MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 10.7
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
THIS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as
of October 13, 2006, is made and entered into by and between Madison Gas and Electric
Company, a Wisconsin corporation (“Owner”), and Midwest Renewable Energy Services, LLC a
Delaware limited liability company (“Manager”). Each of Owner and Manager are sometimes
hereinafter designated as a "Party," and they are collectively designated as the "Parties."
RECITALS
A.
Owner is the owner of a wind energy project with a nameplate capacity of approximately
twenty-nine and seven-tenths (29.7) megawatts (the “Project”) utilizing eighteen (18)
wind turbine generators supplied by Vestas - American Wind Technology, Inc., a
California corporation (“Vestas”)
(the “WTGs”), and related equipment and
infrastructure facilities located in Worth County, Iowa (the “Project Site”);
B.
Manager has expertise and knowledge in the management and administration of wind
energy projects; and
C.
From the Effective Date and for the Term of this Agreement (as defined below), Owner
desires to engage Manager and Manager desires to accept said engagement, to perform
certain tasks related to the Project, all of which work is more particularly described in
Article 3.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter
set forth, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION
1.1
Definitions.
Unless otherwise indicated, any capitalized term in this Agreement shall
have the meaning assigned to such term in Exhibit A hereto.
1.2
Rules of Interpretation.
1.2.1
The masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
1.2.2
The singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
1.2.3
"Includes", "including", and "included" shall be deemed to be without limitation.
1.2.4
Unless otherwise expressly stated, any consent required or permitted hereunder
shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and any reference to
1
the Parties having to agree upon a future matter shall be construed in a manner
requiring each Party to act reasonably and in good faith.
1.2.5
All exhibits or other attachments referenced herein shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference.
1.2.6
All references to sections and to exhibits are, unless otherwise indicated, to
sections of and exhibits to this Agreement.
1.2.7
Headings appearing in this Agreement and the table of contents are for ease of
reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement's terms and
conditions.
ARTICLE 2
TERM AND COMPENSATION
2.1
Term. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Sections 2.1, 3.5.3 or 10.1, the term
of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall be the period commencing on April 1, 2007 and
ending December 31, 2009, (the "Initial Term"). After the Initial Term, this Agreement
shall continue to remain in full force and effect unless and until either Party terminates
this Agreement upon ninety days prior written notice pursuant to this Section or Article
10. Commencing 90 days prior to the end of the Initial Term, either Party may terminate
this Agreement upon 90 days prior written notice. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, Owner may terminate this Agreement at any time upon 60
days prior written notice to Manager; provided that Owner shall remain responsible on a
pro rata basis for all payments due and owing to Manager arising from Management
Work and Administrative Work delivered to Owner prior to the date of termination.
2.2
Compensation. As consideration for the work to be performed hereunder, Manager shall
receive $3,500.00 on a monthly basis during the Initial Term (the “Fee”). Thereafter,
should the Agreement remain in full force and effect, the Fee for each 12 month period
shall be increased annually beginning as of January 1, 2010 for CPI changes since
January 1, 2009, and as of each January thereafter by the increase in the CPI Index. In no
event shall the Fee be less than what it was in the immediately preceding year.
2.3
Expenses. Manager shall have the authority to incur (i) reasonable travel and out-of-
pocket costs in connection with travel from Worth County, Iowa for meetings with
Owner held outside of Manager’s principal offices pursuant to section 3.3.2(i); (ii)
Manager's reasonable and customary expenses associated with site visits and other public
relations activities authorized by Owner; and (iii) living and travel expenses incurred by a
construction manager engaged by Manager, and consented to by Owner, to perform any
Management Work or Administrative Work through March 31, 2008, with Owner’s
obligation limited to its prorata portion (29.7/110.8), such obligation of Owner not to
exceed $1000.00 in a month. On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of each month,
Manager shall submit an invoice to Owner which details and sets forth any of the
foregoing expenses incurred together with supporting documentation (collectively, an
“Expense Invoice”).
2
2.4
Payment Terms. Owner shall pay the Fee in arrears for each month on or before the 25th
day of each month. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of an Expense Invoice, Owner shall
pay the amount set forth thereon in full. In the event any compensation due to Manager
is not paid when such amount becomes due, then interest shall accrue on such
outstanding amount and shall be payable to Manager at the Prime Rate plus 5%, or the
maximum permitted by law, whichever is less.
ARTICLE 3
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1
General. Owner hereby engages Manager to assist in the management of the Project in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Manager shall not be required to assume personally any contractual or other
liability to any third parties with respect to its services hereunder unless Manager engages
in gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct. Owner shall be entitled to be on the
Project Site at any time and to assume any degree of operational or managerial control
over the Project which otherwise would be performed by Manager pursuant to this
Agreement; provided that such actions by Owner shall not be deemed to modify Owner’s
obligations to make the payments to Manager set forth herein. Manager shall not be
liable for any actions, inactions and/or omissions of Owner. Manager hereby accepts such
engagement to perform (i) the Management Work as set forth in Section 3.3, and (ii) the
Administrative Work as set forth in Section 3.4 as an independent contractor and not as
an agent or an employee of Owner so long as this Agreement remains in effect.
3.2
Compliance. In performing its obligations under this Agreement, Manager shall comply
with all Applicable Agreements, Prudent Wind Industry Practices, Applicable Laws,
Hazardous Material Laws, Applicable Standards, and Project Easements. Owner shall
furnish to Manager upon execution of this Agreement and as and when they are hereafter
signed, executed copies of all Applicable Agreements. Manager hereby certifies that it
has or will read the aforementioned documents and is or will become familiar with the
terms and conditions set forth therein.
3.3
Management Work. So long as this Agreement remains in effect, Manager shall be
responsible for performing the following management duties, responsibilities and work:
3.3.1
Monitor and Manage Service Providers and Other Providers.
(a)
Providers in General.
(i)
Manager shall monitor and manage the performance of those
service providers at the Project Site or others who provide goods or
materials for the Project which are specified by Owner from time
to time, including those specified below.
(ii)
If Owner desires to enter into any other agreements related to the
Project which are to be performed at or near the Project Site or
3
which contemplate the delivery of goods or other materials to the
Project Site (collectively, "Additional Project Agreements"), then,
at the request of Owner, and upon the fulfillment of the conditions
set forth in Section 3.7, Manager shall procure, subject to Owner's
final approval, the services, goods, or other materials to be
obtained pursuant to such other Additional Project Agreements, as
applicable; provided, however, Manager shall be reimbursed for all
reasonable labor and expenses to secure such services and to
administer such agreements as additional compensation to the Fee
as well as any and all third party costs related to such activities.
(b)
Vestas.
(i)
Manager shall monitor and report to Owner as follows regarding
the performance of Vestas under the Turbine Agreements
including the performance of the following activities:
(A)
monitor and manage Vestas' compliance with respect to all
roads, paths, storerooms, workshops and control buildings,
fencing and walls at the Project Site;
(B)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the foregoing contracts and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project; and
(C)
provide to Owner all notices received under the Turbine
Warranty Agreement from Vestas.
(c)
BOP Contractor.
