Lakes Entertainment Inc. Contracts
Sample Business Contracts
Management Agreement - Nipmuc Nation and Lakes Nipmuc LLC
Management Forms
MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT
FOR CLASS III GAMING ENTERPRISE
BETWEEN
THE NIPMUC NATION
A FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBE
AND
LAKES NIPMUC, LLC
A MINNESOTA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
DATED: JULY 5, 2001
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THIS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, is made and entered into this 5th day of
July, 2001 by and between The Nipmuc Nation, which is or will be a federally
recognized Indian tribe (hereinafter referred to as "the Tribe"), located in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with tribal offices located at 156
Worcester-Providence Road, Suite 28, Sutton Square Mall, Sutton, Massachusetts
01590 and Lakes Nipmuc, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (hereinafter
referred to as "Manager"), whose business office is located at 130 Cheshire
Lane, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305.
RECITALS
A. The Tribe is or will be a federally recognized Indian tribe eligible
for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians
because of their status as Indians and is recognized as possessing powers of
self-government.
B. The Tribe intends to acquire lands which the United States
government will hold in trust for gaming purposes for the benefit of the Tribe
("Tribal Lands") and over which the Tribe will possesses sovereign governmental
powers.
C. In compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, P.L.
100-497, 25 U.S.C. ss.2701 et seq. as it may from time to time be amended, the
Tribal Council of the Tribe will enact a tribal ordinance regulating the
operation of gaming activities on Tribal Lands (hereinafter referred to as the
"Gaming Ordinance"), creating the Nipmuc Gaming Commission, and authorizing
Class II and Class III gaming on its Tribal Lands subject to the provisions of
the Gaming Ordinance and a Tribal-State Compact or gaming procedures issued by
the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
D. The Tribe is committed to using any gaming activities to provide
employment and improve the social, economic, education, and health needs of its
members; to increase the revenues of the Tribe; and to enhance the Tribe's
economic self-sufficiency and self-determination.
E. The Tribe presently lacks the resources to develop and operate a
gaming facility and enterprise on its own and desires to retain the services of
a manager, with knowledge and experience in the gaming industry, to manage and
operate a Class III Gaming facility and related resort facilities on property
acquired for the Project and held in trust for gaming purposes for the Tribe by
the United States.
F. Manager has represented to the Tribe that it has the managerial
capacity to commence operation of the Enterprise, as defined herein; and the
Tribe has selected Manager, and Manager agrees, to provide the management
expertise necessary to the conducting of successful tribal gaming operations.
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G. This Management Agreement shall become effective when all the
necessary approvals listed in Section 2.19 of this Management Agreement are
received (the "Effective Date") and shall continue for a term as described in
Section 2.19, unless otherwise provided in this Management Agreement.
H. This Management Agreement is entered into pursuant to the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, P.L. 100-497, 25 U.S.C.ss.2701 et seq. (the
"IGRA") as that statute may be amended. All gaming conducted at the Facility
will at all times comply with the IGRA, applicable tribal law and the
Tribal-State Compact or gaming procedures issued by the Secretary, if any.
J. Any dispute regarding this Management Agreement between the parties
or any other Transaction Documents is to be subject to the dispute resolution
and governing law provisions contained herein, as well as the Resolution of
Limited Waiver attached hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the hereinafter mutual promises and
covenants, and for other good and valuable consideration as set forth herein,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are expressly acknowledged, the Tribe and
Manager agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
As they are used in this Management Agreement, the terms listed below
shall have the meaning assigned to them in this Article:
1.1 "BIA" means the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of
Indian Affairs.
1.2 "Class II Gaming" means games as defined in 25 U.S.C. ss.
2703(7)(A), as such law may be amended and as defined by the National Indian
Gaming Commission in 25 C.F.R. ss. 502.3 and amendments thereto, but only to the
extent such games are authorized by tribal ordinance and licensed by the Gaming
Commission.
1.3 "Class III Gaming" means all gaming that is not Class I or Class II
Gaming as defined in the IGRA, including, but not limited to, the forms of
gaming listed as Class III games by the National Indian Gaming Commission in 25
C.F.R. ss. 502.4 and amendments thereto, but only to the extent such gaming is
allowed by a Tribal-State Compact or gaming procedures issued by the Secretary,
tribal ordinance, and licensed by the Gaming Commission.
1.4 "Commencement Date" means the first day upon which the Facility is
open to the public to engage in Class III Gaming activities.
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1.5 "Costs of Gaming Operation" means the total of all expenses for the
operation of the Enterprise's Class III Gaming activities pursuant to Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), including but not limited to the
following: (1) fees imposed upon the Enterprise by the National Indian Gaming
Commission based upon its gross receipts from Class III Gaming; (2) any
contributions and license/regulatory fee reimbursements payable to the State
pursuant to a Tribal-State Compact; (3) the amount, if any, required by a
Tribal-State Compact to fund or support programs for the treatment and
assistance of compulsive gamblers and for the prevention of compulsive gambling;
(4) license or other fees for background investigations upon "key employees" and
"primary management officials" as defined in 25 C.F.R. ss. 502.14 and ss.
