Category: News from the Municipal Council

  • CDU majority excludes us from administrative work - parliamentary election shows lack of team spirit

    CDU majority excludes us from administrative work - parliamentary election shows lack of team spirit

    The recent meeting of the Dernbach municipal council on 14 January made it clear: The CDU majority group does not seem to want to participate together for Dernbach in the administrative work – contrary to all customs in the local municipalities of the association municipality and contrary to the idea of equal cooperation in the Council. Although we provide about a third of the Council seats, the administration and its three associates thus remain exclusively in the hands of the CDU.

    A fair offer – without a fair answer

    With Alessa Bode, our group had proposed a committed, locally rooted candidate for the office of deputy. Their active involvement in associations, at the youth lounge and their competence in digitization and communication have significantly enriched the administration.

    In our explanatory memorandum, we emphasized that all Council members are part of the a team are – without distinction between first and second class. Team spirit is spoken of on a regular basis in the Council, but nothing was felt in this election.

    Our municipality has no formal ‘government’ or ‘opposition’ – all members of the Council should share responsibility. Precisely for this reason, it can only be understood as a conscious exclusion of Together for Dernbach if we are once again overlooked in the occupation of the associates. This is a disappointing signal for us: It contradicts the democratic self-image of communal cooperation.

    Consequences: Constructive opposition

    Our election proposal was supported by only five votes, thirteen council members voted in favour of the CDU's election proposal, which had the CDU Group's unanimous approval, according to its chairman. The majority has clearly shown that they do not want a common design.

    We take this result as an opportunity to redefine our role: If fair participation is denied, we will take our responsibility as Constructive opposition true – critical, factual and in the interest of citizens.

    Other topics of the meeting

    It was unanimously decided to accept a grant for the expansion of the Südring. In the cemetery chapel, a clear cost ceiling could be agreed for Dernbach thanks to an amendment tabled by Together – an example of successful technical cooperation.

    In addition, the mayor informed about new company settlements, conversions in the community center (including an emergency power system) and cameras in the cemetery. Our requests for drainage in Dr.-Domarus-Straße remain on the agenda. Our suggestion on road safety on Ebernhahner Straße and K148 (bicycle paths intersect here in confusing places) was answered unsatisfactory – leaving it to citizens to complain to the Landesbetrieb Mobilität cannot be an effective approach. We'll stay here.

  • Council meeting of 19 November 2025

    Council meeting of 19 November 2025

    In the recent municipal council meeting, topics were discussed in numerous agenda items (TOP), which are also important in the new year. We summarize the most important points from the public session.

    TOP 1: Announcements

    The mayor informed about several decisions from the non-public part of the meeting, including decisions on land sales. In addition, the planned funds for the purchase of further land in the new development area ‘Oberm Kappesgarten’ are to be deferred for the time being.

    In addition, it was announced that one of the previous hunting tenants is withdrawing from the contract. This means that only one hunting tenant will be contractually bound for Dernbach in the future.

    Item 2: Establishment plan of the municipality

    On 1 January 2026, a new gardening post is to be advertised. At the same time, two existing part-time jobs will be cut in 2026.

    Since many community workers are of a similar age, several age-related retirements are to be expected in the next three years. In order to allow for the necessary training periods flexibly, an additional position should be taken into account – in return, an existing position will be omitted thereafter.

    This means that the community should be well prepared for the upcoming developments in terms of personnel.

    TOP 3: Emergency generator für the Municipalitycentre

    Funding is available for the purchase of an emergency power generator, which costs around € 28,000 plus feed-in and other parts of the system, until 31. 12. We need to apply for 2025.

    The community center is to be upgraded as an emergency meeting point in order to strengthen the crisis preparedness of the community.

    TOP 4: Tax levies – revenue-neutral adjustment decided

    Without an adjustment of the tax levies, losses in tax revenues would be around 18 percent. % was to be expected. This would have had serious consequences, including possible disadvantages in general allocations (practically compensatory payments from the Land).

    The Council has therefore adopted a proposal to compensate for the tax losses caused by the reform of the property tax, which some Council members have referred to as a ‘socially acceptable variant’.

    We regret that no action was taken in May – we had already pointed out the tax shortfalls at that time. For example, the 2025 budget slipped even more into deficit.

    Item 5: Development plan ‘Upper Cap Garden“

    The current draft development plan was unanimously approved. The plans are now entering the next phase, and the documents will be made available for public inspection.

    TOP 6: Development plan ‘Cross-border route“

    The outstanding formal objections of various organisations and companies were heard. However, they have no relevance for the execution of the construction project.

    TOP 7: Firewood prices

    In the future, the release of firewood will take place exclusively in solid meters, no longer in room meters.

    For orientation: 5 room meters correspond to about 3.5 solid meters.

    The Land’s price fixing – €73 per fixed meter – was taken over and unanimously adopted by the municipal council.

    TOP 8: Meadow of orchards – Request from Joint für Dernbach

    Our application to clarify the care responsibility of the orchard was discussed.

    The area serves as a compensatory measure for the ‘Steinkaut’. Research by the local mayor also revealed that additional trees had to be planted in the course of the ‘Südring’ construction area.

