HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-5854L
MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Husband and Wife,
1018 Rockledge Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
Plaintiffs
V. :No. 2004 - 5? 5 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and
RUTH C. KESSLER,
Husband and Wife,
Defendants.
: CIVIL ACTION
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO CURTIS R. LONG, PROTHONOTARY:
Please issue a Writ of Summons against the Defendants, Edward F. Kessler and Ruth
C. Kessler, and enter our firm's appearance on behalf of the plaintiffs, Millard T. Ilgenfritz, Jr.
and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz. Please have the Sheriff serve the Defendants at the following
address:
EDWARD F. KESSLER and RUTH C. KESSLER
42 TURNBRIDGE LANE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT //ff
By:
Douglas . Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 83776
Matthew A. McKnight, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No.: 93010
60 West Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
November 19, 2004 (717) 249-2353
To: Edward F. Kessler and Ruth C. Kessler
42 Turnbridge Lane
Carlisle, PA 17013
You are hereby notified that Millard T. Ilgenfritz, Jr. and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz,
Plaintiffs, have commenced an action against you which you are required to defend or a default
judgment may be entered against you. ?')? t Date: 2004
PROT: JO OTAR
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
Plaintiffs
V. : No. 2004 - 5854 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and : CIVIL ACTION
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and Wife, :
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint, order and
notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and by 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 be 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.
Cumberland County Lawyer Referral Service
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-3166
Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County 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 our
office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court.
You must attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
Plaintiffs
V. : No. 2004 - 5854 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and : CIVIL ACTION
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and Wife, :
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW COMES the Plaintiffs, Millard T. and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz by and through
their attorneys, Irwin & McKnight, to make the following Complaint and in support thereof avers
as follows:
1. The Plaintiffs, Millard T. and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz, are adult individuals who are
principally reside at 1018 Rockledge Drive, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2. The Defendants, Edward F. and Ruth C. Kessler, are adult individuals principally
reside at 42 Tunbridge Lane, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3. Plaintiffs' principal residence is also known as Lot 32 of the Pleasant View
Estates subdivision and has a tax parcel designation of 40-23-0602-018.
4. Defendants own the vacant parcel of land known as Lot 31 of the Pleasant View
Estates subdivision which also fronts Rockledge Drive and has a tax parcel designation of 40-23-
0606-017 (Lot 31 is hereinafter referred to as the "Kessler Property").
5. Lot 31 owned by Defendants is directly adjacent to Lot 32, the Plaintiffs'
principal residence (Lot 32 is hereinafter referred to as the "Ilgenfritz Property").
6. On or about April 9, 2004, Plaintiffs and Defendants entered into an Agreement
for Sale of Land whereby Plaintiffs would purchase a twenty (20) foot wide portion of the
Kessler Property, which would be measured from the existing pin separating Lot 31 and Lot 32.
A true and correct copy of said Agreement for Sale of Land, including the referenced lot
drawing, is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
7. Upon the Plaintiffs' information and belief, the pins separating the Ilgenfritz
Property and Kessler Property in the Pleasant View Estates subdivision have been in place since
1954, the date indicated on the drawing included as part of Exhibit "A."
8. The Plaintiffs purchased their property on or about September 1, 1968.
9. The Plaintiffs' one-story brick ranch style house and driveway were constructed
and have existed on their property since 1968.
10. Pursuant to the Agreement attached as Exhibit "A," the Plaintiffs agreed to
purchase the above-referenced twenty (20) foot strip of land for the purchase price of Six
Thousand Two Hundred Sixty and no/100 ($6,260.00) Dollars, plus half of the total costs
associated with subdividing the Kessler Property.
11. Pursuant to the Agreement attached as Exhibit "A," Defendants were to subdivide
a similar twenty (20) foot strip of land on the opposite side of the Kessler Property and construct
one (1) residence on the residue of the Kessler Property.
12. The Agreement specifically provides that the tract of land to be conveyed is as
follows: "The lot beginning on West side of Rockledge Dr. at pin between lot 31 (Kessler
property) and lot 32 (Ilgenfritz property), thence along Rockledge Dr. in Southerly direction a
2
distance of 20 ft., then in Westerly direction, on a straight line parallel with the present boundary
between lots 31 and 32, to the Western boundary of lot 31 (a distance of approximately 230 ft.)."