502.19; (5) depreciation and amortization applicable to the portion of the
Facility in which the Enterprise operates Class III Gaming based upon an assumed
life consistent with GAAP, and depreciation and amortization of all other assets
(including without limitation all capital replacements and improvements, and
fixtures, furnishings and equipment) located therein in accordance with GAAP;
(6) costs of administration, recruiting, hiring, firing and training employees
working in or for the Enterprise's Class III Gaming activities; (7) compensation
and benefits to Enterprise employees; (8) reasonable and customary regulatory
fees imposed on the Enterprise by the Gaming Commission (which amounts shall be
subject to the provisions of Section 5.1 contained herein), (9) management fees;
and (10) total gaming-related costs, fees and expenses, including, without
limitation: materials, supplies, inventory, utilities, repairs and maintenance
(excluding capital replacements, the costs of which shall be amortized as
hereinabove provided), insurance and bonding, marketing, advertising, annual
audits, accounting, legal or other professional and consulting services,
security or guard services, and such other costs, expenses or fees necessarily,
customarily and reasonably incurred in the operation of the Enterprise's Class
III Gaming, and reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred subsequent to
the Commencement Date for officers and employees of Manager and authorized
representatives of the Tribe in connection with the Project; provided, however,
that "Costs of Gaming Operation" shall specifically not include any license fees
or costs of Manager or its employees in connection with licensing with either
the NIGC or Gaming Commission.
1.6 "Costs of Incidental Operations" means all expenses and costs
pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles incurred in operating the
hotel, restaurants, food and beverage service, office space, swimming pool,
fitness center, childcare, kids arcade, golf course and other commercial
business areas comprising the Facility in which the Enterprise conducts neither
Class II Gaming nor Class III Gaming, including, without limitation: (1)
depreciation and amortization applicable to such non-gaming facilities based
upon an assumed life consistent with GAAP, and depreciation and amortization of
all other assets (including without limitation all capital replacements and
improvements, and fixtures, furnishings and equipment) located therein in
accordance with GAAP; ; (2) all employment costs relating to non-gaming
employees working in or for such commercial business facilities; (3) management
fees; (4) non-gaming supplies and materials, insurance and other non-gaming
costs reasonably and customarily incurred in operation of such portion of the
Enterprise in which neither Class II nor Class III Gaming may be conducted;
provided, however, that no non-commercial operations of the Tribe (including,
without limitation, any school, hospital or library) shall be directly or
indirectly included within the computation of the "Costs of Incidental
Operations".
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1.7 "Development Agreement" shall mean the Gaming Development Agreement
for Class III Gaming Facility between the Tribe and Lakes Nipmuc, LLC executed
on even date herewith.
1.8 "Dominion Account" shall have the meaning described in Section
2.8(a) herein.
1.9 "Dominion Account Agreement" shall mean the Dominion Account
Agreement to be executed by the Tribe in favor of the Manager in the form of
Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.10 "Effective Date" means the effective date of this Management
Agreement as determined pursuant to Section 2.19 herein.
1.11 "Enterprise" means the business enterprise of the Tribe created to
engage in Class III Gaming at the Facility, and which shall include any other
lawful commercial activity allowed in or near the Facility including, but not
limited to, operating and managing office space, kids arcade, child care
facility, hotel with swimming pool and golf course, restaurant, RV park, retail
stores, entertainment facilities, or the sale of fuel, food, beverages, alcohol,
tobacco, gifts, and souvenirs.
1.12 "Enterprise Accounts" shall have the meaning described in Section
2.8 herein.
1.13 "Facility" means the permanent buildings, structures and
improvements used by the Enterprise for its gaming and incidental operations
located on the Gaming Enterprise Site and all Furnishings and Equipment.
1.14 "Facility Loan" shall have the meaning ascribed to it under the
Development Agreement between the parties.
1.15 "Facility Note" means the promissory note evidencing the Facility
Loan as described under the Development Agreement between the parties, together
with all amendments, substitutions and renewals thereof.
1.16 "Fiscal Year" means the accounting year used for the operation of
the Enterprise as agreed upon by Manager and the Tribe.
1.17 "Furnishings and Equipment" shall have the meaning ascribed to it
under the Development Agreement between the parties.
1.18 "Gaming Commission" means the Nipmuc Gaming Commission
established, or to be established, by The Nipmuc Nation Gaming Ordinance, as
amended (which ordinance must be approved by the NIGC), with authority to
license and regulate gaming activities on Tribal Lands
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and which is a subordinate governmental entity of the Tribe and is entitled to
all sovereign governmental immunity of the Tribe.
1.19 "Gaming Enterprise Site" shall mean the lands to be made Tribal
Lands and used as the site for constructing the Facility and operating the
Enterprise described on Exhibit A to the Development Agreement between the
Parties, which will be in held by the United States government in trust for
gaming purposes for the Tribe, and which meets the requirements of United States
of America to be accepted in trust for the Tribe for Class II and Class III
Gaming purposes.
1.20 "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" or "GAAP" means those
principles defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board consistently
applied to the gaming industry practice.
1.21 "Governmental Authorities" means the United States federal
government, the BIA, the State, the State Gaming Agency, the Tribal Council, the
National Indian Gaming Commission, the Gaming Commission, and any court, agency,
department, commission, board, bureau or instrumentality, or any of them to the
extent each has legal jurisdiction over the Class II and Class III Gaming
activities to be conducted by the Enterprise, Tribal Lands, the construction and
operation of the Facility and Enterprise thereon, or Developer/Manager's
performance under this Memorandum of Agreement.