    The municipality will now check the actual care costs.

    A local visit by the municipal council is planned for 2026.

    Preparatory work and further elaboration will be carried out by the Construction Committee.

    TOP 9: notifications

    The work on fiber optic expansion is coming to an end. However, many errors of the previously used subcontractors still need to be corrected, which is why the remaining work will still be carried out.

    The transfer of the network to Vodafone is planned for 2026.

  • Council meeting of 18 June 2025

    Council meeting of 18 June 2025

    Last Wednesday, the most recent meeting of the municipal council took place. This was discussed and decided in the public session.

    TOP 1: Announcement of decisions taken in closed session

    This point was omitted due to the lack of guests present.

    Item 2: Drainage management - Decision adopted unanimously

    The municipal council unanimously approved the planned relocation of a drainage line. The drainage is to run parallel to Dr. Domarus Street. In the discussion, Roswitha posed the question of whether the drainage corrects the cause of the moisture and is effective, especially since the terrain was rather dry before the sewer works.
    The mayor explained that water is now regularly collected at this point. The aim is not to lower the groundwater as a whole, but only to discharge superficial congestion specifically through drainage with drains.
    A member of the CDU Council supported the measure, as did Manuel, who considered the course of the planned drainage to be useful on the basis of the topography. In the absence of expertise and further information in the Council's proposal, only the planning approach of the experts can be trusted.
    The local mayor added that there was a problem with the previous drainage – for example, the water from the upper field is currently flowing directly into the rain retention basin.

    TOP 3: Amendment of the Cemetery Statute – unanimously adopted

    The Council unanimously adopted a revised cemetery statute. What is new, in particular, is that the costs for the preparation of the grave have now been officially recorded.
    Roswitha asked whether §15(1) was deleted – that is not the case. Instead, the name ‘Urnenrasengrab’ has been clarified: It is now called ‘Urnenrasenreihegrab’.
    Stainless steel signs are created by a local supplier.
    Stefan asked if the municipality also offers funeral services. The mayor made it clear: The municipality only provides the burial places – the entrustment of a burial place is carried out by the relatives.
    A CDU council member inquired about a possible reappointment of a undertaker by the municipality. The local mayor informed that a call for tenders is planned. In this respect, Alessa clarified that only contracts for excavation (for excavation between municipalities and the contractor) are made. There is no village-own undertaker, as everyone can choose the undertaker freely.

    TOP 4: Communications and enquiries

    • Walk to the hospital: The mayor announced to gravel the footpath from the former fairground in the direction of Peter-Dausenau-Straße / Brückenstraße.
    • Park area: Once again, the mayor expressed his desire to plan a small park in this area. This would also be in line with the development plan.
    • Parking regulations Kirchstraße: The municipality plans to apply for a three-hour parking scheme.
    • Care of the footpaths: A member of the CDU council suggested cutting back the vegetation on two heavily overgrown footpaths. The mayor stressed that he would examine the responsibility for this.
    • Parking behaviour: There was a general discussion about the parking behavior in the place, especially in confusing or dangerous places.
    • Burgweg: The Department of Public Order regularly monitors the area. However, the number of administrative offences imposed is in the low range. Due to the marking work carried out, it is possible to work here in a more targeted and legally secure manner.
    • Citizen's breakfast: Alessa reminded that the construction was to be organized. Some members of the council agreed to take action.
  • News from the municipal council: Public forest inspection

    News from the municipal council: Public forest inspection

    How is our forest developing? And how does sustainable forestry deal with the tension between recreation, nature conservation and hunting? During a public forest tour with the Wirges City Council and the Dernbach Municipal Council, around 30 participants received exciting insights directly on site – expertly accompanied by district forester Gesche Böbinger.

    On Saturday morning, a total of 32 people gathered at Jagdhaus Kehrwieder to take part in a public forest tour together with Wirges City Council and Dernbach Municipal Council. Among the participants were also 10 interested citizens, This underscores the public interest in the event.

    In the best weather, Markus Schlotter (Mayor of Wirges) welcomed those present and then handed over the floor to Forestry manager Gesche Böbinger, which expertly led through the approximately two-hour event.

    Forester explains to participants a trenching area in the forest
    The forester, Mrs. Böbinger, shows the participants the area of thinning

    The tour began with a visit to a forested area. There, Ms Böbinger explained how specifically young trees are planted after harmful events or for ecological enhancement.

    At the next station, a forest area was presented, which is deliberately left to itself in the regeneration. Such areas serve to preserve biodiversity and offer important retreats for animals and plants.

    We then proceeded to a section that had already been marked for digging. Ms Böbinger explained the importance of the different markings for forest maintenance, logging and natural rejuvenation.

    At the end of the technical part, the group visited another afforested area, which was equipped with protective measures against wild bites. Particular attention was paid to the close cooperation with the hunters in order to better protect young plants from wild damage.

