CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT, dated as of November 16, 1990, by and between MIDWEST
GROUP TAX FREE TRUST (the "Trust"), a business trust organized under the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting with respect to the TAX-FREE MONEY
FUND, the TAX-FREE INTERMEDIATE TERM FUND, the OHIO TAX-FREE MONEY FUND and the
OHIO INSURED TAX-FREE FUND (individually, a "Fund" and, collectively, the
"Funds"), each of them a series of the Trust and each of them operated and
administered by the Trust, and THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, a state of Ohio chartered
bank (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Funds' Securities and cash be held
and administered by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made,
the Trust and the Custodian hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases,
unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Authorized Person" means any Officer or other person duly
authorized by resolution of the Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and
Written Instructions on behalf of the Funds and named in Exhibit A hereto or in
such resolutions of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
1.2 "Board of Trustees" shall mean the Trustees from time to time
serving under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to
time amended.
1.3 "Book-Entry System" shall mean a federal book-entry system as
provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of
31 CFR Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.4 "Business Day" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day
by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust
computes the net asset value of Shares of any Fund.
1.5 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
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1.6 "Officer" shall mean the President, any Vice President, the
Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer
of the Trust.
1.7 "Oral Instructions" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to
and accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably
believed by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii)
recorded and kept among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course
of business and (iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause
all Oral Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions prior to the end
of the next Business Day. If such Written Instructions confirming Oral
Instructions are not received by the Custodian prior to a transaction, it shall
in no way affect the validity of the transaction or the authorization thereof by
the Trust. If Oral Instructions vary from the Written Instructions which purport
to confirm them, the Custodian shall notify the Trust of such variance but such
Oral Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.8 "Fund Custody Account" shall mean any of the accounts in the name
of the Trust, which are provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.9 "Proper Instructions" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10 "Securities Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company
and (provided that Custodian shall have received a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifically approving the use of
such clearing agency as a depository for the Funds) any other clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the "1934 Act"), which acts as a
system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of any
particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are treated
as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without
physical delivery of the Securities.
1.11 "Securities" shall include, without limitation, common and
preferred stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or
other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments
or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same,
or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any
similar property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
1.12 "Shares" shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of
beneficial interest issued by the Trust on account of such Fund.
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1.13 "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) written communications
actually received by the Custodian and signed by two Authorized Persons, or (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from two persons reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or (iii) communications
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the use of such
devices and the procedures for the use thereof shall have been approved by
resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy of which, certified by an Officer,
shall have been delivered to the Custodian.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
2.1 Appointment. The Trust hereby constitutes and
appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash
owned by or in the possession of the Trust at any time during the
period of this Agreement.
2.2 Acceptance. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment
as such custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as
hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.1 Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held
by the Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities
maintained in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically
segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the
Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other Funds)
and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 Fund Custody Accounts. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open
and maintain in its trust department a custody account in the name of the Trust
coupled with the name of such Fund, subject only to draft or order of the
Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all Securities, cash and
other assets of such Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3 Appointment of Agents. (a) In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint, and at any time remove, any domestic bank or trust company, which has
been approved by the Board of Trustees and is qualified to act as a custodian
under the 1940 Act, as primary sub-custodian to hold Securities and cash of the
Funds and to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may
determine, and may also open and maintain one or more banking accounts with such
a bank or trust company (any such accounts to be in the name of the Custodian
and subject only to its draft or order), provided, however, that the appointment
of any such agent or opening and maintenance of any such accounts shall be at
the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its
obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
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(b) Upon receipt of Written Instructions to do so, Custodian shall
appoint as a non-primary sub-custodian such domestic bank or trust company as is
named therein, provided that such bank or trust company is qualified to act as a
custodian under the 1940 Act and provided that the appointment of any such agent
or opening and maintenance of any such accounts shall be at the Funds' expense.
The Funds shall reimburse the Custodian for all costs incurred by the Custodian
in connection with any such accounts.