(i)
Manager shall monitor and manage the performance of the BOP
Contractor under the BOP Contract and the BOP Warranty
Agreement, including the performance of the following activities:
(A)
monitor and manage the performance of BOP Contractor in
connection with the finalization of the items on the Punch
List and each of the milestones required for Final
Completion under the BOP Contract;
(B)
monitor, manage and report on the remedial action required
in accordance with BOP Contractor's
recommended
procedures and within the response times and the
procedures agreed with Owner under the BOP Warranty
Agreement;
4
(C)
provide to Owner all notices received under the BOP
Contract and the BOP Warranty Agreement from BOP
Contractor; and
(D)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the foregoing contracts and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project.
(d)
Substation Contractor and Operator.
(i)
Manager shall monitor and manage the performance of Substation
Contractor under the warranty in the Substation Construction
Contract, and the performance of the Substation Operator under the
the Electrical M&S Agreement, the Interconnection Agreement,
and the Substation Use Agreement including the performance of
the following activities:
(A)
monitor and manage the performance of Substation
Operator in connection with the finalization of the work
and each of the milestones required for final completion
under the Substation Construction Contract;
(B)
monitor, manage and report on the diagnosis of all faults,
defects and breakdowns with respect to the Substation or
any interconnection facilities contained therein, the
capacitor banks and/or any other item constructed pursuant
to the Substation Construction Contract;
(C)
monitor, manage and report on the remedial action required
in accordance with Substation Operator's recommended
procedures and within the response times and the
procedures agreed with Owner;
(D)
provide to Owner all notices received under the Substation
Construction Contract, the Electrical M&S Agreement and
the Interconnection Agreement;
(E)
monitor and manage the performance of Substation
Operator's
maintenance and service of the Electrical
Infrastructure pursuant to the Electrical M&S Agreement;
(F)
monitor and manage the performance of Substation
Operator in connection with its duties under and pursuant
to the Interconnection Agreement;
5
(G)
monitor and manage the performance of Substation
Operator in connection with its duties under and pursuant
to the Substation Use Agreement
(H)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the foregoing contracts and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project.
(e)
Interconnection Agreement and Substation Use Agreement.
(i)
Manager shall manage and monitor the compliance of the Project
with the terms and conditions set forth in the Interconnection
Agreement and Substation Use Agreement, including the
performance of the following activities:
(A)
coordinate with MISO and Owner with regard to ordinary,
day-to-day communications and notices to MISO and
Owner; provided, however, that any communication or
notice to or from MISO that affects or could affect the
rights or interests of Owner shall require immediate formal
written notice to Owner pursuant to §12.1;
(B)
read the meter at the Delivery Point (as defined in the
Interconnection Agreement) at or near midnight on or near
the last day of each calendar month for purposes of
preparing reporting to Owner on the amount of energy
produced by the Project during the preceding month; and
(C)
at Owner’s request, coordinate the resetting of any tripped
breaker switch in the Substation in accordance with the
Substation Use Agreement.
(D)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the foregoing contracts and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project.
(f)
Construction Contracts.
(i)
General.
(A)
Manager shall be responsible for the following activities in
connection with the Construction Contracts.
6
(1)
Coordination and management of Construction
Contracts and equipment supplier/vendor contracts
approved by Owner;
(2)
Coordination and management of equipment
vendors and suppliers and contractors approved by
Owner;
(3)
Coordination and submittal to Owner of any change
orders or addendums to any Construction Contracts
affecting the cost, schedule or quality of the Project;
(4)
Preparation of a construction schedule which shall
include
identification
of
major construction
milestones and construction critical path;
(5)
Preparation of a construction budget, and tracking
such budget during construction to identify and
notify Owner of any budget variances;
(6)
Coordination of construction engineering, including
submittal of
construction specifications and
drawings to Owner for approval;
(7)
Coordination of equipment procurement, including
monitoring shipping dates, delivery dates and any
other issues that may affect the construction
schedule;
(8)
Management of construction within the Project Site,
including resolving disputes amongst contractors,
equipment suppliers and vendors, and landowners;
and
(9)
Securing all necessary local governmental
approvals and permits for construction.
(B)
Manager shall from time to time perform or cause to be
performed the following activities in connection with the
certification of the remaining milestones under the
Construction Contracts.
(1)
inspection of the work
performed under the
Construction Contracts;
(2)
review and verification of test results of any tests
performed under the Construction Contracts;
7
(3)
review of submissions
under the Construction
Contracts of any of the contracting parties; and
(4)
recommendation to Owner as to whether or not the
following certificates submitted by the contracting
parties to the Construction Contracts should be
countersigned by Owner:
(i)
Certificate of Final Completion under the
BOP Contract;
(ii)
Certificate of Final Completion under the
TSA;
(iii)
Certificates of Partial Completion under the
Substation Construction Contract; and
(iv)
Certificate of Completion and Settlement
under the Substation Construction Contract.
(C)
Except with the written consent of Owner, Manager shall
have no authority to countersign such certificates in the
name of Owner but shall, instead, prepare and present them
to Owner with a recommendation as to whether they should
be executed and delivered. Owner acknowledges and
agrees that Manager requires reasonable time to review the
certificates pursuant to Section 3.3.1(f)(i)(A)(4) and that
short turnaround by Owner may be required for execution
and delivery of such certificates pursuant to the respective
agreements.
(D)
Manager shall provide to Owner weekly written progress
reports regarding the performance of all Construction
Contracts, including realized or anticipated issues which
may impact the construction schedule or construction
budget.
(g)
Interconnection Agreement, Substation Use Agreement and
Meteorological Data Sharing Agreement.
(i)
Manager shall monitor the compliance of the Project with the
terms and conditions set forth in the Interconnection Agreement
and Substation Use Agreement, including the performance of the
following activities:
(A)
read the meter at the Delivery Point (as defined in the
Interconnection Agreement) at or near midnight on or near
the last day of each calendar month for purposes of
8
preparing reporting to Owner on the amount of energy
produced by the Project during the preceding month;
(B)
at Owner’s request, coordinate the resetting of any tripped
breaker switch in the Substation in accordance with the
Substation Use Agreement; and
(C)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the foregoing contracts and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project.
(h)
Project Easements and Project Maintenance.
(i)
Manager shall:
(A)
manage and monitor the compliance of the Project with the
terms and conditions set forth in the Project Easements.
Manager shall coordinate with the landowners with regard
to ordinary, day-to-day communications and notify Owner
of any pending or actual defaults or other problems with
regard to the Project Easements of which Manager is aware
which could be reasonably anticipated to have a material
impact on the Project;
(B)
report to Owner any other item or information of
significance with respect to the Project Easements and
activities of which Manager is aware which could be
reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on the
Project;
(C)
review all applicable invoices and identify or recommend
for payment or the withholding of payment under the
Project Easements all items which are required to be paid
thereunder in a timely manner;
(D)
coordinate at Owner’s cost and expense snow removal from
Project Easements as requested by Owner or Vestas;
(E)
coordinate at Owner’s cost and expense repairs and
maintenance of the roads and rights of way within the
Project and Project Easements as requested by Owner, and
notify Owner of any need for such repairs or maintenance;
(F)
inspect the Project for damage
at Owner’s request
following significant storm or weather events and notify
Owner of any damage or need for repairs or maintenance;
9
(G)
coordinate and assist with all follow-up studies, (e.g., avian
studies) as Owner may determine should be performed after
commissioning of the Project; and
(H)
coordinate use, repair and maintenance of any buildings
that Owner may construct or acquire for use by Vestas or
other persons charged with maintenance of the Project.
