AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT OF LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
EXHIBIT
3.2
AMENDED
AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
THIS
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered
into
as of the date set forth above the signatures to this Agreement, by and among
the Members (as that term is defined in Section 1) of Lincolnway Energy, LLC
(the "Company").
WHEREAS
the Members desire to enter into this Agreement to regulate the affairs of
the
Company, the conduct of its business and the relations of its Members, with
this
Agreement to amend the existing Operating Agreement of the Company dated as
of
May 19, 2004 (the "Original Operating Agreement") by replacing and superseding
the Original Operating Agreement in its entirety.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recital and the mutual agreements
set forth in this Agreement, the Members agree as follows:
ARTICLE
1
Β Β DEFINITIONS
1.1Β Definitions.
The
following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this
Agreement:
(a)Β Additional
Members.
The
term
"Additional Members" means, collectively, any Persons who are issued Units
(as
that term is defined below) and are admitted as a Member pursuant to the
procedures set forth in Section 9.4 at any time after the date of this
Agreement, other than any Substitute Members. The term "Additional Member"
means
any one of the Additional Members.
(b)Β Adjusted
Capital Account.
The
term
"Adjusted Capital Account" means, with respect to each Member, the Member's
Capital Account (as that term is defined below) as adjusted by the items
described in Sections 1.704-2(g)(1), 1.704-2(i)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4),
(5) and (6) of the Treasury Regulations (as that term is defined
below).
(c)Β Agreement.
The
term
"Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, as the same
may
be amended or restated from time to time in accordance with this
Agreement.
(d)Β Articles
of Organization.
The term
"Articles of Organization" means the articles of organization or the restated
articles of organization, as the case may be, of the Company, as the same may
be
amended or restated from time to time in accordance with this
Agreement.
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Β
(e)Β Capital
Account.
The
term
"Capital Account" means, with respect to each Member, the capital account of
the
Member at the particular time in question, as maintained and adjusted up to
the
particular time in question pursuant to Section 7.2.
(f)Β Capital
Contribution.
The
term
"Capital Contribution" means any cash, property or other forms of consideration
acceptable to the Directors (as that term is defined below), which a Member
contributes to the Company in the capacity of a Member, whenever the same be
made.
(g)Β Code.
The term
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time, or corresponding provisions of subsequent superseding United
States federal revenue laws.
(h)Β Directors.
The
term
"Directors" means, collectively, the directors elected or appointed from time
to
time in the manner provided in this Agreement. The term "Director" means any
one
of the Directors, or, if there is only one Director, the sole Director. As
provided in Section 4.16, the Directors are synonymous with, and shall be deemed
for all purposes to be the same as, "managers" for purposes of the Iowa Act
(as
that term is defined below) and the Articles of Organization.
(i)Β Fiscal
Year.
The
term
"Fiscal Year" means the Company's fiscal year, which shall be from the first
day
of October to the last day of September.
(j)Β Iowa
Act.
The
term
"Iowa Act" means the Iowa Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 490A of the
Code of Iowa, as amended or redesignated from time to time.
(k)Β Members.
The
term
"Members" means, collectively, the Persons who are, at the particular time
in
question, the record holders of the outstanding Units. The term "Member" means
any one of the Members, or, if there is only one Member, the sole
Member.
(l)Β Net
Losses.
The
term
"Net Losses" means, for each Fiscal Year, the net losses and deductions of
the
Company determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied from year to year employed under the cash or accrual method
of accounting, as determined by the Directors, and as reported, separately
or in
the aggregate, as appropriate, on the Company's information tax return filed
for
United States federal income tax purposes, plus any expenditures not deductible
in computing the Company's taxable income and not properly chargeable to Capital
Accounts under the Code, less any income of the Company which is exempt from
United States federal income tax under the Code. The Company may determine
Net
Losses utilizing the cash method or the accrual method of accounting, as
determined by the Directors, and the Directors may determine to utilize one
method for tax purposes of the Company and another for financial and/or other
purposes. The determination of Net Losses shall not include any Regulatory
Allocations (as that term is defined below).
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Β
(m)Β Net
Profits.
The
term
"Net Profits" means, for each Fiscal Year, the net income and gains of the
Company determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied from year to year employed under the cash or accrual method
of accounting, as determined by the Directors, and as reported, separately
or in
the aggregate, as appropriate, on the Company's information tax return filed
for
United States federal income tax purposes, plus any income of the Company which
is exempt from United States federal income tax under the Code, less any
expenditures not deductible in computing the Company's taxable income and not
properly chargeable to Capital Accounts under the Code. The Company may
determine Net Profits utilizing the cash method or the accrual method of
accounting, as determined by the Directors, and the Directors may determine
to
utilize one method for tax purposes of the Company and another for financial
and/or other purposes. The determination of Net Profits shall not include any
Regulatory Allocations.
(n)Β Person.
The
term
"Person" means and includes natural persons and any firm, general partnership,
limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, joint venture, trust,
cooperative, association and any other legal entity of whatever nature,
including public or governmental bodies, agencies or
instrumentalities.
(o)Β Regulatory
Allocations.
The
term
"Regulatory Allocations" means the allocations pursuant to Sections 8.1(b),
(c),
(d) and (e).
(p)Β Substitute
Member.
The
term
"Substitute Member" means any Person who is an assignee of a Unit and who has
been admitted as a Member with respect to such Unit pursuant to the procedures
set forth in Section 9.2.
(q)Β Treasury
Regulations.
The
term
"Treasury Regulations" means the Income Tax Regulations, including temporary
regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended
from
time to time.
(r)Β Units.
The
term
"Units" means the capital units of the Company. The term "Unit" means any one
of
the capital units of the Company.
Other
terms which are utilized in this Agreement may be defined in other sections
of
this Agreement.
ARTICLE
2
PURPOSE
OF THE COMPANY
The
Company has the purpose of engaging in, and has the authority to engage in,
any
lawful activity.
ARTICLE
3
CERTIFICATES
FOR UNITS
3.1Β Certificates
for Units.
Units
may
be issued with or without certificates as determined and authorized by the
Directors from time to time. Any certificates which are issued for Units shall
be in such form as the Directors shall prescribe. All Units and all interests
represented thereby shall in all events be issued and held upon and subject
to
all of the terms and conditions of applicable law and this Agreement, including
Sections 9.1 and 9.2, and the Directors may require that any certificates which
are issued to evidence any Units shall bear a legend to such effect, in addition
to any other legends as the Directors may require.
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Β
3.2Β Execution
of Certificates.
All
certificates for Units shall be numbered in the order in which they shall be
issued and shall be signed by any two Directors or by the Chairman or the
President and the Secretary of the Company. The signature of a Director or
of
the Chairman, the President or the Secretary upon a certificate may be by
facsimile. In the event any individual who has signed or whose facsimile
signature has been placed upon a certificate for Units shall have ceased to
be a
Director or the Chairman, the President or the Secretary, as the case may be,
of
the Company before the certificate is issued, the certificate may be issued
by
the Company with the same effect as if the individual were a Director or the
Chairman, the President or the Secretary, as the case may be, of the Company
at
the date of issue of the certificate.
3.3Β Cancellation.
Every
certificate surrendered to the Company for exchange or transfer shall be
canceled, and no new certificate or certificates shall be issued in exchange
for
any existing certificate until such existing certificate shall have been so
canceled, except in cases provided for in Section 3.4; provided, however, that
the Directors may authorize the issuance of Units without certificates in
exchange for any surrendered and canceled certificate. Every certificate
surrendered to the Company for transfer shall be properly endorsed for transfer.
3.4Β Lost,
Destroyed, or Mutilated Certificates.
In the
event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate for any Unit, another
may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Directors may
establish concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning
the
giving of satisfactory indemnity or bonds of indemnity.
3.5Β
Unit Record and Ownership.
A record
shall be kept by the Company of the names and addresses of all Members and
the
number of Units held by each Member, and if the Units are represented by
certificates, the respective dates thereof, and in case of cancellation, the
respective dates of cancellation. The Person in whose name Units stand on the
books of the Company shall be deemed to be the record holder and owner of such
Units and the Member with respect to such Units for all purposes as regards
the
Company.
3.6Β Transfers
of Units.
Transfers
of Units shall be made only on the books of the Company by the record holder
thereof, or by such holder's attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney
duly executed and filed with the Company, and on surrender of the certificate
or
certificates for such Units, if any, properly endorsed and the payment of all
transfer taxes thereon, if any. All Units and all interests represented thereby
shall in all events be transferable only upon and subject to all of the terms
and conditions of applicable law and this Agreement, including Sections 9.1
and
9.2.
3.7Β Regulations.
The
Directors may make such other rules and regulations as the Directors may deem
necessary or appropriate concerning the issue, transfer and registration of
Units, so long as such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with the
Articles of Organization, this Agreement or applicable law.
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ARTICLE
4
RIGHTS
AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS; OFFICERS
4.1Β Qualifications
and General Powers of the Directors.
Subject
only to Section 4.15, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed
under the direction of the Directors. No Director is required to be a Member,
an
officer or employee of the Company, or a resident of the State of Iowa. No
Director may delegate to any Person the Director's rights and powers to manage
and control the business and affairs of the Company, except only as provided
in
Sections 4.12 and 4.13 with respect to the appointment of officers for the
Company and the establishment of committees, and except that the Directors
may
cause the Company to enter into such management, consulting, advisory,
employment or other agreements as the Directors may determine from time to
time,
and on such terms and conditions as are determined by the Directors.
Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Directors shall have the power
and
authority, on behalf of the Company, to exercise all powers of the Company
under
Section 490A.202 of the Iowa Act, including:
(a)Β to
employ
or otherwise retain the services of such agents, employees, general managers,
accountants, attorneys, consultants, experts and other Persons as the Directors
determine to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the business and affairs
of the Company from time to time, whether or not any such Persons are a
Director, a Member or an officer of the Company or are affiliated with or
related to any Director, Member or officer, all upon terms satisfactory to
the
Directors, and to pay such fees, salaries, wages and other compensation to
such
Persons from the funds of the Company as the Directors shall determine from
time
to time;
(b)Β to
pay,
extend, renew, modify, adjust, contest, submit to arbitration, prosecute,
defend, settle or compromise, upon such terms as the Directors may determine
and
upon such evidence as the Directors may deem sufficient, any obligation, suit,
liability, cause of action, claim, counterclaim or other dispute, including
taxes, either in favor of or against the Company;
(c)Β to
pay
any and all fees and to make any and all other expenditures which the Directors
deem necessary or appropriate to, or in connection with, the business and
affairs of the Company;
(d)Β to
offer
and sell Units, debt or other securities of the Company, and in connection
with
the offer and sale of any Units, debt or other securities of the Company the
Directors may (i) prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, one
or
more offering statements or registration statements and related or other
documentation, and all such amendments and supplements thereto as the Directors
shall deem advisable from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and/or any
other domestic or foreign authorities for the registration, offering and sale
of
the Units, debt or other securities of the Company in the United States or
elsewhere, and along with one or more offering memorandums, offering circulars,
prospectuses or other disclosure documents, and all amendments and supplements
to any thereto; (ii) register or otherwise qualify the Units, debt or other
securities for offering and sale under the blue sky and securities laws of
such
states of the United States and other domestic or foreign jurisdictions as
the
Directors shall deem advisable; (iii) make all such arrangements for the
offering and sale of the Units, debt or other securities of the Company as
the
Directors shall deem appropriate, whether pursuant to a registration of the
Units, debt or other securities or otherwise, and (iv) take all such action
with
respect to the matters described in the preceding subclauses (i) through (iii)
as the Directors shall deem advisable or appropriate;
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Β
(e)Β to
take
all such action as the Directors deem necessary or appropriate to avoid the
requirement that the Company register as an investment company, a broker-dealer
or any other form of regulated entity under any applicable foreign, federal,
state or local law, rule, regulation or order, or, if so determined by the
Directors, to take all such action as the Directors deem necessary or
appropriate to cause the Company to be registered or licensed under any such
law, rule, regulation or order and to otherwise bring the Company in compliance
with any such law, rule or regulation or order;
(f)Β to
conduct and direct the banking business of the Company and to invest any funds
of the Company that are not required for or are otherwise not committed to
the
conduct of the Company's business from time to time in such manner as the
Directors may from time to time determine, including in certificates of deposit,
commercial paper, treasury bills, sweep accounts, and other
investments;
(g)Β to
negotiate, enter into, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all contracts,
agreements, licenses, documents or instruments which the Directors from time
to
time determine are necessary or appropriate to the business, affairs or purposes
of the Company, and with such Persons as the Directors shall from time to time
determine and whether or not any such Persons are a Director, a Member or an
officer of the Company or are affiliated with or related to any Director, Member
or officer, including subscription agreements for Units, debt or other
securities of the Company; checks, drafts, notes and other negotiable
instruments; mortgages or deeds of trust; security agreements; financing
statements; documents providing for the acquisition, mortgage or disposition
of
any or all of the Company's assets and properties; assignments; bills of sale;
leases; partnership agreements; and all other contracts, agreements, instruments
or documents necessary or appropriate, in the judgment of the Directors, to
the
business, affairs or purposes of the Company;
(h)Β to
pay
any and all taxes, charges and assessments that may be levied, assessed or
imposed upon the Company or any of the assets or properties of the Company,
or
to contest any such taxes, charges or assessments;
(i)Β to
acquire any assets or properties from any Person as the Directors may determine
and on such terms as are determined by the Directors, and the fact that such
Person is a Director, a Member or an officer of the Company or that a Director,
a Member or an officer is directly or indirectly affiliated or connected with
any such Person shall not prohibit the Directors from dealing with that
Person;
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Β
(j)Β to
borrow
money for the Company from banks, insurance companies or other financial or
lending institutions, a Director, a Member, an officer of the Company, an
affiliate of a Director, a Member or an officer or from any other Person, all
on
such terms as the Directors deem appropriate, and in connection therewith,
to
mortgage, encumber and grant security interests in any or all of the assets
and
properties of the Company to secure repayment of the borrowed sums;
(k)Β to
purchase liability and other insurance to protect the Company's assets, property
and business or any other potential obligations or liabilities of the Company,
including obligations and liabilities arising under Article 11;
(l)Β to
hold
and own any Company real estate or personal property in the name of the
Company;
(m)Β to
conduct or operate any of the Company's business or affairs by, through or
in
connection with any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, and to organize,
and
to make capital contributions or loans to, any such subsidiary or
affiliate;
(n)Β to
establish and maintain a reserve or fund, in such amounts and at such times
as
are determined by the Directors, for the purpose of the possible purchase of
Units by the Company;
(o)Β to
cause
the Company to, at any time and from time to time, redeem or repurchase any
or
all of the Units of any Member or Members, on such terms as are determined
by
the Directors;
(p)Β to
make
all determinations and decisions which are reserved to the Directors, or which
are otherwise to be made by the Company, under this Agreement, including the
declaration and payment of distributions to the Members pursuant to Section
8.2;
and
(q)Β to
do and
perform any and all other acts and things whatsoever as the Directors shall
from
time to time determine to be necessary or appropriate to carry out any of the
foregoing or any other term or condition of this Agreement or of the Articles
of
Organization or the Iowa Act, or to the conduct or operation of the Company's
business, affairs or purposes from time to time, and not inconsistent with
applicable law, the Articles of Organization or this Agreement.
4.2Β Number
of and Election of Directors; Terms of Office.
The
number of Directors shall be not less than seven nor more than thirteen, with
the exact number within such range to be determined and established from time
to
time by the Members. In the absence of a specific resolution by the Members,
the
number of Directors shall be nine.
Subject
to Section 4.10, the Directors shall be elected by the Members at the annual
meeting of the Members. Subject again to Section 4.10, each Director shall
serve
until the third annual meeting of the Members which follows the annual meeting
at which he or she was elected and until his or her successor shall have been
elected and shall have qualified, or until his or her death or resignation
or
removal in accordance with this Agreement.
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Β
The
Directors shall be divided into three classes based on their term of office,
with each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible. The term of each
of
the individuals serving in one class of the Directors shall expire each year
at
the annual meeting of the Members for that year, and each individual elected
by
the Members to succeed that class of the Directors shall be elected to serve
until the third annual meeting of the Members which follows the annual meeting
at which such individual was elected and until his or her successor shall have
been elected and shall have qualified, or until his or her death or resignation
or removal in accordance with this Agreement.
Any
vacancy occurring in any Director position (including by the Members increasing
the number of Directors) shall be filled in the manner provided in Section
4.10.
In
the
event the Members decrease the number of Directors, the Directors shall
designate the class of Directors from which such decrease shall occur, but
with
each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible following such decrease
in the number of Directors. No decrease in the number of Directors shall have
the effect of terminating or shortening the term of any then incumbent
Director.
4.3Β Nominations
for Directors.
The
Directors, or a nominating committee established by the Directors, shall prepare
a list of nominees for each Director position to be filled at the next annual
meeting of the Members. The Directors may, pursuant to agreement with any
Person, permit such Person to designate a nominee or nominees for election
as a
Director.
Any
Member or Members owning at least five percent of the outstanding Units may
also
nominate any individual (including any such Member) for election as a Director
at the next annual meeting of the Members by submitting a written nomination
petition to the Company in a form provided by the Company (the "Nomination
Petition") and signed by such Member or Members; provided, however, that (i)
the
Nomination Petition must be fully completed and received at the principal office
of the Company no sooner than the October 1, but not later than the November
30,
which precedes the annual meeting in question, or, if another period is
expressly and affirmatively required by applicable law, rule or regulation,
within the time period required by such law, rule or regulation; (ii) the
nominee must submit a signed written statement in a form provided by the Company
(the "Nominee Statement") wherein the nominee shall, among other things, agree
that the nominee will serve as a Director if elected and will prepare, execute
and/or file all such reports and documents, and provide the Company with all
such information, as may be necessary or appropriate in order for the Company
to
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(iii)
the nominee must meet all qualification requirements for Directors as may exist
at the time of the nomination and at the time of election; and (iv) the
Directors shall have the right to determine the slate (if any) on which the
nominee shall be placed for purposes of the vote of the Members. The Nomination
Petition and the Nominee Statement may require all such information and all
such
agreements and representations as are determined to be necessary or appropriate
by the Directors or the President. Any Nomination Petition or Nominee Statement
which is not fully completed and properly executed, or which is not received
within the time period provided above or is not true, accurate and complete
in
all respects, may be rejected by the Company and, if rejected, shall be returned
by the Company to the Member or Members submitting the Nomination Petition
or to
the nominee submitting the Nominee Statement, as the case may be.
Β
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Β
No
nominations for any Director position may be made from the floor at any meeting
of the Members.
Β
4.4Β Quorum
and Manner of Acting.
Subject
to Section 4.10, a quorum for a meeting of the Directors shall consist of a
majority of the total number of Directors established from time to time in
accordance with Section 4.2. If at any meeting of the Directors there be less
than a quorum present, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present. Notice of any
adjourned meeting need not be given.
At
all
meetings of the Directors, a quorum being present, the act of a majority of
the
total number of Directors then in office shall be the act of the Directors
with
respect to all votes, decisions, acts or other determinations to be made or
taken by the Directors, including with respect to the matters addressed in
Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.4, 9.5
and
9.6, unless the vote of a greater number is otherwise affirmatively and
expressly required by the Iowa Act or other applicable law with respect to
the
particular matter in question notwithstanding the intent, desire and agreement
of the Members as expressed in this paragraph that the act of a majority of
the
total number of Directors then in office shall be the act of the Directors
with
respect to all matters presented to or otherwise determined by the Directors.
Any
action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Directors may
be
taken without a meeting and without notice if the action is taken by at least
seventy-five percent (75%) of the total number of Directors then in office
and
if one or more written consents or written actions describing the action so
taken shall be signed by such Directors. Any such written consent or written
action shall be effective when the last such Director signs the written consent
or written action, unless the written consent or written action specifies a
different effective date. Any such written consent or written action shall
be
placed in the minute book of the Company or otherwise retained in the records
of
the Company. The Company shall promptly give a copy of each such written consent
or written action to each Director who did not sign the written consent or
written action in question. Any written consent or written action of the
Directors may be executed in counterparts, and may be given and received by
the
Company and any or all of the Directors by any form of electronic transmission
as provided in Section 12.1.
4.5Β Meetings
of Directors; Place of Meetings.
The
Directors shall meet within forty-five days of the date of each annual meeting
of the Members for the purpose of the designation and election of officers,
the
establishment of any committees and the transaction of such other business
as is
determined by the Directors. Notice of such annual meeting of the Directors
shall be given as provided below for special meetings of the
Directors.
Regular
meetings of the Directors shall be held at such place and at such times as
the
Directors may fix and determine from time to time. No notice shall be required
for any such regular meeting of the Directors.
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Β
Special
meetings of the Directors shall be held whenever called by the Chairman, the
President or by any three or more of the Directors at the time being in office.
Notice of each special meeting shall be given to each Director at least two
days
before the date on which the meeting is to be held. Each notice shall state
the
date, time and place of the meeting. Unless otherwise stated in the notice
thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special
meeting.
At
any
meeting at which every Director is present, even without any notice, any
business may be transacted.
A
Director may waive any notice required by law or this Agreement if the waiver
is
in writing and is signed by the Director, and whether before or after the date
and time stated in such notice. A waiver of notice shall be equivalent to notice
in due time as required by law or this Agreement. The attendance of a Director
at, or participation in, a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
meeting and of objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting
that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice,
unless the Director, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival,
objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does
not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.
A
Director who is present at a meeting of the Directors at which action on any
matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless
the Director's dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless the
Director files a written dissent to the action with the individual acting as
the
secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwards such dissent
by registered or certified mail to the Chairman, the President, the Secretary
or
the other Directors immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. No right
to dissent shall be available, however, to a Director who voted in favor of
the
action in question.
The
Directors may hold meetings of the Directors at such place or places, either
within or without the State of Iowa, as the Directors may from time to time
determine. If no designation of the place for a meeting of the Directors is
made, the place of the meeting shall be the principal office of the Company.
The
Directors may hold any meeting, and a Director may participate in any meeting,
by any means of communication, including telephone or video conference call
or
other telecommunications equipment or methods, by means of which all of the
Directors participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other during
the meeting. A Director participating in a meeting by any such means or methods
is deemed to be in attendance at and present in person at the
meeting.
At
all
meetings of the Directors, the Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman,
the
Vice Chairman, or in the absence of the Vice Chairman, the individual designated
by the vote of a majority of the total number of Directors then in office,
shall
preside over and act as chairperson of the meeting. At all meetings of the
Directors, the Secretary, or in the absence of the Secretary, the individual
designated by the vote of a majority of the total number of Directors then
in
office, shall act as secretary for the meeting. All business to be transacted
at
meetings of the Directors shall be transacted in such order and with such
procedures as the chairperson of the meeting shall determine.
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Β
The
Directors may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of the meetings of
the
Directors and the management of the Company, so long as such rules and
regulations are not inconsistent with the Articles of Organization, this
Agreement or applicable law.
4.6Β No
Liability.
A
Director does not guarantee the return of any Member's Capital Contribution
or
Capital Account, any distributions to the Members or a profit for the Members
from the operations of the Company. A Director is not personally liable for
any
of the acts or omissions of the Company, or for any debts, losses, liabilities,
duties or obligations of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or
otherwise.