    Back at the hunting lodge, the hunting tenant reported from his practice and talked about the increasing challenges in the area. In particular, the high-traffic Köppelhütte (over 400 vehicles were counted on some weekends) makes game viewing and hunting considerably more difficult due to the increasing pressure on visitors, which in some animal species can only take place during the day. Mountain bikers, who drive across the forest, as well as night forest visitors, who use the shortest path to the parking lot, disturb the game in addition. A little more consideration for nature and the environment is advisable and in the interest of everyone.

    Around 12:00 the instructive and impressive forest tour ended and the participants were able to strengthen themselves with a wild sausage. The event highlighted the importance of exchange between citizens, local politics, forestry and hunters in order to sustainably protect and shape our forest as a diverse natural, recreational and economic area.

  • News from the Municipal Council 2/2025

    News from the Municipal Council 2/2025

    On Wednesday last week, the most recent meeting of the Dernbach municipal council took place. Our group Together for Dernbach This time, too, he has been involved and accompanied some important issues critically, but constructively. Here is an overview of the items on the agenda:

    Item 1: Announcement of non-public decisions

    The mayor informed about two decisions from the non-public part. Both concern property matters.

    Item 2: Budget 2025

    A key issue was the 2025 budget. As the mayor explained, this is not balanced. The main reasons are upcoming investments and increased expenses, especially for the day care centre, which is run by the Diocese of Limburg. The increased payments are retroactive and affect several municipalities.

    The focus was on the following investment items, among others:

    • €663,250 for land purchases in the new construction area Cap garden. Some of these investments are to be more than counterfinanced by subsequent land sales.
    • Expansion of Ebernhahner Straße in the area of the future Norma-Markts (walking path, crossing aid, turning lane).
    • Participation in Martin-Luther-Straße (extension to Dernbach area), which has already been expanded by the city of Wirges.
    • Creation of the Friedgarten, which could be implemented more cost-effectively through own contribution and donations.
    • Setting up an emergency meeting point, in particular by means of an emergency generator. A grant of €7,500 was granted for this purpose. The discussion revolved, among other things, around the question of which equipment an emergency meeting point should at least have (e.g. heat supply), with the mayor stressing that no high quality of stay is foreseen.

    Another point was the second purchase price for the community centre.

    Our group welcomed the planned investments in principle, but called for a careful assessment of the financial situation. Manuel emphasized that the upholstery built in recent years has now been largely used up. It is true that around €100,000 per year is left for investment – a positive aspect. At the same time, it pointed to possible risks, such as if expected revenues (e.g. from land sales) were lower. A conscious use of the available resources therefore remains important.

    Item 3: Tax rates 2025

    The background of the consultation was the real estate tax reform, through which Dernbach will in future be around €54,000 less revenue has to expect. To compensate for this decline, the property tax would have to be increased by about 100 percentage points. However, the mayor proposed to wait for further development first.

    Stefan Görg pointed out that differentiated lifting rates – e.g. for undeveloped land – are also possible and thus the aim can be pursued to close building gaps more quickly. This variant was rejected by the CDU faction with inconsistent arguments about a possible increase (heirs would be burdened). This is despite the fact that – just under a year ago – she was the only political group to have voted in favour of such a model herself. There was also talk of not putting more money into the pockets of citizens, which is not comprehensible in the context of the decline in revenue. The CDU group leader also referred to an increase a few years ago and spoke out against a further increase.

    Manuel criticized the waiting so far and the contradictory reasoning: The amount of a revenue-neutral increase had already been known since the end of last year and forward-looking planning would have been appropriate. The non-adjustment of the rates de facto means that the municipality's financial room for manoeuvre is noticeably reduced. Ultimately, it was decided by a majority to leave the lifting rates unchanged for the time being. There were four abstentions.

    Item 4: Amendment of the Cemetery Fee Regulations

    The cemetery fee regulations have been adapted to reflect the newly created possibility of urn graves in the Friedgarten. The mayor presented the planned fees orally (approximately €800) and compared them with other municipalities of the Verbandsgemeinde. He stated that the administration could not have prepared a cost calculation in time.

    Stefan and Roswitha criticized in particular the lack of written draft resolution and short-term information. Unlike the CDU parliamentary group, Together for Dernbach had not been informed in advance. Especially when it comes to a sensitive topic such as funeral fees and a change in the statutes, we consider transparent and sufficient preparation to be essential.

    As far as the matter was concerned, we considered a moderate fee to be acceptable in principle. Manuel pointed out that no funeral form is cost-covering and a reasonable orientation value makes sense.

    Despite these concerns, the amendment to the statutes was adopted unanimously; There were two abstentions.

    Item 5: Photovoltaic system for the nursery

    The planned photovoltaic system on the roof of the day care center was unanimously approved. The planned self-consumption makes the project economically viable in the long term – profitability is currently estimated to be achieved after about 11 years. Funding is also expected. A future agreement with the kindergarten for the use of the generated electricity is conceivable.

    Item 6: Population Question Hour

    A resident suggested posthumously appointing a deceased person as an honorary citizen of Dernbach. The mayor accepted the proposal and announced that he would discuss the matter with relatives.

