HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-5588IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CLTM~ERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Boyd E. Diller, Inc.,
Plaintiff
Docket No. ~.
Westwood Hills Associates, LLC,
Defendant
Civil Action - Law
NOTICE TO DEFEND
You have been sued in Court. lfyou wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and notice
are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with
the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if
you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may he entered against you
by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief'requested by the Plaintiff. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR
OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP
Lawyer Referral Service of
The York County Bar Association
The York County Bar Center
137 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Bar Association - (717) 771-9361
Lawyer Referral Service- (717) 854-8755
{00100656/t)
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO EN LA CORTE. Si usted desea defenderse de las
quejas expuestas en las p&ginas siguientes, debe tomar acci6n dentro de veinte (20) dias a partir
de la fecha en que recibi6 la demanda y el aviso. Usted debe presentar comparecencia escrita en
persona o por abogado y presentar en la Corte pot escrito sus defensas o sus objeciones a las
demandas en su contra.
Se le avisa que si no se defiende, el caso puede proceder sin usted y la Corte puede
decidir en su contra sin mas aviso o notificaci6n pot cualquier dinero reclamado en la demanda o
por cualquier otra queja o compensaci6n reclamados pot el Demandante. USTED PUEDE
pERI)ER DINERO, O PROPIEDADES U OSTROS DERECHOS IMPORTANTES PARA
USTED.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE SI USTED NO
TIENE O NO CONOCE UN ABOGADO, VAYA O LLAME A LA OFICINA EN LA
DIRECCION ESCPdTA ABAJO PARA AVERiGUAR DONDE PUEDE OBTENER
ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Lawyer Referral Service of
The York County Bar Association
The York County Bar Center
137 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Tel6fono No. (717) 854-8755
(0010065~/I}
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT OF 1990_
The Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania, is required by law to comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and
reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court,
please contact the county at (717) 771-9099. For those with a hearing impairment, please
contact the Deaf Center at (717) 848°2585 ext. 329 or ext. 342 TDD All arrangements must be
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scheduled conference or hearing.
{00100656/1}
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Boyd E. Diller, Inc.,
Plaintiff
Westwood Hills Associates, LLC,
Defendant
Docket No. I~,l.-,.~'gP?
Civil Action - Law
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Boyd E. Diller, Inc., by its attorneys, CGA Law
Firm, who files the following Complaint averring that:
1. Plaintiff, Boyd E. Diller, Inc. ("Plaintiff"), is a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with offices at 6820
Wertzville Road, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
2. Defendant, Westwood Hills Associates, LLC, CDefendant"), is a
limited liability company authorized and organized in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania with its registered office located at RD 1, Box 368, Palmyra, Dauphin
County, Pennsylvania 17110.
3. On or about July 27, 1998, Plaintiff contracted with Defendant to perform
work, supply labor, and supply materials which included, but is not limited to, erosion
control measures, site grading and preparation, sanitary sewer installation, storm sewer
installation, and street construction. The work was performed for a residential
subdevelopment known as Westwood Hills-Phase I ("Phase I"), located in East
{00099528/t}
Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. A true and correct copy of
Plaintiff's proposal reflecting the services performed is incorporated herein and attached
hereto as Exhibit "A."
4. On or about August 24, 1998, Plaintiff began performing the work,
supplying the labor, and supplying the materials to perform the work as described above;
and the Plaintiff completed the work in May, 2000.
5. From time to time, Plaintiff presented to Defendant for payment
applications and certificates for payment ("Application"), invoices, and bills for the work
performed and materials supplied at Westwood Hills-Phase 1. From time to time,
Defendant made payments to Plaintiff for this work. Incorporated by reference herein and
attached hereto as Exhibit "B" is a true and correct copy of PlaintifF s "A/R [Account
Receivable] Job Aging and Retention" report (as of June 7, 2001), which itemizes the
amounts charged and paid for the work at Phase I. Incorporated by reference herein and
attached hereto as Exhibit "C,' is a true and correct copy of the Application dated May
31, 2000 which describes and itemizes the work completed and the corresponding
charges. The total amount and balance that Defendant owes to Plaintiff for the work
performed at Phase I is Eight Thousand and Six Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and
Ten Cents ($8,633.10).
6. Plaintiff completed the work at Phase I without complaint from
Defendant; and Plaintiff has performed all contingencies and conditions of its contract
with Defendant concerning Phase I.
7. Plaintiff has made a demand upon Defendant to forthwith pay the
outstanding balance of Eight Thousand and Six Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and
Ten Cents ($8,633.10) for the work completed at this project; and there has been no
promise or agreement by Defendant to do so by an agreed upon date or at all.
COUNT I
BREACH OF CONTRACT
8. Plaintiff reiterates paragraphs l through 7 of its Complaint and
incorporates same herein as though more fully set forth.