13. Both Plaintiffs and Defendants were aware of the existence and location of the pin
between their properties prior to the execution of the Agreement attached as Exhibit "A."
14. Defendants now believe that the location of the pin is improper and encroaches
upon the Kessler Property.
15. As a result, Defendants apparently will agree to convey a twenty (20) foot strip of
land from the location where they believe the pin should be located, rather than from the
locations where the pin is and has been located for in excess of twenty-one (21) years. A true
and correct copy of correspondence dated October 25, 2004, from Defendants' legal counsel is
attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "B."
16. Since the execution of the parties' agreement, Plaintiffs have always been, and
now are, ready and willing to comply with the terms and conditions of the Agreement for Sale of
Land and to perform all actions agreed upon.
17. Defendants have wholly failed to keep or perform their part of the Agreement for
Sale of Land attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
18. As a result of Defendants' wrongful conduct in revoking the parties' agreement,
the Plaintiffs have suffered unique damages for which no adequate remedy exists at law.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, Millard T. Ilgenfritz, Jr. and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz,
respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter judgment against Defendants and award the
following relief:
3
(a) that Defendants be enjoined, preliminarily until final hearing and permanently
thereafter, from encumbering or subdividing the property in any way contrary to the parties'
Agreement for Sale of Land, and from selling or conveying the twenty (20) foot wide portion
subject to that Agreement to any person other than the Plaintiffs;
(b) that Defendants be ordered to specifically perform the Agreement for Sale of
Land and by good and sufficient deed convey the premises, as identified in said Agreement
following subdivision approval to be obtained by Defendants, with marketable title and free of
all encumbrances to the Plaintiffs in fee simple;
(c) that Defendants be ordered to legally sign, acknowledge and deliver the deed to
Plaintiffs in proper legal form, and accept in consideration thereof the agreed purchase price;
(d) that Plaintiffs be awarded their costs; and
(e) such other general and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Dated: December 22, 2004 By: - ZU&
Douglas G. Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. # 83776
Matthew A. McKnight, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. # 93010
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Millard T. and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz
4
VERIFICATION
The foregoing document is based upon information which has been gathered by our
counsel and ourselves in the preparation of this action. We have read the statements made in this
document and they are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
fr LARD T. ILGE IT , J .
SANDRA W. ILGENF'R,TZ
Date: 12/22/04
EXHIBIT A
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Law Offices
D'BRIE , B, I RIC & SCII F_ RER
19 Guest South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania I1-013
Robert L. O'Brien
David A. Boric
,Michael,-. Scherer
(717) 249-6873
Far (717) 249-57>j
direct: dbartc?`aobslaw. com
October 25, 2004
Roger Irwin, Esquire
Irwin & McKnight
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
RE: Kessler/11Renfritz
Dear Roger:
I met with you last week to review the results of the surveys showing the rotation of the
Ilgenfritz property.
The survey attached to the April 9, 2004 agreement entered into by the parties identifies the
specific location of the twenty (20) foot wide strip of land to be conveyed. The most recent survey
discovered the driveway of the Ilgenfritz' is actually six plus feet over the boundary line at
Rockledge Drive. Apparently, your clients want the twenty (20) foot wide strip to be measured from
the edge of their existing driveway. This change would constitute a condition on the ground not
known at the time of signing which, as I pointed out to you in oar meeting, would trigger the release
provisions of the Agreement of Sale.
The Kesslers have attempted to move forward with this transaction as written, that is, sale
of a twenty (20) foot wide strip from the pin as referenced in the plan attached to the agreement,
however, your clients have not agreed to such a transfer.
At this point, we are notifying you that the release language has been triggered and the
conveyance will not occur. The remaining issue is the survey costs incurred and I would appreciate
hearing from you regarding a proposed allocation of those costs,.
