Rapport de séance du 5 juin 2025

Meeting of the Municipal Council held on 5 June 2025

 

Urban speed limit of 30 km: referendum in October

 

Agenda

1. Approval of the agenda
Approval

2.Communications from the College of the Mayor and Aldermen

3. Internal regulations establishing the composition, functioning and powers of the advisory committees of the Municipal Council
Amendment

4. Conversion of the municipal building’s energy plant from gas to geothermal energy
Approval of the estimate

5. Local roads, classification and naming of a street
Rue Hélène Entenich-Wivenes, Midwife in Leudelange (1856-1932)

6.Nature Pact, Natura 2000 steering committee – Upper Lias-Alzette
Appointment of a representative

7.Organisation of a referendum
Decision concerning the organisation of a referendum

8.Gourmet walk
Setting the participation cost

9.Art at School
Setting the participation cost

10.Remaining balance 2024
Approval

11.Grants to local associations 2025
Grants 2025, reference year 2024

12.Music School
Provisional school organisation 2025 / 2026, Approval

13.SIDERO, financial contribution to sanitation costs with the City of Luxembourg, statement for the 2024 financial year
Approval

14.Acquisition of several parcels of land
a)Approval of a sale agreement, parcels numbers 700/8165,700/8167, 808/7673, 808/7674, 813/1111
b)Approval of a sale agreement in the “Kierchefong”, several parcels

15. Budget amendments

a)Amendment to Article 4/520/221200/19001, “Sewerage works on sections of the Rue de la Gare in Leudelange-Gare”
b) Amendment to Article 4/612/211311/22001, “Reduced-price housing (social), buildings for own use – on own land”
c) Section 112, Organisation of elections and referendums, amendment of Articles 3/112/603500/99001 “Office supplies for polling stations”, 3/112/615241/99001 “Lunch for polling station officials” and 3/112/ 643800/99001 “Other attendance allowances”
d) Amendment to Article 3/839/642800/99001, “Language courses for adults – allowances for teachers”

16.Correspondence, questions to the College of the Mayor and Aldermen

17.Staff matter
Creation of qualified employee position (m/f/d).

18.Teaching staff, appointments on the MENJE first list
a)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100%
closed session
b)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
closed session
c)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
closed session
d)Position cycles C 2-4, SUR 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
closed session

19.Staff matter closed session
Allocation of special compensation

20.Staff matter, request for resignation closed session
Approval of a request for resignation from a municipal employee
Salary group A-2

21.List of requests for rights of pre-emption
a)Discussion, closed session
b)Decision. public session

The meeting of the Municipal Council will be followed by a work meeting.

Present: Lou Linster, Mayor, Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri, Alderwoman; Nathalie Entringer Alderwoman
Councillors: Patrick Calmus, Marcel Jakobs, Sandrine Pompidou, until item***, Jean-Pierre Roemen, Denise Conrardy-Copette as from item 14, Philippe Wilmes as from item 2.
Municipal Secretary: Marc Thill

 

1. Approval of the agenda
Approval
The agenda is unanimously approved.

2. Communications from the College of the Mayor and Aldermen Mayor
Lou Linster informs the members of the Municipal Council that the Municipality’s new website is now online. He emphasises that its clearer structure makes it easier for users to find the information for which they are looking. He also points out that the Municipality’s mobile app is currently undergoing intensive development work.
The Mayor then announces several inaugurations planned before the summer holidays: the new container park, the community garden and the canopy over the pétanque court, as well as the completion of work on the Rue Pëssendall. In addition, the inauguration of phase 2 of the “Faarwekëscht” school is set for 17 October 2025.

3. Internal regulations establishing the composition, functioning and powers of the advisory committees of the Municipal Council
Amendment
Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri informs the Councillors that the regulations have been amended to limit the right to attendance fees to a maximum of four events per year. This measure aims to ensure more equitable participation by committee members, preventing the same people from attending events on a regular basis.
The regulations are unanimously approved by the Councillors.

4. Conversion of the municipal building’s energy plant from gas to geothermal energy
Approval of the estimate
As Mayor Lou Linster points out, the Municipality of Leudelange, a signatory to the Climate Pact, is actively committed to implementing the environmental objectives set by the government. As part of this initiative, 44 geothermal boreholes will be drilled on the Place des Martyrs and the Chemin des Sports.
These boreholes will supply two heat pumps designed to cover the basic energy needs of the municipal building, the neighbouring former school, the sports hall and the “An der Eech” cultural and community centre. Thanks to this system, more than 80% of heating requirements will be met by geothermal energy, with the remainder being supplied by gas.

