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.
English (UK)