Poland area residents air concerns about fracking in the Forest

POLAND

More than 65 people crowded into village hall Tuesday to discuss the potential leasing of village-owned lands, including Poland Municipal Forest, to oil-and-natural gas drilling companies.

A representative from Chesapeake Energy was scheduled to meet with council behind closed doors, but did not show. Mayor Tim Sicafuse said if he had, the presentation would not have taken place in private.

“That does not warrant executive session,” Sicafuse said, adding that village government is “transparent.”

Council did not taken any action Tuesday relating to the drilling.

The mayor and council heard from residents of the village and surrounding areas, many urging caution about leasing land to a companies that plan to drill hydrofracking wells.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.