3.4 Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause
to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Funds' Securities, cash and other
assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments or principal and capital
distributions received by the Funds with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Funds at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Funds for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5 Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Funds in
a Securities Depository or in a Book-Entry System, subject to the
following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Funds in any
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System, the Trust
shall deliver to the Custodian a resolution of the
Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, authorizing and
instructing the Custodian on an on-going basis to deposit in
such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System all Securities
eligible for deposit therein and to make use of such
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent
possible and practical in connection with its performance
hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of
Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral
consisting of Securities. So long as such Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System shall continue to be employed
for the deposit of Securities of the Funds, the Trust shall
annually re-adopt such resolution and deliver a copy thereof,
certified by an Officer, to the Custodian.
(b) Securities of the Funds kept in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository
Account") of the Custodian in such Book- Entry System or
Securities Depository which includes only assets held by the
Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers.
(c) The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of a
Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository shall, by book-entry, identify such Securities as
belonging to such Fund.
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(d) If Securities purchased by a Fund are to be held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the
Custodian shall pay for such Securities upon (i)
receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that such Securities have been
transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such payment and transfer for the account of
such Fund. If Securities sold by a Fund are held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the
Custodian shall transfer such Securities upon (i)
receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that payment for such Securities
has been transferred to the Depository Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the
account of such Fund.
(e) The Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any
report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System of
Securities Depository in which Securities of the Funds are
kept) on the internal accounting controls and procedures for
safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository.
(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss
or damage to a Fund resulting (i) from the use of a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason
of any negligence or willful misconduct on the part of
Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above or any of its or their employees, or (ii) from
failure of Custodian or any such sub-custodian to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against a Book- Entry
System or Securities Depository. At its election, the Trust
shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with
respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository or any other person from any loss or damage to the
Funds arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the Funds
have not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
3.6 Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody Accounts.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse
moneys from a Fund Custody account but only in the following
cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in
accordance with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in
the case of Securities (other than options on Securities,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against
the delivery to the Custodian (or
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any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above) of
such Securities registered as provided in Section 3.9 below or
in proper form for transfer, or if the purchase of such
Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set
forth in Section 3.5 above; (ii) in the case of options on
Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or such
sub-custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs
prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against
delivery to the Custodian (or such sub-custodian) of evidence
of title thereto in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred
to in Section 3.9 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or
reverse repurchase agreements entered into between the Trust
and a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or
between the Trust and a primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities, against delivery of the purchased Securities
either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository with such Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or
surrender, as set forth in Section 3.7(f) below, of
Securities owned by the Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain
distributions declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as
provided in Section 5.1 below;
(e) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by
the Fund, including but not limited to the following
payments for the account of the Fund: interest; taxes;
administration, investment advisory, accounting,
auditing, transfer agent, custodian, trustee and legal
fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all
cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole
or in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-
dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of
the NASD, relating to compliance with rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or of any similar
organization or organizations) regarding escrow or
other arrangements in connection with transactions by
the Fund;
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(g) For transfer in accordance with the provision of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian, and a futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity
Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
contract market (or any similar organization or
organizations) regarding account deposits in connection
with transactions by the Fund;
(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution
(including the Custodian), which deposit or account has a term
of one year or less; and
(i) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of
the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the
amount and purpose of such payment, declaring such purpose to
be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
3.7 Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody Accounts.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release
and deliver Securities from a Fund Custody Account but only in
the following cases:
(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund
but only against receipt of payment therefor in cash,
by certified or cashiers check or bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3.5 above;
(c) To an offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or
other similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided
that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to
be delivered to the Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer
into the name of the Fund, the Custodian or any sub-
custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or
of any nominee or nominees of any of the foregoing, or
(ii) for exchange for a different number of
certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided
that, in any such case, the new Securities are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
(e) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in
accordance with the "street delivery" custom;
(f) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan or
merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization
or readjustment of the issuer of such Securities, or
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pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such
Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including
surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection
with the issuance or cancellation of depository receipts;
provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash,
if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(g) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any
repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement entered into
by the Fund;
(h) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon
the exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new
Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(i) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the
Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust
shall have specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(j) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Trust, but only
against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
(k) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation,
reorganization, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of the Trust;
(l) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-
dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of
the NASD, relating to compliance with the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or of any similar
organization or organizations) regarding escrow or
other arrangements in connection with transactions by
the Fund;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian, and a futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity
Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
contract market (or any similar organization or
organizations) regarding account deposits in connection
with transactions by the Fund; or
(n) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon
receipt, in addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy
of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by
an Officer, specifying the Securities to be delivered,
setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to
be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper
corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom delivery of such Securities shall be made.