1.22 "Gross Gaming Revenues" means the Enterprise's total revenue from
Class III Gaming activities (excluding any insurance proceeds received other
than business interruption insurance proceeds and insurance proceeds received to
reimburse the Enterprise for any claims included, or to be included, as Costs of
Gaming Operations).
1.23 "Gross Incidental Revenues" means the Enterprise's total receipts
from the sale or rental of food, beverages, souvenirs, hotel facilities,
equipment and all other goods and services supplied for non-Class III Gaming
activities that are incidental to the operation of the Enterprise (excluding any
insurance proceeds received other than business interruption insurance proceeds
and insurance proceeds received to reimburse the Enterprise for any claims
included, or to be included, as Costs of Incidental Operations).
1.24 "Gross Total Revenues" means the total of Gross Gaming Revenues
and Gross Incidental Revenues of the Enterprise.
1.25 "Guaranty" shall mean the guaranty of Lakes Gaming, Inc. described
in Section 11.1 herein, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.
1.26 "IGRA" means the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, P.L.
100-497, as codified at 25 U.S.C.ss.ss.2701 et. seq., as such may be amended
from time to time.
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1.27 "Initial Costs of Operation" means all Costs of Operation advanced
to the Tribe pursuant to Section 2.8 of the Development Agreement and 5.2 of
this Management Agreement, prior to the opening of the Facility to the public,
including, but not limited to, advance payments or deposits to providers of
goods and services, cash for bankrolls and slot hoppers, pre-opening payroll,
cash for payment of prizes, legal, licensing, marketing, employee hiring and
training, and all costs associated with grand opening events and any "fun"
nights held prior to the public opening of the Facility. Initial Costs of
Operation shall also include any costs incurred by either party for reasonable
and necessary expenses incurred subsequent to the execution of this Management
Agreement for officers and employees of Manager and authorized representatives
of the Tribe in connection with the Project, and in obtaining regulatory
approval of this Management Agreement (but not any license fees or costs of
Manager or its employees in connection with licensing with either the NIGC or
Gaming Commission, nor those costs incurred by the parties, prior to execution,
in negotiating this Management Agreement).
1.28 "Interim Promissory Note" means the promissory note evidencing the
Transition Loan as described under the Development Agreement between the
parties, together with all amendments, substitutions and renewals thereof.
1.29 "Legal Requirements" means any and all present and future
judicial, administrative, and federal, state, local or tribal rulings or
decisions, and any and all present and future federal, state, local and tribal
laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, licenses and certificates, in any
way applicable to the Tribe, Developer/Manager, the Tribal Lands, the Gaming
Site, the Facility, and the Enterprise, including without limitation, the IGRA,
the Tribal-State Compact, and the Tribe's Gaming Ordinance.
1.30 "Lender or Other Lender" means any third party who makes the
Facility Loan to the Tribe under Section 2.5 of the Development Agreement
between the parties.
1.31 "Letter Agreements" shall mean those agreements dated August 9,
2000 and February 1, 2001 between the Tribe and Lakes Gaming and Resorts, LLC.
1.32 "Limited Recourse" means that the Facility Loan and Transition
Loan advances, and all liabilities or obligations of the Tribe related to this
Management Agreement, the Development Agreement, the Land Acquisition Costs, the
Facility Loan or Facility Note, the Transition Loan or Interim Promissory Note,
the Operating Note, any UCC Financing Statements, any other Transaction
Documents and their applicable documentation, the Facility, or the Enterprise
contemplated by this Management Agreement, and any related awards, judgments or
decrees, shall be payable solely out of the undistributed and future Net Total
Revenues of the Enterprise and shall be a limited recourse obligation of the
Tribe, with no recourse to tribal assets other than such undistributed and
future Net Total Revenues (except as to: (i) a security interest in the
Furnishings and Equipment purchased with Facility Loan or Transition Loan
proceeds or other purchase money agreements, (ii) the security interest in the
Net Total Revenues pursuant to the Dominion Account Agreement, and (iii) as
permitted under Section 10.3(f) herein and by
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Paragraph 5(c) of the Resolution of Limited Waiver). In no event, except as
permitted under Section 10.13f) herein and by Paragraph 5(c) of the Resolution
of Limited Waiver, shall Manager or any other claimant have recourse to (a) the
physical property of the Facility (other than Furnishings and Equipment subject
to the security interest securing the Facility Loan or Transition Loan or other
purchase money agreements), (b) Net Total Revenue distributions already made to
the Tribe in accordance with this Management Agreement and/or the Dominion
Account Agreement, (c) assets of the Tribe purchased with such Net Total Revenue
distributions, (d) revenues or assets of any other gaming facility owned or
operated by the Tribe, or (e) any other asset of the Tribe (other than such
undistributed and future Net Total Revenues of the Enterprise).
1.33 "Manager" means Lakes Nipmuc, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability
company with its business office located at 130 Cheshire Lane, Minnetonka,
Minnesota 55305.
1.34 "Management Agreement" shall mean this Management Agreement for
Class III Gaming Enterprise between the parties that deals with the management
of the Enterprise and its operations, as the same may be amended or modified.
1.35 "Material Breach"shall have the meaning described in Section 6.1
herein.
1.36 "Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments" means the minimum monthly
amount payable to the Tribe, which amount shall be determined pursuant to
Section 5.3 hereof.