    Item 7: Communications and enquiries

    In the last part of the meeting, several topical issues were raised:

    • Fibre optic expansion: The course so far has been critically commented on. The delays continue and the execution is partial and still deficient. The mayor announced that he would check with the relevant authorities. Since it is a self-employed project of Vodafone, according to the VG administration, there are only limited rights of intervention.
    • Level crossing main road: The road surface should be repaired if the train traffic is suspended due to construction work. The state authority for mobility has not yet given any feedback on this.
    • Photo mountain: This is to be used again as a photo location. According to a request, the vegetation should also be removed and the wall painted.
    • Invasive plant species Hercules perennial: It was announced that possible countermeasures are under consideration.
    • Industrial area: An associate asked about remaining development opportunities. The administration is examining the situation.
    • Noise pollution from railway announcements: One member of the Council was critical of this.
    • Access road Grillhütte: When asked by a council member, the mayor admitted that the path serves as a rescue access to the emergency exit of the ICE tunnel.

    conclusion

    The meeting once again showed: Dernbach faces significant challenges, both financially and infrastructurally. Our group Together for Dernbach will continue to work to ensure that decisions are well prepared, comprehensible and made for the benefit of all citizens. We see open communication and early involvement of all political groups as a central prerequisite for functioning community work.

  • News from the Municipal Council 1/2025

    News from the Municipal Council 1/2025

    On 5 February 2025, the most recent meeting of the local council of Dernbach took place – we were fully represented with all six political group members. Important issues for our village were on the agenda.

    Development plan Ebernhahner Straße: A new supermarket for Dernbach

    A central theme was the development plan in Ebernhahner Straße. The plan is to establish a Norma supermarket with a beverage market and bakery. Representatives of the association municipality administration and the planning office presented the extensive planning documents as well as the suggestions received.

    In response to questions from our group, the following points have been clarified:

    • The sales area remains within the limits of small-scale retail.
    • A rainwater retention basin is intended to relieve the wastewater system and is designed for a five-year flood.
    • The development plan also allows other commercial uses if the situation changes in the future.

    A CDU member asked if competitors could sue the supermarket. The experts considered this possible, but not necessarily promising. In the end, the local council voted with an abstention for the development plan.

    Electricity and gas supply contracts: Opting for green electricity

    The mayor presented the planned tender for electricity and gas supply contracts for the years 2026-2028. In doing so, the municipality was able to decide whether it would like to purchase normal or green electricity.

    A short discussion revolved around the additional costs for green electricity, which a CDU member questioned due to limited financial leeway. Details of the amount were not known, so Manuel looked into the budget in order to arrive at a rather medium three-digit amount in the rough assessment of the financial impact. The Council decided unanimously to purchase green electricity.

    Friedgarten: A park-like area with urn collection graves

    Another topic was the planning of a cemeteries garden with urn collection graves. The original plans have been revised, in particular on burial forms, routing and costs. Since the council members had not received an updated cost statement or a draft resolution in advance, Manuel enquired with the association municipality administration, but was referred to the mayor.

    The plans remained partly unclear or were changed, so that there were still open questions that Alessa raised:

    • How many urn graves are to be created in which tomb form?
    • Are personnel costs of the building site to be planned?
    • Do the fees cover the running costs as well as part of the construction costs?

    Alessa came up with the idea of having the Friedgarten run as a cooperative in order to relieve the community of organizational and risk. A potential operator was already envisaged, but this proposal was not followed up.

    Stefan G. pointed out that grave maintenance is subject to VAT and Manuel asked whether a business of a commercial nature should be established. Both were denied by the CDU faction.

    Although points remained unclear, including whether the planned urn graves would be accepted at all (which is not the case in neighbouring municipalities), the Council agreed to the project with six abstentions.

    Further decisions at a glance

    • Barrier-free conversion of the toilet in the town hall: Adopted unanimously.
    • Fire protection measures in the community centre: A fire-retardant wall is to separate the ground floor and the basement.

    The Council unanimously agreed, further accessibility measures and an additional emergency exit are still being planned. Stefan G. asked about the refurbishment of the bowling alley, whereupon the mayor reported with pleasure that it was now fully functional again.

    Citizen enquiries: Digital booking of the community center?

    One citizen enquired about the possibility of booking rooms in the community center online. The mayor rejected this on the grounds that accounting conflicts were better solvable by analogy. In addition, the community center is not a clubhouse, so club bookings are not given preferential treatment. This was criticized by a CDU council member, as this should have been communicated to the clubs earlier.

    Conclusion: The meeting brought important decisions for the municipality, but in some areas outstanding issues remained. Especially with the Friedgarten, a more early and detailed planning would have been helpful. Alessa pointed out that informed preparation would have facilitated decision-making. Nevertheless, landmark decisions could be taken – first and foremost the decision for green electricity and the creation of a new supermarket.

  • News from the City Council: 4th meeting

    News from the City Council: 4th meeting

    We continue our series:

    Wednesday, the 4th. On 1 December 2024, a public meeting of the municipal council took place in Dernbach from 7 p.m. The Group Together for Dernbach informs about the most important topics and discussions.

    Property tax rates

    The mayor explained that due to legal requirements, the rates of the property tax must be decided later this year. The proposal for a decision of the administration provides that the rates unchanged to leave. A review and possible adjustment could take place in the first half of 2025.