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3.8 Actions Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless
otherwise instructed by the Trust, the Custodian shall with
respect to all Securities held for a Fund:
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments to which the Fund is entitled either
by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect
on a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which
may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise
become payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund,
checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary
form for Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or
certificates of ownership under the federal income tax
laws or the laws or regulations of any other taxing
authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare and
submit reports to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
and to the Trust at such time, in such manner and
containing such information as is prescribed by the
IRS;
(f) Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to
Securities held therein, through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, all rights and similar
securities issued with respect to Securities of the
Fund; and
(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper
Instructions, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer and other dealings with Securites and assets of the
Fund.
3.9 Registration and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for a
Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the
Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a
Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for a Fund may
be registered in the name of such Fund, the Custodian, or any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or in the name of any nominee of any of
them, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any
nominee of either thereof. The Trust shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees hereinabove referred
to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any
Securities registered in the name of a Fund.
3.10 Records. (a) The Custodian shall maintain, by Fund,
complete and accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or
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other property held for the Funds, including (i) journals or other records of
original entry containing an itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and
deliveries of Securities and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii)
ledgers (or other records) reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities
in physical possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and
Securities loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and
substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received, and (E)
dividends receivable and interest accrued; and (iii) canceled checks and bank
records related thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records
of the Funds as the Trust shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the
1940 Act, including, but not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule
31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) be the property of
the Trust and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the
0000 Xxx.
3.11 Fund Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust
with a daily activity statement by Fund and a summary of all transfers to or
from each Fund Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least
monthly and from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a
detailed statement, by Fund, of the Securities and moneys held for the Funds
under this Agreement.
3.12 Other Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall provide the Trust
with such reports, as the Trust may reasonably request from time to time, on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities, which
are employed by the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above.
3.13 Proxies and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies
relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of a Fund, to be
promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and
all notices relating to such Securities.
3.14 Information on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly
transmit to the Trust all written information received by the Custodian from
issuers of Securities being held for the Funds or from agents of such issuers.
The Custodian shall also promptly notify the Trust of corporate actions, limited
to those
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Securities registered in nominee name and to those Securities held at a
Securities Depository or sub-custodian acting as agent for the Custodian, if the
notice of such corporate actions is published by the Financial Daily Card
Service, X. X. Xxxxx Called Bond Service or Depository Trust Company. With
respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall promptly transmit to
the Trust all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the
Securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or its agents)
making the tender or exchange offer. If the Trust desires to take action with
respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar transaction, the
Trust shall notify the Custodian at least five Business Days prior to the date
on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Trust will provide or cause
to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for any Security which
has unique put/option provisions at least five Business Days prior to the
beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUNDS
4.1 Purchase of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities
for a Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(a) the Fund for which the purchase was made, (b) the name of the issuer or
writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the
number of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units
purchased, (d) the date of purchase and settlement, (e) the purchase price per
unit, (f) the total amount payable upon such purchase, and (g) the name of the
person to whom such amount is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such
Securities purchased by a Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of
such Fund the total amount specified in such Written Instructions to the person
named therein. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation to pay out moneys
to cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for a Fund, if in the relevant
Fund Custody Account there is insufficient cash available to the Fund for which
such purchase was made.
4.2 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
Purchased. In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities
for a Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities
purchased but in the absence of specified Written Instructions to so pay in
advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such Securities to the
same extent as if the Securities had been received by the Custodian.
4.3 Sale of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by a
Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a)
the Fund for which the sale was made, (b) the name of the issuer or writer of
such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the number of
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shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold,
(d) the date of sale and settlement, (e) the sale price per unit, (f) the total
amount payable upon such sale, and (g) the person to whom such Securities are to
be delivered. Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund as specified
in such Written Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the
person specified in such Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the
Custodian may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and
may deliver Securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the customs
prevailing among dealers in Securities.
4.4 Delivery of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or
any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund for which such Securities
were delivered shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities may
not be made or that such Securities may be returned or otherwise held or
disposed of by or through the person to whom they were delivered, and the
Custodian shall have no liability for any for the foregoing.