4.7Β Directors
Have No Exclusive Duty to Company.
Except
only as may be provided in another agreement between the Company and the
Director in question, a Director shall not be required to manage the Company
as
his or her sole and exclusive function, and a Director may have other business
interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating
to
the Company. Neither the Company nor any Member shall have any right, by virtue
of this Agreement, to share or participate in any other interests or activities
of any of the Directors or to the income, proceeds or other benefits derived
therefrom.
4.8Β Resignation.
Any
Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman, the
President, the Secretary, or any two of the other Directors. The resignation
of
a Director shall be effective when the notice is received by the Chairman,
the
President, the Secretary or any other Director, as the case may be, or at such
later time as may be specified in the notice; and, unless otherwise specified
in
the notice, the acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make
it
effective.
4.9Β Removal.
Any
Director may be removed, with or without cause, but only by the
Members.
4.10Β Vacancy.
Any
vacancy occurring for any reason in a Director position (including through
an
increase in the number of Directors or the death, removal or resignation of
any
Director) may be filled by either the remaining Directors or by the Members,
except that only the Members may fill a vacancy occurring because of the removal
of a Director by the Members. If the Directors remaining in office constitute
fewer than a quorum of the Directors, the Directors may fill the vacancy by
the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors remaining in office.
In
the
event of a vacancy occurring by reason of an increase by the Members in the
number of Directors, the Directors shall designate the class of the Directors
to
which such additional position shall be assigned, but with each class to be
as
nearly equal in number as possible following such increase in the number of
the
Directors.
An
individual elected by the Directors to fill a vacancy shall continue to serve
as
a Director only until the next annual meeting of the Members, at which time
the
Members shall elect an individual to such Director position, who shall serve
for
the remainder of the unexpired term of such Director position and until his
or
her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, or until his
or
her death or resignation or removal in accordance with this Agreement. An
individual elected by the Members to fill a vacancy shall continue to serve
as a
Director for the remainder of the unexpired term of such Director position
and
until his or her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified,
or
until his or her death or resignation or removal in accordance with this
Agreement.
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Β
4.11Β Salary
and Other Compensation.
Subject
only to Section 4.15(e), the salaries, fees, benefits, reimbursements and all
other compensation payable to the Directors and to the officers of the Company,
in their capacity as Directors and officers, shall be fixed from time to time
by
the Directors, including with respect to meeting and committee fees. No Director
or officer of the Company shall be prevented from receiving any salary, fees,
benefits, reimbursements or other compensation by reason of the fact, without
limitation, that the Director or officer is also a Member or affiliated with
any
Member.
4.12Β Officers.
The
officers of the Company shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a President,
one
or more Vice Presidents (the number thereof to be determined by the Directors),
a Secretary, a Chief Financial Officer, a Treasurer and such other officers
as
may from time to time be designated and elected by the Directors. One individual
may hold the offices and perform the duties of any two or more of said offices.
No officer is required to be a Director, a Member or a resident of the State
of
Iowa. The Directors may delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any
other officer or agents, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, and
the Directors may leave any office unfilled for any such period as the Directors
may determine from time to time, except the offices of President, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary.
The
officers of the Company shall be elected annually by the Directors at the annual
meeting of the Directors. Each officer shall hold office until the next
succeeding annual meeting of the Directors and until his or her successor shall
have been elected and shall have qualified, or until his or her death or
resignation or removal in accordance with this Agreement.
An
officer may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Chairman,
the
President, the Secretary or any two of the Directors. The resignation of an
officer shall be effective when the notice is received by the Chairman, the
President, the Secretary or any Director, as the case may be, or at such later
time as may be specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise specified in
the
notice, the acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it
effective. Any officer may be removed by the Directors at any time, with or
without cause, for any reason or for no reason, but such removal shall be
without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the individual so removed.
The
election of an officer does not itself create contract rights in favor of the
officer.
The
Chairman shall, if present at the meeting in question, preside over and act
as
chairperson of all meetings of the Members and all meetings of the Directors.
The Chairman shall have authority to sign, execute and acknowledge all
contracts, checks, deeds, mortgages, bonds, leases or other obligations on
behalf of the Company which shall be authorized by the Directors, and may,
along
with the Secretary, sign certificates for Units, the issuance of which shall
have been duly authorized by the Directors. The Chairman shall be subject to
the
control of the Directors and shall keep the Directors fully informed and shall
freely consult with the Directors concerning the business of the Company. The
Chairman shall also perform all duties as may from time to time be assigned
to
the Chairman by the Directors.
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Β
The
Vice
Chairman shall perform the duties of the Chairman in the absence of the Chairman
or in the event of the death, inability or refusal to act of the Chairman,
and,
when so acting, shall have all of the powers of and be subject to all the
restrictions upon the Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall also perform such duties
as may from time to time be assigned to the Vice Chairman by the Chairman,
the
President or the Directors.
The
President shall, subject to the control of the Directors, have general charge
of
and direct the operations of the Company and shall be the chief executive
officer of the Company. The President shall keep the Directors fully informed
and shall freely consult with the Directors concerning the business of the
Company in his or her charge. The President shall have authority to sign,
execute and acknowledge all contracts, checks, deeds, mortgages, bonds, leases
or other obligations on behalf of the Company as the President deems necessary
or appropriate to or for the course of the Company's regular business, or which
shall be authorized by the Directors, and may sign, along with the Secretary,
certificates for Units, the issuance of which shall have been duly authorized
by
the Directors. The President may sign, in the name of the Company, all reports
and all other documents or instruments which are necessary or appropriate to
or
for the Company's business. The President shall also perform all duties as
may
from time to time be assigned to the President by the Directors.
In
the
absence of the President or in the event of the death, inability or refusal
to
act of the President, the Vice President (or in the event there is more than
one
Vice President, the Vice Presidents in the order designated at the time of
their
election, or in the absence of any designation, the senior Vice President in
length of service) shall perform the duties of the President, and, when so
acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions
upon
the President. A Vice President shall also perform such other duties and have
such authority as may from time to time be assigned to such Vice President
by
the President or by the Directors.
The
Secretary shall (i) if present at the meeting in question, act as secretary
for
and keep minutes of all meetings of the Members and all meetings of the
Directors; (ii) authenticate records of the Company and attend to giving and
serving all notices of the Company as provided by this Agreement or as required
by applicable law; (iii) be custodian of the seal, if any, of the Company and
of
such books, records and papers as the Directors or the President may direct;
(iv) sign, along with the Chairman or the President, certificates for Units,
the
issuance of which shall have been duly authorized by the Directors; (v) keep
a
record showing the names of all persons who are Members, their mailing and
e-mail addresses as furnished by each Member, the number of Units held by them
and the certificates representing such Units; and (vi) in general, perform
all
duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may from
time to time be assigned to the Secretary by the President or by the
Directors.
The
Chief
Financial Officer shall be the chief financial officer of the Company, and
shall
(i) have custody of and be responsible for all moneys and securities of the
Company; (ii) keep full and accurate records and accounts in books belonging
to
the Company, showing the transactions of the Company, its accounts, liabilities
and financial condition and shall endeavor to assure that all expenditures
are
duly authorized and are evidenced by proper receipts and vouchers; (iii) deposit
in the name of the Company in such depository or depositories as are approved
by
the Company, all moneys that may come into the Chief Financial Officer's hands
for the Company's account; (iv) prepare or cause to be prepared such financial
statements as are directed by the President or by the Directors; and (v) in
general, perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to the Chief
Financial Officer by the President or by the Directors.
E-15
Β
The
Treasurer shall perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence
of the Chief Financial Officer or in the event of the death, inability or
refusal to act of the Chief Financial Officer, and, when so acting, shall have
all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief
Financial Officer. The Treasurer shall also perform such duties as may from
time
to time be assigned to the Treasurer by the Chief Financial Officer, the
President or the Directors.
There
may
also be such number of Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers as the
Directors may from time to time authorize and appoint. The Assistant Secretaries
and Assistant Treasurers shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to
them
by the Secretary, or by the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer,
respectively, or by the President or by the Directors. The Directors shall
also
have the power to appoint any person to act as assistant to any other officer,
or to perform the duties of any other officer, whenever for any reason it is
impracticable for such officer to act personally, and such assistant or acting
officer so appointed shall have the power to perform all the duties of the
office to which he or she is so appointed to be assistant, or as to which he
or
she is so appointed to act, except as such power may be otherwise defined or
restricted by the Directors.
4.13Β Committees.
The
Directors may, but are not required to, from time to time establish one or
more
committees, including an executive committee, an audit committee, a compensation
committee and a nominations committee, with each committee to consist of two
or
more Directors appointed by the Directors. Any committee shall serve at the
will
of the Directors. Each committee shall have the powers and duties delegated
to
it by the Directors. The Directors may appoint one or more Directors as
alternative members of any committee who may take the place of any absent member
or members at any meetings of the committee, upon request by the President
or
the chairperson of the committee. Each committee shall fix its own charter
or
other rules governing the conduct of its activities as the Directors may request
or approve from time to time.
A
committee shall not: (i) authorize distributions by the Company; (ii) approve
or
propose to the Members any action that this Agreement requires be approved
by
the Members; (iii) fill vacancies in the Directors or on any of the committees
of the Directors; (iv) amend the Articles of Organization or this Agreement;
(v)
authorize or approve the acquisition of any Units by the Company; or (vi)
authorize or approve the issuance or sale or contract for the sale of any Units
or any debt or other securities of the Company.
4.14Β Execution
of Documents.
The
Directors may authorize any one or more Directors or officers of the Company
to
negotiate, execute and/or deliver any agreements, documents or instruments
of
whatever type or nature whatsoever on behalf of the Company, and such authority
may be general or confined to specific transactions or instances.
4.15Β Member
Action Required.
Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement which may appear to be to the contrary, including
Section 4.1, neither the Directors nor any officer of the Company shall take,
or
cause to be taken, any of the following acts or matters without the vote of
the
Members taken or otherwise obtained in accordance with Article 6:
E-16
Β
(a)Β the
sale,
lease, exchange or other transfer or disposition of all or substantially all
of
the assets of the Company, other than by or pursuant to the granting or entering
into of, or the enforcement of any rights or remedies under, any mortgage,
deed
of trust, pledge, security interest or other form of security or collateral
agreement, document, instrument or transaction;
(b)Β the
merger of the Company with or into another Person under the Iowa Act or the
conversion of the Company into another form of entity under the Iowa
Act;
(c)Β the
dissolution of the Company;
(d)Β the
amendment or restatement of the Articles of Organization or this Agreement;
(e)Β the
issuance of any Units to any Director or any officer of the Company in the
individual's capacity as a Director or officer;
(f)Β the
issuance of any Units by the Company if, after giving effect to the issuance
of
the Units, the Company would have more than 45,608 outstanding
Units;
(g)Β the
issuance of any Units for a consideration or value of less than $500 per
Unit;
(h)Β any
act
or matter for which the vote of the Members is affirmatively and expressly
required by any other Section of this Agreement, including under Sections 4.2
and 4.9; or
(i)Β any
act
or matter for which the vote of the Members is affirmatively and expressly
required by the Iowa Act or other applicable law notwithstanding the intent,
desire and agreement of the Members that the only acts and matters which must
be
voted upon or otherwise approved by the Members are those which are expressly
required by subparagraphs (a) through (h) of this Section.
4.16Β Directors
are Synonymous with Managers.
The
Directors are synonymous with, and shall be deemed for all purposes to be the
same as, "managers" for purposes of the Iowa Act and the Articles of
Organization. The Directors may sign any and all agreements, documents or
instruments utilizing the title of either "Director" or "Manager". Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Directors may be referred to
as
"directors" or "managers" in any reports or other documents required to be
filed
by the Company or any Director with any governmental or regulatory authority,
including the Securities and Exchange Commission.Β
ARTICLE
5
RIGHTS
AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS
5.1Β No
Liability.