    Discussion: Is it necessary to adjust due to the land tax reform or not?

    • Roswitha referred to Calculations by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Finance, which are intended to ensure consistent tax revenue. However, these are not taken into account in the proposal for a decision.
    • The mayor argued that the federation of municipalities and towns recommends that the current lifting rates be maintained and only increased if necessary.
    • Manuel He also stressed that Dernbach does not want a tax increase. However, it is already foreseeable that the reform will lead to a loss of revenue. For Dernbach, the Ministry of Finance has already calculated which lifting rates are necessary to compensate for this. A later decision on higher lifting rates was unnecessary, as the figures are already available. Manuel noted critically that apparently at the local mayor's conference it was decided to postpone the adjustment.

    Counter-arguments of the CDU group: One member thought a quick decision was premature, as pending court decisions could still have an impact on the calculations. Another stressed that two changes in a row could confuse citizens.

    voting

    The local council voted 2 abstentions for the maintenance of the lifting rates.

    Subsequent update

    We asked the Association of Municipalities and Towns: The basis of calculation will not change in the coming months. 98 % the assessment notices are final, so that an adjustment is foreseeable in the first half of 2025. Thus, the Council is expected to have to increase the lifting rates by July 2025 in order to avoid an imminent loss of revenue.

    Planning a Friedgarten

    The mayor presented the planning for a new Friedgarten. The draft was prepared by a planner who answered the questions of the municipal council members at the meeting. Intended is a easy-care area, on which urn graves are arranged around trees. A significant part of the implementation is to be carried out by the building yard (own contribution); Paths should only be mown and (according to the plan sketch) provided with individual stone slabs.

    Discussion: Accessibility, design and transparency

    • Stefan G. and Alessa pointed out that the lack of accessibility was problematic, especially for people with walkers or wheelchairs.
    • Some CDU members also supported the establishment of fixed paths; Other members defended the concept: It is reminiscent of a Friedwald; There is also freedom of choice for graves.
    • Several council members expressed concerns about tree selection.
    • Manuel emphasized that Together for Dernbach, the concept is generally welcomed, as the demand for care-free urn graves has increased.  He would like to express his thanks to the planner, who carries out his work on a voluntary basis. At the same time, he criticized the fact that trees were already planted before the municipal council decided on the project. Manuel also pointed out several points to be clarified, including the exact total costs – for example, the water point, the stealing or the application of topsoil are still not taken into account as well as the ongoing care costs.

    The mayor said that this was not intended as an anticipation of the Council's decision. A tree and a pedestal were donated by the planner. Manuel reminded that in-kind donations, similar to donations, must be properly registered if the amount of 100 euros per year is exceeded.

    Provisional decision

    The local council, with one abstention, voted in favour of the further details of the project in the Building Committee to clarify.

    Miscellaneous

    Senior centre

    The surname ‘St. Josef & St. Agnes’ of the Seniorenzentrum is deleted in favour of the place name ‘Dernbach’.

    Traffic situation on the Burgweg

    A residents' meeting on the traffic situation on the Burgweg takes place on 16 January 2025 instead.

    Sewer rehabilitation

    At the request of Stefan G. The mayor informed that the rehabilitation of the canal near the main road has already begun. The invoice is not yet available.

    Construction sites Fiberglass

    The CDU Group Chair criticized the traffic congestion on Kirchstraße because of the fiber optic construction site, especially in the morning. Originally, the construction sites were supposed to be completed in the autumn. The mayor stated that he had repeatedly urged the association community to do so. Alessa suggested communicating the shortcomings in writing, also to document it. The mayor promised to work again for a solution.

    Video function at the town hall bell

    Manuel pointed out that the video function of the doorbell at the town hall was problematic under data protection law. He called for this to be coordinated with the data protection officer of the Verbandsgemeinde. The mayor promised to take care of it.

    Castle path refurbishment

    One Associate recalled that the Burgweg section between railway tracks and Hoffmannsgraben had to be rehabilitated. The mayor stressed that this was an obligation of the municipality and did not need a council decision.

    Correction of the minutes

    Manuel asked at the beginning of the meeting for Correction of the minutes – in fact, there was a vote on the municipal centre 4 abstentions and 1 vote against.

    Cozy finish

    After the meeting, the members of the Council met for a joint snack. The Group Together for Dernbach Thank you to the local mayor for the invitation and the tasting.

  • News from the Municipal Council – 3rd meeting

    News from the Municipal Council – 3rd meeting

    No decision in the non-public part

    At the beginning of the meeting there were no decisions, so we can move directly to the public part.

    Adoption of long-standing members of the Council

    At this meeting, the mayor adopted several council members, some of whom had been active in the municipal council for many years. We join the mayor's thanks and thank the former members for their commitment to our community.

    Roswitha Kästner appointed as new Council member

    We are pleased that Roswitha Kästner has been appointed as a new council member by the mayor. She has a lot of experience in local politics and is a committed colleague of our electorate. Together with her, we would like to actively address the future issues for Dernbach.