1.37 "National Indian Gaming Commission"or "NIGC" means the commission
established pursuant to the IGRA.
1.38 "Net Gaming Revenues" means Gross Gaming Revenues less (1) amounts
paid out as, or paid for, prizes; and (2) Costs of Gaming Operation (excluding
management compensation as set forth in Section 5.5 herein).
1.39 "Net Incidental Revenues" means Gross Incidental Revenues less
Costs of Incidental Operations (excluding management compensation as set forth
in Section 5.5 herein) .
1.40 "Net Total Revenues" means the sum of Net Gaming Revenues plus Net
Incidental Revenues.
1.41 "NIGC Approval" means (a) a determination by the NIGC that Manager
is suitable for licensing and (b) written approval by the NIGC Chairman of this
Management Agreement.
1.42 "Operating Note" means the promissory note evidencing the Minimum
Guaranteed Payment Advances under Section 5.3(b) herein and the Working Capital
Advances under Section 5.7 herein made by Manager, substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit E, together with all amendments, substitutions and
renewals thereof.
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1.43 "Project" means the scope of the development project contemplated
by the Development Agreement between the parties.
1.44 "Replacement"shall have the meaning described in Section 6.4(c)
herein.
1.45 "Resolution of Limited Waiver" refers to the limited waiver of
sovereign immunity simultaneously herewith adopted by the Tribe in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit C and evidencing all approvals required pursuant to
the Tribe's governing documents and applicable law (it being understood and
agreed that the Tribe shall take such further actions to ratify, adopt and
enforce the attached form of Resolution of Limited Waiver as shall be required
by law or regulation due to future changes in its own legal or governing status
to fully preserve its stated intent).
1.46 "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior of the United
States, or her appropriately designated representative/agent.
1.47 "Security Agreement" shall mean the Security Agreement to be
executed by the Tribe in favor of the Manager in the form of Exhibit B attached
hereto.
1.48 "State" means the State government wherein the Gaming Enterprise
Site is located.
1.49 "Chairperson" means the duly elected chair of the Tribal Council
of the Tribe.
1.50 "Transaction Documents" shall have the meaning described in
Section 9.12(b) herein.
1.51 "Transition Loan" shall have the meaning ascribed to it under the
Development Agreement between the parties.
1.52 "Tribal Council" means the governing body of the Tribe.
1.53 "Tribal Lands" means all lands held in trust for gaming purposes
by the United States for the Tribe.
1.54 "Tribal-State Compact" means the agreement to be entered into
between the Tribe and the State in which the Gaming Site is located concerning
Class III Gaming and any amendments or other modifications thereto, which
agreement must be approved by the Secretary and published in the Federal
Register.
1.55 "Tribe" means The Nipmuc Nation (or such other name as determined
by the BIA), which is or will be a recognized Indian tribe by the United States
government.
1.56 "UCC Financing Statements" means UCC-1 financing statements naming
Tribe as debtor and naming Manager as a secured party, in the form approved by
the parties.
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1.57 "Working Capital Advances" shall have the meaning described in
Section 5.7 herein.
Any capitalized terms used but not defined herein and defined in the
Development Agreement shall have the meanings set forth therein.
ARTICLE 2
AUTHORITY AND DUTY OF MANAGER
2.1 Appointment as Agent. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Management Agreement, and provided that the Development Agreement has not been
terminated before the Commencement Date, the Tribe hereby appoints Manager to
act as the exclusive agent for the Tribe for all matters related to the
management of the operations of the Facility and the Enterprise during the term
of this Management Agreement. Manager's agency responsibilities shall include,
among other things, maintenance and improvement of the Facility, management and
operation of the Enterprise's Class III Gaming activities within the Facility,
and all other revenue producing activities that are conducted by the Enterprise,
such as the sale of food and beverages in the Facility. Manager accepts such
appointment as the Tribe's exclusive agent for the term of this Memorandum of
Agreement. Subject to the provisions of this Memorandum of Agreement and
specifically the restrictions in this Article 2 and the budget provisions in
Article 5 hereof, Manager shall have, and the Tribe does hereby grant to
Manager, the power and authority as agent for the Tribe, to exercise the rights
of the Tribe under and to execute, modify, or amend any contracts associated
with the operations of the Facility and Enterprise (excluding this Management
Agreement), including, without limitation, purchase orders, equipment and retail
leases, contracts for services, including utilities, and maintenance and repair
services, relating to the operation of the Facility and the Enterprise except
for real estate agreements and contracts (excluding retail leases), or compacts
or other agreements with the State or any other governmental agency, which shall
remain the sole and exclusive authority of the Tribe; provided, however, that in
no event shall Manager execute any contracts or agreements which require
payments exceeding $250,000 in the aggregate, or which have a term exceeding one
(1) year. The duties and authorities of Manager shall be subject in all events
to receipt of all necessary licenses, consents or approvals from the Gaming
Commission.