Very truly yours,
DUBRIE:N, BA C & JSRER
r
DAB/ta David A. Baric, Esquire
cc: Mr. and Mrs. Kessler
CERTIFICATE OF SER`'ICE
I, Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
DAVID A. BARIC, ESQUIRE;
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
19 WEST SOUTH STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
Date: December ?, 2004 IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Douglas t. Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
Plaintiffs
V. : No. 2004 - 5854 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and : CIVIL ACTION
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and Wife, :
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO ENTER LIS PENDENS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please index the above-captioned action as a lis pendens against the following real
property:
OWNERS: Edward F. Kessler (Cumberland County Deed Book 262, Page 1028)
Ruth C. Kessler
PROPERTY: Lot No. 31 on Plan of Pleasant View Estates in Plan Book 6, Page 1
South Middleton Township
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Tax Parcel # 40-23-0602-017
I hereby certify that this action involves the specific enforcement of an agreement to
purchase a portion of the above-referenced property, and thereby affects the title to or other
interest in said property.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Dated: December 22, 2004 By: ?4 1 wte,
Douglas . Miller, Esquire
Supreme ourt I.D. # 83776
Matthew A. McKnight, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. # 93010
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiffs
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
DAVID A. BARIC, ESQUIRE
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
19 WEST SOUTH STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
Date: December 22, 2004 IRWIN & McKNIGHT
?>? /v fi fe&
Douglas . Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR.
and SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ,
1018 Rockledge Drive
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Plaintiffs
V.
EDWARD F. KESSLER and
RUTH C. KESSLER,
husband and wife,
Defendants
TO: Millard T. Ilgenfritz
Sandra W. Ilgenfritz
c/o Douglas Miller, Esquire
Irwin & McKnight
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2004-5854 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
You are hereby notified that you have twenty (20) days in which to plead to the enclosed
Answer, New Matter and Counterclaim or a Default Judgment may be ered against you.
OBRIEN, ? RJfy RER
d David A. Baric, Esquire
Date:
I.D.#44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR.
and SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ,
1018 Rockledge Drive
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Plaintiffs
V.
EDWARD F. KESSLER and
RUTH C. KESSLER,
husband and wife,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2004-5854 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER, NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM
NOW, come Defendants, Edward F. Kessler and Ruth C. Kessler ("Kesslers") by and
through their attorneys, O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER, and file the within Answer, New
Matter and Counterclaim and, in support thereof, set forth the following:
ANSWER
I . After reasonable investigation, Kesslers are within information or knowledge
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these averments and they are, therefore, denied.
2. Admitted.
3. It is admitted only that the tax parcel number for the property known as 1018
Rockledge Drive, Carlisle, Cumberland County, is as set forth by Plaintiffs. The remaining
averments are denied. To the contrary, Plaintiffs' property is only a portion of Lot 32 of the
Pleasant View Estates subdivision. Further, Kesslers are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining averments and they are, therefore,
denied.
4. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted the Kesslers own that property
known as Lot 31 of the Pleasant View Estates as referenced on the survey of record with the
Recorder of Deeds of Cumberland County at Plan Book 6, p. 1. It is further admitted the tax
parcel number for Lot 31 as referenced in the Plan Book is 40-23-0606-017. It is denied that the
property dimensions or boundaries are accurately portrayed by any tax map.
Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Lot 31 is owned by
the Kesslers and is adjacent to 1018 Rockledge Drive, Carlisle, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania. It is denied that Lot 32 is the Plaintiffs residence or is correctly identified as
being the "Ilgenfritz Property". To the contrary, 1018 Rockledge Drive is only a portion of Lot
32 of the Pleasant View Estates subdivision.
Denied. To the extent these averments seek to state the Agreement of Sale, the
document is a writing which speaks for itself. Further, the Agreement of Sale incorporated by
reference a Plan which indicates the exact boundaries and location of the land to be sold.
Denied. To the contrary, Millard Ilgenfritz has admitted that he placed the pin as
it now sits subsequent to his purchase of a portion of Lot 32. Survey studies undertaken since
execution of the Agreement of Sale have revealed the pin as reflected on the Plan sits
approximately six (6) feet to the right of the existing pin facing the lots from Rockledge Drive
and is under the paved driveway of Ilgenfritz.
8. After reasonable investigation, the Kesslers are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these averments and they are, therefore, denied.
9. After reasonable investigation, the Kesslers are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of these averments and they are, therefore, denied.
10. Denied. To the extent these averments seek to state the Agreement of Sale, the
document is a writing which speaks for itself.
11. Denied. To the extent these averments seek to state the Agreement of Sale, the
document is a writing which speaks for itself.
