MIDDLESEX TWP — A township planning commission member on Wednesday night took the township supervisors to task for an item in the township’s new zoning amendment that regulates gas and oil activities.

Greg Mason said the planning commission voted 3-2 not to recommend that the supervisors pass the amendment, but the supervisors went against that recommendation last month and passed it.

Mason told the supervisors he has one main concern regarding the amendment that lists where gas wells, compressor stations and processing plants are allowed.

“I really, really feel strongly against compressor stations in a residential zone,” Mason said.

In the amendment, compressor stations could be allowed in rural residential zones as a conditional use, meaning the supervisors would have to vote to allow the facility in the rural residential zone.

“If you allow (a compressor station) in a residential zone, think about it,” Mason said.

Mason said previous to last month’s vote, he got the feeling that one or more of the three supervisors were against compressor stations in a rural residential zone because of the light, noise and smell associated with the stations.

“Then you voted in favor (of the amendment,)” Mason said.

He also asked if any means exists to lessen or eliminate the 1,000-foot setback from a compressor station. Township engineer John Rusnak said the owner of private property in the setback could waive it.

Mason questioned the amendment’s permission of gas well development in the rural residential and residential agricultural zones.

“Anything with residential in the name should be a conditional use,” he said.

Mason also cited the joint comprehensive plan the township created with Richland Township. He inferred that Richland, which is directly south of Middlesex, did not anticipate the development of shale gas when the plan was created.

“I think we have to be good neighbors,” Mason said.

He implored the supervisors to change the amendment, especially the conditional use of compressor stations in rural residential zones.

“I hope in the next month or two that will be changed,” Mason said.

The supervisors did not comment on changing the amendment.

Also at the meeting, resident Reid Joyce asked the supervisors how they feel about the referendum that will appear on the November ballot asking voters if they want two more supervisors on the Middlesex board.

“The increased number has potential for being helpful with township (issues) by providing you guys with some help,” Joyce said.

Chairman Mike Spreng only said “I’m neutral,” but vice chairman Don Marshall briefly shared his thoughts.

“I like the board we’ve got, but if the residents of Middlesex Township want to put two more up here ...,” he said.

Marshall called the current board “a well-oiled machine.”

Supervisor James “Hap” Evans did not answer Joyce’s question.

Retired Butler Township manager Gerald Patterson was introduced at the meeting as the interim township manager.

Current township manager Scot Fodi will leave the township Sept. 26 after 10 years to become the public works manager in Penn Township, Westmoreland County.

Middlesex is searching for a new manager.

Patterson is a management consultant for a Pittsburgh firm that provides management support services for local governments.

He is heading up the search for a new manager. He said he has received three resumes so far for the position.