For the first time in the entire association community, all applications came from a Council faction. Together for Dernbach (GfD) has not only set the topics. We also have All applications are self-written, examined funding opportunities and requested the meeting. This is a real milestone result. It shows: If you want, you can make a lot of progress for Dernbach in the Council! And that although the CDU repeatedly excludes us from administrative work and blocks constructive projects, as was already shown before the meeting. This is how it was said: “Your projects are not feasible”. But we did not let ourselves be deceived.
Touristic Dernbach sign on A3/A48: CDU says no to 85 percent support
Our application for tourist signage in front of the Dernbacher Dreieck on the A3 or A48 provides for a budget of around €30,000, which can be largely financed through LEADER. Dernbach pays with an unusually high funding rate of 85 % Only 7,500 euros. With donations from the monastery even less. For the municipality, self-contribution and financial risk remains very manageable. High tourism opportunities and a strengthening of local identity are very beneficial.
For the CDU group, its chairman set the thrust right at the beginning, according to which the application should be rejected. The ‘arguments’ put forward by the CDU Group:
Dernbach has no money. The subsidy amount is also tax money, which is frivolously spent here. The administration in Wirges could not prepare the funding application in time. Four signs could also be placed (the mayor showed a map showing four locations). Dernbach has no added tourist value and it is not worthwhile to come here. Saint Catherine Kasper should be mentioned on the sign – in consultation with the monastery. He could also make the request himself.
Finally, Manuel was accused of presuming to speak to the monastery on behalf of the community.
Manuel first thanked the mayor for convening the meeting and that the council members present accepted the invitation. He stated: A citizen of Dernbach proposed the project to us; a preliminary vote with the monastery took place as a member of the council with the aim of an application in the council, i.e. not for or on behalf of the municipality. Municipalities whose places are advertised, i.e. not the monastery, are entitled to apply for the establishment of an information board and accordingly for funding. The application already provides that the design of the sign is to be worked out together with the monastery, but the mention of a person on the tourist information boards is not common. Manuel emphasized that with the resonance room, pilgrimage route, recurring events of the monastery, monastery garden and the town hall square, there is quite tourist potential and the offer of a Limes tower (here there is already its highway sign) is in no way inferior. The sign sites proposed by the CDU are not eligible for approval, as they do not comply with planned distances to other motorway signs. GfD, on the other hand, has identified two locations that meet legal and technical requirements. The Council also has the possibility and task of setting a ‘price cap’ and contributing the rest through a donation from the monastery. In addition, at least 50 tourists per day can be expected to leave money for the local economy, so that the project pays off. If Dernbach does not apply for LEADER funding, a good 820,000 euros will end up completely in other projects in the Westerwaldkreis. The sign does not have to be approved before a funding application can be submitted to LEADER and GfD has already pre-filled most of the funding application. If LEADER promotes the construction of the shield, an application for funding must be submitted to the Supervisory and Service Directorate of Trier within three months. Here, too, there is enough time and the project can also be withdrawn if necessary. GfD also proposes that the administration can submit the application for funding at a later stage if the time for this round is not sufficient.
This amendment was also rejected by the CDU majority. The project is likely to continue to be dealt with in the Committee on Culture – with an uncertain outcome.
For classification: At the previous meeting, the Council, on a proposal from the CDU Group, released 2500 euros for the roof renovation of the monastery chapel – here without funding. For a fence at the barbecue hut – to protect the meadow against wild boars – 10,000 euros are quickly planned in the household.
Support of the monastery in the anniversary year: 16 yes, one no vote
The aim of the motion is to strengthen and deepen activities that have already begun and to call for support for the Maria Hilf Monastery in the anniversary year, i.e. a so-called motion for a resolution at no additional cost. Although the content of the application was approved, it was not actually necessary to decide on it, as everything was already being implemented. In the end, 16 Council members agreed – only one CDU group member declined. A small success, although the discussion shows that even unanimous symbolic gestures in this Council are called into question – if they come from GfD feathers.
Bicycle repair station: Adopted unanimously - with compromise
The mayor showed a picture of a demolished station in Koblenz as a warning against vandalism. Alessa reminded me: ‘We are not a big city hotspot, but a village.’ Roswitha reported that ADAC could fully cover the costs of around €2,500 – and that only a small part of the stations in Koblenz were damaged.
Nevertheless, objections were raised: ‘Who doesn’t have any tools?’ or ‘Who rides a bicycle here at all?’ – although years ago a cycle path was also built at the expense of the municipality. Even the wish was expressed that cycling should not increase.
The decision was amended and adopted unanimously: ADAC funding is sought, in addition, a bicycle stand at the station is procured from municipal funds.
Connection of Laurentiusplatz: 16 Yes, 1 abstention
Our proposal to supply the pitch with electricity via the floodlight system of the sports field was rejected as unfeasible by the Mayor and the CDU group – without first informing us about the technical background. Nevertheless, the basic idea remained: Associations ,, which hold events there, benefit from this.
The Decision has been amended: Offers for a power box, power line and a water pipe are obtained, the VG is to prepare a proposal. However, the mayor indicated that the costs could even be in the four-digit range.
Safety on cycling and hiking trails: No decision, as examined
One citizen had pointed out to us two dangerous bicycle crossings on the state or county road – especially if corn fields obstruct the view. The mayor read a statement from the district administration, which essentially reproduces the StVO. The result is therefore that neither a speed limit nor a sign can be attached, since the location is usually sufficiently visible and the vehicle drivers have an obligation to adjust their speed to the visibility conditions. The extent to which the local conditions were checked here remained open despite being asked.
One member of the Council noted that the audit requirement in the application was thus fulfilled. Roswitha added that the municipality could thus at least not be accused of inaction.
Communications & Inquiries
- Two new community workers: Starting in March, a gardener and a non-expert employee will start working in the building yard.
- Meadow of orchards: The work has not yet been possible due to weather conditions. The mayor requests a special permit for the felling of mistletoe-infested trees. Alessa suggested contacting the Masgeik Foundation as an advisory body.
- Norma: The building permit has been issued. Land is now being purchased and next steps are being taken.
- Budget: It's going to be tight. Investments are needed, for example in the emergency power generator in the community centre, which needs a housing and a 1000-litre tank on the construction yard.
- Fire protection wall in the community center: Construction will begin soon, after completion, a visit by the municipal council will take place.
- LED conversion: All fluorescent tubes in the community center were replaced with LEDs.
- South ring: Holes will be patched in the coming weeks. Stefan G. pointed out that holes can also be found in the White Way.
- Burgweg: Re-entry planned due to traffic situation.
English (UK)