12. Denied as stated. To the contrary, the Agreement specifically identifies the
property to be conveyed on the Plan which is attached to the Agreement. The Plan identifies the
strip of land as beginning at the pin identified on the Plan.
13. Denied. To the contrary, the parties mistakenly believed the pin, as present on the
ground, was in conformance with the pin identified in the Plan attached to the Agreement.
14. Denied as stated. To the contrary, the pin as placed by Ilgenfritz is improper and
does encroach upon the Kessler's property.
15. Denied. To the contrary, the referenced correspondence points out to counsel for
Plaintiffs that the contract was terminated by its very terms. Further, it is denied that the pin as
extent on the ground has been so located for a period of twenty-one (21) years.
16. Denied. To the contrary, Plaintiffs have refused to comply with the terms of the
Agreement. Attached hereto as Exhibit "C"and incorporated by reference is a letter from counsel
for Plaintiffs dated December 23, 2004 wherein Plaintiffs, through their counsel, refuse to
assume costs associated with surveying of the property which is necessary to effectuate any
transfer.
17. Denied. To the contrary, the Kesslers have no obligation to complete the
transaction. Moreover, it is Plaintiffs who have wilfully and wrongly failed to perform.
18. Denied. To the contrary, Plaintiffs have suffered no damage and have expressly
released the Kesslers from any and all claims which the Plaintiffs could assert.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor
and against Plaintiffs together with costs and expenses.
NEW MATTER
19. The Ilgenfritz property is a lot previously subdivided from the original filed
Pleasant View Estates Subdivision Plan and consists of approximately one-half of the original lot
as referenced on the Plan.
20. When the subdivision was made which created the Ilgenfritz property, the
surveyor erred and rotated the lot moving the boundary line between the portion of Lot 32
purchased by Ilgenfritz onto what is now the Kessler property.
21. Subsequent to the execution of the Agreement: for Sale of Land, a surveyor met
with Millard Ilgenfritz and counsel for the Ilgenfritz' and explained the error made in the prior
survey.
22. The Agreement of Sale specifically identifies the land to be conveyed in the Plan
attached to the Agreement. The point at which the description begins, is measured as being
229.44 feet from the edge of the Kessler property along Rockledge Drive at the border of the
Kessler property with the property of the Cooks.
23. The pin placed by Ilgenfritz on the edge of his property on Rockledge Drive
bordering the Kessler property is not 229.44 feet from the edge of the Kessler property at the
border with the Cook property.
24. At the time of execution of the Agreement, there was a mutual mistake of a
material fact, that is, the parties believed the pin as placed by Ilgenfritz was at the boundary of
the lots as referenced on the Plan.
25. The Agreement provides that Ilgenfritz shall pay "... one-half ('/z) the total cost of
subdivision action. Such cost may include but may not be limited to Surveyor cost, township
fees, County fees and transfer tax."
26. The Plaintiffs have failed and refused to pay the costs required by the Agreement.
27. By signing the Agreement, Plaintiffs expressly recognized and accepted the proper
boundary line between the lots as noted on the Plan.
28. Plaintiffs seek to unilaterally amend the Agreement by changing the description of
the property to be conveyed.
24. The movement and placement of the pin on the ground by Millard Ilgenfritz at a
location different from the point referenced on the Plan made the performance of the Agreement
impossible.
30. The Agreement releases the Kesslers from any and all claims that "may arise from
items or conditions on this lot of ground that may not be known at this time." It is averred that
the deviation of the pin on the ground from that point referenced on the Plan triggers this release
provision.
31. Performance of the Agreement was made impossible by the claims of Ilgenfritz to
ownership of a segment of the land by adverse possession. The Kesslers cannot convey "good
title" to Ilgenfritz for land which Ilgenfritz asserts a colorable claim of adverse possession.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor
and against Plaintiffs together with costs and expenses.
COUNTERCLAIM
RESCISSION
32. Defendants incorporate by reference their answers to paragraphs one through
eighteen and their New Matter as set forth at paragraphs nineteen through thirty-one as though set
forth at length.
33. At the time of execution of the Agreement, the parties mistakenly believe the pin
extant on the ground was at the juncture of the properties as reflected on the Plan attached to the
Agreement.
34. Alternatively, Ilgenfritz was aware that he had placed the pin and Ilgenfritz further
did not know whether his pin placement was in conformance with the Pleasant View Estates
Subdivision Plan.