A Member
does not guarantee the return of any Member's Capital Contribution or Capital
Account, any distributions to the Members, or a profit for the Members from
the
operations of the Company. A Member is not personally liable for any of the
acts
or omissions of the Company, or for any debts, losses, liabilities, duties
or
obligations of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise,
except only to the extent of any unpaid Capital Contribution of the Member
to
the Company.
E-17
Β
5.2Β Members
Have No Exclusive Duty to Company.
Except
only as may be provided in another agreement between the Company and the Member
in question, a Member may have other business interests and may engage in other
activities in addition to those relating to the Company. Neither the Company
nor
any Member shall have any right, by virtue of this Agreement, to share or
participate in any other interests or activities of any of the Members or to
the
income, proceeds or other benefits derived therefrom.
5.3Β Company
Books; Communications With Directors.
The
Company shall keep the following documents at the principal office of the
Company: (i) a current list of the full name and last known business address
of
each Member and Director; (ii) a copy of the Articles of Organization and all
articles of amendment thereto; (iii) copies of the Company's federal, state
and
local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years;
(iv) a copy of this Agreement and all amendments hereto; (v) copies of any
financial statements of the Company for the three most recent years; and (vi)
such other documents as may from time to time be required by the Iowa Act or
other applicable law.
Subject
to the following, each Member has the right, for any purpose reasonably related
to the Member's interest as a member of the Company, and upon reasonable request
and during ordinary business hours, to (i) inspect and copy the Company
documents referenced in the preceding paragraph at the Member's expense, and
(ii) obtain from any Director or Directors from time to time upon reasonable
demand (1) true and full information regarding the state of the business and
financial condition of the Company; (2) promptly after they become available,
a
copy of the Company's federal, state and local income tax returns for each
year;
and (3) other information regarding the affairs of the Company as is just and
reasonable. A Member's rights under this paragraph shall, however, also be
subject to the Member's compliance with any safety, security and/or
confidentiality guidelines or procedures of the Company.
Any
Member desiring to send any communication to the Directors may do so in writing
by either delivering the writing to the Company's principal office or by mailing
the writing to that office, in either case, to the attention of the President.
The Company will provide a copy of each such writing to each
Director.
5.4Β Priority
and Return of Capital.
No
Member
shall have priority over any other Member as to the return of Capital
Contributions or Capital Accounts or as to Net Profits, Net Losses or
distributions. This Section shall not, however, apply to loans (as distinguished
from Capital Contributions) which a Member has made to the Company.
5.5Β Withdrawal
of a Member.
A
Member
may not and does not have the power or right to resign or withdraw from the
Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company.
No
Member
shall cease to be a member of the Company because of the occurrence of any
act
or circumstance other than the sale, assignment or other transfer of all of
the
Member's Units, including because of the occurrence of any of the acts or
circumstances specified in Section 490A.712, subparagraphs 3 through 9, of
the
Iowa Act.
E-18
Β
5.6Β Member
Authority Limited.
No
Member, in the capacity as a member of the Company, is an agent of the Company
for the purpose of the Company's business or affairs or otherwise. No Member
has
any right, power or authority to, and shall not, enter into any agreements,
documents, instruments or transactions of whatever type or nature for or on
behalf of the Company, or otherwise obligate or bind the Company with respect
to
any transaction or matter whatsoever. No Member may delegate to any Person
the
Member's rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of
the
Company, except with respect to the giving of a proxy as provided in Section
6.9
and the election of the Directors as provided in this Agreement.
5.7Β Limitation
on Ownership of Units.
Notwithstanding
any term or condition of this Agreement which may appear to be to the contrary,
no Member shall, directly or indirectly, own, hold or control more than
forty-nine percent (49%) of the outstanding Units at any time, unless the Member
exceeds that percentage by reason of the Company redeeming or purchasing Units,
but in that case, the Member shall not increase the number of Units owned,
held
or controlled by the Member.
For
purposes of this Section, the term "control" means the right or ability to
vote
or direct the vote of any Units, whether pursuant to a proxy, voting agreement,
voting trust, or otherwise.
For
purposes of this Section, a Member shall be deemed to indirectly own, hold
or
control any and all Units which are owned or held by the Member's spouse or
any
of the Member's parents or minor children (including by adoption) (collectively,
the "Relatives"), and by any entity of which any one or more of the Member
or
any Relative or Relatives owns or holds at least ten percent (10%) of the
outstanding voting securities or equity of such entity.
The
Company shall not be required to recognize or honor the ownership, holding
or
control of any Units which are owned, held or controlled in violation of this
Section. Each Member shall provide the Company with all such information and
documentation as is requested by the Company from time to time in order to
determine whether the Member is in compliance with this Section, and each Member
shall otherwise promptly and fully cooperate with the Company in this
regard.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this Section shall not be applicable to, and shall not otherwise
limit or restrict, the solicitation and receipt of proxies or ballots by the
Company or by any Director in the capacity as a Director.
Β
ARTICLE
6
MEETINGS
OF MEMBERS; MANNER OF ACTING OF MEMBERS
6.1Β Annual
and Special Meetings of the Members.
An
annual
meeting of the Members for the election of Directors and for the transaction
of
such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at
such place, at such time and on such day in January, February, March or April
of
each year as the Directors shall each year fix, or at such other place, time
or
date as the Directors may fix and determine from time to time.
E-19
Β
Special
meetings of the Members, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by the
Directors or by the Chairman or the President, and shall be called by or at
the
direction of the Directors or the Chairman or the President upon the written
request of any Member or Members holding at least thirty percent (30%) of the
outstanding Units.
6.2Β Place
of Meetings.
The
Directors, the Chairman or the President may designate any place, either within
or outside the State of Iowa, as the place of meeting for the annual meeting
or
any special meeting of the Members. If no designation is made by the Directors
or by the Chairman or the President, the place of meeting shall be the principal
office of the Company in the State of Iowa.
6.3Β Notice
of Meetings or of Action to be Taken Only by Ballot.
Except
as provided in Sections 6.4, 6.10 and 6.12, written notice stating the place,
day and hour of all meetings of the Members and the purpose or purposes for
which the meeting is called, shall be given to each Member not less than five
nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, by or at the direction
of the Directors, the Chairman or the President. The notice shall be given
as
provided in Section 12.1.
If
the
Directors determine that any matter or matters to be presented to the vote
of
the Members shall be done and taken only by a written ballot, without holding
a
meeting of the Members, notice of the matter or matters, along with the ballot,
shall be given to the Members not less than five nor more than ninety days
before the last date on which the Company will accept such ballot. The notice
shall be given as provided in Section 12.1.
6.4Β Meeting
of all Members.
If all
of the Members shall meet at any time and place, either within or outside of
the
State of Iowa, and consent to the holding of a meeting at such time and place,
such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such meeting lawful
action may be taken.
6.5Β Record
Date.
The
record date for the purpose of determining the Members entitled to notice of
or
to vote at any meeting of the Members shall be the date on which notice of
the
meeting is given to the Members, or if no notice is required to be given of
such
meeting, the date of the meeting. A determination of the Members entitled to
notice of or to vote at any meeting of the Members which has been made as
provided in this Section shall also apply to any adjournment of the meeting
in
question. If the Directors determine that any matter or matters to be presented
to the vote of the Members shall be done and taken only by a written ballot,
without holding a meeting of the Members, the record date for the purpose of
determining the Members entitled to notice of such matter or matters and to
vote
by ballot on such matter or matters shall be the date such notice and ballot
are
given to the Members.
6.6Β Voting
Rights of Members.
The
Members shall have one vote for each Unit held by them, and the Members shall
be
entitled to vote on any and all acts, matters, decisions, questions or other
determinations on which the vote of the Members is expressly and affirmatively
required by this Agreement. A Member abstaining on any vote or withholding
the
Member's vote shall be counted present for quorum purposes, but the Units of
the
Member will not be counted as votes cast for or against the act, matter,
decision, question or other determination in question.
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Β
6.7Β Quorum.
The
Members holding at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the outstanding Units,
represented in person or by proxy or written ballot pursuant to Section 6.9,
shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Members. In the absence of
a
quorum at a meeting of the Members, the Members holding a majority of the
outstanding Units represented at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time
to time without further notice. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum
shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might
have
been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. The Units constituting
at
least twenty-five percent (25%) of the outstanding Units and which are
represented by written ballots which have been timely and properly returned
by
the Members shall constitute a quorum of the Members for any matter or matters
which are presented to the Members only by a written ballot, without a meeting
of the Members.
6.8Β Manner
of Acting.
Except
only as provided in the following paragraph in this Section, the vote of the
Members holding at least a majority of the outstanding Units represented at
a
meeting at which a quorum of the Members is present shall be the act of the
Members with respect to all votes, acts, matters, decisions, questions or other
determinations whatsoever to be taken or made by the Members under the Articles
of Organization, this Agreement, the Iowa Act (including under Section 490A.1203
of the Iowa Act) or other applicable law, or otherwise, including with respect
to the acts and matters specified in Section 4.15, the establishment of the
number of Directors pursuant to Section 4.2, the removal of a Director under
Section 4.9, and the amendment or restatement of this Agreement or the Articles
of Organization. Except only as provided in the following paragraph in this
Section, if a quorum of the Members has been obtained through the written
ballots returned by the Members, the vote of at least a majority of the
outstanding Units which are represented by the written ballots which have been
timely and properly returned by the Members shall be the act of the Members
with
respect to all votes, acts, matters, decisions, questions or other
determinations whatsoever which are presented to the Members only by written
ballot, including with respect to all of the matters listed in the preceding
sentence.
The
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the Units at
a
meeting of the Members at which a quorum is present, or, if the vote on the
election of the Directors was taken only by a written ballot, by a plurality
of
the votes cast by the Units represented by the written ballots and for which
at
least a quorum of the Units was represented by such written ballots. This
paragraph applies to the election of Directors by the Members under both Section
4.2 and Section 4.10.
At
all
meetings of the Members, the Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman, the
Vice Chairman, or in the absence of the Vice Chairman, the individual designated
by the vote of the Members holding at least a majority of the outstanding Units
represented at the meeting in question, shall preside over and act as
chairperson of the meeting. At all meetings of the Members, the Secretary,
or in
the absence of the Secretary, the individual designated by the chairperson
of
the meeting in question, shall act as secretary for the meeting. The business
at
all meetings of the Members shall be transacted in such order and with such
procedures as the chairperson may from time to time determine.
The
Members may adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of the meetings of
the
Members, so long as such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with the
Articles of Organization, this Agreement or applicable law.
E-21
Β
6.9Β Proxies;
Voting by Ballots.
At all
meetings of the Members, a Member may vote in person or by proxy executed in
writing by the Member or by a duly authorized attorney-in-fact of the Member.
Any such proxy must be filed with the Company before or at the time of the
meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its
execution, unless otherwise expressly provided in the proxy.
The
Directors may determine that the vote on any one or more matters to be voted
on
by the Members may be taken only by a written ballot, without a meeting of
the
Members, or may include the use of a written ballot as part of or in connection
with a meeting of the Members. The Directors may establish the form of written
ballot and all such methods, processes and procedures for the use of written
ballots as the Directors determine to be appropriate from time to time,
including for the return and delivery of written ballots to the Company, the
opening and tabulation of the results of the voting on matters voted upon by
written ballot, the revocation of a written ballot by a Member, and the period
of time during which the Company will accept the return of written ballots
or
will allow the revocation of a written ballot.
A
Member
who is not present in person at a Member meeting but who has returned a written
ballot with respect to any matter which is presented to the Members at such
meeting shall be counted present for purposes of determining whether a quorum
is
present to act on the matter, but shall not be counted present for purposes
of
determining the presence of a quorum to transact any other business at the
Member meeting in question.