3.3.2
Monitor and Manage Performance of the Project.
(a)
Meters and Anemometers. To the extent Owner installs meters or
anemometers at the Project or acquires rights to other meters or
anemometers in the vicinity of the Project, Manager shall monitor the
performance of all meters which monitor and record performance data,
maintain records with respect thereto, and, with the prior approval of
Owner, procure an annual calibration of the anemometers on the
meteorological towers at the Project, if required, and directing any
necessary repairs to be performed, all at the cost and expense of Owner.
(b)
Security. Owner shall be responsible for determining the level of third
party security that may be required at the Project Site and shall enter into
such agreements with third parties for security as Owner sees fit.
Although Manager, as a part of its services hereunder, shall monitor and
administer any such agreement on behalf of Owner, Manager assumes no
responsibility for the security of the Project Site. Manager shall report to
Owner as soon as reasonably practical any incidents of theft, vandalism,
trespass or the like at the Project Site.
(c)
Emergencies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary which may be
contained herein, Manager shall have the authority to take all reasonable
and necessary actions and incur any expense to be reimbursed by Owner
in the event of an emergency that poses actual or imminent risk of serious
personal injury or physical damage to the Project requiring immediate
preventative or remedial action (an "Emergency"). Manager shall notify
Owner as soon as practicable of any Emergencies at or related to the
Project Site of which it becomes aware.
(d)
Investigate Accidents and Damage. Manager shall investigate all
accidents and damage affecting the Project (a "Loss"), assist in the
calculation of an estimated cost of repair and provide such calculations to
Owner and insurers. Manager shall assist and support the remedial
activities associated with any Loss affecting the Project. Owner shall have
the right to conduct an independent investigation with regard to any such
Loss, and Manager shall cooperate fully with any such investigation by
Owner. Manager shall give prompt written notice to Owner of any Loss
of the Project.
10
(e)
Community Relations. Manager shall monitor the relationship and
interface between Persons in the local community of the Project Site, on
the one hand, and the Project and Owner, on the other hand, but in no
event shall Manager be entitled to conduct or to authorize any person to
conduct any interviews with the media or to issue any advertisements or
press releases regarding the Project without the prior consent of Owner.
(f)
Regulatory Compliance.
(i)
Permits and licenses issued to Owner as of the Effective Date are
listed on Exhibit D (collectively, the “Permits”). Manager shall
prepare all reports, certificates, and filings required as of the
Effective Date under such Permits in a manner which will allow
Owner to review, execute, and submit such documents to the
appropriate regulatory bodies in a timely manner, provided,
however, that Owner shall be responsible for any and all filings,
notices and reports required to be delivered to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.
(ii)
In the event Manager becomes aware of additional permits or
licenses required for the operation of the Project, Manager shall
deliver written notice to Owner.
(g)
Maintenance of Records and Reports. Manager shall maintain all
operations and maintenance-related books, records, reports, and
correspondence prepared or received by Manager in the performance of its
services hereunder and shall turn over to Owner all such items upon
Owner's request and upon termination of this Agreement.
(h)
No Liens. Manager shall keep all real property and all personal property
and equipment associated with or part of the Project free and clear of all
liens and encumbrances attributable to Manager's acts or omissions.
(i)
Meetings. Manager shall meet from time to time as reasonably requested
by Owner at the Project Site or at Madison, Wisconsin, or at such other
locations as may be requested by Owner within the United States of
America so long as travel and out-of-pocket costs from Worth County,
Iowa have been approved by Owner pursuant to Section 2.3.
3.4
Administrative Work. Manager shall be responsible for performing the following duties,
responsibilities and work (collectively, the “Administrative Work”):
3.4.1
Notice. Manager shall immediately provide notice to Owner after becoming
aware of (i) the occurrence of a Force Majeure event; or (ii) any default under any
Applicable Agreement; and shall immediately provide notice to Owner after
becoming aware of any claim, dispute, action, suit or controversy brought under
or in connection with any of the transactions referenced in any Applicable
Agreement.
11
3.4.2
Insurance.
(a)
The Parties anticipate that Owner will purchase and maintain any
insurance Owner requires for the Project.
(b)
If requested by Owner, Manager shall prepare, submit and administer any
claim which may arise with respect to the Project or the Project Site under
any insurance policy covering or relating to same, shall consult with
Owner regarding the status of any claim, and shall provide personnel to
administer, review and negotiate any such claim with insurance adjustors,
attorneys, accountants, or other third-parties necessary to resolve the
claim; provided, however, that Manager shall not settle or conclude any
such claim without express, prior written instructions of Owner. Manager
shall provide status reports regarding the factual background and status of
such claims to Owner.
3.4.3
Third Party Invoice Approval; Xxxxx Cash Bank Account.
(a)
Manager shall coordinate with Owner in keeping and maintaining a bank
account of the Project to fund local Project activities approved by Owner,
which account shall be funded by Owner (the "Xxxxx Cash Bank
Account"). Owner shall promptly, upon its entry into this Agreement,
establish the Xxxxx Cash Bank Account with an initial balance of $2,500,
such amount to be reviewed periodically by Owner to ensure Manager is
not required to expend its own funds. Manager shall use the Xxxxx Cash
Bank Account solely to fund activities of the nature generally described in
Section 2.3.
(b)
The Parties agree that all major Project-related third party expenses will
normally be paid directly by Owner. Manager shall review and forward to
Owner all invoices for all Project-related expenses to be paid directly by
Owner. Manager shall submit to Owner supporting documentation to
enable Owner to justify the payment of Project expenses.
(c)
Manager shall prepare on a monthly basis, for Owner's review and
approval, an expense report identifying all expenditures made from the
Xxxxx Cash Bank Account, including the justification therefore, and an
estimate of the next month's anticipated requirements for funding by
Owner of the Xxxxx Cash Bank Account.
3.4.4
Maintenance of Records.
(a)
Develop manuals in a form reasonably acceptable to Owner detailing the
procedures Manager shall follow in order to meet its obligations under this
Agreement, including accounting procedures, reporting procedures, safety
and security procedures, and environmental hazards procedures.
12
(b)
Maintain books, records and accounts related to the Project that
accurately, fairly and in reasonable detail reflect all dealings and
transactions in relation to the Management Work and the Administrative
Work.
3.4.5
Tax Information. Manager shall provide Owner with books, records and
information regarding the Project as reasonably and timely requested by Owner to
assist Owner with the preparation and timely filing of Owner’s federal, state and
local tax returns; provided, however, Manager shall not be responsible for
providing tax advice or for preparation of tax form or returns.
3.4.6
Independent Audit. Assist Owner in the conduct of any audit by a certified public
accountant retained by Owner or by Owner’s personnel.