    Rehabilitation of the Schabeborn brook canal

    An important topic of the meeting was the refurbishment of the Schabeborn stream canal. The originally estimated costs of 70,000 euros are expected to be exceeded by just under 8,000 euros. Stefan Görg checked whether a piping (so-called inliner process) would not be more cost-effective and durable. The mayor explained that the canal has partly a rectangular cross-section, which is fixed with basalt stones. Particularly in a curve stones have been detached. The canal has to cope with a large drainage area, including rainwater from the motorway and roads from the southern Wirges. 

    Manuel Misgeld asked whether funding was available, for example from the funding guideline for water management. However, the administration stated that it had already examined all possible subsidies, unfortunately to no avail. Manuel also saw no possibility of costing the developer of the main road as a national road, since the damage site is apparently located away from it. The Bügermeister also mentioned that the Kipki funds for climate protection have already been exhausted (solar plant at the kindergarten) and that Dernbach is making rapid progress in the flood protection concept. The municipal council unanimously approves the draft resolution.

    Re-appointment of committees

    We are pleased that the City Council unanimously approved our proposal for the renewal of the committees. This allows us to actively participate in important decisions.

    Conversions in the community centre

    The mayor informed about various planned renovations in the community centre to help improve accessibility and security:

    • Installation of smoke protection doors (self-closing).
    • Roller shutters with motors for energy improvement.
    • Replacement of lamps and radiator valves.
    • Burglary protection on the windows.
    • Renewal of two inefficient pumps or combination into one heating circuit in the large hall (costs: 3,500 euros).

    Together, the costs of the planned measures amount to about 10,000 euros. In the budget, 40,000 euros are earmarked for this. In addition, an additional escape door is to be installed in the cloakroom to ensure a second escape route in the event of a fire. The dismantling of the bowling alley could create storage space. However, it must be examined to what extent a necessary breakthrough in the concrete wall can be implemented.

    Roswitha Kästner asked about the necessary fire protection measures. In this regard, the mayor explained that in addition to the planned structural separation, an additional escape route on the ground floor will be examined.

    The Future of the Library

    The mayor stated that the Catholic Public Library should move to the basement of the community center. This would free up the ‘most beautiful’ space on the ground floor for smaller celebrations. This space is conveniently located near the entrance, toilets and kitchen and could be used as a beverage storage for larger events.

    At the request of Manuel Misgeld, the mayor declared that accessibility in the basement should be ensured by the construction of a ramp, which will be completed later this year. Manuel stressed that the decision to move the library should be made in close coordination with the library in order to find an amicable solution.

    Alessa Bode underlined that communication with the employees is also important, as they should feel involved in the room distribution.

    The municipal council decided on the conversion measures and new room distribution with one vote against and four abstentions.

    Primary school expansion

    Manuel Misgeld enquired about the planned expansion of the primary school and asked if the mayor was consulted on this. He denied that he had been involved in the planning so far. Two CDU members informed the council that the planned new building will include a cafeteria and two additional classrooms. This extension is necessary because the school is to be converted into a full-time school.

    Population Question Hour

    During the Population Question Hour, various concerns of citizens were addressed:

    • Deforestation on the motorway: A question about the planned clearings on the highway was answered by the mayor. He is in contact with Autobahn-GmbH, which has promised that clearing will take place from October to the end of February. However, major interventions are hardly possible.
    • Chestnut tree pollution at the Way of the Cross: A local resident pointed out the pollution at the Way of the Cross by a chestnut tree. The mayor explained that the sweeper had failed, but has since been repaired. He takes care of cleaning the affected area.
    • Embankment protection at Schabebornbach: When asked about the embankment protection on the Schabebornbach, the mayor replied that the work will be carried out shortly.
    • Use of the community centre: On the question of who could use the community center and when, the mayor explained that inquiries should best be made by e-mail to info@dernbach.de.
    • Fibre optic expansion: On the topic of fiber optic expansion, the mayor reported that at the last local mayor's conference it was announced that all construction sites in Dernbach should be completed by the end of November. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, the connection to the fiber optic network is to take place. Meridiam is responsible for the network, while Vodafone implements the house connections. In some areas, the pipes are already in the pavement, but not yet at the house connections. In addition, several damage reports were reported due to the construction work, such as defective or incorrectly laid pavement slabs. In such cases, citizens can contact the mayor directly via info@dernbach.de Please contact us by Monday, as the damage will then be discussed with the construction company on site.

    inquiries

    Level crossings: Stefan Görg asked about the progress at the level crossings, in particular the restriction on the Burgweg and the distance of the crossing behind the Hundeplatz. The mayor said the commission was two years ago and he did not expect any more action. Furthermore, holes at the level crossing at the station must be removed, but the railway does not release the closure of the transition for this.

    Refurbishment of the dirt road on the Burgweg: A CDU member suggested in the meeting to rehabilitate the dirt road, which extends as an extension of the castle path. The gravel stones refilled this year are not enough to keep the path in good condition. The mayor replied that a tar layer would represent a relatively high financial burden and that the subsidies for road construction in the agricultural sector were questionable. However, he plans to obtain a cost estimate. He also pointed out that the second instalment for the purchase of the community centre as well as the foreseeable construction measures on the Südring could place a heavy burden on the 2025 budget.