9. Defendant's failure to pay the full amounts due and owing to Plaintiff
constitutes a breach of contract.
10. As a result of Defendant's breach of contract, Plaintiff has suffered
damages including, but limited to, the following:
a. The balance due and owing for the work completed and materials
supplied at Phase 1 of Eight Thousand and Six Hundred and
Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($8,633.10); and
b. Interest at the contracted rate between the parties as may be
determined during discovery.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Defendant in the amount of Eight Thousand and Six
Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($8,633.10), plus interest and
attorney's fees, if applicable, in addition to any other legal or equitable relief that the
Honorable Court deems to be proper and justified.
C_COUNT I!
UNJUST ENRICHMENT
11. Plaintiff reiterates paragraphs I through 10 of'its Complaint and
incorporates same herein as though more f'ully set forth.
12. Defendant received certain services, supplies, and work from Plaintiff,
as set forth above; and Defendant has to make complete payment for same.
13. As a result of Defendant's actions, it has been unjustly enriched Dy
receiving the Denefit of the services, supplies, and work provided Dy Plaintiff without
making payment for same.
14. As a result oFDef'endant's unjust enrichment, Plaintiff' has suffered
damages as set Forth above.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against DeFendant in the amount of' Eight Thousand and Six
Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($8,633.10), plus interest and
attorney's Fees, iFapplicable, in addition to any other legal or equitable relieFthat the
Honorable Court deems to he proper and justified.
COUNT
PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL
15. Plaintiff reiterates paragraphs 1 though 14 of its Complaint and
incorporates same herein as though more fully set forth.
16. Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff for the services, supplies, and work
received Dy Defendant as set forth above.
17. Defendant intended that Plaintiff rely on Defendant's promise to pay; and
Defendant did nothing to change or correct Plaintiff's reliance on the promise as
Defendant performed the work as described above. All of the work performed, labor
supplied, and materials supplied by Plaintiff were done so with Defendant's complete
knowledge and approval as the work was being performed.
18. Plaintiff did reasonably rely on Defendant's promise to pay in
accordance with Plaintiff's proposals by performing the agreed upon services and work
for Defendant.
19. As a result, Plaintiff has suffered a detriment for the damages as set forth
above.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff' respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Defendant in the amount of Eight Thousand and Six
Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($8,633.10), plus interest and
attorney's fees, if applicable, in addition to any other legal or equitable relief that the
Honorable Court deems to be proper and justified.
COUNT IV
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS PAYMENT ACT
20. Plaintiff reiterates paragraphs 1 though 19 of its Complaint and
incorporates same herein as though more fully set forth.
21. Plaintiff avers, upon information and belief, that six (6) or more
residential units would have been under construction on the real property of Phase I.
22. Defendant has not paid Plaintiff' either under the terms of the
construction contract, following the presentation of the last nnpaid progress invoice, or
the submission of the final invoice for payment in full upon completion of the work at
Phase I.
23. It has been more than twenty (20) days since Defendant has received the
last progress invoice or final invoice, and Defendant has not paid the outstanding
balance.
24. Defendant asserts the following claims and damages pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Contractors and Subcontractors Payment Act, 73 P.S. Sections 501 et
seq.:
a. the payment of the outstanding balance, as stated above, that
Defendant owes based on the work performed and materials supplied at Phase I;
b. after the twenty-seventh (27th) day when the last unpaid progress
invoice or final invoice was due after delivery, whichever is earlier, one percent (1%)
interest per month, or fraction of the month, from the time when the payment is due
and owing from the Defendant through the present and until Plaintiff is paid;
c. a penalty of one percent (1%) per month of the amount that was
wrongfully withheld: and
d. reasonable attorney fees, in an amount to be determined by the
Court or arbitrator, together with expenses incurred to collect and litigate upon the
debt.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Defendant in the amount of Eight Thousand and Six
~ 0
Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and Ten Cents ($8,63-~. 1 ), plus interest, penalties and
attorney fees, in addition to any other legal or equitable relief that the Honorable Court
deems to be proper and justified.
CGA Law Firm
Countess Gilbert Andrews P.C
Pa. Supreme Ct. No. 77065
Christopher L. Herrington, Esquire
Pa. Supreme Ct. No. 82796
Attorneys for Plaintiff
29 North Duke Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-4900
VERIFICATION.
I, the undersigxted, hereby affirm I am authorized to verify the facts contained
within this Complaint on behalf of Boyd E. Diller, Inc. and that the facts contained in the
foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and
belief. This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904 relating
to unsworu falsification to authorities.
Dated:
BOYD E. DILLER, 1NC.