3.4.7
Annual Budget. On October 15 of each year, deliver to Owner the Annual Budget
for the Project which shall include both monthly and annual forecasted repairs and
maintenance expenses, such other items or categories of cost or expense as
deemed prudent by Owner and such other information as Owner may reasonably
request for the ensuing year. In the event additional information is ascertained
post-completion of the Annual Budget for the Project, Manager may submit
proposed revisions. Manager shall prepare a revised Annual Budget in
accordance with instructions from Owner. Manager shall reasonably cooperate
with Owner in regard to any requests made by Owner to increase the number of
categories of expense proposed to be shown in an Annual Budget, and to
thereupon prepare the proposed Annual Budget with reference to such additional
categories of expenditure.
3.5
Subcontracts; Additional Project Agreements; Xxxxxx’x involvement.
3.5.1
Subject to Owner’s written pre-approval, Manager, in order to fulfill its
responsibilities hereunder, may subcontract out to others any portion of its
services to be provided hereunder, provided that no such engagement shall relieve
Manager of any of its obligations or liabilities hereunder, and Manager shall be
responsible for all costs and expenses of such subcontractors, consultants, or
suppliers.
3.5.2
Manager, as agent for Owner and subject to Owner’s written pre-approval, may
locate and negotiate for the procurement of the services of contractors, consultants
or suppliers pursuant to proposed Additional Project Agreements as in Manager's
reasonable judgment may be necessary or desirable for the Project, provided,
however, that:
(a)
Manager shall include within its scope of services hereunder the
monitoring and administration of each Additional Project Agreement,
subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement with respect to
Additional Project Agreements. Manager agrees to use good faith efforts
to incorporate into each Additional Project Agreement insurance and
13
indemnity provisions equal or comparable to those set forth herein in favor
of Owner, but Owner acknowledges that such provisions may not be
obtainable from smaller contractors or for small scopes of work;
(b)
Owner shall not be bound by any Additional Project Agreement unless
Owner has executed such Additional Project Agreement; and,
(c)
In no event shall Manager authorize any of its subcontractors or any
contractor under any Additional Project Agreement or any other
agreement monitored or managed by Manager hereunder to bring any
hazardous substances onto the Project Site unless expressly authorized by
Owner or unless specifically addressed in Owner's environmental site plan
or material data safety sheets which Owner has already authorized with
respect to the Project Site.
3.5.3
Manager acknowledges that Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx’x (“Xxxxxx”) involvement in the
management of Manager was and is material to Owner’s decision to enter into
and continue this Agreement. Manager agrees that Xxxxxx shall be involved in
supervision of the Manager’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. Manager
shall give Owner prompt notice of any termination of Xxxxxx’x involvement in
supervision of Manager’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. In the event that
Xxxxxx is no longer directly involved in supervision of performance of Manager’s
duties and responsibilities hereunder, then Owner may elect to terminate this
Agreement on 30 days’ written notice to Manager and without further liability to
Manager.
3.6
Compliance With Applicable Law.
3.6.1
Manager agrees that it and its Affiliates who perform any obligations under this
Agreement and their respective employees, agents or contractors of any tier shall
not make any payment or give anything of value to any government official
(including any officer or employee of any government department, agency or
instrumentality or any political party), whether directly or through intermediaries,
with the intent to influence his, her or its decision, or to gain any other improper
advantage for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business in connection with
the work performed hereunder. Manager hereby represents and warrants to
Owner that Manager and its Affiliates have not made and will not make any such
proscribed payment with respect to the Project.
3.6.2
Manager further agrees that it shall use all reasonable efforts to prevent any of its
Affiliates and contractors of any tier and any of its or their officers, employees,
managers, directors, consultants, or professional advisors
from
soliciting,
accepting, or agreeing to accept any payment or other benefit from another
person, without the consent of Owner, on agreement or understanding that the
benefit will influence the conduct of such person in relation to the Project. Upon
the discovery of such payment or other benefit, Manager shall notify in writing of
14
such incurrence any law enforcement governmental agencies that, to Contractor's
knowledge, are likely to have jurisdiction over such activity and Owner.
3.6.3
Manager shall comply with all Hazardous Material Laws. In the event Manager
or any of its employees, agents, or subcontractors causes any spills or releases of
any Hazardous Material into the environment which require reporting to local,
state and/or federal agencies or remediation under any local, state or federal law,
Manager shall, at Manager’s sole expense, be responsible for ensuring timely and
adequate compliance with reporting or remediation requirements, and will
immediately provide Owner with the details relating to the status and compliance
efforts associated with the spill or release and will coordinate all compliance
activities with Owner’s Representative.
3.7
Changes in Scope
(a)
Should Owner identify additional services of the same nature as are
performed by Manager hereunder which are required for the successful
ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Project, the Parties shall
negotiate in good faith regarding any changes in the scope of services to
be provided by Manager hereunder, including increases in the amount of
work to be performed by Manager (whether through the monitoring and
maintenance of an Additional Project Agreement or otherwise) and
appropriate corresponding increases in Manager's Fee and associated third
party expense reimbursements (if any) for such increased scope of work.
Manager may also recommend such changes in scope from time to time
for Owner's consideration.
(b)
Manager shall not be required to administer any Additional Project
Agreement unless Owner provides to Manager a complete copy of such
agreement prior to the commencement of Manager's administration
activities with respect thereto.
3.8
Additional Actions. Perform such other incidental activities as are reasonable and
necessary to perform the express duties under this Agreement.
3.9
Standard of Work to Be Performed. Manager hereby agrees to perform or cause to be
performed all of the Management Work and the Administrative Work with its best efforts
and judgment upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Manager shall, in the
performance of its duties hereunder, exercise such care, skill and diligence as would a
reputable business entity engaged in the administration of a wind energy project.
Manager shall perform its duties hereunder in an expeditious and workmanlike manner,
using properly trained and skilled personnel, consistent with United States wind industry
practice and in accordance with Prudent Wind Industry Practices.
15
ARTICLE 4
INSURANCE
4.1
Scope and Application. At the written request of Owner, Manager shall assist owner to
procure insurance coverages desired by Owner.
4.2
Loss Information. At the request of Owner, Manager shall promptly furnish, in a form
and with content reasonably acceptable to the requesting party or parties, loss information
with respect to (a) all liability claims arising out of the Project and brought against Owner
or Manager; and (b) all property damage claims arising out of the Project.
4.3
Mandatory Insurance Coverage. At all times during the Term, Manager shall procure and
maintain or cause to be maintained the types and amounts of insurance set forth below at
its sole cost and expense. Manager shall cause Owner to be named as an additional
insured with waiver of subrogation as to each policy of insurance obtained pursuant to
this section 4.3. Each such policy shall provide that Owner shall receive thirty days
written notice of any cancellation of such policy. Upon written request of Owner,
Manager shall deliver to Owner certificates of insurance for each policy required by this
section 4.3.
4.3.1
Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Manager shall maintain
workers’
compensation insurance as required by Iowa law sufficient to cover statutory
limits of the applicable workers’ compensation laws of Iowa, and other applicable
jurisdiction(s), if any, and employer's liability (including occupational disease)
coverage with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 in
the aggregate.
4.3.2
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance. Manager shall maintain
comprehensive general liability insurance including hazards of (a) subcontractors
and independent contractors, (b) explosion, collapse and underground hazards, (c)
contractual liability insuring, to the maximum extent available, the indemnities set
forth in this Agreement, (d) personal injury liability (with the standard contractual
and employee exclusions deleted) and (e) broad form property damage. The
insurance required by this Section 4.3.2 shall have coverage limits of not less than
$1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate.