4.5 Payment for Securities Sold, etc. In its sole discretion and
from time to time, the Custodian may credit the relevant Fund Custody
Account, prior to actual receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds
from the sale of Securities which it has been instructed to deliver against
payment, (ii) proceeds from the redemption of Securities or other assets
of the Fund, and (iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund.
Any such credit shall be conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final
payment and may be reversed if final payment is not actually received in
full. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time,
permit a Fund to use funds so credited to its Fund Custody Account in
anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any such funds shall be
repayable immediately upon demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to
the actual receipt of all final payments in anticipation of which funds were
credited to the Fund Custody Account.
4.6 Advances by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its
sole discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate
the settlement of a Fund's transactions in its Fund Custody Account. Any such
advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
5.1 Transfer of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the
purpose in the relevant Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper
Instructions specifying that the funds are
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required to redeem Shares of a Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount
specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such bank as the Trust may
designate with respect to such amount in such Proper Instructions.
5.2 No Duty Regarding Paying Banks. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation to effect payment or distribution by any bank designated in
Proper Instructions given pursuant to Section 5.1 above of any amount paid by
the Custodian to such bank in accordance with such Proper Instructions.
ARTICLE VI
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including
Securities maintained in a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the 1934 Act and a member of the NASD
(or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance
with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and
of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
contract market), or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements
in connection with transactions by the Fund,
(b) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection
with securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in
connection with financial futures contracts (or options
thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund,
(c) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities
made by the Fund,
(d) for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under
the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and
firm commitment transactions, and
(e) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated
account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
Each segregated account established under this Article VI shall by
established and maintained for a single Fund only. All
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Proper Instructions relating to a segregated account shall specify the Fund
involved.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
7.1 Standard of Care. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Trust or either Fund for any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
on and may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without
liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall promptly notify the Trust of any action taken or omitted by
the Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Trust or a Fund is in
compliance with the 1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the
Trust's charter documents or by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies
as then in effect.
7.2 Actual Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be
liable for, or considered to be the custodian of, any cash
belonging to a Fund or any money represented by a check, draft or other
instrument for the payment of money, until the Custodian or its agents actually
receive such cash or collect on such instrument.
7.3 No Responsibility for Title, etc. So long as and to the extent that
it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4 Limitation on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities held for a Fund if such Securities are in
default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
7.5 Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and any Written Instructions
actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.6 Express Duties Only. The Custodian shall have no duties or
obligations whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically
set forth in this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in
this Agreement against the Custodian.
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7.7 Co-operation. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply
necessary information, by Fund, to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust
to keep the books of account of the Funds and/or compute the value of the assets
of the Funds. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Trust
may from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to year,
favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (a) the preparation of the
Trust's reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the fulfillment by the Trust of
any other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and any
nominee of the Custodian or of such sub-custodian, from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability
(including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact that
Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such sub-custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such
sub-custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising from the Custodian's or
such sub-custodian's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
8.2 Indemnity to be Provided. If the Trust requests the Custodian to
take any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Trust shall have provided
indemnity therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the
Custodian.
8.3 Security. If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to a Fund
for any purpose, either at the Trust's request or as otherwise contemplated in
this Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee incurs, in
connection with its performance under this Agreement, any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim
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(except such as may arise from its or its nominee's negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any time held for
the account of such Fund shall be security therefor, and should such Fund fail
promptly to repay or indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
tilize available cash of such Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund
to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or indemnification.
ARTICLE IX
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay (i) shall not discriminate against the Funds in favor of any other
customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to
input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) shall
use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
ARTICLE X
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
10.1 Effective Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of two years
(the "Initial Term") and thereafter until terminated as hereinafter provided.