· Site Preparation
· Street Construction/Paving
· Sewer Mains
· Water Mains
· Storm Drainage
· Equipment Rental
IULY 25, 199~
(REVISED)
o EXCAVATING AND PAVING CONTRACTOR
· MUNICIPAL WASTE TRANSFER STATION
serving the Contra~ PA Area Since '/940
You can dispose of your:
· Demolition Material
· Tree Limbs & Stump
· Old Furniture
· Old Appliances
· Household Refuse
WESTWOOD HILLS ASSOCIATES, INC.
RD ~1, BOX 368
PALIvFfRA, PA 17078
R_E: WESTWOOD HILLS
PHASE I CONSTRUCTION
pROPOSAL
PER YOUR REQUEST WE ARE PLEASED TO QUOTE TIlE FOLLOWING ITEMS
OF WORK TO BE pERFORMED ON TI-tE ABOVE MENTIONED PROTECT.
E~OSI_ ON CONTROL MEAS!JRES_
167 SY $ 4.00 $ 668.00
STABILIZED CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE 17 EA 45.00 765.00
TEMPORARY INLET pROTECTION 1,807 LF 1.50 2,710.50
18" SILT FENCE INSTALLATiON 3.0 EA 900.00 2,700.00
TEMPORARY SEDIMENT TRAPS (3) 1,665.00
TEMPORARY oUTLET STRucTURES (3) 3.0 EA 555.00
1,280 LF 4.30 - 5,504.00
GRASS LINED SWA! .AS
ESTIMATED AMOUNT EROSION CONTROL $14,012.50
EXHIBIT "A"
\ PAGE
~ £. DIOR, IRC. i~-~-2~1
A/~ ~OB AGING AR ETENTIOa
AR-Rll
DATE:
~'312
yES'{~IO0{) BILLS ASSOCIATES
DO~ ERWIN
42/6 LIT~1,E RUN ROAD
~4~ISRO~, PA 17110
N~: Only Include~Amount~+-hru:
30B f 300 0~ ~PLY! BATE
(7171319-11§9
BA~ OF LAST PNT: 10-18-1999
12-31-99~ Includes All Balances
ORIG ~T RET~TIOW ANT PAID BALAW~ CILRREI~T OVER 3~
OVER 6~ OVER ~ OVER 12~
~17 YKSTWOOB HILLS SUPER:
~17~ Jl~ 7357 7357 ~5-31-~ 8633,1~ 8633.10
~17~ 3M 7~ 7~ ~-~-~ ~' ~
~17~ P 1~ 7~ ~-~-~ '~'N
~17~ P ~ ~ ~.~.~ -i~.~
~17~ 3B 6752 6~ 12-}~ ~4.~
~17~ P ~3 6~ ~-~-~ -4~.~
{17~ 3B 6719 6719 11-~98 ~.~
~7{ P ~71~ 6719 12-~-98 -9~.~
~17~ ~ ~1 ~1 1~ ~.1~
8633.10
98 -48429 4~
6.581 ~9-11- '
SUBTOTAl,: 296614, 35 , ~ -287981.25 8633. ID · ~ · ~ ' ~ ' ~ 8633.
EXHIBIT "B"
HC .1,
PHCJECT EO~
&TTE)ITIO}h
~ ~O~. .ITH DH~HSO, M..T ..............................................................
c0~TR ....... . ........................................ . .... ~ ,~. o.,,meat, as shown ~elow~ in
~on~ection with the Contract, Coat. Sheet is attached
CONTRACTOR'S &RPLICATION FOR PAYMENT ............ ] 218724,5~
ORDHHS APPHOVRD
APPHOVED TSIS HO~TH
EU~BEH OH
DESCRIPTION
" ......... ' TOTALS { 98819,88 [ .88 ,
i Net change by CHANGE OHUgHE i 9881938 ..........
The nnder)lgned Contractor certif:es that to the host of the Contractor's
knowledge, lnfoematlon and belief the Work covered by this Application for
Payment has been completed in accordance with the Contract Documents, thmt
l. OHIG!NAL CONTRACT SUH ....................
L Net chnnge by Change Orderz .............. 9~E19.89
3, CONTRACT SUM TO DATE {lines 1+2) ......... 386743,58
4, TOTAL COMPLETED AND HTOReD TO DATE ....... 29661~,35
[Column U on Confirmation Hheet)
5, RETAIN~GE:
n, Completed Wnrk .... 8~
{Column D+E on Continuation Sheet)
~, % of Stored Material .... 88
(Column ~ on Contlnmatlon Sheet)
Total Retalna~e(!lne 5a + 5~ or
Column I of Continuation Sheet) ........ 88
6, TO~L gARBED LESS RETAIBAGR .............. 296614.35
{Line 4 less Line 5 Total)
l. LESR PREVIOUS CERTIFIC~YES FOR
P~VMENT {Line 6 prior Certificate),,, 28?981.25
8633,18
--> R, CURREHT PAYMENY DUE ......................