4.3.3
Automobile Liability Insurance. Manager shall maintain automobile liability
insurance that covers all owned, non-owned and hired automobiles used by
Manager and shall have coverage limits of not less than $500,000 combined
single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage.
4.3.4
Umbrella Insurance. Manager shall maintain excess liability in a form acceptable
to Insured and in an amount equal to not less than $2,000,000 for any occurrence
and not less than $2,000,000 in the aggregate.
Such excess liability will be in
16
excess of, or in substitution for, coverages required under Sections 4.3.1, 4.3.2
and 4.3.3.
4.3.5
Additional Insurance. From time to time following the date of this Agreement,
Manager shall obtain and maintain such additional insurance, in form, content and
amount, and insuring such risks as Owner reasonably shall require.
4.4
Unemployment and Other Insurance Benefits. Manager agrees and covenants to
withhold and pay any and all taxes and contributions levied and assessed against
Manager for unemployment insurance and the old age retirement benefits, pensions and
annuities now or hereafter imposed by any Governmental Authority or labor agreement
with respect to remuneration paid to persons employed by Manager.
ARTICLE 5
OWNER'S RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND COVENANTS
5.1
Access. Owner shall provide Manager and Manager's subcontractors, agents and
employees with full unconditional access to the Project Site at all times and without prior
notice for the purpose of conducting the services performed hereunder.
5.2
Office Space. Owner shall allow Manager to use any office space owned or leased by
Owner at or near the Project Site to perform Manager’s tasks under this Agreement.
5.3
Access to Xxxxx Cash Bank Account. Owner shall take all actions reasonably necessary
to cause Manager's designees to be authorized to draw on the Xxxxx Cash Bank Account
maintained pursuant to Section 3.4.3(a) and to fund the Xxxxx Cash Bank Account in a
manner to provide Manager with sufficient funds to pay anticipated upcoming expenses
authorized for payment from the Xxxxx Cash Bank Account pursuant to Section 3.4.3.
5.4
Permits. Owner shall maintain all Permits and approvals required to operate the Project,
provided that Manager has also fulfilled its obligations with respect thereto under Section
3.3.2(f)(i).
5.5
Payment Obligations. Owner shall make all payment obligations specified herein and
shall also pay all third party invoices submitted by Manager to Owner as being approved,
subject to Owner's right to dispute in good faith the correctness of any invoice or to assert
any claims or rights it may have with respect thereto. Owner shall also make all
payments under the Project Easements unless Manager advises Owner against doing so.
5.6
Notice of Force Majeure, Defaults, Claims, and Orders.
Owner shall promptly
provide notice to Manager after becoming aware of any of the following with respect to
the Project:
(a)
the occurrence of a Force Majeure event;
(b)
any default under any Applicable Agreement;
17
(c)
any claim, dispute, action, suit or controversy threatened or brought under
or in connection with any of the transactions referenced in any Applicable
Agreement; and
(d)
any orders or notices received from any Governmental Authority,
regulators and third-parties in relation to the Project.
5.7
Owner Approval.
(a)
In all circumstances where the approval or consent of Owner is required to
any action (or inaction) of Manager, Manager shall not be responsible for
the costs of any delays or damages which may result if Owner fails to
grant such approval in a reasonable or timely fashion; provided that
Manager (i) shall have provided promptly to Owner any such requests for
approval and (ii) if Owner fails to have granted such approval or otherwise
given Manager instructions within 24 hours prior to the time that approval
is required to have been granted, Manager shall, without any further notice
to Owner, inform the person or entity seeking such approval that the
approval has been denied and Manager shall not be responsible for any
costs or other consequences as a result of any such action.
(b)
In the case of an Emergency any such expenses incurred shall be deemed
approved by Owner only where Manager has acted reasonably under the
circumstances and it was not practicable at that time to seek Owner's prior
approval for expenditures.
5.8
Ownership of Logs, Records, Files and Electronic Media.
All Performance Records
accumulated by Manager while this Agreement remains in force and any and all other
records prepared or maintained by Manager as a part of its services, whether prepared on
paper, stored electronically, or by any other media, shall remain the property of Owner.
All computer software, programs, applications, models, and other computer tools
developed by Manager to facilitate the performance of its duties and obligations
hereunder shall remain the property of Manager; provided that Owner and its Affiliates
and their respective lenders, and any successor to Owner's interests in the Project, are
hereby granted a non-exclusive royalty-free license to use such items in perpetuity. Upon
termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Manager shall furnish Owner
with all Performance Records in Manager's possession and any other items of Owner's
property.
5.9
Inspection of Records and Files. Owner shall have the right, upon reasonable notice, to
inspect during normal business hours, all physical records, logs, files and any other
physical materials in the possession of Manager that directly pertain to the performance
of the Project.
18
ARTICLE 6
LIABILITY OF MANAGER; INDEMNIFICATION
6.1
Liability for Consequential Damages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for consequential loss or
damage, including, but not limited to, loss of use, loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of
goodwill, cost of purchased power or replacement power, or increased cost of alternate
facilities and each Party hereby releases the other Party from any liability therefrom.
Owner agrees that its inability to pay indebtedness (including indebtedness to finance the
purchase of the Project) due to Manager's default hereunder shall be deemed incidental or
consequential damages.
6.2
Limitations of Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, Manager's aggregate liability arising out of or relating to this Agreement from
any and all causes, whether based on contract, strict liability, negligence, or any other
cause of action shall in no event exceed the aggregate annual Fee actually paid or payable
to Manager hereunder. Manager shall not be liable for its failure to perform any of its
obligations hereunder (or for damages or penalties during any period in which such
performance is delayed) due to any event of Force Majeure. Except in the case of gross
negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct, the Parties intend that the waivers and
disclaimers of liability, limitation and apportionment of liability, exclusive remedy
provisions, and indemnity and hold harmless provisions set forth in this Agreement shall
apply even in the event of the fault, negligence (in whole or in part), strict liability, or
breach of contract of the Party released or whose liability is waived, disclaimed, limited,
apportioned, or fixed by such exclusive remedy, indemnified, or held harmless, and shall
extend to the maximum extent permitted to such Party's Affiliates, and its and their
respective partners, members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,
authorized representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. The Parties also intend and
agree that such provisions shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the
completion, termination, suspension, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement.
6.3
Indemnification. Owner, on the one hand, and Manager, on the other hand (each, an
"Indemnifying Party", as the case may be), shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the
other Party and the other Party's Affiliates and each of their respective members, partners,
directors, officers, agents, employees, successors and assigns (each, an "Indemnified
Party", as the case may be) from and against any and all losses, costs, damages, injuries,
liabilities, claims, demands, penalties, interest and causes of action (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) incurred by any Indemnified Party (other than as a result of a breach of
this Agreement by such Indemnified Party) or asserted by any third party against any
Indemnified Party to the extent of the Indemnifying Party's (or any of its subcontractors')
actions or inactions, other than to the extent caused by or arising from the negligence or
willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party.
The amount of any such indemnity
payable by the Indemnifying Party shall be reduced by the amount of all insurance
proceeds received by Indemnified Party with respect to the occurrence of the event giving
19
rise to the indemnification obligation hereunder, provided that the insurer(s) providing
such proceeds have agreed to waivers of subrogation against the Indemnified Party.