Work is scheduled to begin in March 2026. A call for tenders will be published shortly. The estimated cost of the project – including drilling, heat pumps and hydraulic installation – is approximately € 933,500.
Councillor Patrick Calmus welcomes this initiative, although it represents a significant investment. He asks about the possibility of obtaining subsidies. The Mayor replies that financial support could be sought at a European level.
The estimate is unanimously approved by the Municipal Council.

 

5. Local roads, classification and naming of a street
Rue Hélène ENTENICH-WIVENES, Midwife in Leudelange (1856-1932)
Five houses will soon be built at number 16 on the Route d’Esch, creating a new street.
Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri proposes naming the street after Hélène Entenich-Wivenes, a midwife who practised in Leudelange. An alternative proposal put forward by the Equal Opportunities Commission – to name the street after Virginie Kirsch, a former teacher in the Municipality – will be kept for future consideration.
On this subject, the Mayor recalls that the previous Municipal Council had already decided to give more female names to streets in honour of women who have made a mark on the Municipality. This policy will remain in force in the future.
The naming of the new street after Hélène Entenich-Wivenes is unanimously approved.

6. Nature Pact, Natura 2000 steering committee – Upper Lias-Alzette
Appointment of a representative
Alderwoman Nathalie Entringer reminds us that membership of the steering committee was approved by the Municipal Council last November. This committee brings together municipalities and various partners to discuss environmental issues, with the aim of promoting cooperation and developing synergies in the field of nature conservation and biodiversity.
Mayor Lou Linster proposes that Nathalie Entringer be appointed as the Municipality’s representative on the Natura 2000 steering committee. This proposal is unanimously approved by the Municipal Councillors.

7. Organisation of a referendum
Decision concerning the organisation of a referendum
Mayor Lou Linster emphasises the fact that the issue of traffic in Leudelange has been a priority on the local political agenda for many years. Road user safety and the high volume of through traffic are the main challenges to be addressed in this area.
Since 2023, municipalities have been able to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 30 kph on so-called distribution roads. To do so, a request must be submitted to the highways administration, accompanied by plans including the necessary structural improvements.
In collaboration with two engineering firms, the College of the Mayor and Aldermen has developed several projects aimed at reducing traffic while improving cycling infrastructure. Among the options being considered are a cycle path between the centre and the station, and another crossing the Rue de Luxembourg. These developments will also improve connections between business areas.
As these cycle paths require dedicated space, the width of the traffic lanes will have to be reduced.
As part of measures to improve road safety and quality of life, the College of Mayor and Aldermen would like to gather citizens’ opinions on a possible reduction in the speed limit from 50 to 30 kph within the Municipality of Leudelange.
This restriction would apply to the entire Rue de la Gare (except for the section outside the built-up area near Schwengsweed), as well as the following streets: Rue de la Vallée, Rue de Roedgen, Rue de Cessange, Rue du Lavoir, Rue de Bettembourg, Rue d’Esch and Rue de Luxembourg.
Initially, the streets located in the business park – namely Rue Jean Fischbach, Rue Léon Laval, Rue Drosbach, Rue de la Poudrerie, Rue du Château d’Eau and Rue Nicolas Brosius – would not be affected by this measure.
Mayor Lou Linster emphasises that such a regulation would increase user safety, reduce air pollution and improve general well-being. However, he acknowledges that a general 30 kph speed limit could slightly increase journey times between different points within the municipality..
Aware of the implications of such a decision, the College of Mayor and Aldermen has decided to consult the residents of Leudelange on a possible reduction in the speed limit in built-up areas by means of a municipal referendum.
An information meeting for residents will be held on 17 September. At this meeting, all the road redevelopment plans will be presented and explained to interested parties. The referendum is scheduled for 12 October.
Mayor Lou Linster states that, regardless of the outcome of the vote, the planned cycle paths will be built, as will the “Shared Space” project in the centre of the Municipality, which includes a meeting zone with a speed limit of 20 kph.
However, if the vote is in favour of extending the 30 kph speed limit, no additional architectural changes will be considered, such as systematically raising pedestrian crossings to slow down traffic.
Councillor Marcel Jakobs speaks in favour of holding a referendum and has asked to see the exact wording of the question which will be put to citizens on 12 October. Mayor Lou Linster has specified that the question will be as follows:
“Are you in favour of reducing the speed limit in the Municipality of Leudelange from 50 kph to 30 kph on all main roads in built-up areas in the coming years?”
Councillor Sandrine Pompidou questions the rules governing participation for non-Luxembourg residents and asks whether they would be informed of their rights. The Mayor replies in the affirmative: a specific information campaign will be launched under the slogan “I can vote”. He also points out that voting is compulsory for all foreign citizens registered on the electoral roll, including in a referendum.
Councillor Philippe Wilmes welcomes the initiative of the College of the Mayor and Aldermen to organise such a public consultation. He emphasises the fact that road safety is an issue which concerns the entire population. A speed limit of 30 kph could be an effective measure to improve the quality of life in the Municipality. He also notes that at certain times of the day, traffic speeds are already well below the current limit. However, he acknowledges that there may be differing opinions among the population and that a referendum is a good way to clarify citizens’ views on this issue.
Councillor Patrick Calmus considers that this is primarily a matter of perception and therefore stresses the importance of providing citizens with comprehensive information on the implications of a possible speed reduction. In his view, priority should be given to setting up a clear and well-structured information campaign..
All the Councillors are unanimously in favour of holding the referendum, which is scheduled for 12 October 2025.

