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Exhibit 10.155
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This agreement is made on February 10, 1997, by and among
N-Viro International Corporation, a Delaware company, with its corporate offices
at 0000 X. Xxxxxxx Xxx., Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 ("N-Viro"), and Xxxxx,
Day, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx, North Point, 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxx., Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
("JDRP").
RECITALS
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A. N-Viro retained JDRP to provide legal representation with
respect to litigation filed against N-Viro Energy Systems, Ltd. in the United
States District Court for the Central District of California, entitled XXXXX
XXXXXXX XX. V. N-VIRO ENERGY SYSTEMS, LTD.. ET AL., No. CV-93-30420.
B. JDRP issued invoices to N-Viro for fees and expenses
incurred in the legal representation.
C. N-Viro has paid a portion of the total amount invoiced, but
$303,875 remains unpaid.
D. N-Viro and JDRP want to avoid the burden and expense of
resolving the unpaid fees through litigation or other dispute resolution
procedures and for that reason have agreed to settle their dispute as set forth
below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and of
the mutual covenants stated below, N-Viro and JDRP agree as follows:
1. N-Viro, for itself and its officers, directors agents, subsidiaries,
affiliated companies and entities, employees, successors, assigns, and other
representatives, hereby releases and forever discharges JDRP and its present,
former and future partners and employees, agents, and other representatives, and
each of their heirs, successors, and assigns, from all claims, liabilities,
causes of action, debts and demands whatsoever, in law or in equity, known or
unknown, arising before during or after JDRP's legal representation of N-Viro,
N-Viro Energy Systems, Ltd. or any other affiliated entity of N-Viro.
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2. N-Viro agrees to pay JDRP Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) plus
interest at an annual rate of 9.25% pursuant to the following payment schedule:
$12,500.00 on or before March 25, 1997;
$12,500.00 on or before June 25, 1997;
$12,500.00 on or before September 25, 1997;
On or before December 24, 1997 $12,500.00 plus interest from
the date of this Settlement Agreement to the date of the final payment at an
annual rate of 9.25% computed on the unpaid balance of the $50,000.00.
3. If N-Viro fails to make any payment when due as provided in
Paragraph 2, and JDRP notifies N-Viro in writing of the default, N-Viro shall
have five business days from receipt of the notice to make payment. If N-Viro
fails to make payment within this time, JDRP shall be entitled to receive the
full $303,875 balance of its unpaid invoices less payments made by N-Viro
pursuant to Paragraph 2, plus interest at an annual rate of 9.25% on the net
balance from time to time from the date of the failure to make timely payments
as provided in Paragraph 2.
4. THE RELEASE IN PARAGRAPH 1 OF THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WAS GRANTED IN
CONSIDERATION OF THE PAYMENT TERMS MADE AVAILABLE IN PARAGRAPH 2. THE RELEASE
THEREFORE REMAINS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT BY REASON OF
N-VIRO'S FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENTS WHEN DUE UNDER XXXXXXXXX 0, XXXX BECOMES
ENTITLED TO COLLECT THE AMOUNT PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 3.
5. Except for amounts that are due or may become due under Paragraph 2
or 3 hereof, JDRP, for itself, its past, present and future partners and
employees, successors, assigns, agents and other representatives, hereby
releases and forever discharges N-Viro and its subsidiaries, affiliated
companies and entities, officers, directors, agents, employees and other
representatives, and each of their heirs, successors and assigns, from all
claims, liabilities, causes of action, debts and demands whatsoever, in law or
in equity arising out of the legal representation provided by JDRP.
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6. N-Viro and JDRP represent and warrant that neither they nor their
representatives or agents will disclose this Settlement Agreement or its terms
or contents for any purpose other than (a) the enforcement of the Settlement
Agreement, (b) the parties' tax returns or related filings, or (c) as otherwise
required by law.
7. N-Viro represents and warrants that its authorized representative
signing this Settlement Agreement has read carefully and understand the contents
of this Settlement Agreement, has sought and received the advice of legal
counsel before executing this Settlement Agreement, and has the power, right and
authority to execute this Settlement Agreement.
8. The parties agree that any action to enforce the Settlement
Agreement must be filed in a state or federal court located in Cuyahoga County,
Ohio.
Each of N-Viro and JDRP hereby consent to jurisdiction within such court and
expressly waive any possible arguments opposing jurisdiction or venue. Any party
determined to have breached this Settlement Agreement shall pay the attorneys'
fees and expenses of the non-breaching party.
9. This Settlement Agreement represents the entire agreement between
the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or
agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. It may be amended only
by written instruments designated as amendments to the Settlement Agreement and
executed by the authorized representatives of each party. This Settlement
Agreement shall be governed by, construed under, and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of Ohio.
WHEREFORE, the parties have executed this Settlement Agreement
by their authorized representatives on the date set forth above.
N-VIRO INTERNATIONAL XXXXX, DAY, XXXXXX & XXXXX
CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxxx
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J. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxxx
Chief Executive Managing Partner