2.2 Limitations. Manager shall have no authority to waive or impair the
Tribe's sovereign immunity. Except as stated herein, Manager shall have no
authority as the Tribe's agent under this Management Agreement without the prior
written approval of the Tribe (not to be unreasonably withheld): (a) to incur
costs which are materially in excess of the expenditures to be agreed upon in
the operating budget or the capital expenditure budget to be developed pursuant
to Section 5.1 hereof; (b) to sell, encumber or otherwise dispose of any
personal property or equipment located in the Facility, except for inventory
sold in the regular course of business and
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other items which must be replaced due to age, obsolescence, or wear and tear;
(c) to purchase any goods or services from Manager or any of Manager's
affiliated companies as a Cost of Gaming or Incidental Operations or Cost of
Construction unless such arrangement is specifically approved in writing by the
Tribal Council. Except as specifically authorized in this Article 2, Manager
shall not hold itself out to any third party as the agent or representative of
the Tribe.
2.3 Manager's Authority and Responsibility.
(a) Manager shall conduct and direct all business and affairs in
connection with the day-to-day operation, management and maintenance of the
Enterprise and the Facility, including the establishment of operating days and
hours. It is the parties' intention that the Enterprise be open 24 hours daily,
seven days a week. Manager is hereby granted the necessary power and authority
to act, through the Enterprise's general manager, in order to fulfill all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement. Nothing herein grants or is intended to
grant Manager a titled interest to the Facility or to the Enterprise. Manager
hereby accepts such retention and engagement. The Tribe shall have the sole
proprietary interest in and ultimate responsibility for the conduct of all Class
III Gaming conducted by the Enterprise, subject to the rights and
responsibilities of Manager under this Management Agreement.
(b) In managing, operating, maintaining and repairing the Enterprise
and the Facility under this Management Agreement, Manager's duties shall
include, without limitation, the following: (i) Manager shall use reasonable
measures for the orderly physical administration, management, and operation of
the Enterprise and the Facility, including without limitation cleaning,
painting, decorating, plumbing, carpeting, grounds care and such other
maintenance and repair work as is reasonably necessary; (ii) Manager shall
comply with all duly enacted statutes, regulations and ordinances of the Tribe;
and (iii) Manager shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code including, but not limited to, the prompt filing of any cash
transaction reports and W-2G reports that may be required by the Internal
Revenue Service of the United States or under the Tribal-State Compact.
2.4 Compliance with Laws.
(a) Manager shall assist the Tribe in compliance by the Tribe with all
terms and conditions of the Tribal-State Compact, the Gaming Ordinance, IGRA and
any gaming regulations (collectively, the "Governing Laws"), the violation of
which would materially impair the conduct of gaming permitted to be conducted
under IGRA by the Enterprise. Without limiting the foregoing, Manager shall also
supply the NIGC with all information necessary to comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act, as it may be amended from time to time, and comply
with the NIGC's regulations relating thereto. Manager shall also make all
reasonable arrangements on behalf of the Tribe as to requirements concerning the
reporting and withholding of taxes with respect to the winnings from gaming
operations pursuant to this Management Agreement, or other payments due by the
Tribe to any entity pursuant to a Tribal-State Compact or other agreement of the
Tribe hereafter entered into, if any; provided, however, that the Manager shall
have no other
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legal or financial responsibility for the Tribe's due performance and payment in
full of such obligations of the Tribe. The Tribe agrees that, through its Tribal
Council and any subsequent or delegated governing or administrative authority,
it shall take all reasonable actions necessary or advisable to ensure the
Tribe's compliance with the foregoing laws, regulations and requirements, it
being understood and agreed that the Manager shall not be liable for any
violation due to action or inaction by the Tribe. In managing and operating the
Facility and the Enterprise, Manager shall comply with all laws, rules,
regulations, ordinances, compacts and all other agreements affecting the same,
including without limitation the Governing Laws.
(b) The parties shall use their best efforts to obtain all necessary
approvals of Governmental Authorities of this Management Agreement.
2.5 Security. Manager shall provide for appropriate security for the
operation of the Enterprise. All aspects of Facility security shall be the
responsibility of Manager. Upon agreement of the Tribe and Manager, any security
officer may be bonded and insured in an amount commensurate with his or her
enforcement duties and obligations. The cost of any charge for security and
increased public safety services will be a Costs of Gaming Operations or Costs
of Incidental Operations, as appropriate.
2.6 Accounting, Financial Records, and Audits.
(a) Manager shall maintain full and accurate records and books of
account for operations of gaming activities and related operations managed by
Manager. Such records shall be maintained at Manager's office located within the
Facility and shall be made available for immediate inspection and verification
at all times as required by a Tribal-State Compact, the Tribal Council or its
designated representative, the Gaming Commission or IGRA. Inspection or
verification by the Governmental Authorities shall be coordinated through the
Gaming Commission.
(b) At least three months prior to the Commencement Date, and subject
to the approval of the Tribal Council and the Gaming Commission, which approvals
shall not be unreasonably withheld and which shall occur prior to the
Commencement Date, Manager shall establish and maintain such approved accounting
systems and procedures that shall: (i) include procedures for internal
accounting controls; (ii) permit the preparation of financial statements in
accordance with GAAP ; (iii) be susceptible to audit; (iv) allow the Enterprise,
the Tribe and NIGC to calculate the annual fee under 25 CFR ss.514.1; (v) permit
the calculation of Manager's compensation under Section 5.5(b) herein; and ( vi)
provide for the allocation of operating expenses or overhead expenses among the
Tribe, the Enterprise and Manager, or any other user of shared facilities or
services. Supporting records and the agreed upon accounting system shall be
sufficiently detailed to permit the calculation and payment of Manager's fee
hereunder and to permit the performance of any fee or contribution computations
required under IGRA, a Tribal-State Compact and other applicable laws or
regulations.