ARTICLE 7
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MANAGER
Manager represents and warrants to Owner as follows:
7.1
Due Organization; Good Standing. Manager is a Delaware limited liability company,
duly organized, qualified to conduct business in Iowa, validly existing and in respect of
which no action relating to insolvency, liquidation or general suspension of payments
has, to the knowledge of Manager, been taken.
7.2
Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Manager have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Manager and
do not and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or
other obligation of Manager or any other party to any other agreement with Manager.
7.3
Execution and Delivery. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Manager. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation
of Manager.
7.4
Governmental Approvals. No governmental authorization, approval, order, license,
permit, franchise or consent, and no registration, declaration or filing with any
Governmental Authority is required on the part of Manager in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, except those which have already
been obtained or which Manager anticipates will be timely obtained in the ordinary
course of performance of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OWNER
Owner represents and warrants to Manager as follows:
8.1
Due Organization; Good Standing. Owner is a Wisconsin corporation, duly organized,
validly existing and in respect of which no action relating to insolvency, liquidation or
general suspension of payments has, to the knowledge of Owner, been taken.
8.2
Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Owner have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Owner and do not
and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or other
obligation of Owner or any other party to any other agreement with Owner.
8.3
Execution and Delivery. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Owner. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation
of Owner.
20
8.4
Governmental Approvals. No governmental authorization, approval, order, license,
permit, franchise or consent, and no registration, declaration or filing with any
Governmental Authority is required on the part of Owner in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, except those which have already
been obtained or which Owner anticipates will be timely obtained in the ordinary course
of performance of this Agreement.
8.5
Owner’s Obligations. Owner hereby warrants and agrees that it shall keep and perform
all obligations required to be performed by Owner under any agreement described herein
and not expressly entrusted to Manager hereunder.
ARTICLE 9
ARBITRATION
9.1
Disputes Subject to Arbitration.
The Parties agree to attempt informally to resolve all
disputes arising hereunder, or out of or in relation to the interpretation or performance of
this Agreement, through meetings of engineering or other representatives of the Parties;
provided, however, that any such dispute which cannot be amicably resolved between the
Parties shall be submitted to binding arbitration upon the written notice of either Party
delivered to the other of such Party’s intention to arbitrate and shall otherwise confirm to
the requirements set forth below. The alternative dispute resolution procedures which
shall apply under this Agreement are as follows:
Each notification of a dispute shall state the nature of the dispute, the facts relied upon,
the specific provisions of this Agreement and applicable law which support the notifying
Party’s position, and the amount claimed and the remedy sought by such Party. Within
thirty (30) days after receipt thereof the Parties shall meet, by telephone or otherwise, in
an attempt to settle the dispute. During such thirty-day period the Party receiving the
notification may, but shall not be required to, submit a written response.
If the Parties cannot informally settle the dispute within thirty (30) days after receipt of
the notice of a dispute, the dispute shall be arbitrated before a panel of three arbitrators in
accordance with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association but not under the auspices of
the American Arbitration Association Judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The arbitrators shall
determine all questions of fact and law relating to any controversy, claim or dispute
hereunder, including but not limited to whether or not any such controversy, claim or
dispute is subject to the arbitration provisions contained herein.
Any Party desiring arbitration shall serve on the other Party in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules, the Party’s Notice of Intent to Arbitrate. The Notice of
Intent shall be accompanied by the name of an arbitrator suggested by the Party serving
the Notice of Intent. The Party served with the notice shall advise the other Party in
writing of the name of its suggested arbitrator. Within twenty (20) calendar days after the
Notice of Intent has been made, the two arbitrators shall choose a third arbitrator who
shall act as chairperson of the arbitral proceedings. If the two arbitrators chosen by the
21
Parties do not agree upon a third arbitrator within twenty (20) calendar days after the
filing of the Notice of Intent, then, upon the application of either Party, the third arbitrator
shall be selected pursuant to 9 U.S.C. § 5, provided, however, that if the federal courts
lack jurisdiction, then pursuant to Iowa Code ch. 679A.3. The arbitration proceedings
provided hereunder are hereby declared to be self-executing, and it shall not be necessary
to petition a court to compel arbitration. All arbitration proceedings shall be held in
Madison, Wisconsin. The Parties shall bear their own attorney fees, costs and expenses
associated with the arbitration. The arbitrators shall make a determination within three
(3) months after the dispute is submitted for arbitration.
Notwithstanding the existence of a dispute and until the arbitrators render a decision,
each Party shall be obligated to fulfill its obligations and continue its performance in
accordance with the terms hereof. Any payment due or payable by one Party to the other
shall not be withheld on account of the occurrence or continuance of any expert
resolution or arbitration proceedings. Neither Party shall make any public statements with
respect to any disputes hereunder without the prior consent of the other Party unless
compelled or required to do so by a governmental or regulatory authority having
jurisdiction over such Party or such dispute or by applicable law.
9.2
Third Parties. If a controversy, claim, dispute or difference arises between Manager and
Owner which is subject to the arbitration provisions hereunder and there exists or later
arises a controversy, claim, dispute or difference between Manager and/or Owner and any
other Party arising out of or related to the same transaction or series of transactions
(“Third-Party Controversy”), Owner shall be entitled to require that Manager shall be
joined as a Party to any arbitration of such Third Party Controversy being pursued with
any third party and Manager shall permit, and cooperate in, such joinder; provided,
however, that the third party must be a party to an agreement with Manager or Owner, or
an Affiliate of Manager or Owner, which provides for arbitration of disputes thereunder
in accordance with rules and procedures substantially the same in all material respects as
provided for herein, or, if not, must consent to such arbitration.
ARTICLE 10
DEFAULT AND CURE
10.1
Default.
10.1.1
A Party shall be in default under this Agreement if that Party fails to perform a
material obligation arising hereunder when specified herein and such failure to
perform is not cured as herein provided. A Party’s failure to perform may be
cured only in accordance with Section 10.2 hereof and, to the extent such failure
to perform is cured, no default shall be declared to exist hereunder. If a default
occurs and continues beyond the applicable time to cure, then the non-defaulting
Party or Parties shall have the right, in their sole discretion, to do any of the
following:
(a)
Continue this Agreement in full force and effect; or
22
(b)
Upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the defaulting Party, terminate all
right, title and interest of such defaulting Party under this Agreement and
all obligations of the non-defaulting Party or Parties hereunder.
10.1.2
Notwithstanding the exercise of any remedy set forth in this Section 10.1, the
non-defaulting Party or Parties shall continue to be entitled to any and all
remedies it may have against the defaulting Party under this Agreement, at law or
in equity.
10.1.3
A Party who first becomes aware of an event of default by any Party shall give
written notice to such Party of the nature and existence of the default within five
(5) days after it is first discovered; provided, however, the giving of such notice
shall not be construed as a precondition to a default hereunder, but such notice
shall be given before any Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 10.1.
10.2
Cure. All defaults under this Agreement may be cured as follows:
10.2.1
Written notice of such default shall be sent by the non-defaulting Party to the
defaulting Party as soon after becoming aware of the default as is reasonably
possible, but in all events within five (5) working days after the non-defaulting
Party becomes aware of such event.
