Dateline: 24 January 2012
It all started with a petition. The petition was signed by 63 residents of Sempronius and it asked the town board to enact a moratorium against hydrofracking in the town. It was presented to the town board at the December 2011 monthly board meeting.
According to the town minutes...
"Councilman Kimball said he is ready to make a motion with the 63 signatures."
Also, directly from the minutes...
"Shawn Becker address he has seen wells in PA and feels the need to hear what the DEC comes out with this subject, also not to make rash decision today because of pressure from others."
And then...
"Councilman Lorah addressed that the town has many concerns about all the issues presented and would like to have a meeting for the town residents."
And....
"Councilman Kimball made a motion to have a public meeting for the town residents with a date of January 23 at 7:00pm a second made by councilman Lorah, carried by all."
That pretty much sums it up. I would like to add that I was willing to make a motion for a moratorium at that time because it was clearly evident from my own personal research that there are many concerns about the safety of hydrofracking technology. A moratorium would give the town time to focus on the issue further, while preventing any hydrofracking from taking place.