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(c) Net Gaming Revenues, Net Incidental Revenues, and Net Total
Revenues will be calculated by the Manager for purposes of distribution monthly
in accordance with Section 5.5 and copies of such calculations shall be promptly
supplied to the Tribal Council as required by Section 5.4 herein.
(d) All records shall be maintained so as to permit the preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied and in accordance with procedures to be mutually agreed
upon by the parties. Manager shall, as a Costs of Gaming Operations, furnish to
the Tribe and the Gaming Commission, monthly financial reports in accordance
with Section 5.4 herein. Such reports shall provide reasonable detail as
requested by the Tribe and the Gaming Commission with respect to revenues and
expenses of each profit center of the Enterprise. In addition, all gaming
operations conducted within the Facility shall be subject to special outside
annual audits, which the Gaming Commission may cause to be conducted, and all
contracts or subcontracts for supplies, services or concessions for a contract
amount in excess of $25,000 annually relating to gaming activities within
Facility shall be subject to audits, which audits the Gaming Commission may
cause to conducted by an independent certified public accountant from a Big Five
accounting firm with more than five (5) years experience in audits of gaming
enterprise operations selected and approved by the Gaming Commission. The audits
will be scheduled at times agreed upon by the Gaming Commission and Manager. The
cost of such audits and audit reports (including the annual audit under Section
5.6 herein) shall constitute Costs of Gaming Operation. The Manager shall make
any reports or presentations to the Tribal Council as are requested by the
Tribe.
2.7. Cash Monitoring. Manager will promulgate, and all parties and
their respective employees, agents, and representatives will obey operational
policies consistent with the Gaming Ordinance respecting the handling of cash,
security systems, and access to cash cage, counting rooms, and other places
where cash is kept and handled. The tribe and the Gaming Commission and its
authorized representatives shall have the right to monitor and investigate
systems for cash management implemented by Manager and to verify daily Gross
Gaming Revenues, Gross Incidental Revenues, and Gross Total Revenues.
2.8 Bank Accounts, Reserve Funds and Permitted Investments.
(a) On or prior to the Commencement Date, the Tribe and Manager shall
execute the Dominion Account Agreement and create the Dominion Account
("Dominion Account") described therein. Gross Gaming Revenues and Gross
Incidental Revenues shall be deposited daily into the Dominion Account, which
shall be subject to the lien of the Dominion Account Agreement and established
at a commercial bank, of the Tribe's choice, organized under the laws of the
United States of America or any state thereof provided such bank is a member of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and has combined capital, undivided
profits and surplus of at least $500,000,000. Manager shall also establish other
segregated bank accounts with the approval of the Tribe for the operation of the
Enterprise (the "Enterprise Accounts"), which accounts must indicate the
custodial nature of the accounts. The signatures of authorized
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representatives of Manager shall be the only signatures required to make
withdrawals (by check or otherwise) from such accounts for single withdrawals of
less than $250,000, provided that the monies withdrawn by Manager are to be used
only for the purposes set forth herein and provided further that if the amount
of any single withdrawal exceeds $250,000 (excluding payout and prizes and
transfers to any designated payroll accounts, taxes, and purchases of currency,
or Manager's compensation under Section 5.5 herein), then the signature of the
Tribe's designated representative will also be required.
(b) Manager agrees that subject to the terms of Sections 5.3(b) and
6.4(a) hereof, Manager shall make or permit timely transfers from the Dominion
Account to the Enterprise Accounts of all funds needed to pay (i) Costs of
Gaming Operations; (ii) Costs of Incidental Operations; (iii) required debt
service on the Transition Loan and the Facility Loan, as well as any other third
party loans to which Manager has consented in writing pursuant to the terms of
this Management Agreement or other agreement; (iv) the Minimum Guaranteed
Monthly Payment; (v) Minimum Guaranty Payment Advances; (vi) Working Capital
Advances and interest thereon; (vii) Manager's compensation under Section 5.5(b)
herein; (viii) any reasonable reserves created and approved by the Tribe and
Manager; and (ix) payments to the Tribe pursuant to Section 5.5(a)(ix) hereof.
Upon the termination of this Management Agreement and so long as: (a) any
amounts remain owing to Manager hereunder or with respect to any related
Transaction Documents, and (b) the Enterprise shall continue in operation
pursuant to the terms of Section 6.4 hereof, then Manager shall continue to
permit transfers from the Dominion Account to the Enterprise Accounts for
payment of the amounts described above, but shall specifically exclude any Costs
of Gaming Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations otherwise payable to the
Tribe or any political subdivision or other affiliate of the Tribe with the
exception of reasonable gaming license fees and any costs or expense associated
with the provision of reasonable supplies and/or services provided by the Tribe
to the Enterprise.
(c) Surplus funds deposited in the Dominion Account and the Enterprise
Accounts may be invested by Manager in the following permitted investments: (i)
a money market mutual fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940
that invests exclusively in (1) marketable direct obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the United State Government or issued by an agency
thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, (2)
commercial paper having, at the time of acquisition, a rating of A-1 or P-1 or
better from either Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service,
Inc., respectively; or (ii) other investments as may be directed by Manager with
the prior written consent of Tribe.