9, BALANCE TO F[EISH, PLUS HEIAIHAOE ........ 18!29,15
all amo~lnts have been pnid by the Contractor for Work for which previous
Certificated for Payment were lssned and payments received from the Owner,
and that current payment ~hown hecate is now d~le.
"lC ' tadai Seal
...... ~ ..... ~? Msmbe~ Pennsy~m ~lanon o{ Notaries
In accordance uit~ t~e Contract Documents, ~sed ou on-site ObHecvationH ~MOUBT CERTIFIED .................
and the data compctHing t~e above application, the ~cc~itect certifies to {Attach e~planatlon If amoant certified
tho Owner that to the best of the. Architect's knowledge, informer{da and
belief the Work ~ms progressed aa indicated, the quality of the work iH in
accordance ~ith the Cnatract Doc~lments, and th~ Contractor ia entitled to
before me th!s....~._, day of
payment of the }MOUNT CERYI?IED.
Cont~a.,.o. named heceln, !..sunnce,
Certificate is not negotlnMe, The AMOUNT ~]~ "} ~n ls pays~le culy to the
I,,,
Uayment . __~_~.~ ......~ ............... L ................ ;'~H~""~'" .......
differs from the amonnt npp!led fur
ARCHITECT:
RPPLTCA~TOR AND CEP~I~[C~TE FOE ~&Y~ENT - COHT!RH~TIOM REEET ...... ] .....................................................
. OOR tD~ E81788 RpPL[CATIOR MO ? DRTE 85-31-88
PROOECT: NERTWO~O EILL$ PERIOD TO:
, , un S INVOICE HO: 8HV357 CONTRACTOR: BOYD R. D!LLER, IBC.
TO: ~E.,T~OOO .... L~ ASHOCIHTEH ARCHITECT:
ARCHITECT'S PRO3ECT NO: ................. ~ ..........
........... ~ ............................ : .............. T ........
.................. 2 .......... ~ c { D { E { F { ., , .................... :..
' - ................................................. TOTAL
....... WORE COMPLETED MATERIALS t - __
MO { nEECu!pT~°N OF NOBK V~u= ~pPLICATIO~i PERIOD {HOT IR I ?0
. I ID+E} ] , D OR E) { (D+E+F) { t .....................
EROSIOM CONTROL
3 THMP. INLET PROTECTION 765.88 765.88
4 18' HILT FENCE 27!8.58 2718.58
6 TEMP. O~TLE? STElJCTUREH 1665.88 .6H~.88
SITE GRADIRG ~ PREP.
9 CLEARING H GRUBBIMG 7188.88 ?188.88
18 6" TOPSOIL REMOVAL 3914,98 3914.98
11 SITE-GRADIMO - CUT II~KH S8 1196H,68
12 SITE GRADING - FILL 1718 58 1319.58
13 SITE GRADE - STOCKPILE 2564.~8 2564.88
14 JOB MOBILIZATION 15~8.{~ 1588.88
IR R' EDR-35 N!REDDI~U 38545.28 38545.2{
!7 18' SDR-35 W/BEDDING 1 18~ 48 11386.48
I8 8' X H' ~Y8 BRA}ICH 2188.88 21~.H8
~ .55 22643 55
19 4 FT STAND MANHOLES ~H43
21 REMOVE EXISTING MAMHOLE 858.88 858.88
22 TIE INTO EKIRTIMU MANHOLE 458.88 458.8H
STORM SEWER
24 1S' CMP 1H GA 19K28.88 19828.88
25 18' ENO SECTIOM 115.~8 115.88
27 4S" END SECTION 3215.~8 3216.88
28 R-4 RIP RAP 988.8~ 988.88
29 TYPE S IMLET (STAMD~RD) 949~.8~ 9498.88
31 TYPE N INLET 144~.~E 1448.88
STREET CONRTEUCTIOB
32 2 FT ROLLED CORE 11588.75 11588.75
34 8" 3A MODIFIED 14884.65 14884.65
35 2" BIRDER COURSE 11727.38 ......
38 1 1/2' NEARIHG COURSE 9772.75
37 SEAL CURB LIME 355.48
~--3H~-C~,U'~TERLINE IHHTALL 639S.$9 6398.98
48 CIO 3 TRENCH ROCK [HAMITA n~7~ ~
668.88
765.88
2718.58
2788.88
1665.88
5584,88
7188.88 1888
3914.98 1888
11968.68 1888
1718.58 1888
2564.88 1888
38545.28
11185.48
2188.88
22643.55
19828.98 1888 --
115.88 !888
1888
3216.88 1888
1~85
1158835
14284.55
11727.38
6398.88
9772.75
356.48
~PPSICATION 5ND CERTI~i~TE ~OR PBYMRNT_ - ~n,~r~?~,..~.~.~..~.~ S~EET PAGE
............................... % ................................... ~ ................................................................
