North Strabane supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday night to authorize the township solicitor to finalize an ordinance that permits oil and gas drilling as a conditional use.

Board chairman Greg Sulc abstained from the discussion and subsequent vote because he is an employee of Range Resources, an oil and gas company located in nearby Southpointe.

The board also ultimately decided not to include provisions for bunk housing in the ordinance, an issue that had been discussed at its last meeting.

"I firmly believe that no temporary housing should be permitted," supervisor Jeff Stanley said. "[The township] is 26 square miles. You are within 20 miles of accommodations."

While the board concurred, supervisor Robert Balogh said he was concerned about safety personnel who might need to stay at the site 24 hours a day while operations are ongoing.

"We can't force them to be up 24/7 without sleep," he said.

Board vice chairman Stephen Motzer said that because the township would permit drilling as a conditional use, the drilling company would be able to "make a case" for bunk housing during its application and public hearing.

Then supervisors could make a decision on a case by case basis, Mr. Motzer suggested.

Solicitor Pat Smider will finalize the ordinance, which is poised to be approved at the board's Aug. 24 meeting.

Supervisors also approved the purchase of a $448,000 fire engine that manager Frank Siffrinn said will be paid in full upon delivery next year.

The majority of the expense will be paid by the township, which has earmarked $100,000 annually for its fire vehicle fund for the past three years, he said. The volunteer side of the township's fire department also pledged $100,000 toward the purchase.

Supervisor Robert Balogh, who is also a volunteer fireman, said the department is using the proceeds from the sale of its 1996 engine to help pay for the new equipment.

The township, Mr. Siffrinn said, will cut a check for the remaining $48,000 from the 2011 fire safety equipment fund earmark.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Grimm last week asked the board to approve the formal purchase agreement for a Spartan Toyne rear-mount fire engine.

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