10.2.2
If, at the expiration of a grace period of thirty (30) days after the service of such
notice, the event of default upon which such notice was based shall continue to
exist (or in the case of an event of default which cannot with reasonable diligence
be remedied within a period of thirty (30) days, if the defaulting Party fails to
commence within a period of thirty (30) days after the service of such notice to
remedy such event of default and to proceed with reasonable diligence thereafter
to remedy such event of default but in any event no longer than ninety (90) days),
then the defaulting Party shall be in default under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 11
CHANGE ORDERS
11.1
Authorized Changes in the Work. Owner may, at any time or from time to time, deliver
to Manager a written proposal to add, delete or revise the Management Work and the
Administrative Work (a “Change Order”). Manager shall reply to Owner within fifteen
(15) days after receipt of any such Change Order, indicating its acceptance or rejection of
the Change Order. If Manager rejects Change Order, this Agreement shall remain in
effect until such time as it is terminated pursuant to Section 2.1 or Article 10. If Manager
accepts any portion of the Change Order, Manager shall deliver to Owner in writing a
statement acknowledging and accepting the Change Order, or any part thereof, and
indicating the adjustment to the Fee applicable thereto.
11.2
Execution of Change Orders. Owner and Manager shall formally document and execute
appropriate Change Orders that reflect changes to the Management Work and the
23
Administrative Work and Fee that are proposed by Owner and accepted by Manager
pursuant to Section 11.1.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1
Notices. 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; (iii) sending the same by United States mail, postage prepaid,
certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the address for Notices; or (iv)
transmitted by facsimile to the address for notices; provided that the Party sending the
Notice by such means shall be required to provide confirmation of successful
transmission.
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) two (2) Business Days 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; (iii) five (5) Business Days after depositing
the Notice in the United States mail as set forth in subparagraph (a)(iii) immediately
above; or (iv) on the date received for transmission of Notices pursuant to subsection
(a)(iv) above. All Notices shall be addressed to a Party at the following address:
If to Manager, to:
Midwest Renewable Energy Services, LLC
579 – 000
xx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Facsimile number: (000) 000-0000
E-m
ail: xxxxx.Xxxxxx@xxxxxxx-xxxxxxxxx.xxx
with a copy to:
Nyemaster, Goode, West, Xxxxxxx & O’Brien, P.C.
000 Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Facsimile number: (000) 000-0000
E-m
ail: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
24
If to Owner, to:
Madison Gas and Electric Company
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
X.X. Xxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Facsimile number: (000) 000-0000
E-m
ail: xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx
with a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
X.X. Xxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Facsimile number: (000) 000-0000
E-m
ail: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
or to such other person or address as a Party shall furnish to the other Parties hereto in
writing in accordance with this Section.
12.2
Designated Representatives. Each Party shall appoint from time to time, by written notice
to the other Party, an individual as a representative (each an "Owner's Representative" or
a "Manager's Representative", as applicable and each a "Representative") and one or
more individuals as a deputy Representative for the purpose of representing and
administering such Party's rights and obligations under this Agreement on a day-to-day
basis. Each Representative shall serve as the primary point of contact between the Parties
for purposes of this Agreement. A deputy Representative shall have the same function
and authority as the primary Representative in the event the primary Representative is
unavailable or incapacitated. Each deputy, for purposes of this Agreement, shall also be
deemed to be a Representative. The Parties shall each identify its initial Representative
and deputy Representative at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of the Term. At
all times, each Party's Representative or his or her deputy shall be reasonably available to
communicate with the other Party's Representative or deputy Representative. Each Party
may appoint a new Representative or deputy Representative at any time in its sole
discretion. Each Representative shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Party by whom
he or she was appointed with regard to such Party's performance hereunder.
12.3
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the successors and assigns of Owner and Manager. Neither Party may assign
or transfer this Agreement in whole or in part except with the prior written consent of the
other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No such permitted
assignment shall relieve the assigning Party of its obligations under this Agreement.
25
12.4
Waiver. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, no delay or omission by the Parties
hereto in exercising any right or remedy provided for herein shall constitute a waiver of
such right or remedy, nor shall such delay or omission be construed as a bar to or a
waiver of any such right or remedy on any future occasion.
12.5
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, interpreted under, and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa.
12.6
Headings. Headings appearing in this Agreement are for ease of reference only and shall
in no way affect the construction of this Agreement.
12.7
Exhibits Incorporated. All Exhibits referred to herein are hereby incorporated by
reference.
12.8
Sections and Exhibits. All references to Sections and to Exhibits are, unless otherwise
indicated, to Sections of and Exhibits to this Agreement.
12.9
Amendments. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by both Parties or their
duly authorized representatives by an instrument in writing.
12.10
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
12.11
No Third Party Beneficiaries. The Parties do not intend to confer any benefit hereunder
on any Person other than the Parties hereto.
12.12
Entire Agreement. The terms and conditions set forth herein, together with those set
forth on all Exhibits attached hereto, constitute the complete and exclusive statement of
the agreement between Owner and Manager relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement, superseding all previous negotiations and understandings, and may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement.
12.13
Further Assurances. The Parties agree to do such further acts and things and to execute
and deliver such additional agreements and instruments as the other may reasonably
require to consummate, evidence or confirm the agreements contained herein in the
manner contemplated hereby.
12.14
Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement
should be found invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby, and the Parties hereto shall enter into good faith
negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.
12.15
Exhibit A. The Parties agree to amend Exhibit A from time to time to include the names
of parties and dates for agreements identified therein.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Owner and Manager have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first written above.
MIDWEST RENEWABLE ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
By: Midwest Renewable Energy Corporation, Manager
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Assistant Vice President - Energy Planning
EXHIBIT A
DEFINITIONS
The following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Administrative Work” is defined in Section 3.4.
“Affiliate” means, as to a specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls
or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person in question.
“Agreement” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
“Annual Budget” means the annual budget for the Project submitted by the Manager in
accordance with Section 3.4.9.
“Applicable Agreements” means the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Interconnection Agreement,
the Project Easements, this Agreement, Substation Use Agreement, Meteorological Data Sharing
Agreement, the TIA and the Turbine Agreements.
“Applicable Laws” means all laws, treaties, ordinances, judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs,
orders, rules, regulations, interpretations, and permits of any Governmental Authority now or
hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable including, but not limited to, any
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the performance of the Management Work
and/or the Administrative Work, the operation of the Project, transmission of Electricity in the
United States, the Applicable Agreements and each other document, instrument and agreement
delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, the operation and maintenance of the Project the
WTGs and the other equipment in the Project, health and safety, or the environmental condition
of the WTGs and the other equipment in the Project and the Project.
“Applicable Standards” means those fabrication, construction and electrical standards and codes
applicable to projects such as the Project, including those set forth in the Applicable Agreements,
now or hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable.
“BOP Agreements” means, collectively, the BOP Contract and BOP Warranty Agreement.
"BOP Contract" means that certain Balance of Plant Contract, dated as of __________________,
by and between BOP Contractor and Owner and each agreement, document and certificate
delivered thereunder or in connection therewith.
“BOP Contractor” means ________________________________.
