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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGBA 2012-01-12 Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GAS BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS January 12, 2012 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tom Duer at 6:32 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL PRESENT Chairman Tom Duer Garry Cope Kathy Luppy Marty Kusmierski Randall Shiflet CITY STAFF Director of Planning & Dev. John Pitstick Asst Dir of Public Works Greg Van Neiuwenhuize Asst Chief Mike Rawson Lieutenant Greg Lindsey Recording Secretary Gina Pastre 3. Approval of October 13, 2011 Gas Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes. APPROVED Garry Cope, seconded by Kathy Luppy, motioned to approve the minutes from October 13, 2011. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 4. GB 2012 -01 Public hearing and consideration of a request from Chesapeake Energy Corporation for a deviation from distance requirements from existing structures to gas wellheads at the proposed Graham B5H and Hightower 3H Gas Wells, 7000 Hightower Drive. Distance requirements are established in Section 104 -6 of the City of North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances. John Pitstick came forward and said we have 14 wells that have been drilled at the Graham site. This is a request for 2 new wells that are within the pad at the Graham Page 1 of 3; 01/12/12 GBA minutes site and they are requesting a deviation on distance requirements to drill these 2 new wells. There are 4 residences that are within 600 feet. There is Billy Graham's homestead and a couple of barns and 3 new residences within the West Hightower Place subdivision. We have notified everyone within 600 feet and have not received any letters of opposition for these. We have also notified the developers of Graham Ranch and West Hightower Place. They have to receive approval from the Gas Board before they can proceed with the final permitting of these wells. Chairman Tom Duer asked if we have received any response from any of the residents in these subdivisons? John Pitstick said that we have kept in good communication with Ben Johnson who is the developer to the west. He understands what is going on he would prefer for the drilling to finish but everyone was notified before those 3 lots were purchased. We require that Chesapeake or whoever the gas company is to file a notification with Tarrant County so that it shows up on their deed. This way we know that they know they are purchasing a home within 600 feet of a gas well. Most of these wells are within 500 -600 feet. The Graham residence is about 429 feet and the Cartwright residence is about 589 feet. The barns are a little bit closer. If they are less than 300 feet we would require written approval from the property owner and approval from the Gas Board. Typically we would not allow any construction within 150 feet. The Graham site was grandfathered in because it was approved prior to that ruling. The Gas Board has not approved any cases that there has been anyone in opposition within 600 feet. The relevant considerations in determining whether such requests should be made or granted should include the nature and remoteness of the site, the wishes of the owners of the immediately adjacent property that is impacted by the request and any proposed measures to offset the impact of the request. Chesapeake representatives are here tonight as well. Mercedes Bolen came forward representing Chesapeake Energy, 100 Energy Way, Fort Worth, TX. This site is located on private property. The site entrance is dropping down from Hightower Rd west of Chisholm Trail. We have about 6 wells left to drill at this site. We are seeking deviation for distance requirements for 2 of them tonight which is the Graham B5H and the Hightower 3H. The city and Birdville ISD are some key beneficiaries for this site. This pad is pretty far reaching. I went over over some numbers today and with this pad we are talking about a mineral production area of over 1350 in mineral acreage. This is a substantial location. With the 2 units that we are seeking tonight you are looking at about 680 mineral acres. That translates into about 1800 families and businesses that these two wells will service. The transportation route will be the previously approved commercial route. I wanted to add to what John was saying about the new neighbors that will be coming in to the east of our padsite. As recently as December 15, 2011 we attended a meeting with the developer representative Ben Johnson and the community representative Ben Raiff. We were able to tell them about our upcoming activities and open that line of communication. Even though the pad site is existing and they are moving in close to us we still want to make sure that they are included in all of our communication. We are staying in communication well in advance of all of our actions. We are requesting approval for Page 2 of 3; 01/12/12 GBA minutes Graham B5H and Hightower 3H to be drilled from the Graham pad site. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Chairman Tom Duer asked how many drilled wells are on that padsite? How many are producing and how many have been fractured? Mercedes Bolen said there are 13 wells that have been drilled with 10 currently producing. I have heard different numbers from John so we can confirm that. This changes sometimes when we drill a well we have to close in some of the wells to get that done. Chairman Tom Duer asked if the 3 wells that aren't producing been fractured yet or are they just waiting for the economy to change? Mercedes Bolen said I don't know the answer to that but I do know that they will be completing this pad which will be by the end of the summer. That is due to consideration for the developments around the site so they can get their homes built. Chairman Tom Duer asked how many more wells are you going to be requesting for this site? Mercedes Bolen said 4. Public Hearing opened at 6:40 pm Public Hearing closed at 6:42 pm. APPROVED Randy Shiflet, seconded by Kathy Luppy, motioned to approve GB2012 -01. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). General discussion with board members regarding the seismic and pipeline activities. 5. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Chairman Secretary cf° / ' A *Olt" o uer Kathy ppy Page 3 of 3; 01/12/12 GBA minutes . ,