around, but certainly worth considering if Larry and Margaret are interested.
October 18 in email to Larry: Do I understand your thinking correctly that the Merryall Manse Minerals Ltd managing all the royalty monies could then provide scholarships, or financial help to descendants in respectable dire straits as the present Corp can't? In keeping with the amazing values precedents set by Uncle Francis Welles and his wife our ancestor [sic] Auntie Anna Welles, seems like that would be in the realm of the Mission Statement Intentions?
This whole piece of work, scouting, research and information is so fine, Larry. I am utterly amazed and grateful for your abilities and willingness.
Phil Anthony:
October 26, 2009 email in response to my request for a straw vote:
I' m with Susan on this one, based on how Larry and Margaret see the situation. My mind could change if I heard serious challenge to their position from other board members (which is why I prefer a conference call to an e-mail vote).
Seems to me that if we approve moving forward with the lease agreement, our immediate business will be designating a negotiator and a task team - Larry's points 1c(5d1 and 2). They have to be in place before we end the conference call. In preparation for the meeting, we want to be thinking who would be best for those roles, and especially who's is willing to take them on. The negotiation in particular will be a lot of work, though Larry's done an amazing job of setting out the parameters. It'll be up to the appointees to find the oil and gas lawyer, 1c(5d3).
Unless there's something pressing that I haven't heard of, I'd like to see the check in the bank before we start spending it. The actual amount we receive will have a lot to do with how we use it. And we won't know what we've got until the negotiations are complete. New roof ... rainwater purifying plant on the back 40 ... investment ... there are a lot of possibilities. Can we defer that question until July?
Karin Begg: in an October 26 email response to request for a straw vote:
At this time, and barring any unforeseen factors to weigh heavily against it, I would vote to support Larry’s vision. Like Phil Anthony suggests, I am in favor of putting off the deciding the details until the July meeting, if possible.
Bob Brown: in an October 27 email in response to request for a straw vote:
I am for the lease, too. Don't like the risk, but the attractions are too strong. Madeline [Bob's wife] and I have talked about the needs at Merryall and agree that they should have priority for the early funds.
Sally Chernoff: Email October 27, 2009
Sadly, I also have to agree that we should enter into a lease agreement as Larry and Margaret have recommended. It is apparently the lesser evil. I will be there on the conference call on November 15th (fine with paying my own way). All best to all of you, and I hope that fracking fluid eventually breaks down into harmless substances after contacting shale.
Michael Dodge: Email October 19, 2009:
Sorry for the delay---Mary Ann and I have been on the road visiting Diana out east. I am, however, reasonably up to speed after having a long talk with Larry about the latest developments and after having reviewing Larry's emails. My first reaction to all of this is admiration for all the work Larry has done on a very complex issue.
Given a few days notice, I can be available for a conference call almost anytime except Thursday nights or the weekend of 31 October.
Email October 25, 2009: I have attorneys in PA in big firms that can advise me as to the best attorneys (or other consultants) given our circumstances. I'll do some research and see what I can find and report back to you and we can put something together for the Executive Committee in the next week or so.
Peter Montgomery: Email Ocotber 19.
I'm great with Nov 15th. I will also telephone you in the meantime and fill you in on thoughts.
Kathy Neidhardt: Telephone conversation November 1, 2009. Tends to be in favor.
Charles Stacy: In an email dated November 1, 2009
Susan, Just to reconfirm my participation in the meeting on Nov 15 at 7pm. I am impressed by the response everyone has made to this exciting challenge. For the record, I favor the lease, and setting up a limited partnership, and appointing Larry as negotiator.
Fom my experience with a family corporation in West Virginia that owns property whose mineral rights are leased out, it is wise not to count chickens before they hatch.It is hard to resist a little fantasizing, but best to be prepared for an opportunity that will come only once.Life in the Manse will never be the same, no matter what we decide. I look foreward to the meeting.
Dustin Wood: In an email October 26:
Currently am in favor of a non-surface disturbance lease. The trick is to negotiate and write the appropriate details into the lease. I think the gas drilling is in Bradford county to stay as long as there is gas to get. The best thing we can do is secure a solid lease and bonus money to protect the property both physically and financially. From what Larry has explained to me, as long as we have a non-surface disturbance lease, we can continue with Clean and Green status.
As for the money, I think we should invest it. It also brings up the question of how prepared the current organization is to manage the money. I think we should consider another legal entity to take in and spend the money. If we set it up as a partnership, it would not have the spending restrictions that the current Merryall Manse Inc does and if the sole partner is Merryall Manse Inc it would be controlled by the board and therefore in the best interest of Merryall. This would allow future money (such as royalties) to be spend in a wide variety of ways.
Erica Wood: In an email November 7:
Hi everyone,
I am getting up to speed as quickly as I can, and am finding the process very intense. Susan, I see here your request for a straw vote. I can give you my initial feeling of "for", but I haven't finished reading and considering all of the material. I do plan to be on the conference call. I'll send more emails this week.