“BOP Warranty Agreement” means that certain BOP Warranty Agreement, dated as of
_________________, by and between Owner and BOP Contractor.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday in the State of
Iowa.
Management and Admin Ag - FINAL 101306 (00172971)
“Change Order” means a document that authorizes an addition, deletion or revision in the
Management Work, the Administrative Work or an adjustment in Fee, issued on or after the date
on which the Parties have executed this Agreement.
“CMS” means the control and monitoring system installed at the Project, including a central
computer (SCADA) with processing and reporting software (i.e., software and central server
only and no other remote computers) and appropriate technology licenses.
“Collection System” means the 33.6kV electrical collection system installed at the Project.
“Commissioning” is defined in the Turbine Agreements.
"Construction Contracts" mean, collectively, the TIA, the TSA, the Turbine Warranty
Agreement, the BOP Contract, the BOP Warranty Agreement, the Substation Construction
Contract, and any other agreements relating to any construction activities within the Project Site.
“CPI” means the Consumer Price Index.
“CPI Index” means the Consumer Price Index for All Cities, All Items (or any replacement index
or similar index if the All Items is no longer reported), as reported by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
“Xxxxxx” means Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx.
"Electrical Infrastructure" shall have the meaning given to it in the Electrical M&S Agreement.
"Electrical M&S Agreement" means that certain Electrical Infrastructure Maintenance and
Service Agreement, dated on or about ___________________, by and between Owner and
________________________.
"Emergency" is defined in Section 3.3.2(d)
“Expense Invoice” is defined in Section 2.3.
“Fee” is defined in Section 2.2.
"Final Completion" shall have the same meaning as (i) "Final Completion" under the TSA, (ii)
"Final Completion" in the BOP Contract, and (iii) "Final Acceptance" in the Substation
Construction Contract, as applicable.
“Force Majeure” means an event or events the cause of which is beyond the control and does not
in any way result from the fault or negligence (and could not reasonably have been prevented or
avoided through the use of reasonable precautions or other reasonable actions) of the Party or
Parties whose performance is delayed or prevented in consequence of such event(s) including,
Management and Admin Ag - FINAL 101306 (00172971)
but not limited to, any acts of war, sabotage, terrorism, rebellion, insurrection, acts of foreign
enemies, military or usurped power or martial law, expropriation or confiscation of facilities or
property by order of any Governmental Authority, any act or failure to act by any Governmental
Authority purporting to exercise jurisdiction which prevents or delays performance under the
Applicable Agreements, fires, floods, explosions, dangerously high winds, hail, ice and ice
storms, earthquakes and other acts of God, but shall not include any failure of performance of
any contractual provision of the Applicable Agreements in circumstances other than those
contemplated above, and any strikes, lockouts or other labor disputes affecting Owner.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local or other governmental, judicial, public
or statutory instrumentality, tribunal, agency, authority, body or entity, or any political
subdivision thereof, purporting to exercise jurisdiction over the matter or Person in question.
“Hazardous Material" means and includes asbestos or any substance containing asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, explosives, radioactive materials, chemicals known or suspected to
cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, pollutants, effluents, contaminants, emissions, infectious
wastes, petroleum or petroleum-derived waste or product or related materials and any items
defined as hazardous, special or toxic materials, substances or waste under any Hazardous
Material Laws.
"Hazardous Material Laws" collectively means and includes any present local, state or federal
law relating to public health, safety or the environment including without limitation, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended ("RCRA"), 42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq., the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), 42
U.S.C. §9601 et seq., as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 ("XXXX"), the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., the Hazardous
Materials Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §0000 et seq., the Clean Xxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §0000 et
seq., the Toxic Substances Xxxxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §0000 et seq., the Safe Drinking Xxxxx Xxx,
00 X.X.X. §000x et seq., the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Xxxxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §0000 et
seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. §655 et seq., the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxx, 0 X.X.X. §000 et seq., the National Environmental Policy Act,
42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq., the Noise Xxxxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §0000 et seq., and the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. §11001 et seq., and the amendments,
regulations, orders, decrees, permits, licenses or deed restrictions now or hereafter promulgated
thereunder.
“Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 6.2.
“Initial Term” is defined in Section 2.1.
“Insureds” is defined in Section 4.2.
“Interconnection Agreement” means that certain Large Generator Interconnection Agreement by
and among MISO, IPL and NIW II, dated November 24, 2003
“IPL” means Interstate Power and Light Company, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
Management and Admin Ag - FINAL 101306 (00172971)
“Loss” is defined in Section 3.3.2(e).
“Manager” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
"Manager's Representative" is defined in section 12.2.
“MISO” means the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., its successors and
assigns.
“NIW II” means Northern Iowa Windpower II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its
successors and permitted assigns.
“Notices” is defined in Section 12.1.
“Owner” is defined in the Preamble.
"Owner's Representative" is defined in Section 12.2.
“Party” is defined in the Preamble.
“Parties” is defined in the Preamble.
“Performance Records” is defined in Section 3.3.2(i).
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association,
joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, joint venture, government or political
subdivision or agency thereof.
“Xxxxx Cash Bank Account” is defined in Section 3.4.3(a).
“Prime Rate” means the interest rate (sometimes referred to as the “base rate”) for large
commercial loans to creditworthy entities announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A. (New
York), or its successor bank, or, if such rate is not announced, the rate published in The Wall
Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” from time to time (or, if more than one rate is published, the
arithmetic mean of such rates), in either case determined as of the date the obligation to pay
interest arises, but in no event more than the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law.
“Project Easements” means those easement agreements by and between Owner and each of the
landowners of the real property at the Project and those easements contained in the Substation
Use Agreement.
“Prudent Wind Industry Practices” means those practices, methods, standards and acts (including
those engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the power industry for similar facilities
in the United States) that at a particular time in the exercise of good judgment would have been
Management and Admin Ag - FINAL 101306 (00172971)
expected to accomplish the desired result in a manner consistent with Applicable Laws, safety,
environmental protection, economy and expedition.
"Representative" is defined in Section 12.2.
“Substation” means the 112MVA transformer and interconnection substation though which
power generated by the Project is delivered to the power grid pursuant to the terms of the
Substation Use Agreement.
"Substation Construction Contract" means that certain agreement, dated as
of
______________________________ by and between _______________________and
________________________ for construction of the Substation.
“Substation Use Agreement” means that certain Substation and Transformer Shared Use
Agreement and Easement Agreement between Owner and NIW II dated September 29, 2006
and, as incorporated therein, the Substation Use Agreement between Northern Iowa Windpower,
LLC and NIW II.
“Term” is defined in Section 2.1.
“Third-Party Controversy” is defined in Section 9.3.
“TSA” means that certain
Wind Turbine Supply Agreement, dated as of
____________________________, by and between Vestas and Owner and each agreement,
document and certificate delivered thereunder or in connection therewith.
“Turbine Agreements” means the TSA and the Turbine Warranty Agreement.
“Turbine Warranty Agreement” means that certain Warranty Agreement, dated as of
_____________________, by and between Vestas and Owner.
“TIA” means that certain Wind Turbine Installation Agreement, dated as of
____________________________, by and between ____________ and Owner and each
agreement, document and certificate delivered thereunder or in connection therewith.
“WTGs” is defined in Recital A.
Management and Admin Ag - FINAL 101306 (00172971)