D~O~C'. WERTWOOD RILLS JOB ID* 89178~ APPLICATIORNO ? DATE
CONTRACT FOR: SITE HEV{LOPMEHT .................... PERIOD TO:
TO: NEST~OOD HILLH ASHDC!ATES I}]VOICE NO: 897357 CONTRACTOR: BOYD E. D!LLEN, IRC.
.................... ARCHITECT:
ARCHITECT'S PNOSE~T HO:
IA'}' S '! C [ O ! E { F { o { H
[ { WORK COMPLETED [ MATERIALS { TOTAL % {
{ ITEM { SCHEDULED ......................... { PREHEHTLY { COMPLETEU { BALANCE
[ }lO DESCRIPTION OF {OBK [ VALUE PREVIOUB [ TSIB ] STOHRD { AND STOHHD (G/C){ TO FINISH RETAINAGE
[ I APPLICATIOHI PERIOO { {HOT IN { TO DAYS }
[ ] . {D+E] ] { D OH E) { (D+E+F}
{ 41 C/O 4 RATER SERVICE TAILR 674~.89 6749.09 6749.88 I99%
{ 42 C/O ~ MISC. RITE DHEHH UP 6864.59 I35.78 6728.89 6864.58 188%
[ 43 C/O 6'GAS LIRE TREHCHING 4994.38 3990.88. !99~.39 ~98~.30 198%
{ APPLICATIO~ TOTALS 38H743.59 287981.25 8633.18 .88 296614.35 97% 18!29.I5
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BOYD E. DILLER, INC.,
Plaintiff
Vo
WESTWOOD HILLS
ASSOCIATES, LLC
Defendant
Civil Action No. 02-5588
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE
I, Todd R. Bm~ros, Esquire, do hereby accept service of the Complaint filed in the
above captioned matter on behalf of the Defendant Westwood Hills Associates, LLC, and
represent that I am authorized to do so.
Date: /~'-/I/~-'~
Stevens & Lee
P.O. Box 11670
Han'isburg, PA 17108-1670
Attorneys for Defendant
(00100942/1)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Boyd E. Diller, Inc.,
Plaintiff
Vo
Westwood Hills Associates, LLC,
Defendant
Docket No. 02-5588 Civil Term
Civil Action -Law
ANSWER TO THE COMPLAINT
WITH NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO:
Craig R. Milsten, Esquire
CGA Law Firm
29 North Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
717-848-4900
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter and
Counterclaim within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against
Date: February 28, 2003
STEVENS & LEE
By
Mark D. Bradshaw
Attorney I.D. No. 61975
Todd R. Bartos
Attorney I.D. No. 84279
P.O. Box 11670
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-1670
(717) 561-.5242
Attorneys for Defbndant
02/28/03/SL1 315665vi/68380.004
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Boyd E. Diller, Inc., :
Plaintiff :
: Docket No. 02-5587 Civil Term
V. ~
Donald H. Erwin and Robert K. Erwin, :
t/d/b/a R & D Development Company, :
Defendants : Civil Action- Law
ANSWER TO TIlE COMPLAINT
WITII NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW COMES Defendant Westwood Hill.,; Associates, LLC ("Westwood
Hills"), by and through its attorneys, Stevens & Lee, and sets forth the following Answer to the
Complaint with New Matter and Counterclaim as follows:
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part, denied in part. Westwood Hills admits that on or about
July 27, 1998, the parties entered into a contract for Plaintiff to perform certain services for
Defendant in the development known as Westwood Hills, Phase I. Westwood Hills denies that
the document attached as Exhibit A to the Complaint is a true antd correct copy of the contract
entered into between the parties. To the contrary, it is a one-page document titled "Proposal"
that does not have any signatures or any other evidence that the proposal was accepted as
A true and correct copy of the signed contract is being sought by Defendant from its
written.
files.
4. Admitted in part, denied in part. Westwood Hills admits that on or about
August 24, 1998, Plaintiff began performing certain work at Westwood Hills. Westwood Hills
denies that Plaintiff completed the work in May 2000. To the contrary, Plaintiff has yet to
complete the work in an acceptable and workmanlike manner and, as a result, Westwood Hills
1
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
has been forced to hire other contractors to "cover" for the work that should have been
performed by Plaintiff.
5. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff presented
Defendant with invoices and applications for payment from time to time. It is denied that the
document annexed to the Complaint as Exhibit B is a tree and correct representation of the
payment history. To the contrary, it is a document that has never been seen by Westwood Hills
and therefore Westwood Hills denies the accuracy of its conten'ts. Furthermore, Westwood Hills
admits that Exhibit C to the Complaint is page 1 of an application for payment dated May 31,
2000. However, there is no backup documentation attached to the application for payment and
therefore Westwood Hills denies that it is a tree and correct copy of the entire application.