If
a
written ballot is properly completed and timely returned, the Units represented
by the written ballot will be voted in accordance with the specifications
provided in the written ballot.
No
proposals may be made by any Member or any Director from the floor at any
meeting of the Members with respect to any matter which was presented to the
Members by written ballot pursuant to this Section, including to table any
such
matter.
The
use
of a written ballot for any matter to be voted upon by the Members shall not
be
deemed to be or constitute a solicitation of votes on behalf of the Directors
or
to otherwise be a solicitation of votes or of a proxy on behalf of any Person.
6.10Β Action
Without a Meeting; Telephonic Meetings.
Any
action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Members (whether
an
annual or special meeting) may be taken without a meeting and without notice
if
(i) the action is taken by the Members holding at least seventy-five percent
(75%) of the outstanding Units, and (ii) one or more written consents or written
actions describing the action taken are signed by such Members. Any such written
consent or written action shall be effective when the last such Member signs
the
written consent or written action, unless the written consent or written action
specifies a different effective date. The record date for determining the
Members entitled to take action without a meeting shall be the date the first
Member signs the written consent or written action in question. Any such written
consent or written action shall be placed in the minute book of the Company
or
otherwise retained in the records of the Company. The Company shall forward
prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting by the Members to each
Member who did not sign the written consent or written action in question.
Any
written consent or written action of the Members may be executed in
counterparts, and may be given and received by the Company and any or all of
the
Members by any form of electronic transmission as provided in Section 12.1.
E-22
Β
The
Members may hold any meeting, and any Member may participate in any meeting,
by
any means of communication, including telephone or video conference call or
other telecommunications equipment or methods, by means of which all of the
Members participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other during
the meeting. A Member participating in a meeting by any such means or methods
is
deemed to be in attendance at and present in person at the meeting.
6.11Β Member
Representative.
Any
Member that is not an individual may designate and appoint one or more
individuals to act as the representative of the Member for all purposes related
to the Company, including for purposes of participation of the Member in all
meetings of the Members, the voting of the Units of the Member, the execution
of
any written consent or written action evidencing action of the Members taken
without a meeting, and the giving of a proxy by the Member. A Member may change
the identity of any of the Member's representatives at any time and from time
to
time, but shall provide written notice thereof to the Chairman, the President
or
the Secretary, with any such notice to only be effective upon receipt by the
Chairman, the President or the Secretary. Any action taken by any individual
who
has been designated by a Member pursuant to this Section shall be binding upon
such Member and may be relied upon, and acted on, by the Company, the Directors
and all of the Members, without inquiry to, or confirmation from, such Member
or
any other individual who has been designated by the Member pursuant to this
Section.
6.12Β Waiver
of Notice.
A Member
may waive any notice required by applicable law or this Agreement if the waiver
is in writing and is signed by the Member, and whether before or after the
date
and time stated in such notice. A waiver of notice shall be equivalent to notice
in due time as required by applicable law or this Agreement. The attendance
of a
Member (in person or by proxy or written ballot pursuant to Section 6.9) at,
or
participation in, a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting
and of objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that
is
not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless
the
Member, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival, objects to
holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not
thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.
ARTICLE
7
CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE COMPANY, UNITS AND CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
7.1Β Units;
Issuance of Units.
Each
Member's Capital Contribution shall be represented by Units, but the Directors
may determine to issue Units to a Person without the Person making a Capital
Contribution, or being obligated to make a Capital Contribution, to the Company.
An
unlimited number of Units are hereby authorized.
The
number of Units to be issued to any Additional Member and any Capital
Contribution for such Units shall be determined by the Directors as provided
in
Section 9.4, subject only to Sections 4.15(e), 4.15(f) and 4.15(g).
E-23
Β
The
Directors shall also determine the number of Units, if any, which shall be
issued from time to time to any existing Member and any Capital Contribution
for
any such Units, subject only to Sections 4.15(e), 4.15(f) and
4.15(g).
No
subsequent Capital Contributions may be required of any Member unless otherwise
expressly agreed to at the time of, or as imposed as a condition to, the
issuance of Units to the Member in question.
No
Member
shall have any preemptive or other right to acquire any Units as the Directors
may from time to time determine to issue to any Person.
7.2Β Capital
Accounts.Β
(a)Β A
separate Capital Account will be maintained for each Member. Each Member's
Capital Account will be increased by (i) the amount of money contributed by
such
Member to the Company; (ii) the Gross Asset Value (as defined in Section 7.4)
of
property contributed by such Member to the Company (net of liabilities secured
by such contributed property that the Company is considered to assume or take
subject to under Section 752 of the Code); and (iii) the amount of Net Profits
allocated to such Member. Each Member's Capital Account will be decreased by
(i)
the amount of money distributed to such Member by the Company; (ii) the Gross
Asset Value of property distributed to such Member by the Company (net of
liabilities secured by such distributed property that such Member is considered
to assume or take subject to under Section 752 of the Code); (iii) the amount
of
Net Losses allocated to such Member; and (iv) the Member's share of expenditures
described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, unless such expenditures have
already been deducted in determining Net Profits or Net Losses, as the case
may
be.
(b)Β In
the
event of a permitted sale or exchange of a Unit, the Capital Account of the
transferor shall become the Capital Account of the transferee to the extent
it
relates to the transferred Unit, subject to Section 9.5.
(c)Β The
manner in which Capital Accounts are to be maintained pursuant to this Section
is intended, and shall be construed, so as to comply with the requirements
of
Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder,
and in the event there exists any inconsistency, the Code and said Treasury
Regulations shall control.
(d)Β Upon
liquidation of the Company, distributions will be made to the Members in
accordance with Section 10.2.
7.3Β No
Demand of Member Capital.
A Member
shall not be entitled to demand or receive from the Company the return of the
Member's Capital Contribution or Capital Account, or the liquidation of the
Member's Units, until the Company is dissolved in accordance with this
Agreement.
7.4Β Gross
Asset Value.
The term
"Gross Asset Value" means, with respect to any asset, the asset's adjusted
basis
for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:
E-24
Β
(a)Β The
initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company
shall be the gross fair market value of such asset, as determined by the
Directors.
(b)Β The
Gross
Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective
gross fair market values, as determined by the Directors, as of the following
times or such other times as permitted by the Treasury Regulations: (i) the
acquisition of a Unit or Units by any Additional Member or any existing Member
in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (ii) the
distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of
property as consideration for a Unit; and (iii) the liquidation of the Company
within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations;
provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to the preceding clauses (i) and
(ii) shall be made only if the Directors determine that such adjustments are
necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the
Members.
(c)Β The
Gross
Asset Value of any Company asset distributed to any Member shall be adjusted
to
equal the gross fair market value of such asset on the date of distribution,
as
determined by the Directors.
(d)Β The
Gross
Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased or decreased, as the case
may
be, to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant
to
Section 734(b) or Section 743(b) of the Code, but only to the extent that such
adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant
to
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) of the Treasury Regulations; provided, however,
that Gross Asset Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph
(d)
to the extent that the Directors determine that an adjustment pursuant to
subparagraph (b) immediately above is necessary or appropriate in connection
with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to
this
subparagraph (d).
(e)Β Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement which may appear to be to the contrary, if the Gross
Asset Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for federal income
tax purposes at the beginning of any Fiscal Year, then the depreciation for
such
asset shall, for purposes of determining each Member's Capital Account, be
determined in accordance with its Gross Asset Value and not its adjusted tax
basis, and the Gross Asset Value of such asset shall be adjusted to account
for
such depreciation.
7.5Β Units
May Be Referred to as Stock, Shares or Securities.
The
Units
may be referred to as "stock", "shares", "securities" or other terms in any
reports or other documents required to be filed by the Company or any Member
with any governmental or regulatory authority, including the Securities and
Exchange Commission, if required by, or as may be necessary or appropriate
in
order to be consistent with, any such report or document or any applicable
law,
rule or regulation.
Β
E-25
Β
ARTICLE
8
ALLOCATIONS
AND INCOME TAX; DISTRIBUTIONS
8.1Β Allocations
of Profits and Losses from Operations.Β
(a)Β Except
as
may be otherwise required by Section 704(c) of the Code, the Net Losses and
the
Net Profits of the Company for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated among the
Members pro rata based upon the respective number of Units held by the Members.
Any credit available for income tax purposes shall be allocated among the
Members in like fashion.
(b)Β Notwithstanding
subparagraph (a) immediately above, no loss shall be allocated to a Member
if
such allocation would cause such Member's Adjusted Capital Account to become
negative or to increase the negative balance thereof.
(c)(1)Β In
the
event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or
distributions described in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6) of the
Treasury Regulations, items of Company income and gain shall be specially
allocated to each such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate,
to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the deficit balance of
the
Adjusted Capital Account of such Member as quickly as possible, provided that
an
allocation pursuant to this subparagraph (c)(1) shall only be made if and to
the
extent such Member would have a deficit balance in the Member's Adjusted Capital
Account after all other allocations provided for in this Section 8.1 have been
made as if this subparagraph (c)(1) were not in this Agreement.
(2)Β In
the
event any Member has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year
which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Member is obligated to
restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, if any, and (ii) the amount
such Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate
sentences of subparagraphs 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Treasury
Regulations, each such Member shall be specially allocated items of Company
income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible, provided
that an allocation pursuant to this subparagraph (c)(2) shall be made only
if
and to the extent that such Member would have a deficit Capital Account in
excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Section
8.1
have been made as if subparagraph (c)(1) immediately above and this subparagraph
(c)(2) were not in this Agreement.
(d)(1)Β Except
as
otherwise provided in Section 1.704-2(f) of the Treasury Regulations, and
notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8.1, if there is a net
decrease in partnership minimum gain during any Fiscal Year, each Member shall
be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such Fiscal Year
(and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Member's
share of the net decrease in partnership minimum gain, determined in accordance
with Section 1.704-2(g) of the Treasury Regulations. Allocations pursuant to
the
previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required
to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated
shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2)
of the Treasury Regulations. This subparagraph (d)(1) is intended to comply
with
the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Section 1.704-2(f) of the Treasury
Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
E-26
Β
(2)Β Except
as
otherwise provided in Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations, and
notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8.1, if there is a net
decrease in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain attributable to a partner
nonrecourse debt during any Fiscal Year, each Member who has a share of the
partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain attributable to such partner nonrecourse
debt, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Treasury
Regulations, shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain
for
such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount
equal
to such Member's share of the net decrease in partner nonrecourse debt minimum
gain attributable to such partner nonrecourse debt, determined in accordance
with Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. Allocations pursuant
to
the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts
required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be so
allocated shall be determined in accordance with Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and
1.704-2(j)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. This subparagraph (d)(2) is intended
to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Section 1.704-2(i)(4)
of the Treasury Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently
therewith.
(3)Β Nonrecourse
deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated among the Members
pro rata based upon the respective number of Units held by the
Members.
(4)Β Any
partner nonrecourse deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated
to the Member who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the partner
nonrecourse debt to which such partner nonrecourse deductions are attributable
in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(1) of the Treasury
Regulations.
(e)Β To
the
extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant
to
Section 734(b) or Section 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) of the Treasury Regulations, to be taken into account
in
determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital
Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the
basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such
gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Members in a manner consistent
with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted
pursuant to such Section of the Treasury Regulations.
(f)Β Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, the Regulatory Allocations shall be
taken
into account in allocating items of income, gain, loss and deduction among
the
Members so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocations
of
other items and the Regulatory Allocations to each Member shall be equal to
the
net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member if the Regulatory
Allocations had not occurred. For purposes of applying the foregoing sentence,
allocations pursuant to this subparagraph (f) shall only be made with respect
to
allocations pursuant to subparagraph (e) immediately above to the extent the
Directors determine that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with
the economic agreement among the Company and the Members as set out in this
Agreement.