2.9 Enforcement of Rights.
(a) During the term of this Management Agreement, except as otherwise
provided in Section 2.9 (b) herein, the Tribe and Manager shall mutually agree
with respect to the handling of the defense, prosecution or settlement of civil
disputes with third parties relating to gaming and other management activities
conducted or contracts executed by Manager, as agent for the Tribe. The parties
will assist and cooperate with each other with respect to such third-party
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claims and disputes. All uninsured liabilities incurred or expenses incurred by
the Tribe and Manager or any of the employees, officers or directors of any
party in defending such claims by third parties or prosecuting claims against
third parties shall be considered either Costs of Gaming Operation or Costs of
Incidental Operations, depending upon the circumstances and nature of the claim,
except with respect to claims and liabilities resulting from criminal
misconduct, which shall be governed by Article 7 herein.
(b) All claims brought against the Tribe or Manager or any of the
employees, officers or directors of any party arising out of or relating to
gaming or other operations conducted pursuant to this Management Agreement that
may be settled and released for a total settlement amount of less than $100,000
may be paid and settled by Manager on behalf of the Tribe and/or Manager in
accordance with Manager's good faith business judgment.
2.10 Fire and Safety Services. Manager shall be responsible for
obtaining adequate coverage for fire and safety services and may, in its
discretion, have such services provided on a contractual basis by the local Fire
and Police Departments. The costs of any fire and safety protection services
shall be appropriately allocated between Costs of Gaming Operation and Costs of
Incidental Operations, and, if provided by a Department of the Tribe, shall not
exceed the actual cost to the Tribe of providing such services.
2.11 Timely Payment of Costs of Gaming Operations and Costs of
Incidental Operations. Manager shall be responsible for paying Costs of Gaming
Operation and Costs of Incidental Operations on behalf of the Enterprise from
the bank account(s) established pursuant to Section 2.8 herein so as to avoid
any late-payment penalties, except those incurred as a result of good faith
payment disputes) to the extent funds of the Enterprise are available; provided,
however, that payment of all such costs (and taxes or similar payments arising
from Enterprise operations) shall be solely the legal responsibility of the
Enterprise.
2.12 Acquisition of Gaming and Other Equipment.
(a) All gaming equipment shall be acquired by Manager, as agent for the
Tribe, from Gaming Commission licensed distributors and manufacturers.
(b) All acquisitions of new equipment after the public opening of the
Facility shall be purchased by Manager as agent for the Tribe on a cash on
delivery basis, unless otherwise agreed by the Tribe.
2.13 Hours of Operation. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the
facility and Enterprise shall be operated seven days per week and twenty-four
hours per day, subject to any restrictions in the IGRA, the Gaming Ordinance and
a Tribal-State Compact.
2.14 Access to Operations. Manager shall provide immediate access by
appropriate officials of the Gaming Commission and the Tribe's designated
representative to the gaming
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operation, including all books and records in addition to those listed in the
access requirements set forth in Sections 2.6 and 2.7 herein.
2.15 Increased Public Safety Services. The parties agree that increased
actual costs of law enforcement and police protection services required as a
result of Class III Gaming in the Facility shall be paid as Costs of Gaming
Operation.
2.16 Advertising. Manager shall contract for and place advertising,
subject to prior approval of the general concepts of the advertising by the
Tribe. Advertising costs will be included in the operating budgets prepared in
accordance with Article 5 herein.
2.17 Certain Meetings. The parties agree that, to facilitate oversight
of the activities conducted pursuant to this Management Agreement and to
maintain communication generally between the individuals who will be involved in
supervising those activities, the Tribe or its designated representative and the
Manager's principal individuals will meet at least monthly to review operations
of the Facility and Enterprise and any current issues pertaining thereto.
2.18 Maintenance. Manager will cause the Facility to be repaired and
maintained and operated in a clean, good and orderly condition. Repairs and
maintenance will be paid as Costs of Gaming Operation if related to the gaming
operations of the Enterprise, or as Costs of Incidental Operation if related to
the other operations of the Enterprise.
2.19 Term. Notwithstanding the date of signature of the parties hereto,
this Management Agreement shall become effective automatically (without need of
amendment, ratification or other action of the parties) upon the last of the
following events to occur (the "Effective Date"): (i) final agency determination
by the United States government recognizing the Tribe as a federally recognized
tribe; (ii) publication of the final agency decision by the BIA to take the
Gaming Enterprise Site into trust for gaming purposes by the United States
government, as trustee for the Tribe; (iii) written approval of the Tribe's
Gaming Ordinance, this Management Agreement, the Operating Note, UCC Financing
Statements, the other Transaction Documents, and the Resolution of Limited
Waiver and issuance of final agency decision by the Chairman of the National
Indian Gaming Commission; (iv) approval by the Secretary and publication in the
federal register of the Tribal-State Compact or issuance of Secretarial
procedures for Class III Gaming; or (v) issuance by the Gaming Commission to
Manager of all applicable license(s) required by IGRA, the Tribe's Gaming
Ordinance or a Tribal-State Compact. The Commencement Date shall be the first
day upon which the Facility is open to the public to engage in Class III Gaming
activities. Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Management
Agreement shall continue for a term of seven (7) years from the Commencement
Date, provided however that: (a) the Security Agreement, Dominion Account
Agreement and the UCC Financing Statements, and (b) sections 2.8 and Article 7
hereof shall each survive and remain effective until terminated under Article 6
hereof and the amounts owing to Manager by the Tribe under this Management
Agreement have been paid in full.