8. Gourmet walk
Setting the participation cost
On 29 June, a gourmet walk will be organised with the associations of Leudelange. Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri proposes setting the participation cost as follows: participants aged 0 to 5: free; participants aged 6 to 17: £ 15; participants aged 18 and over: £ 25.
All the Councillors approve this proposal.

9. Art at School
Setting the participation cost
An annual fee of €50 per child will be charged for this project, which aims to introduce pupils to an artistic activity. The Mayor said that 40 children have already signed up, which is a fifth of the school population.
In response to a question from Councillor Marcel Jakobs, Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri explained that the activities are organised outside school hours, on Tuesday afternoons.
Municipal Councillor Sandrine Pompidou expresses her thanks to Alderwoman Demoling-Baldassarri for this innovative initiative, which has been well received by many parents living in Leudelange.

10. Remaining balance 2024
Approval
To date, the Municipality still has approximately € 354,640 in revenue to collect, of which € 4,407 is considered irrecoverable. For these debts, the municipal collector, Mrs Christiane Seyler, is requesting that she be granted discharge.
Discharge is granted unanimously to the collector.

11. Grants to local associations 2025
Grants 2025, reference year 2024
A total of € 64,689 will be allocated in the form of grants to sports clubs in the Municipality of Leudelange. Mayor Lou Linster explains that this significant amount is partly the result of a revision of the regulations in force, adopted last year, which now provides for additional support for sports coaches. He stresses that this is a worthwhile investment, particularly in terms of local development, as Leudelange now has three youth handball teams.
Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette, chair of the Finance Committee, confirms that all the grants have been examined by the committee and found to be appropriate and fully justified.
The subsidies are unanimously approved, without any objections.

12. Music School
Provisional school organisation 2025 / 2026, Approval
Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri informs the members of the Municipal Council that the estimated costs for the 2025/2026 school year amount to approximately € 568,000. This decrease, compared to the € 620,000 committed in the previous year, is due to a surplus of more than € 2 million recorded for the 2023/2024 school year.
In response to a comment made by Councillor Marcel Jakobs during a previous meeting, Mayor Lou Linster explains that, in future, it will no longer be permitted to start music lessons with two or three instruments simultaneously. Successful completion of the first cycle will now be required before a second instrument can be chosen. In addition, a cap on the number of students per class has been introduced due to high demand for certain instruments, such as the piano, to the detriment of other less popular instruments. He points out that the Municipality of Leudelange has a wind band, which has a greater need for wind instrument players than for pianists or guitarists, a factor that was also taken into account in this decision.
The provisional school organisation is unanimously approved by the members of the Municipal Councill.

13. SIDERO, financial contribution to sanitation costs with the City of Luxembourg, statement for the 2024 financial year
Approval
The statement of approximately € 593,000 is unanimously approved.
14. Acquisition of several parcels of land
a)Approval of a sale agreement, parcels numbers 700/8165,700/8167, 808/7673, 808/7674, 813/1111
b)Approval of a sale agreement in the “Kierchefong”, several parcels
The Municipality is acquiring five parcels of land with a total area of 45.47 acres. Four of these are being purchased at a price of € 9,000 per are, while plot number 700/8165 is being purchased at a price of € 500 per are. The total cost of the transaction is approximately € 414,200.
The Municipality is also acquiring several parcels of land in the area known as “Kierchefong”. These are adjacent to forest areas belonging to the Municipality and are of strategic interest, particularly with a view to possible land exchanges, nature conservation projects, or in the context of the construction of the light rail system and the implementation of flood protection measures, as specified by the Mayor. The area concerned covers 7 hectares and 87 ares, at a price of € 650 per are, representing a total cost of € 511,693 for the Municipality.
The two sale agreements are unanimously approved by the members of the Municipal Council.