E-27
Β
(g)Β The
Directors shall have discretion, with respect to each Fiscal Year, to (i)
apply
the provisions of subparagraph (f) immediately above in whatever order
is likely
to minimize the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the
Regulatory Allocations, and (ii) divide all allocations pursuant to subparagraph
(f) immediately above among the Members in a manner that is likely to minimize
such economic distortions.
8.2Β Distributions.
All
distributions of cash or other property to the Members shall be made to
the
Members pro rata based upon the respective number of Units held by the
Members.
All such distributions shall only be made in such amounts and at such times
as
are determined by the Directors from time to time, but subject to Section
8.3.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Directors have the
authority to make the determination of whether any distribution which is
declared by the Directors shall be made in the form of cash, debt, property
or
otherwise.
The
record date for the determination of the Members entitled to receive a
distribution shall be the date determined by the Directors, but in the
absence
of the Directors specifying a record date for a distribution, the date
on which
the resolution declaring the distribution to the Members is adopted by
the
Directors shall be the record date for such distribution.
All
amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of foreign, federal,
state or local tax law with respect to any payment or distribution to any
Member
or Members from the Company shall be treated as amounts distributed to
the
relevant Member or Members pursuant to this Section.
This
Section is not applicable to distributions payable to the Members upon
the
dissolution and winding up of the Company, which distributions are governed
by
Section 10.2.
8.3Β Limitation
Upon Distributions.
A
distribution shall not be made to any Member pursuant to Section 8.2 if,
after
giving it effect, either of the following would result: (i) the Company
would
not be able to pay its debts as they became due in the usual course of
business,
or (ii) the Company's total assets would be less than the sum of its total
liabilities, plus the amount that would be needed, if any, if the Company
were
to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential
rights upon dissolution of any Members, if any, whose preferential rights
are
superior to the rights of the Members receiving the distribution. The Directors
may base a determination that a distribution is not prohibited under this
Section on any financial statements or other documents or any other valuations
or methods permitted by the Iowa Act.
8.4Β No
Interest on Capital Contributions.
No
Member shall be entitled to interest on the Member's Capital Contribution.
8.5Β Loans
to Company.
Nothing
in this Agreement shall prevent any Member from making secured or unsecured
loans to the Company.
8.6Β Returns
and Other Elections.
The
Directors shall cause the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns
required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Code and all other
tax
returns deemed necessary and required in each jurisdiction in which the
Company
does business. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Company
under federal, state or foreign tax or other laws shall be made by the
Directors, including the following:
E-28
Β
(a)Β to
the
extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, to elect to use an
accelerated depreciation method on any depreciable unit of the assets of
the
Company; and
(b)Β in
the
event of a transfer of all or part of any Unit of any Member, to elect,
pursuant
to Sections 734, 743 and 754 of the Code, to adjust the basis of the assets
of
the Company.
Β
8.7Β Tax
Matters Partner.
The
Directors may designate the Tax Matters Partner of the Company for purposes
of
Chapter 63 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. The Tax
Matters
Partner may be changed from time to time by the Directors.
ARTICLE
9
TRANSFERABILITY
OF UNITS; SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS;
ADDITIONAL
MEMBERS
9.1Β Assignment
of Units.
A Member
may not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of or convey any or
all of
the Member's Units, in whole or in part and whether voluntarily or involuntarily
(including under or pursuant to any pledge or other collateral or security
agreement) or by operation or any act or process of law or equity, or otherwise,
or pledge, hypothecate, grant a security interest, lien, or other encumbrance
in
or against any or all of the Member's Units (with each and all of the foregoing
generally and collectively referred to in this Article as an "assignment"),
except with the prior approval of the Directors and in compliance and accordance
with all such policies and procedures as may be adopted from time to time
by the
Directors. The Directors may adopt and implement such policies and procedures
(collectively, and as amended from time to time, the "Unit Assignment Policy")
for any reasonable purpose, as determined by the Directors. A reasonable
purpose
shall in all events include prohibiting, restricting, limiting, delaying
or
placing conditions on any assignment which, alone or together with any
previous
assignments or other assignments that are known or intended or that may
reasonably be anticipated, would or might reasonably be determined to (i)
violate or cause the Company to violate or to otherwise be in noncompliance
with
any applicable law, rule, regulation or order, including any foreign, federal,
state or local securities law, rule, regulation or order; (ii) cause the
Company
to be taxed as a corporation for tax purposes, including by reason of Section
7704 of the Code; (iii) result in the termination of the Company or the
Company's tax year for tax purposes, including under Section 708 of the
Code, or
cause the application to the Company of Sections 168(g)(1)(B) or 168(h)
of the
Code or similar or analogous rules; (iv) violate any term or condition
of this
Agreement, including Section 5.7; (v) violate or cause the Company to violate
or
to otherwise be in noncompliance with any law, rule, regulation or order
applicable to the Company's selection or use of its then current fiscal
year,
including under Section 444 of the Code; (vi) require the Company to become
licensed, registered or regulated as an investment company, a broker-dealer
or
any other form of regulated entity under any applicable foreign, federal,
state
or local law, rule, regulation or order; or (vii) create or result in any
fractional Units. The Company shall make a copy of the then current Unit
Assignment Policy available to each Member upon the Member's reasonable
request
from time to time.
E-29
Β
An
assignment of a Unit does not entitle the assignee to vote the Units or
to
otherwise participate in the management of the Company, or to become or
to
exercise any voting or management rights of a member of the Company, but
rather
only entitles the assignee to receive the allocations and distributions
to which
the assignor would have otherwise been entitled to with respect to such
Unit,
unless and until the assignee also complies with Section 9.2.
An
assignment of a Unit does not release the assignor from any debts, liabilities
or obligations of the assignor to the Company.
The
Directors shall not be required to act upon any proposed assignment of
any Unit
until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Directors which follows
the
date on which the Company receives a completed and executed unit assignment
application from the assignor and the assignee and in form and content
acceptable to the Directors. An assignment of a Unit which is approved
by the
Directors shall be effective for all purposes (including for purposes of
allocations and distributions) as of the date determined by the Directors,
but
such date must be within 32 days of the date of the approval of the assignment
by the Directors.
9.2Β Right
of Assignee to Become a Substitute Member.
An
assignee of a Unit pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with Section
9.1
and the Unit Assignment Policy who is not already a Member at the effective
time
of the assignment may become a Substitute Member with respect to the Unit
if the
assignee executes and delivers to the Company an addendum or agreement,
in form
and content acceptable to the Directors or the President, whereby, among
such
other terms as may be required by the Directors or the President, such
assignee
shall accept, adopt and otherwise become a party to the Articles of Organization
and this Agreement. No vote or consent of any of the Directors or the Members
shall be necessary in order for such an assignee to become a Substitute
Member;
provided, however, that the assignee shall become a Substitute Member effective
as of the date determined by the Directors, but such date must be within
32 days
of the date the Directors receive the addendum or agreement contemplated
by this
paragraph.
An
assignee of a Unit pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with Section
9.1
and the Unit Assignment Policy and who is already a Member at the effective
time
of the assignment shall become a Substitute Member with respect to the
Unit
effective immediately upon the effective time of the assignment, and such
assignee shall be conclusively deemed to have accepted the Unit subject
to and
upon the terms and conditions of the Articles of Organization and this
Agreement. The Directors or the President may, however, require such an
assignee
to execute and deliver to the Company an addendum or agreement, in form
and
content acceptable to the Directors or the President, whereby, among such
other
terms as may be required by the Directors or the President, such assignee
confirms that the assignee has accepted, adopted and is a party to the
Articles
of Organization and this Agreement.
The
Company may, in its sole discretion, require the assignee and/or the assignor
in
any assignment to pay and reimburse the Company for all costs and expenses
incurred by the Company in connection with the assignment, including legal
and
accounting fees.
E-30
Β
An
assignee who has become a Substitute Member has, with respect to the Units
assigned, all of the rights and powers, and is subject to all of the
restrictions and liabilities, of a Member under the Articles of Organization,
this Agreement and the Iowa Act.
In
the
event an assignee is a minor or is otherwise legally unable to execute
the
addendum or agreement contemplated by this Section, the addendum or agreement
shall be executed by the assignee's conservator or other guardian or legal
representative.
9.3Β Assignments
Not In Compliance With this Agreement.
An
assignee of Units pursuant to an assignment which was not made in accordance
with this Agreement and the Unit Assignment Policy shall not have any rights
whatsoever as a Member (whether to receive allocations or distributions,
any
notices to Members, to vote, or otherwise) unless and until such assignee
has
complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Unit Assignment
Policy, and such assignment shall be of no force and effect whatsoever
until
such compliance has been obtained and satisfied.
9.4Β Admission
of Additional Members.
Subject
only to Sections 4.15(e), 4.15(f) and 4.15(g), the Directors may at any
time and
from time to time admit any Person as a Member by the sale and issuance
of such
number of Units to the Person and upon such other terms and conditions
as are
determined by the Directors, including the nature and amount of any Capital
Contribution to be made by the Person for such Units. A Person shall be
admitted
as a Member with respect to the Units in question upon receipt by the Company
of
(i) the Person's Capital Contribution, if any, and (ii) an executed addendum
or
other agreement satisfactory to the Directors or the President whereby,
among
such other terms as may be required by the Directors or the President,
the
Person accepts, adopts and otherwise becomes a party to the Articles of
Organization and this Agreement; or at such earlier or later date as may
be
specified by the Directors at the time of acceptance of the Person's Capital
Contribution or the issuance of the Units to the Person. No subsequent
Capital
Contributions may be required of any Member unless otherwise expressly
agreed at
the time of, or as imposed as a condition to, the issuance of Units to
the
Member in question.
9.5Β Allocations
to Assignees and to Additional Members.
No
assignee of a Unit or Additional Member shall be entitled to any retroactive
allocation of losses, income or expense deductions incurred by the Company.
The
Directors may, at the time an assignee or Additional Member is admitted,
close
the Company books (as though the Company's tax year had ended) or make
pro rata
allocations of loss, income and expense deductions to the assignee or Additional
Member for that portion of the Company's Fiscal Year in which the assignee
or
Additional Member, as the case may be, was admitted, in accordance with
the
provisions of Section 706(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder.
9.6Β Repurchase
of Units by the Company.
Any
Member may at any time, but has no obligation to, tender any or all of
the Units
owned by that Member to the Company for purchase by the Company in accordance
with the following:
(a)Β Any
Member desiring to tender any of the Units owned by the Member to the Company
(the "Tendering Member") must provide written notice of such desire to
the
Company (the "Tender Notice"). The Tender Notice must include, at a minimum,
the
name of the Tendering Member, the number of Units being tendered to the
Company
(the "Tendered Units"), and a statement that the tender is being made pursuant
to this Section. The Company may require the Tender Notice to be on a form
provided by the Company. A Tender Notice may be revoked at any time prior
to the
acceptance of the Tender Notice by the Company, by the Tendering Member
providing written notice to that effect to the Company, but any such revocation
notice shall only be deemed effective when received by the Company. The
Company
will consider Tender Notices in the order in which they are received by
the
Company.
E-31
Β
(b)Β Subject
to the satisfaction of the UMS Condition (as that term is defined in
subparagraph (g) below), the Company shall have the right and option, but
shall
not be obligated, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Tendered
Units
at any time within 45 days after the date on which the Company receives
the
Tender Notice. The Company may exercise such right and option by giving
written
notice thereof to the Tendering Member (the "Exercise Notice") at any time
within such 45-day period. If the Company fails to give an Exercise Notice
within that 45-day period, the Company shall be deemed to have declined
to
exercise its right and option to purchase the Tendered Units.
