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Regular Council Meeting <br />4-21-08 <br />Page 21 <br />not really know what is going on from our perspective or where they can turn sometimes. Not <br />that we can give all of the answers, but it would be beneficial for us to let them know that there <br />are things that are being worked on. <br />Mr. Marrie stated that he gave information this evening to Diane Calta for review <br />provided by a neighbor behind him on Thornapple. A man from Bass Energy was soliciting <br />about buying houses on Thornapple and trying to put together a package so that they can drill. <br />They are aggressive on it. They would probably have to buy 40 houses. <br />Mr. Saponaro clarified that they are not buying houses. They are buying the mineral <br />rights. He asked Diane and Joe to check into our solicitation laws because there are certain <br />things that qualify for solicitation and those that do not. If we are using our solicitation laws, we <br />better make sure we are using them correctly. An offer to purchase real estate or an interest in <br />land is not considered a solicitation, it is a bona fide offer. We need to make sure that we are <br />clear on how we are going to carry out the law regarding that. Mr. Saponaro had the same calls. <br />They were not looking to purchase the homes, but to purchase the rights to the minerals. <br />Council President Buckholtz stated that we are getting more of a comprehensive view of <br />what we need to present in a package or in an open forum. All of these concerns are valid. <br />Everyone is receiving enough inquiries that people need to know. <br />Mr. Marrotte asked Council if they have seen a copy of the Leases being offered to <br />people. Council President Buckholtz stated he has not. Mr. Saponaro indicated that it is really <br />not our place to review and advise people. <br />Mr. Marrotte asked if anyone has seen a copy of the Lease being offered to people. Mr. <br />Saponaro responded that unless they are offering it to us, he does not know if anyone would see <br />that. Mr. Marrotte advised that one was presented to a member of Council two weeks ago, the <br />one that they offered him, along with $1,000.00 to sign it. <br />Mr. Marrotte stated that he thinks Council is missing the boat by not telling the people in <br />the Village what is going on. Mr. Saponaro indicated that Council is being asked to tell people <br />what to do. Mr. Marrotte replied that he is not, he is telling Council that they should tell the <br />people what the gas drilling people are soliciting in the Village. You don't have to tell the <br />people to sign or not sign, you don't have to tell the people how to read the Lease, but you at <br />least ought to tell the people what the gas drill people are doing, knocking on doors one after <br />another up and down the street. <br />Mr. Saponaro stated that anyone who gets a permit to solicit, if the law is being followed <br />- Mr. Marrotte stated that the individual he talked to has talked to six lawyers and this approach <br />of how he is trying to get the Lease is well within the law. He really does not need to be <br />registered with the police, but he registered anyway because one of Mr. Marrotte's neighbors got <br />a little upset. Mr. Saponaro stated that is what we have asked them to correct.