35. Ilgenfritz has refused to pay one-half of the survey costs as related in the
correspondence of counsel for Ilgenfritz appended hereto as Exhibit "C".
36. A failure of a party to perform under a contract permits the other party to rescind
the contract.
37. A mutual mistake of a material fact permits rescission of a contract.
38. A party to a contract is in breach of the contract when that party makes
performance of the contract impossible.
39. The actions of Ilgenfritz in moving the pin rendered performance of the contract
impossible.
40. By so making performance of the contract impossible, the Kesslers are entitled to
rescind the contract.
41. Ilgenfritz has breached the Agreement by failing and refusing to pay one-half of
the surveyor costs.
42. The survey costs incurred to the date hereof total $3,000.00.
43. As a direct and proximate result of the breach by Ilgenfritz, Defendants will incur
damages of $1,500.00 representing one-half of the survey costs.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests this Court enter judgment for
Defendants and against Plaintiffs rescinding the Agreement and awarding Defendants costs and
expenses and one-half of the surveyors fees in the amount of $1,500.00.
Respectfully submitted,
;i:R]'C & U
r
David A. Baric, Esquire
I.D. # 44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
Attorney for Defendants
dab. d i r/realesta te/kessler/ilgen fritz/a nswer& n ewm a tier. pld
VERIFICATION
The statements in the foregoing Answer, New Matter and Counterclaim are based upon
information which has been assembled by our attorney in this litigation. The language of the
statements is not our own. We have read the statements; and to the extent that they are based
upon information which we have given to our counsel, they are true and correct to the best of our
knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements herein are made subject
to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unworn falsifications to authorities.
DATE:
Edward F. Kessler
Ruth C. Kessler
LAW OFFICES
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
WEST POMFRET PROFESSIONAL BUILDING
60 WEST POMFRET STREET HAROLD S. IRWIN (1925-1977)
ROGER B. IRWIN CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17019-3222 HAROLD S. IRWIN, 3R. 0954-1986)
MARCUS A. McKNIGHT. III IRWIN. IRWIN&IRWIN (1956-1986)
DOUGLAS G. MILLER (717) 249-2353 IRWIN. IRWIN & M[KNIGHT (1986-1994)
MATTHEW A. McKNIGHT FAX (717) 249-6354 IRWIN. McKNIGHT & HUGHES (19W-2003)
WWW IMHLAW.COM IRWIN & McKNIGHT (2003- )
December 23, 2004
DAVID A. BARIC, ESQUIRE
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
19 WEST SOUTH STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
RE: ILGENFRITZ v. KESSLER
Dear Dave:
Enclosed please find a certified copy of the Complaint filed in the above-referenced
matter. Also enclosed is a time-stamped copy of the Praecipe to Enter Lis Pendens.
After discussing the most recent proposal with our clients, they were not agreeable to
assuming one-third of the survey expenses. Roger Irwin had only one brief meeting with the
surveyor, and Mr. and Mrs. Ilgenfritz did not speak with him at all. Your clients would also
benefit the most from the survey, therefore our clients will riot agree to assume the additional
costs.
Please contact me in the event that you would like to discuss this further, otherwise I will
anticipate your prompt reply.
Very truly yours,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Douglas G. Miller
DGM:tds
Enclosure
cc: Mr, and Mrs. Millard Ilgenfritz (w/enc)
cc: Ed and Ruth Kessler w/Enc. 12/28/04
EXHIBIT "C"
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on January 13, 2005, I, David A. Baric, Esquire, of O'Brien, Baric &
Scherer, did serve the Answer, New Matter and Counterclaim, by first class U.S. mail, postage
prepaid, to the party listed below, as follows:
Douglas Miller, Esquire
Irwin & McKnight
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
David A. Baric, Esquire
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
Plaintiffs
V.
:No. 2004 - 5854 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and : CIVIL ACTION
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and Wife, :
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFFS' ANSWER
TO DEFENDANTS' NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW this ?? day of February, 2005, comes the Plaintiffs, Millard T. Ilgenfritz,
Jr, and Sandra W. Ilgenfritz, by and through their attorneys, Irwin & McKnight, and respectfully
file this Answer to the Defendants' New Matter and Counterclaim, and in support thereof aver as
follows:
NEW MATTER
19. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph nineteen (19) so
they are therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
20. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph twenty (20) so
they are therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
21. The averments of fact contained in paragraph twenty-one (21) are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial. By way of further answer, a surveyor met
briefly with Attorney Roger B. Irwin on one occasion, and did not prove that there was an error
made in a prior survey.