(c)Β If
the
Company elects to purchase the Tendered Units, the closing of the sale
and
purchase shall occur on the date specified by the Company in the Exercise
Notice
(the "Closing Date"); provided, however, that the Closing Date must be
at least
60 calendar days after, and shall not be more than 90 calendar days after,
the
date on which the Company received the Tender Notice.
(d)Β The
per-Unit purchase price for the Tendered Units shall be the Discounted
Average
UMS Price (as that term is defined below) during the calendar quarter last
ended
before the date on which the Company received the Tender Notice. The Discounted
Average UMS Price shall accordingly only be established four times during
the
Company's taxable year.
(e)Β The
aggregate purchase price payable by the Company for the Tendered Units
shall be
payable by the Company in full, by check of the Company, on the Closing
Date
upon receipt of the certificate or certificates for the Tendered Units
from the
Tendering Member, duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by separate
transfer
powers in form and content acceptable to the Company.
The
Tendering Member shall be deemed, by submitting the Tender Notice to the
Company
and by surrendering the certificates for the Tendered Units to the Company,
to
represent and warrant to the Company that all of the Tendered Units are
being
sold and transferred to the Company free and clear of any and all liens,
restrictions on transferability, reservations, security interests, pledge
agreements, buy-sell agreements, tax liens, charges, contracts of sale,
voting
agreements, voting trusts, options, proxies and other claims, demands,
encumbrances and restrictions whatsoever. The Tendering Member shall defend,
indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any suit, action,
proceeding, claim, counterclaim, loss, liability, damage, amount, cost
and/or
expense (including court costs and attorneys' fees) in any way related
to,
connected with or arising or resulting from any breach of that representation
and warranty by the Tendering Member.
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Β
(f)Β The
term
"Discounted UMS Average Price" means the amount determined by subtracting
(1)
the amount which is twenty percent (20%) of the UMS Average Price (as that
term
is defined below), from (2) the UMS Average Price. The term "UMS Average
Price"
means the amount determined by dividing (1) the aggregate amount paid by
all
buyers of Units pursuant to the Unit Matching Service (as that term is
defined
below) of the Company in transactions which closed during the calendar
quarter
last ended before the date on which the Company received the Tender Notice,
by
(2) the aggregate number of Units sold to those buyers. The term "Unit
Matching
Service" means the unit matching service as made available by the Company
from
time to time on the Company's website. The Company has no obligation, however,
to continue to maintain the Unit Matching Service.
(g)Β The
Company's right and option to purchase any Tendered Units pursuant to this
Section is conditioned upon there having been at least two sales of Units
pursuant to the Unit Matching Service which closed during the applicable
calendar quarter (the "UMS Condition"), and if the UMS Condition is not
satisfied and met, the Tender Notice shall be deemed to be of no force
or effect
and the Company shall notify the Tendering Member of such fact.
This
Section is intended to constitute a redemption or repurchase agreement
under
Section 1.7704-1(f) of the Treasury Regulations, as amended from time to
time,
and is intended to, and shall be interpreted so as to, meet the requirements
of
Section 1.7704-1(f) of the Treasury Regulations. Without limiting the Company's
right to decline to purchase any Tendered Units, for any reason and in
the
Company's sole discretion, the Company shall decline to purchase any Tendered
Units pursuant to this Section if such purchase would cause a violation
of
Section 1.7704-1(f) of the Treasury Regulations.
ARTICLE
10
DISSOLUTION
AND TERMINATION
10.1Β Dissolution.
The
Company shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence
of any of the following events:
(a)Β at
the
time or on the happening of an event expressly specified in the Iowa Act
to
cause dissolution, which at the date of this Agreement were the events
specified
in Sections 490A.1302 and 490A.1312 of the Iowa Act; or
(b)Β upon
the
affirmative vote of the Members taken or obtained in accordance with Article
6.
10.2Β Distribution
of Assets Upon Dissolution.
Upon the
winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company shall be distributed
in the
following order:
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Β
(a)Β to
creditors, including Members who are creditors (to the extent permitted
by
applicable law) in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Company, other
than
for distributions to Members under Sections 490A.803 or 490A.805 of the
Iowa
Act;
(b)Β to
the
Members and former members of the Company in satisfaction of liabilities
for
distributions, if any, under Sections 490A.803 or 490A.805 of the Iowa
Act;
(c)Β to
the
Members in proportion to, and to the extent of, the positive balances in
their
respective Capital Accounts, as determined after taking into account all
Capital
Account adjustments for the Company's Fiscal Year in which the dissolution
occurs; and then
(d)Β to
the
Members, pro rata based upon the respective number of Units held by the
Members.
10.3Β Articles
of Dissolution.
When all
debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company have been paid and discharged
or reasonably adequate provisions therefor have been made and all of the
remaining property and assets of the Company have been distributed to the
Members, articles of dissolution and any other necessary or appropriate
documents, as determined by the Directors, shall be executed and filed
with the
Iowa Secretary of State and with such other governmental, regulatory or
other
authorities as are determined by the Directors. Thereafter, the existence
of the
Company shall cease, except for the purpose of suits, other proceedings
and
appropriate action as may be expressly provided in the Iowa Act. The Directors
and the officers of the Company shall have authority to distribute any
property
or assets of the Company discovered after dissolution, convey real estate
and
take all such other action as the Directors or the officers may determine
to be
necessary or appropriate on behalf of and in the name of the
Company.
10.4Β Winding
Up.
Upon
dissolution each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company
for the
return of the Member's Capital Account or to pay any distributions owed
to the
Member. If the Company property remaining after the payment or discharge
of the
debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company is insufficient to return
the
Capital Account of a Member, or to pay any distributions owed to the Member,
such Member shall have no recourse against the Company, any Director, any
officer of the Company or any other Member. Further, no Member shall be
required
to restore any deficit in the Member's Capital Account and any such deficit
shall not be treated as an asset of the Company. The winding up of the
affairs
of the Company and the distribution of its property and assets shall be
conducted exclusively by the Directors and the officers of the Company,
and the
Directors and the officers of the Company are hereby authorized to take
all
actions necessary or appropriate to accomplish such winding up and distribution,
including selling any property or assets of the Company the Directors or
any
officer deem necessary or appropriate to sell and the actions permitted
by
Sections 490A.1306 and 490A.1307 of the Iowa Act.
Β
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Β
ARTICLE
11
INDEMNIFICATION
The
Company shall indemnify and advance or reimburse expenses to each Director
and
each officer of the Company for liability incurred by them in such capacities,
or arising out of their status as such, to the full and maximum extent
authorized or permitted by the Iowa Act or other applicable law, but the
Company
shall, at a minimum, in all events indemnify each Director and each officer
of
the Company for liability, and advance or reimburse expenses to each Director
and to each officer of the Company, to the same extent, and to the full
and
maximum extent, that a corporation has authority to indemnify and advance
or
reimburse expenses to a director under the Iowa Business Corporation Act,
including pursuant to the exercise of all permissive powers of indemnification
under the Iowa Business Corporation Act.
If
the
Iowa Act, the Iowa Business Corporation Act or other applicable law is
hereafter
amended to authorize broader, additional or further indemnification, then
the
indemnification obligations of the Company shall be deemed to be amended
automatically, and without any further action, to require indemnification
and
advancement and reimbursement of funds to pay for or reimburse expenses
of the
Directors and the officers of the Company to the full and maximum extent
then
permitted by law. Any repeal or modification of this Article, the Iowa
Act, the
Iowa Business Corporation Act or other applicable law shall not limit or
adversely affect any indemnification or other obligations of the Company
under
this Article with respect to any acts or omissions occurring, in whole
or in
part, on or at any time prior to, or any state of facts existing, in whole
or in
part, at or any time prior to, the time of such repeal or modification.
Each
Person who is now serving or who shall hereafter serve as a Director or
an
officer of the Company shall be deemed to be doing so in reliance upon
the
rights provided for in this Article, and such rights shall continue as
to a
Person who has ceased to be a Director or an officer of the Company, as
the case
may be, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, legal or
personal representatives, administrators and successors of such a Person.
If
this Article or any portion of this Article shall be invalidated on any
ground
by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless
indemnify each Director and officer of the Company to the full and maximum
extent permitted by any portion of this Article that shall not have been
invalidated.
Except
only as may be limited by the express and affirmative requirements of the
Iowa
Act, the indemnification and advancement and reimbursement of expenses
provided
by or granted pursuant to this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of
any
other rights which a Director or an officer of the Company may have or
hereafter
acquire or become entitled to under any law or regulation, the Articles
of
Organization, this Agreement or another agreement, vote of the Directors,
vote
of the Members or otherwise.
The
Company may, by action of the Directors, provide indemnification to such
of the
Members, employees and agents of the Company, and to such extent and to
such
effect, as the Directors may from time to time determine to be
appropriate.
The
Company may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect
itself
and any Person who is or was a Director, Member, officer, employee or agent
of
the Company, or while a Director, Member, officer, employee or agent of
the
Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager,
member,
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of a limited liability
company, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture,
trust,
employee benefit plan or other Person, entity or enterprise, against any
liability asserted against such Person and incurred by such Person in such
capacity, or arising out of such Person's status as such, and whether or
not the
Company would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability
under the provisions of this Article, the Iowa Act or otherwise. The Company
may
create a trust fund, grant a security interest and/or use other means (including
letters of credit, surety bonds and/or similar arrangements), as well as
enter
into contracts providing for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted
by
law and including as a part thereof any or all of the foregoing, to ensure
the
payment of such sums as may be necessary to effect full indemnification.
The
Company's obligation to make indemnification and to pay expenses pursuant
to
this Article shall be in excess of any insurance purchased and maintained
by the
Company and such insurance shall be primary. To the extent that indemnity
or
expenses of a Person entitled to indemnification and payment of expenses
pursuant to this Article are paid on behalf of or to such Person by such
insurance, such payments shall be deemed to be in satisfaction of the Company's
obligation to such Person to make indemnification and to pay expenses pursuant
to this Article.
Β
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Β
ARTICLE
12
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
12.1Β Notices.
Subject
to the last paragraph in this Section, all notices, demands, requests and
other
communications desired or required to be given hereunder ("Notices"), shall
be
in writing and shall be given by: (i) hand delivery to the address for
Notices;
(ii) delivery by overnight courier service to the address for Notices;
or (iii)
sending the same by United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the
address for Notices.
Subject
to the last paragraph in this Section, all Notices shall be deemed given
and
effective upon the earlier to occur of: (i) the hand delivery of such Notice
to
the address for Notices; (ii) one business day after the deposit of such
Notice
with an overnight courier service by the time deadline for next day delivery
addressed to the address for Notices; or (iii) three business days after
depositing the Notice in the United States mail as set forth in the preceding
paragraph.
Subject
to the last paragraph in this Section, all Notices to a Director or a Member
shall be addressed to the address of the Director or Member, as the case
may be,
as it appears in the Company's records, and all Notices to the Company
shall be
sent to the principal office and to the registered agent and office of
the
Company as set forth in the records of the Iowa Secretary of State, or
to such
other Persons or at such other place as the Director, Member or the Company,
as
the case may be, may by Notice designate as a place for service of
Notice.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or any other term or condition of this Agreement, or otherwise,
which may appear to be to the contrary, any notice, demand, request or
other
communication desired or required to be given by the Company under this
Agreement may be given by the Company to a Director or to a Member by any
form
of electronic transmission, and any notice given by any form of electronic
transmission shall be deemed to be the equivalent of written notice for
all
purposes, and such electronic transmission and notice shall be deemed to
be
given and effective upon the Company's transmission thereof to the Director
or
the Member in question. An electronic transmission may include any process
of
communication not involving the physical transfer of paper that is suitable
for
the retention, retrieval and reproduction of information by the recipient,
and
shall include e-mail to the last e-mail address as may from time to time
be
supplied to the Company by any Director or Member. Each Director and Member
shall be responsible for notifying the Company in writing of any change
in the
e-mail address of such Director or Member. Notwithstanding any term or
condition
of this Agreement, or otherwise, which may appear to be to the contrary,
any
written consent or written action by any Director or by any Member may
also be
given and received by the Company and by the Director or the Member, as
the case
may be, by any form of electronic transmission.