10.2 Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement
after the Initial Term by giving to the other party a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than sixty (60)
days after the date of the giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall
have been appointed by the Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt
of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on such specified date of
termination (a) deliver directly to the successor custodian all Securities
(other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and
cash then owned by the Funds and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b)
transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to
an account of or for the benefit of the Funds at
- 16 -
the successor custodian, provided that the Trust shall have paid to the
Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or reimbursement
of which it shall then be entitled. Upon such delivery and transfer, the
Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. The Trust
may at any time immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the
appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by regulatory
authorities or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an
appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
10.3 Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian
is not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which is (a) a "bank"
as defined in the 1940 Act, (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits as shown on its then most recent published report of not less than $25
million, and (c) is doing business in New York, New York, all Securities, cash
and other property held by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an
account of or for the Funds at such bank or trust company all Securities of the
Funds held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such delivery
and transfer, such bank or trust company shall be the successor custodian under
this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from
time to time by the Trust and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in
effect on the date hereof and applicable to the Funds are set forth in Exhibit B
attached hereto.
ARTICLE XII
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder
shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers,
agents or employees of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the trust
property of the Trust as provided in the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, as from time to time amended. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees, and this Agreement has been
signed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and
neither such authorization by the Trustees nor such execution and delivery by
such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to
impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind
- 17 -
only the trust property of the Trust as provided in the above-mentioned
Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE XIII
NOTICES
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions,
and other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
sent or delivered to the recipient at the address set forth after its name
hereinbelow:
To the Trust:
Midwest Group Tax Free Trust
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
To Custodian:
The Fifth Third Bank
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Mutual Fund-Operations
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XIII. Writing shall include
transmissions by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
14.2 References to Custodian. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information for a Fund and such other printed matter as
merely identifies Custodian as custodian for one or more Funds. The Trust shall
submit printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing
sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing.
14.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no
delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are
cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
14.4 Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no
amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument
in writing executed by the parties hereto.
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14.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
14.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
14.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
14.8 Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf by its
representatives thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first
above written.
ATTEST: MIDWEST GROUP TAX FREE TRUST
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
------------------ ------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, President
ATTEST: THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
---------------- ------------------------
Administrative Officer Trust Officer
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EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Trust to administer each Fund Custody Account.
Name Signature
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
-----------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
------------------------
M. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx /s/ M. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
--------------------------
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
----------------------------
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------
*Xxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
-------------------------------
*Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
--------------------------------
*Xxxxx Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx
-------------------------------
* Authority restricted; does not include: (i) authority to sign checks on
Fund Custody Accounts or make other withdrawals or distributions of
Fund monies or (ii) such other authority as may be withheld or limited
by Written Instructions signed by two Officers of the Trust and
delivered to the Custodian.
- 20 -
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF FEES
CUSTODY
Base Fee
Asset Value Fee 0.5 Basis Points
Minimum $1,500.00
Maximum $5,000.00
Transaction Fees
DTC Eligible Trades $10.00
FED Eligible Trades $10.00
Money Market Trades $44.00
(includes purchase & maturity)
Repurchase Agreements $15.00
(includes purchase & maturity)
Third Party Repurchase Agreements $15.00
(includes purchase & maturity)
Physical Trades $22.00
Amortized Security Trades $45.00
Options $35.00
Principal & Interest Payments $5.00
Wires & Check Disbursements $7.00
The cost of supplies, postage, taxes, insurance premiums, extraordinary services
and of non-primary agents will be added to the regular service charges.
These fees and charges will remain in effect for the Initial Term of the
Agreement.
- 21 -
December 21, 1995
The Fifth Third Bank
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Mutual Fund Operations
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Custody Agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 16,
1990 and amended January 8, 1993 and August 2, 1994 by and between Midwest Group
Tax Free Trust (the "Trust"), acting with respect to its series, the Tax-Free
Money Fund, the Tax-Free Intermediate Term Fund, the Ohio Tax-Free Money Fund,
the Ohio Insured Tax-Free Fund and the Royal Palm Florida Tax- Free Money Fund,
and The Fifth Third Bank (the "Custodian").
This letter serves to advise that the Trust desires that the Securities and cash
held by the California Tax-Free Money Fund series of the Trust be administered
by the Custodian. The Trust therefore requests that the Agreement be amended in
order to add the California Tax-Free Money Fund as a Fund subject to the terms
and conditions of the Agreement.
This letter shall have the status as an amendment to the Agreement and shall be
effective as of November 6, 1995.
Very truly yours,
MIDWEST GROUP TAX FREE TRUST
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Secretary
Accepted and agreed to:
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
----------------------------
Trust Officer
