Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Thompson on April 26, 2012 at 8:36pm

Didn't mean to use the word "trick" to offend.  Were you represented by and oil and gas attorney through this process?  As I mentioned, your bank may have one on staff to assist you if you were not represented.  Have you tried to contact Shell corporate directly?   A threat of going to the press or a class action suit might resolve quickly, or it might not, it any case an attorney would be of help. 

Permalink Reply by ANONOMOUS! CUZ I CAN BE! on April 26, 2012 at 8:35pm

Mark. Yes we had an attorney for our group. Geoffrey Mosser.  His money due to him was going to be covered by shell.  We didnt have the standard attorney fees.  We paid zero for attorney fees. I personally have not attempted to make contact with him, but some folks I know have contacted his office, left messages and have not receieved calls back.  Also have attempted to make calls to Holland Project manager Bruce Dondzilla, left messages for him to call and have not recieved calls back.  Dont really want to talk to a receptionist every time when I call holland to get some clarity on my lease, when they are not the ones who is holding all the answers. Maybe its because I dont have enough land to worry about?

Permalink Reply by Kathleen on April 26, 2012 at 7:21pm

I've read this thread and my heart breaks for everyone. Why not call a local news station, write into the papers or call a reporter? I feel this is a big news story and someone will pick it up. Maybe not the first reporter but if you call around enough one will. How dare shell attach a lease to your deed without paying which in turn could cost the unpaid landowner money due to no fault of their own to get that lease off their deed so they could proceed looking for another lease. I would hope the outrage of this would at least force shell to remove those leases from your deeds at their cost and time, not at the innocent landowner.
I would friend each other so if someone does report this more than one person will have a story to tell. Power in numbers! Don't give Shell the chance to say "oh this happened to landowners who just didn't know they didn't have the right to lease"
Get this story out first and be the ones to tell the truth. I see so many stories on Steubenville channel 9 helping someone right a wrong. Maybe they would pick up this story. Maybe if this gets out an attorney may just offer their services for free to get your deeds clean again and he would get his name thrown around which would help him/her get free advertising.
One way to avoid this next time is hopefully to get included in your lease that they can't record the lease in the court house until the landowner is paid. This is a common clause so don't be afraid to ask for it next time.
I wish everyone the best and I hope you guys shame shell into at least getting those leases off your deeds fast! Who knows maybe if they look bad enough they will pay up on some of these leases.
Shame on Shell!

Permalink Reply by Mark Thompson on April 27, 2012 at 6:18am

Hello,  I am a little confused about something after reading these posts. Did you sign directly with Shell, or did you sign through Holland Land Service?  Again, I would band together, and find a reputable oil and gas attorney to resolve this matter.  If your attorney represented Holland also during the process,  and is not returning calls, I would suggest you find someone else.  The bank that you took your drafts to may have one on staff assist you. 

Permalink Reply by bo boboski on April 27, 2012 at 6:46am

"shell Oil", per say, was never here in guernsey co. they hired Holland Land service to sign up all these people with promises of quick payments. Even told people last Oct. during signings that if they didnt want to pay taxes on the bonus $$  for 2011 taxes, then dont turn in your bank draft to your bank till jan.1st. The leases stated 120 DAYS. not "banking days:". the bank drafts DID say 120 banking days. All or most of which have now expired. Most or all leases that were clear are filed. Payment for most have not been sent. I've heard that about 40 landowners have been paid,but not by any kind of selection system. they are scattered & not any certain size of acreages. Some have gotten paid by threats from their attorneys. lots & lots of folks have gotten numerous phone calls from Holland saying their $$$ was gonna by sent in 2/3 weeks. this started in feb. and has been happened over & over again since then.  I'm told that Shell Is gonna pay up on these leases, but "be patient". That it's a binding contract when you accept the $$$, regardless of how long it takes.  Even though the lease deadline has expiered & the bank draft has expired. If you want out. You CAN get out,legally. If that's true; that Shell can wait to pay you till they get ready to drill, it could be months!,years. Then in 5 years ,when if no drilling, they are supposed to pay another bonus check, the could possible get out of that, saying that the lease expired. I think too, that now it's time for the handfull of people who got this landowner group stated,to step up & get this straightened out.! the attorney, Gregory Mosser from Cadiz, seems to be MIA. If the local news papers get on it. His rep. and Shell/Hollands rep. will be damaged for any future leasing in the "big play". With forums like this one. Bad news travels FAST!

Permalink Reply by Mark Thompson on April 27, 2012 at 7:58am

Bo, Ok, this makes sense now.  You are correct, the leadership needs to step up and get this resolved. 

Permalink Reply by vickie landry on April 27, 2012 at 9:48am

I appreciate everyones insight, this is a good time for Guernsey County Folks to stick together, I believe the landgroups that formed was the smartest way we can all begin to go into this process.  If these companies don't treat us right at this initial point, then we shouldn't expect they will honor contracts when they start producing and we go into production units.  It's way over my head, and I am glad for the forum.

Our end date on my second contract with shell will be up in about 3 wks.  I will let everyone know if they follow through or not. 

Permalink Reply by bo boboski on April 27, 2012 at 3:06pm

ah; Houston,we have a problem.

Permalink Reply by Mark Thompson on May 4, 2012 at 6:52am

THIS IS SHOW TIME FOR A LOT OF FOLKS IN PA WHO SIGNED WITH SHELL IN DECEMBER.  THE DRAFT DUE DATES ARE STARTING TO COME DUE.  IT SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING WEEK!! 

Permalink Reply by vickie landry on April 28, 2012 at 2:21pm

-for those who have payments canceled for no good reason, newspaper interest may get someones attention at shell.  Judy Perkowski is the reporter covering the oil and gas interest in Guernsey for the Jeffersonian  that number for her would be 439-3531, her boss who makes the decisions on what gets published is Ray Booth (same number ext 246)

I would mention at Holland, Bruce Dondzila  project director.  740-439-2518 and that their location is the third floor of the PNC bldg.  I would also get this info into their hands to give them somewhere to get started,

Shell Western Exploration and Production LP, Ph# 724-772-8600

or the Texas # is 281-544-2121

Another contact you may want to give them is Godfry Mossers number at his Stubenville law practice,

(i can't find that number) I would mention that they have broken contracts and have not acted in good faith even with the area banks on these drafts.

Permalink Reply by Mark Thompson on April 29, 2012 at 7:21am

Does any know if the problems are confined to those who signed with Hudson Land Service?  Has anyone experienced these types of problems who signed directly with Shell? 

Permalink Reply by bo boboski on April 29, 2012 at 8:01am

Didnt know anyone here in guernsey county signed"directltly with Shell". I thought Holland Land Service handled all the leases here. Wonder how many got their lease released & signed @ gulfport's lease signing.fri.&sat?

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