15. Budget amendments
a)Amendment to Article 4/520/221200/19001, “Sewerage works on sections of the Rue de la Gare in Leudelange-Gare”
b)Amendment to Article 4/612/211311/22001, “Affordable (social) housing, buildings for own use – on own land”
c)Section 112, Organisation of elections and referendums, amendment of Articles 3/112/603500/99001 “Office supplies for polling stations”, 3/112/615241/99001 “Lunch for polling station officials” and 3/112/ 643800/99001 “Other attendance allowances”
d)Amendment to Article 3/839/642800/99001, “Language courses for adults – allowances for teachers”
Mayor Lou Linster provides details on the four budget amendments:
a) For the renovation of the Rue de la Gare canal, an initial investment of approximately € 325,000 was planned. Following the tendering process, the amount rose to € 327,000. Including fees, the costs amount to € 375,000. The additional costs are mainly due to the fact that a longer section of pipe than originally planned will be renovated. In order to allow for a certain reserve, the item has been set at £ 415,000.
b) The planning process for the construction of affordable housing in the Rue de la Montée, for which € 60,000 has been allocated, is progressing faster than expected, resulting in additional costs for the project. The cost of studies is € 190,000 for the current year.
c) These are expenses related to the organisation of the referendum on 12 October (see item 7 on the agenda). € 11,000 has been allocated for this purpose.
d) The article is increased from £ 30,000 to £ 50,000 due to an unexpected invoice for the year 2024.
The four amendments are approved.

16. Correspondence, questions to the College of the Mayor and Aldermen
Municipal Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette speaks about complaints from some residents regarding the inability to dispose of treated wood at the Leudelange container park.
Mayor Lou Linster explains that this ban is based on legal constraints: the storage of treated wood is strictly regulated and only permitted to a very limited extent. Outside these limits, a so-called “commodo” permit is required, involving cumbersome administrative procedures. Until now, the practice at the “Tipp” park has not been in line with the regulations, but has simply been tolerated – a tolerance that can no longer be extended.
The Mayor also points out that Leudelange only has a container park and no large-scale recycling centre. It is precisely for this reason that the Municipality joined the STEP inter-municipal association. The STEP recycling centre in Bettembourg, which is accessible by car in ten to fifteen minutes from Leudelange, can process more than 70 types of recyclable materials.
In response to a question from Municipal Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette regarding the possibility of recyclable materials being collected by municipal services, Mayor Lou Linster points out that the bulky waste collection service is available to residents up to six times a year. In particular, this service includes the removal of treated wood and scrap metal directly from residents’ homes. However, there is a charge for this service, and collection dates must be arranged by contacting the municipal administration by telephone.
Conversely, waste disposal via the STEP centre remains free of charge, as it is covered by the waste tax.
Councillor Patrick Calmus also draws attention to the poor condition of the floor in the sports hall. The Mayor replies that the flooring will be replaced in summer 2026. He adds, however, that a compromise would have to be found on the choice of materials, as the hall is used for a wide variety of sports activities.

17. Staff matter
Creation of a qualified employee position (m/f/d).
Alderwoman Nathalie Entringer informs the members of the Municipal Council that the Municipality plans to hire an additional gardener. This decision is due to the size of the municipal green spaces, which are maintained by the current team of gardeners. She also points out that the requirements of the Nature Pact have led to an increase in tasks, making it necessary to increase the team. The aim is to make the municipal area more attractive and biodiversity-friendly.
Councillor Patrick Calmus asks about the qualifications required for the position. The Alderwoman replies that training in landscape gardening is desirable. The future employee would not only have to design attractive floral arrangements to enhance public spaces, but also have specific horticultural knowledge, particularly in relation to biodiversity-friendly planting.
Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette suggests that the Municipality give preference to people from reintegration programmes, such as ProActif, for this type of position. Mayor Lou Linster confirms that this is already standard practice: eight people from two employment initiatives are currently working for the Municipality, and this collaboration will continue. However, in this case, a profile with specific technical skills is required.
The creation of the position is unanimously approved.

18. Teaching staff, appointments on the MENJE first list
a)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100%
Mrs Dany Mootz is appointed to this position.
b)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
Mrs Shanila Mutumba is appointed to this position.
c)Position cycles C 2-4, p. 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
Mrs Nathalie Kohl is appointed to this position.
d)Position cycles C 2-4, SUR 100% A25-26
(position 100% for the year 2025-2026)
Mr David Darrosa Iglesias is appointed to this position.

19. Staff matter closed session
Allocation of special compensation.
A special bonus is granted to a municipal official.

20. Staff matter, request for resignation closed session
Approval of a request for resignation from a municipal employee
salary group A-2
The Municipal Council approves the request for resignation from a municipal employee.

21. List of requests for rights of pre-emption
a)Discussion closed session
b)Decision public session
The Municipal Council waives its right of pre-emption on land located on the Rue de la Gare, in Eelchesgewan and Weiergewan.