Furthermore, Westwood Hills does not owe any money to Plaintiff and, as set forth below,
Plaintiff in fact owes money to Westwood Hills in excess of the amount claimed.
6. Denied. It is denied that Plaintiff completed, the work at Phase I without
complaint from Defendant and Plaintiff performed all contingencies and conditions of its
contract. To the contrary, Plaintiff has yet to complete the work: in Phase I in an acceptable and
workmanlike manner and Plaintiffreceived multiple complaints from Westwood Hills regarding
its failure to perform in an acceptable and workmanlike manner.
7. Admitted in part, denied in part. Westwood Hills admits that Plaintiff has
made demands upon it for payment of sums allegedly due and o'Mng. However, Westwood Hills
denies owing those sums and, as set forth below, Plaintiff is actually indebted to Defendant.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
8. Defendant Westwood Hills repeats and realleges the preceding paragraphs of
this answer as if set forth at length herein.
2
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
9. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 9 constitute a legal conclusion
to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments set forth in
paragraph 9 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe any money to
Plaintiff and therefore cannot have breached the contract.
10. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 10 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 10 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff and therefore cannot have breached the contract.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, dismissing the Complaint against it with prejudice,
together with whatever further relief this Court deems just and equitable.
COUNT II - UNJUST ENRICHMENT
11. Defendant Westwood Hills repeats and realleges the preceding paragraphs of
this answer as if set forth at length herein.
12. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 12 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 12 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
13. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 13 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 13 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
14. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 14 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004 3
set forth in paragraph 14 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, dismissing the Complaint against it with prejudice,
together with whatever further relief this Court deems just and equitable.
COUNT III - PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL
15. Defendant Westwood Hills repeats and realleges the preceding paragraphs of
this answer as if set forth at length herein.
16. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 16 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 16 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
17. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 17 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 17 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
18. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 18 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 18 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
19. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 19 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 19 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff.
4
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, dismissing the Complaint against it with prejudice,
together with whatever further relief this Court deems just and ,equitable.
COUNT IV - CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS PAYMENT ACT
20. Defendant Westwood Hills repeats and realleges the preceding paragraphs of
this answer as if set forth at length herein.
21. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 21 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 21 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff and therefore cannot have violated the Act.
22. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 22 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 22 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff and therefore cannot have violated the Act.
23. Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 23 constitute a legal
conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the averments
set forth in paragraph 23 of the Complaint are denied. To the contrary, Defendant does not owe
any money to Plaintiff and therefore cannot have violated the Act.
24. (a)-(d) Denied. The averments set forth in paragraph 24(a)-(d) constitute
a legal conclusion to which no response is required. To the extent a response is required, the
averments set forth in paragraph 24(a)-(d) of the Complaint are ,denied. To the contrary,
Defendant does not owe any money to Plaintiff and therefore cannot have violated the Act.
5
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
with Defendant.
31.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests', this Honorable Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, dismissing the Complaint against it with prejudice,
together with whatever further relief this Court deems just and equitable.
NEW MATTER
Plaintiff has failed to state claims upon which relief can be granted.
Plaintiffs claims are barred by the applicable statutes of limitation.
Plaintiffs claims are ban'ed by laches.
Plaintiff's claims are barred by the doctrine of unclean hands.
Plaintiffs claims are barred by the equitable., defense of estoppel.
Plaintiffs claims are barred due to its prior material breach of its contract
Plaintiffs claims are ban'ed because the performance rendered by Plaintiff
did not conform to the contract specifications.
32. Plaintiffs claims are ban'ed because the pertbrmance rendered by Plaintiff
was sub-standard and not performed in a workmanlike manner.
33. Plaintiffs claims are ban'ed because the perfbrmance rendered was below the
standard of work expected of contractors in Plaintiff's line of work.
34. Defendant is entitled to a set-off because Plaintiff failed to perform under the
contract as bargained-for by the parties in that Plaintiff did not complete all of the work and the
work that was performed was done in an unworkmanlike manner.
COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW COMES Defendant Westwood Hills Associates, LLC, by and
through its attorneys, Stevens & Lee, P.C., and sets forth the following counterclaim and aver as
follows:
6
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
1. On or about July 27, 1998, PlaintiffDiller and Defendant Westwood Hills
entered into a contract whereby Diller agreed to perform, and Westwood Hills agreed to pay for,
certain services related to construction activities for a property commonly known as "Westwood
Hills - Phase I." A tree and correct copy of this Agreement is being sought in Defendant's files.
2. Plaintiffperformed some of the work specified in the contract but did so in an
unacceptable and unworkmanlike manner.
3. Plaintiff failed to perform most of the work specified in the contract.
4. Plaintiff was hired to perform certain grading, top-soiling and seeding work,
gas line trenching, sewer placement, clearing and grubbing and rough grading of the Westwood
Hills phases at issue.