    Speed checks and traffic counts: In response to Stefan's question about speed checks and traffic counts, the mayor replied that the recently installed facility was initiated by the planner of the industrial park at Burgweg. Here, a connection to the K148 is provided, for the preparation of which a traffic census is necessary.

    Saint Martin: Alessa Bode asked if the pretzels were ordered for St. Martin. The mayor confirmed the order – including 100 glazed pretzels ordered for the senior centre.

    outlook

    We at Together for Dernbach will continue to keep you informed about developments in the municipal council and upcoming decisions. Stay informed – together we will shape Dernbach's future!

  • News from the Municipal Council - 2nd meeting

    News from the Municipal Council - 2nd meeting

    Meeting of 4 September

    We from Together for Dernbach would like to inform you regularly about the topics that are discussed and decided on in the local council. At the meeting on 4 September, several important points for our village were on the agenda.

    Non-public and public part of the meeting

    As usual, the session started with a non-public part. Pursuant to § 20 of the Municipal Code, we are obliged to keep silent about the details and details dealt with in order to protect personal data as well as business and trade secrets.

    In the public part of the meeting, the local mayor announced the most important decisions and communications about which we can inform you. The municipal council took the following decisions:

    • Sale of a plot of land along the K148 in the direction of Staudt
    • Concluding a gas concession contract.

    Finances and levies

    The levies that Dernbach pays to the district and the Verbandsgemeinde amount to just over one million euros and are therefore within the budget. Dernbach can hope for almost 400,000 euros in allocations from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

    Fees for community centre, sports centre and town hall

    With a proposal for a resolution submitted to us at the meeting, local associations should be able to use the premises free of charge for rehearsal work, board meetings and general meetings. We from
    Together for Dernbach     express support for this project and have unanimously agreed to it. A correction note came from the CDU parliamentary group and the suggestion that the regulation should not be limited to local associations in order to enable non-profit initiatives to be used free of charge, which are not organised under association law. There was an indication that the mayor can waive the rent in justified individual cases according to the fee schedule.

    Our group member, Dr. Manuel Misgeld, noticed that only the community centre was mentioned in the proposal and asked that the decision also mention the sports centre and town hall. The mayor agreed to the correction. Manuel pointed out that the mayor must treat associations and initiatives equally when renouncing rent and suggested that a wording for charitable and charitable purposes be included in order to provide a framework for the mayor's decision. The leader of the CDU group rejected this and said that one should not restrict oneself here.

    purchases

    The purchase of a new work basket for community work was considered useful. However, a direct award is only possible up to a contract value of 3,000 euros, which is why some additional components of the purchase should be deleted. Manuel asked if road safety was guaranteed even without these components, which the mayor confirmed.

    For the Council members, iPads are to be purchased to digitize the work in the Council. Our group member, Alessa Bode, noted that this is a low-cost offer. Presumably already favorable additional components (pins) are priced in. The discussion showed that cheaper competing products are out of the question, as the IT department of the association municipality procures, installs and configures the tablets for safe use exclusively for council work. A majority of council members expressed interest in the devices.

    Planning for Friedgarten

    According to the mayor, the plans for the Friedgarten are progressing. However, the chances of a memoriam garden are currently poor.

    A memoriam garden offers urn graves for a fixed period (about 25 years), including care services. The Friedgarten, on the other hand, is to integrate urns decentrally in a plant field, with no remuneration for gardening services. Here, basalt columns with seating could be created, similar to the butterfly garden.

    Our group member, Stefan Görg, suggested to also consider the option of own contribution. A resident suggested to visit the implementation of a Memoriam garden in Wirges, as it was provided with basalt steles and offered an easy-care design.

    Traffic problems in the Burgweg

    On 25 September, a discussion was to take place in the community center to improve the traffic situation in the Burgweg. The issue of road blockages caused by parent taxis and buses has been the subject of repeated debates, but previous measures, including a traffic count during the holidays, have not been successful. Stefan explained the burden on local residents from his own experience.

    Unfortunately, this date had to be cancelled, because the order office of the Verbandsgemeinde Wirges could not allow participation.

    Honoring long-standing members of the Council

    The adoption of the members of the former municipal council was postponed because the administration of the association municipality had already deleted the necessary addresses and could not send the invitation in time.

    Several council members were honored for their long-standing commitment, including the local mayor himself, who has been active in the municipal council for 45 years.

    outlook

    The next meeting of the local council is scheduled for 9 October. As always, we will keep you up to date.

  • News from the Municipal Council

    What happens in the City Council? What decisions are taken? With our new info series we keep you up to date! Here you can find out what the municipal council is discussing, what decisions are made and what proposals and questions we as a group are asking.

    Image of Dernbach with lettering

    Constitutive meeting of 28 August 2024

    The first meeting after the elections dealt with important personnel and organisational decisions. In addition to the obligation of the council members as well as the election of the local mayor, the deputies and committee members (we have already reported on this), the council unanimously adopted the new rules of procedure of the local council. It determines how meetings are convened, public participation, the conduct of meetings and the handling of requests and enquiries.