22. The Agreement of Sale referenced by Defendants in paragraph twenty-two (22)
speaks for itself and therefore no response is required. In the event that a response is required,
after reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge or information sufficient to form
a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph twenty-two (22) so they are
therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
23. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining averments contained in paragraph
twenty-three (23) so they are therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at
trial.
24. The averments contained in paragraph twenty-four (24) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
25. The Agreement of Sale referenced by Defendants in paragraph twenty-five (25)
speaks for itself and therefore no response is required. To the extent that a response is required,
Defendants have engaged the services of a surveyor to perform services far in excess of those
referenced in the Agreement of Sale, including the creation of two (2) building lots on
Defendants' property. Therefore, the averments that Plaintiffs agreed to pay one-half ('/z) of the
surveyor costs under any and all circumstances are specifically denied and strict proof thereof is
demanded at trial.
26. The averments contained in paragraph twenty-six (26) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
27. The averments contained in paragraph twenty-seven (27) are conclusions of law
to which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial. By way of further answer, the
2
parties met at the properties prior to preparing and signing the Agreement of Sale and physically
inspected the location of the existing pin and boundaries of the properties.
28. The averments contained in paragraph twenty-eight (28) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
29. The averments contained in paragraph twenty-nine (29) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial. By way of further answer,
Plaintiffs did not move the existing pin on the edge of their property on Rockledge Drive.
30. The averments contained in paragraph thirty (30) are conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
31. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-one (31) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter a
judgment in their favor and against Defendants in this matter, and award Plaintiffs the relief
requested in their Complaint.
COUNTERCLAIM
32. The averments of fact contained in the Plaintiffs' Complaint and the Plaintiffs'
answers in paragraphs nineteen (19) through thirty-one (31) above are hereby incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth below.
3
33. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-three (33) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
34. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-four (34) are specifically denied and
strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
35. Plaintiffs object to the inclusion of the correspondence attached as Exhibit "C" to
Defendants' Answer on the grounds that said correspondence was part of settlement negotiations
not admissible under Pennsylvania law, and therefore no response is required. Said objection
shall be continuing in nature unless explicitly waived by Plaintiffs. To the extent that a response
is required to paragraph thirty-five (35) the averments are conclusions of law, and are also
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
36. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-sir: (36) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments,
including any assertion that Plaintiffs have failed to perform, are specifically denied and strict
proof thereof is demanded at trial.
37. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-seven (37) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments,
including any assertion that there was a mutual mistake, are specifically denied and strict proof
thereof is demanded at trial.
38. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-eight (38) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments,
including any assertion that Plaintiffs have breached the Agreement of Sale, are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
39. The averments contained in paragraph thirty-nine (39) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
4
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial. By way of further answer,
Plaintiffs did not move the existing pin on the edge of their property on Rockledge Drive.
40. The averments contained in paragraph forty (40,1 are conclusions of law to which
no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are specifically
denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
41. The averments contained in paragraph forty-one (41) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
42. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiffs are without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the averments contained in paragraph forty-two (42)
so they are therefore specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial
43. The averments contained in paragraph forty-three (43) are conclusions of law to
which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, the averments are
specifically denied and strict proof thereof is demanded at trial.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter a
judgment in their favor and against Defendants in this matter, and award Plaintiffs the relief
requested in their Complaint.
Respectfully Submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
By: iq4-^
Douglas (t. Miller, Esquire
Supreme Court ID No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717)249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiffs,
Dated: February 15, 2005 Millard T. Ilgenfritz, Jr., et al.