5. Plaintiff failed to perform its paving, stoning of the streets and first course of
blacktop, 1,000 linear feet of curbing and the sewer line, storm sewer, street cut into subgrade,
curb preparation and finish grading.
6. Finally, in or about September 2001, the Conservation District submitted a
notice of violation to Westwood Hills Associates for wetlands violations caused by Plaintiff.
Plaintiff performed cleating and grading work in an area that had been designated as wetland on
the site plans.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
7. Defendant Westwood Hills repeats and realleges the preceding paragraphs of
this answer as if set forth at length herein.
8. Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a valid and binding agreement.
9. Plaintiff failed to perform its obligations under the contract, while Defendant
fulfilled its obligations under the contract as they became due and owing.
7
02/28/03/SL! 315665vl/68380.004
10. Because Plaintiff failed to fully perform the contract, Defendant Westwood
Hills was forced and will be forced to hire other contractors to cover and complete the work and
repair the poor workmanship of the work already performed.
11. As a result of the above, Defendant Westwood Hills has and will have to
expend its own funds to fix and complete the work that should have been performed by Diller.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Westwood Hills Associates, LLC requests that
judgment be entered against Plaintiff Diller in an amount in excess of $25,000, plus interest,
attorneys' fees and whatever other relief this court deems just and equitable.
STEVENS & LEE
Date: February 28, 2003 By
Mark D. Bradshaw
Attorney I..D. No. 61975
Todd R. B.artos
Attorney ID. No. 84279
P.O. Box 11670
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108-1670
(717) 561-5242
Attorneys for Defi,~ndants
8
02/25/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, TODD R. BARTOS, ESQUIRE, certify that on this date, I served a certified
tree and correct copy of the foregoing Answer to the Complaint with New Matter and
Counterclaim upon the following counsel of record, by depositing the same in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Craig R. Milsten, Esquire
CGA Law Firm
29 North Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
Date:
F~~003
Todd R. Bartos, Esquire
02/28/03/SL1 315665vl/68380.004
VERIFICATION
I, DONALD H. ERWIN, Principal of Westwood Hills Associates, LLC, Defendant in the within
action, being duly affirmed sccording to law, depose and say that thc facts set forth in the foregoing Answer
with New Matier and Counterclaim are tree and correct to thc best of my knowledge, information and belief.
This Verification is mad~ subject io the penalties of 18 pa. C.S.A. §490~,, relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
Dated: Fcbrvary28, 2003
O~/SL1 31~6~5vl/~$380.004
Household Finance Consumer Discount
Company
VS
Dennis G. Deitch and Sharon
L. Deitch
In The Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Writ No. 2002-5558 Civil Term
R. Thomas Kline, Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states this writ
is returned STAYED pursuant to instructions from Attorney Terrence McCabe.
SherifFs Costs:
Docketing 30.00
Poundage 144.00
Surcharge 30.00
Law Library .50
Prothonotary 1.00
Mileage 8.28
Levy 15.00
Posting Handbills 15.00
Advertising 15.00
Law Journal 274.70
Patriot News 216.52
Share of Bills 25.24
$ 798.76 paid by attorney
6/09/03
Sworn and subscribed to before me So Answers:
This /~?~ dayof(~,,
R. Shofiff
Thomas Kline,
Prothonotary Real Estate Deputy
THE PATRIOT NEWS
THESUNDAY PATRIOT NEWS
Proof of Publication
UnderAct No. 587, Approved May 16, 1929
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Dauphin} ss
JOSEPH A. DENNISON being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: That he is the Asst.
Controller of The Patriot News Co., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, with its principal office and place of business at 812 to 818 Market Street, in the City of Harrisburg,
County of Dauphin, State of Pennsylvania, owner and publisher of The Patriot-News and The Sunday Patriot-News
newspapers of general circulation, printed and published at 812 to 818 Market Street, in the City, County and State
aforesaid; that The Patriot-News and The Sunday Patriot-News were established March 4th, 1854, and September
18th, 1949, respectively, and all have been continuously published ever since;
That the printed notice or publication which is securely attached hereto is exactly as printed and published in
their regular daily and/or Sunday/ Metro editions which appeared on the 22nd and 29th day(s) of April and the 6th
day(s) of May 2003. That neither he nor said Company is interested in the subject matter of said printed notice or
advertising, and that all of the allegations of this statement as to the time, place and character of publication are
true; and
That he has personal knowledge of the facts aforesaid and is duly authorized and empowered to verify this
statement on behalf of The Patriot-News Co. aforesaid by virtue and pursuant to a resolution unanimously passed and
adopted severally by the stockholders and board of directors of the said Company and subsequently duly recorded in
the office for the Recording of Deeds in and for said County of Dauphin in Miscellaneous Book 'M",
Volume 14, Page 317.
pURl
AL1
W~st
of LR.
of L o a stake;
f~t toa
th~c~ 1
Sworn to and subsc~ b~fore.~,~.. 14th day~l~VZ~ A.D.