E-36
Β
12.2Β Application
of Iowa Law.
This
Agreement, and the application and interpretation hereof, shall be governed
by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa, and specifically
the Iowa Act, but without regard to provisions thereof relating to conflicts
of
law. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any term or
condition
of this Agreement and any provision of the Iowa Act, the term or condition
of
this Agreement shall, unless otherwise expressly and affirmatively prohibited
by
the Iowa Act, govern and control to the full extent of such conflict or
inconsistency.
12.3Β Waiver
of Action for Partition.
Each
Member unconditionally and irrevocably waives any right that the Member
may have
to maintain any action for partition with respect to any of the assets
or
properties of the Company.
12.4Β Execution
of Additional Instruments; Power of Attorney to
Directors.
Each
Member agrees to execute such other and further statements of interest
and
holdings, designations, powers of attorney and other instruments necessary
to
comply with any laws, rules or regulations, or to evidence the authority
of the
Directors or the officers of the Company under this Agreement.
Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and in addition thereto, each
Member
hereby constitutes and appoints each and all of the Directors, acting singly
or
together, as the Member's true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with
full
power and authority and in such Member's name, place and stead, to make,
execute, acknowledge, deliver, file and record all such documents and
instruments as may be appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes
of this
Agreement or the business and affairs of the Company, including any amendments
or restatements of this Agreement or the Articles of Organization as may
be
approved or adopted by the Directors and/or the Members from time to time
in
accordance with this Agreement. The foregoing power of attorney is coupled
with
an interest and shall be irrevocable and survive the death or incapacity
of each
Member, may be exercised by the Directors by a single signature of a Director
acting as attorney in fact for all of the Members, and shall survive any
assignment of Units by a Member.
12.5Β Construction.
Words
and
phrases in this Agreement shall be construed as in the singular or plural
number, and as masculine, feminine or neuter gender, according to the context,
including, without limitation, all references to "Directors" or "Director"
or to
"Members" or "Member" during any period of time that the Company only has,
respectively, one Director or one Member. The use of the words "herein",
"hereof", "hereunder" and other similar compounds of the word "here" refer
to
this entire Agreement and not to any particular article, section, paragraph
or
provision. Any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" or "Schedule" in
this
Agreement is to the article, section or schedule of this Agreement, unless
otherwise expressly indicated. The words "include", "includes" and "including"
are used in this Agreement in a nonexclusive manner and fashion, that is
so as
to include, but without limitation, the items, facts or matters in question.
Any
reference in this Agreement to a section of the Iowa Act or the Code shall,
unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, be a reference to
such
section as amended from time to time, and to the extent necessary, to any
successor section or redesignated section. This Agreement shall not be
construed
more strongly against any Director or Member regardless of who was more
responsible for its preparation.
E-37
Β
12.6Β Headings
and Captions.
The
headings, captions or titles of articles, sections and paragraphs in this
Agreement are provided for convenience of reference only, and shall not
be
considered a part hereof for purposes of interpreting or applying this
Agreement, and such titles or captions do not define, limit, extend, explain
or
describe the scope or extent of this Agreement or any of its terms or
conditions.
12.7Β No
Waiver.
No
failure or delay on the part of the Company, any Director, any officer
of the
Company or any Member in exercising any right, power or remedy under this
Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Except
as
may be otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the remedies provided
for
in this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies
that may
be available to the Company, any Director, any officer of the Company or
any
Member at law, in equity or otherwise.
12.8Β Severability.
In the
event any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not
be
affected thereby and shall continue to be valid and enforceable. In the
event
any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable
as written, but valid, legal and enforceable if modified, then such provision
shall be deemed to be amended to such extent as shall be necessary for
such
provision to be valid, legal and enforceable and it shall be enforced to
that
extent. Any finding of invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision
in any
other jurisdiction.
12.9Β Binding
Effect on Heirs, Successors and Assigns.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company,
the Directors, the officers of the Company, the Members and their respective
heirs, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. Nothing
in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other
than
the Company, the Directors, the officers of the Company, the Members, and
their
respective heirs, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns,
any
rights, remedies, liabilities or obligations under or by reason of this
Agreement.
12.10Β Creditors.
Without
limiting Section 12.9, none of the provisions of this Agreement are for
the
benefit of, or are enforceable by, any creditor of the Company.
12.11Β Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed by one or more of the Members on any number of
separate counterparts or addendums (including by e-mail or facsimile
transmission), and said counterparts and addendums taken together shall
be
deemed to constitute one and the same Agreement.
12.12Β Entire
Agreement.
The
Articles of Organization, this Agreement, the Unit Assignment Policy and
any
exhibits and schedules to this Agreement constitute the entire agreement
pertaining to the subject matters of this Agreement and supersede all
negotiations, preliminary agreements and all prior or contemporaneous
discussions and understandings in connection with the subject matters of
this
Agreement. Any exhibits and schedules are incorporated into this Agreement
as if
set forth in their entirety and constitute a part of this Agreement. This
Agreement supersedes and replaces in entirety the Original Operating
Agreement.
E-38
Β
12.13Β Indemnification;
Specific Performance.
Each
Member shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company, the Directors and
each of
the other Members harmless from and against any suit, proceeding, action,
claim,
counterclaim, loss, liability, damage, cost and/or expense (including attorneys'
fees and court costs) in any way related to, connected with or arising
or
resulting from any misrepresentation or any breach or nonfulfillment of,
or
default under, any term or condition of this Agreement by the Member, including
any breach or nonfulfillment of, or default under, Article 9.
Each
Member respectively acknowledges and agrees that the Company and the other
Members shall be entitled to, and hereby instructs and directs any court
or
other authority to grant the Company and the other Members, specific performance
of the duties and obligations of the Member under Section 5.7 and Article
9.
12.14Β Consent
to Jurisdiction.
The
Company, each Director, each officer of the Company and each Member hereby
submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any United States Federal or
Iowa
District court sitting in Des Moines, Iowa in any action or proceeding
arising
out of or relating to this Agreement, and the Company, each Director, each
officer of the Company and each Member hereby agree that all claims in
respect
of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such
United
States Federal or Iowa District court. The Company, each Director, each
officer
of the Company and each Member waive any objection, including any objection
to
the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum
non conveniens,
which
they may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any such action or proceeding
in any such courts. The Company, each Director, each officer of the Company
and
each Member consent to the service of any and all process in any such action
or
proceeding brought in any court in or of the State of Iowa by the delivery
of
copies of such process to them at the address specified for Notices for
them.
12.15
Β Waiver
of Jury Trial.
The Company, each Director, each officer of the Company and each Member
hereby
waive any right to a jury trial with respect to and in any action, proceeding,
suit, claim, counterclaim, demand or other matter whatsoever arising out
of this
Agreement.Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is made and entered into as of the 29th
day of
June, 2007.
Β
[SIGNATURE
PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT OF
LINCOLNWAY
ENERGY, LLC DATED AS OF JUNE 29, 2007]
Β
E-39
UNIT
ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Effective
June 29, 2007
The
Directors of Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the "LLC") have adopted the following
as
the Unit Assignment Policy of the LLC as contemplated by and for purposes
of the
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the LLC. Any words or terms
which
are used in this Unit Assignment Policy and that are defined in the Amended
and
Restated Operating Agreement of the LLC shall have those same meanings
as used
in and for purposes of this Unit Assignment Policy, including, for example,
the
words "assignment", "Directors" and "Units".
As
provided in the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, an assignment
includes
any sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of or conveyance by
any
Member of any Units, in whole or in part and whether voluntarily or
involuntarily (including under or pursuant to any pledge or other collateral
or
security agreement) or by operation or any act or process of law or equity,
or
otherwise. An assignment includes any pledge, hypothecation or grant of
a
security interest, lien or other encumbrance in or against any
Units.
All
assignments of any Units shall require the prior approval of the Directors,
and
the Directors may prohibit, restrict, limit, delay or place conditions
on any
proposed assignment for any reasonable purpose, as determined by the Directors.
A reasonable purpose shall in all events include, without limitation,
prohibiting, restricting, limiting, delaying or placing conditions on any
assignment which, alone or together with any previous assignments or other
assignments that are known or intended or that may reasonably be anticipated,
would or might reasonably be determined to:
(a)Β violate
or cause the LLC to violate or to otherwise be in noncompliance with any
applicable law, rule, regulation or order, including any foreign, federal,
state
or local securities law, rule, regulation or order;
(b)Β cause
the
LLC to be taxed as a corporation for tax purposes, including by reason
of
Section 7704 of the Code;
(c)Β result
in
the termination of the LLC or the LLC's tax year for tax purposes, including
under Section 708 of the Code, or cause the application to the LLC of Sections
168(g)(1)(B) or 168(h) of the Code or similar or analogous rules;
(d)Β violate
any term or condition of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement,
including
Section 5.7;
(e)Β violate
or cause the LLC to violate or to otherwise be in noncompliance with any
law,
rule, regulation or order applicable to the LLC's selection or use of its
then
current fiscal year, including under Section 444 of the Code;
E-40
Β
(f)Β require
the LLC to become licensed, registered or regulated as an investment company,
a
broker-dealer or any other form of regulated entity under any applicable
foreign, federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or order; or
(g)Β create
or
result in any fractional Units.
The
assignor and assignee in each proposed assignment shall provide the LLC
with a
Unit Assignment Application in a form provided by the LLC, and with all such
other documents, instruments and information as are deemed to be necessary
or
appropriate from time to time by the Directors, including (i) the assignee's
taxpayer identification number; (ii) the information necessary to determine
the
assigneeβs initial tax basis in the assigned Units; (iii) all information
necessary or appropriate for the LLC to be able to file all required tax
returns
and other legally required information statements or returns; (iv) evidence
that
the assignee is properly authorized to acquire the Units and to become
a Member
and/or that the assignor is authorized to assign the Units to the assignee;
and
(v) a copy of the agreement between the assignee and the assignor. The
agreement
between the assignor and the assignee must acknowledge the requirements
of the
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and this Unit Assignment
Policy.
The
LLC
reserves the right to require the assignor and/or the assignee in each
proposed
assignment to provide the LLC with an opinion of counsel for the LLC or
for the
assignor and/or the assignee, in form and content acceptable to the LLC,
to the
effect that the proposed assignment shall not have or cause any of the
results
or effects described in subparagraphs (a) through (g) above in this Unit
Assignment Policy.
The
LLC
also reserves the right to require the assignor or the assignee in each
proposed
assignment to pay all fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred by the
LLC in
connection with the assignment, including accountants' and attorneys'
fees.
An
assignment of a Unit may be made pursuant to and upon the terms and conditions
of any unit matching service as may be made available from time to time
by the
LLC on the website of the LLC in accordance with Section 1.7704-1(g) of
the
Treasury Regulations.
An
assignment of a Unit may be made to the LLC in accordance with Section
9.6 of
the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement.
The
Directors are not required to act upon any proposed assignment of any Unit
until
the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Directors which follows the
date on
which the LLC receives a completed and executed Unit Assignment Application
from
the assignor and the assignee in form and content acceptable to the
Directors.
An
assignment of a Unit which is approved by the Directors shall be effective
for
all purposes (including for purposes of allocations and distributions)
as of the
date determined by the Directors, but such date must be within 32 days
of the
date of the approval of the assignment by the Directors.
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The
effect of an assignment which is
approved by the Directors shall be governed by the Amended and Restated
Operating Agreement, and an assignee may become a Substitute Member in
accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Operating
Agreement.
Β
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