5
VERIFICATION
The foregoing document is based upon information which has been gathered by our
counsel and ourselves in the preparation of this action. We have read the statements made in this
document and they are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
MI LARD T. ILGE T J
SANDRA W. ILCj F I
Date: February 3, 2005
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
David A. Baric, Esquire
O'Brien, Baric & Scherer
19 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(Attorney for Defendants)
Date: February 15, 2005 IRWIN & McKNIGHT
T7 ` /J i&
Douglas It. Miller Esquire
Supreme Court ID No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiffs
CIL
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2004-05854 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
ILGENFRITZ MILLARD T JR ET AL
VS
KESSLER EDWARD F ET AL
SGT DAVID ZEIGLER
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS was served upon
KESSLER EDWARD F
the
DEFENDANT , at 1626:00 HOURS, on the 24th day of November-, 2004
at CUMBERLAND CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE ONE COURTHOUSE SQUARE
CARLISLE, PA 17013 by handing to
EDWARD CRESSLER
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
18 . 0 0
.00
.00
10.00 R. Thomas Kline
.00
28.00 11/29/2004
MARCUS MCKNIG-3T
Sworn and Subscribed to before By:
Iz-
me this day of
A.D.
P othonotary
Deputy S eri
SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2004-05854 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
ILGENFRITZ MILLARD T JR ET AL
VS
KESSLER EDWARD F ET AL
SGT DAVID ZEIGLER
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
KESSLER RUTH C
was served upon
the
DEFENDANT
, at 1626:00 HOURS, on the 24th day of November , 2004
at CUMBERLAND CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE ONE COURTHOUSE SQUARE
CARLISLE, PA 17013
RUTH C KESSLER
by handing to
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing 6.00
Service .00
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00
.00
16.00
Sworn and Subscribed to before
me this day of
C .. p?0 j' A. D.
rothonotary
So Answers:
R. Thomas Kline
11/29/2004
MARCUS MCKNIGHT /
By: 7
Deputy Shl e -i_'f f
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Please list the following case:
(Check one) ( ) for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
( x ) for trial without a jury.
-----------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full) (check one)
MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, husband and wife
1018 Rockledge Drive
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(x ) Civil Action - Law
( ) Appeal from Arbitration
other)
(Plaintiff)
VS.
EDWARD F. KESSLER and
RUTH C. KESSLER,
husband and wife,
The trial list will be called on
and
(Defendant)
VS.
Trials commence on
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are due 5 days before pre-trials.)
(The party listing this case for trial shall
provide forthwith a copy of the praecipe to
all counsel, pursuant to local Rule 214.1.)
No. 5854 Civil Term x-rgcx 2004
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe:
David A. Baric, Esq., 19 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
Douglas G. Miller, Esq., 60 West Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17A13
This case is ready for trial. Signed:
Print Name: David A. Baric, Esquire
Date: April 28, 2005 Attorney for: Edward F. Kessler and
Ruth C. Kessler
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. AND IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
PLAINTIFFS
V.
EDWARD F. KESSLER AND
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and
Wife, ;
DEFENDANTS 04-5854 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this ?=::J ? day of May, 2005, IT IS ORDERED that a civil
bench trial shall be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2005, in Courtroom
Number 2, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvagia. -
,.9ouglas G. Miller, Esquire
For Plaintiffs 1?
-,6avid A. Baric, Esquire
For Defendants
Court Administrator
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MILLARD T. ILGENFRITZ, JR. and : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
SANDRA W. ILGENFRITZ, Husband : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and Wife,
Plaintiffs
V. : No. 2004 - 5854 CIVIL TERM
EDWARD F. KESSLER and : CIVIL ACTION
RUTH C. KESSLER, Husband and Wife, :
Defendants. : JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO SETTLE AND DISCONTINUE
TO CURTIS R. LONG, PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above-captioned case settled and discontinued and mark the lis pendens
terminated.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN & McKNIGHT
Date: June 4, 2007 By:
Douglas . Mil er, Esquire
Supreme Court ID #83776
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-2353
Attorney for Plaintiff
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Douglas G. Miller, Esquire, do hereby certify that I have served a true and correct copy
of the foregoing document upon the persons indicated below by first class United States mail,
postage paid in Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, on the date set forth below:
DAVID A. BARIC, ESQUIRE
O'BRIEN, BARIC & SCHERER
19 WEST SOUTH STREET
CARLISLE, PA 17013
Date: June 4, 2007 IRWIN & McKNIGHT
A. 68
Douglas it. 'ller Esquire
Supreme Court I.D. No. 83776
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
(717) 249-2353
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