    Communications and enquiries

    The mayor, Ferdi Düber, informed the council that the purchase of the community center will be about 35,000 euros more expensive. The reason for this is the real estate transfer tax, which is now due – contrary to what was originally promised to him orally by the tax office. A notary sees no chance of success for an objection, as the purpose of use of the building has changed from ecclesiastical to municipal, which triggers the tax liability.
    Since the first deputy of the Verbandsgemeinde (VG) Wirges, Mr. Schwickert, was present, topics of the Verbandsgemeinde were also addressed.
    Our new member of the Council, Dr Manuel Misgeld, asked whether it was customary for meeting templates (such as the proposal for committee composition) to be distributed directly at the dates. The local mayor explained that this was due to the high workload of the association community due to the many constituent meetings. However, the CDU group leader criticized the repeatedly short lead times and called for a change.

    Fiber and infrastructure

    A major topic of discussion was the sluggish expansion of the fibre optic network. Several council members expressed criticism of the delayed construction work, the poor road conditions and the still outstanding house connections. The first deputy of the VG showed understanding and stated that the responsible construction company had already been informed of the problems. But that wasn't enough for many council members. The second deputy of Dernbach spoke out clearly against the current situation and took the Verbandsgemeindeverwaltung into the duty to become more active here.

    Bus transport: Deterioration of the offer

    Manuel also mentioned that the new bus schedule for Sunday entails a significant deterioration for Dernbach. Instead of the usual hourly rate, the bus now runs only every two hours, as line 425 is diverted via Wirges and runs at the same time as line 420. In Wirges, there are now two buses running in quick succession, followed by a two-hour break.
    The local mayor was surprised and declared that he had only learned of the changes by Manuel's hint. He promised to take care of it. However, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group dampened expectations and pointed out that the district, as the carrier of public transport, paid little attention to the concerns of the local communities. When asked by the CDU group, Manuel confirmed that the new roadmap had nothing to do with a new call for tenders, as it was only planned in a few years. He also stressed that the buses were also busy on Sundays – just no longer run over Dernbach. We as a group will continue to pursue this issue, because this deterioration must not be accepted, especially for environmentally conscious citizens and people without a driving licence.

  • Take a look at our first meeting

    On 28 August 2024, the first meeting of the newly elected municipal council took place in the community centre of Dernbach. We, the members of the Yankovich electoral group, We are pleased that six of us have been appointed as new members of the Council. This is an important step on our way to actively shape our community and represent the interests of the citizens of Dernbach.

    First personnel decisions – a new beginning?

    The re-elected mayor Ferdi Düber and the CDU parliamentary group have promised us a good cooperation. With this in mind, we also voted with the CDU parliamentary group in the elections of the first two associates (and representatives of the mayor). The list of committee members proposed by both political groups was adopted unanimously.

    Despite our good election result with almost a third of the votes and seats in the Council, however, the position of third associate was also awarded to a candidate of the CDU. It is particularly regrettable that our proposal to elect Gebhard Schmidt as a committed and highly qualified candidate with proven leadership quality was apparently unanimously rejected by the CDU parliamentary group.

    Newly elected deputy with local mayor of Dernbach and first deputy of the VG-Wirges
    The newly elected associates with local mayor (middle) and first associate of the VG-Wirges (right) – all CDUs

    What's next?

    This result gives us cause for concern and we are excited to see what the announced good cooperation will look like in practice. In any case, we are happy to accept the offer that Cosimo, as our group leader, can participate in the meetings with the mayor and deputy mayors. This gives us the opportunity to contribute our ideas and concerns directly and to be heard at the decisive points. We are ready to work constructively with all Council members and the top management and hope that this will be based on reciprocity.

    Our goal is to inform all Dernbachers regularly about our council work. We invite all interested parties to get involved with us and to contribute their ideas, so that together we can create a liveable and sustainable village.

  • Premiere: Voter group Jankowitsch now in the local council

    The faction team in the municipal council in front of the municipal centre

    The day before yesterday it was finally time: Our newly elected local council was officially introduced into office by the re-elected mayor Ferdi Düber. The Council was obliged by a handshake and thus heralded the start of a new term of office.

    For us – Alessa Bode, Stefan Görg, Stefan Heinz, Cosimo Jankowitsch, Frank Köhn and Dr Manuel Misgeld – work on the Dernbach municipal council has now officially started. We look forward to actively participating in the various committees and representing the interests of our citizens.

    The first official date is just around the corner: Next Wednesday 4 September 2024, to 7 p.m. The first meeting with important content takes place in the council hall of the Dernbach town hall, including the fee schedule of the community center, town hall and sports field building. All interested parties are cordially invited to join us and get an idea of our work.

    At this point, we would like to once again Many thanks to everyone, They trusted us with their vote. Your support is our incentive to work with full commitment for an even more livable Dernbach.

    In order to keep you up to date, we will regularly report on the developments in the Council via our homepage and social networks. We would also like to invite you as the Yankovich voter group to regular meetings. Together we can develop and implement ideas to further improve our beautiful village for all generations.

    We are looking forward to the upcoming tasks and to Together with you the future of Dernbach to design!