NotadalSeai // ~ /~/~ /~// ~- ~
Ci~ ~ ~sburg, Dau~in Coun~ I M~A~y PHR/I~ --
My ~m~ion Ex~r~ June 6, 2~ . L ~ ~ ~ - 'x '-- .....
~m~,Pe~s~niaAs~fion~N~sMY commission e p~res June 6, 2006
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PA, 17013
Statement of Advertising Costs
To THE PATRIOT-NEWS CO., Dr.
For publishing the notice or publication attached
hereto on the above stated dates
Probating same Notary Fee(s)
Total
$ 214.77
$ 1.75
$ 216.52
Publisher's Receipt for Advertising Cost
publisher of The Patriot-News and The Sunday Patriot-News, newspapers of general
receipt of the aforesaid notice and publication costs and certifies that the same have
t~71;
Cagi~ PA 17013, "
PROOF OF PUBLICATION OF NOTICE
IN CUMBERLAND LAW JOURNAL
(Under Act No. 587, approved May 16, 1929), P. L.1784
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA :
:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND :
SS.
Lisa Marie Coyne, Esquire, Editor of the Cumberland Law Journal, of the County and
State aforesaid, being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says that the Cumberland Law
Journal, a legal periodical published in the Borough of Carlisle in the County and State aforesaid,
was established January 2, 1952, and designated by the local courts as the official legal
periodical for the publication of all legal notices, and has, since January 2, 1952, been regularly
issued weekly in the said County, and that the printed notice or publication attached hereto is
exactly the same as was printed in the regular editions and issues of the said Cumberland Law
Journal on the following dates,
viz:
APRIL 25, MAY 2, 9, 2003
Affiant further deposes that he is authorized to verify this statement by the Cumberland
Law Journal, a legal periodical of general circulation, and that he is not interested in the subject
matter of the aforesaid notice or advertisement, and that all allegations in the foregoing
statements as to time, place and character of publication are true.
REAL F~TA'I~ SAL~ NO. 49
Wilt No. 2002-5558 Civil
Household Finance Consumer
Discount Company
VS,
Dennis G. Deitch and
Sharon L. Deitch
Atty.: Terrence McCabe
ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land
situate in West Pennsboro Town-
ship, Cumberland County. pennsyl-
vania, hounded and described as
follows:
BEGINNING at an tron pla la the
center line of L.R. #21034 leading
from Plainfield to Greason, which
pin In North 4 degrees 48 minutes
East 210 feet from the center line
of Township Road #T-446; thence
by other land of Lester Gerald'I'hmn-
ma and wife, North 85 degrees 12
minutes West 210 feet to a stake;
thence by the same, North 4 de-
grees 48 minutes East. 195 feet to
a stake; thence by the same. South
85 degrees 12 minutes East. 210
feet to a pin in the center line of
L.R. #21034; thence by the center
line of said road, South 4 degrees
48 minutes West, 195 feet to the
place of beginning: contairdng 40,-
950 and being described according
to a survey thereof by Ncel B. Smith,
R.S., dated September 8, 1972. a
copy of which is attached hereto as
a part of this deed.
BEING subject to a building set
back llae, which is 40 feet West of
tor
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this
9 _day of MAY, 2003
k~;GINNING at an Leon pin in the
center line of L.R. #21034 leading
from Plainfield to Grcason. which
pin in North 4 degrees 48 minutes
East 210 feet from the center line
of Township Road #T-446; thence
by other land of Lester Gerald 'Ihum-
m and wife, North 85 degrees 12
minutes West 210 feet to a stake:
thence by the same, North 4 de-
grees 48 minutes East, 195 feet to
a st~ke; thence by the same, South
85 degrees 12 minutes East, 210
feet to a pin in the center line of
L.R, #21034; thence by the center
line of said road. South 4 degrees
48 minutes West, 195 feet to the
place of beginning; containing 40,-
950 and being described according
to a surv~ thereof by Noel B. Smith,
R.S., dated September 8, 1972, a
copy of which is attached hereto as
a part of this deed.
BEING subject to a building set
back line, which is 40 feet West of
the proposed right of way linc of
L.R. #21034. which latter line is 25
feet West of the existing center line
of said road.
TITLE TO SAID PREMISES IS
VESTED IN Dennis G. Deltch and
Sharon L. Deitch. his wife, Deed from
[.ester C~rald Thumma and Gayle
Ruth Thumma, his wife, Deed dated
Septamber 26, 1972, recorded Sep-
tember 26, 1972, in Deed V-24, Page
253.
BEING KNOWN AS 136 Greason
Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.
TAX MAP PARCEL NUMBER:
46-07-0475-028A.