Retired Judge: Range Resources Never Paid Me For Mediation

A retired federal judge who mediated for Mt. Pleasant Township and Range Resources regarding the municipality's ordinance governing Marcellus Shale drilling sent a letter last month telling officials the company never paid him for his services.

In a two-page letter sent to attorneys for the township and Range Resources, the judge, Donald E. Zieglar, gave a recollection of the mediation activities.

The correspondence, obtained by Canon-McMillan Patch early Monday, indicates that Range agreed to pay almost $9,000 in fees assessed by the township for alleged violations to the township's ordinance at the time.

"Second, Range Resources agreed to pay the mediator. The fee of the mediator remains unpaid," the letter indiates.

The parties agreed to mediation after Range threatened a potential lawsuit against Mt. Pleasant Township—or to discontinue operations there—because of the conditional-use ordinance the communitity was mulling to govern Marcellus Shale drilling.

—both discussing difficulties the company had with township officials over the ordinance, and one of them also indicating the company was considering either discontinuing operations there or filing a lawsuit against the township.

John Smith, special counsel for Mt. Pleasant Township, could not immediately be reached for comment early Monday morning.

Reached early Monday, Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella gave the following statement:

“The check has been issued. Heading into the process, Range and the township agreed to split the mediator fee. During the meditation the township asked Range to pay the full amount, which we agreed we would consider. Since that time, the township has not fulfilled the crux of the mediation, which is addressing the process of approving well permits. Calling it permitted or conditional is inconsequential. This is and has always been a matter of long-term planning and predictability for Range, the township and its residents. The issue of the permit process was still being discussed as recently as last week after the township’s decision to adopt an ordinance without soliciting input from Range first, per the mediation agreement. This delay also pushed a delay on the payment for our half, which as I understand is en route to Judge Ziegler.”

Check back with Canon-McMillan Patch for more details.