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ARTICLE 3
PERSONNEL MATTERS
3.1 Employees. All employees involved with operation of the
Enterprise's Class III Gaming activities and related activities throughout the
Facility subject to management by Manager under this Management Agreement shall
be employees of the Tribe. Subject to the applicable requirements in the
Tribal-State Compact, the employment relationship shall be governed by Tribe
substantive law and any applicable federal law, subject to the Tribe's
reasonable Indian preference policies, and all matters will be subject to
dispute resolution procedures in the manner described in this Management
Agreement. Manager shall be solely responsible for the hiring, training,
promoting, and firing of all such employees except for the general manager as
agreed to by the Tribe and Manager, whose employment, advancement and
termination shall be subject to approval of the Tribe, such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld. Manager shall develop a policy and procedure in
conjunction with the Tribe, to implement an executive development program for
employees who are members of the Tribe whereby Tribe members will be prepared
through training and education to assume key management positions within the
gaming and non-gaming operations of the Enterprise. All salaries, wages,
employee insurance, worker compensation premiums, employment taxes, government
exactions of any kind related to employment, benefits, and overhead related to
the hiring, supervising, and discharge of employees, will be Costs of Gaming
Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations, as appropriate.
3.2 Enterprise Employee Policies. Manager shall prepare a draft of
personnel policies and procedures (the "Enterprise Employee Policies"),
including a job classification system with salary levels and scales, which
policies and procedures shall be subject to approval by the Tribal Council. The
Enterprise Employee Policies shall include a grievance procedure in order to
establish fair and uniform standards for the Enterprise employees, which will
include procedures for the resolution of disputes between Manager and Enterprise
employees. Manager shall be responsible for administering the Enterprise
Employee Policies. Any material revisions to the Enterprise Employee Policies
shall not be effective unless they are approved by the Tribal Council. All such
actions shall comply with applicable tribal law, subject to the applicable
requirements in a Tribal-State Compact.
3.3 Employee Background Checks. A background investigation shall be
conducted by the Gaming Commission in compliance with all Legal Requirements, to
the extent applicable, on each applicant for employment as soon as reasonably
practicable. No individual whose prior activities, criminal record, if any, or
reputation, habits and associations are known to pose a threat to the public
interest, the effective regulation of Class III Gaming, or to the gaming
licenses of Manager, or to create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair,
or illegal practices and methods and activities in the conduct of Enterprise
gaming activities, shall knowingly be employed by Manager or the Tribe. The
background investigation procedures employed by the Gaming Commission shall be
formulated in consultation with Manager and shall satisfy all regulatory
requirements independently applicable to Manager. Any cost associated with
obtaining such background investigations shall constitute Costs of Gaming
Operation.
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3.4 Nipmuc and Indian Preference. Manager shall adhere in regard to
recruitment, employment, reduction in force, promotion, training and related
employment actions to a publicly announced policy and practice of Nipmuc Indian
Preference and/or any publicly announced policy of Indian preference, both of
which must be reasonably promulgated by the Tribe.
3.5 Conflict of Interest.
(a) Manager covenants that it will not unduly interfere with, or
attempt to influence the internal affairs or government decisions of the Tribe
for its gain or advantage.
(b) Manager hereby certifies that no payments have been made or will be
made in the future by Manager to any Tribe official, member of the Tribal
Council, relative of any tribal official or tribal government employee for the
purpose of obtaining any special privilege, gain, advantage or consideration for
Manager, except for the fees payable to the Gaming Commission and amounts
payable to the Tribe pursuant to this Management Agreement. However, nothing in
this provision shall prohibit Manager from making contributions to community
organizations within the Tribe or to the Tribe for the purpose of funding
community activities.
(c) No member of the Gaming Commission, or any tribal court official
may be employed by Manager or be a "Party in Interest" as defined in Section 8.1
(a) herein with respect to this Management Agreement or a gaming equipment
agreement or have any direct or indirect financial interest in the gaming to be
operated pursuant to this Management Agreement. Members of the Tribal Council
shall not be eligible for employment at the Facility and Enterprise, but will be
eligible to enter into contracts for the provision of goods or services for the
Facility and Enterprise.
(d) Manager further agrees to comply with all conflict of interest
rules set forth in regulations or ordinances of the Tribe.
3.6 Participation in Tribe Functions. Manager acknowledges that
personnel who are members of the Tribe have cultural and religious
responsibilities to perform in regard to Tribe rituals and similar activities.
Manager will schedule working hours and take other actions, with the assistance
and advice of the Tribe, to accommodate Tribe members in performing these
responsibilities without affecting their employment status or position.
ARTICLE 4
INSURANCE
4.1 Duty to Maintain. Manager, acting as agent of the Tribe, shall
maintain during the course of this Management Agreement, appropriately allocated
as a Cost of Gaming Operation or a Cost of Incidental Operations, insurance
coverages in forms and amounts that will adequately protect the Tribe and
Manager, but in no case less than the amounts set forth in this Article, or as
required by a Tribal-State Compact.
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4.2 Workers' Compensation. Manager, acting as agent of the Tribe, shall
maintain adequate workers' compensation insurance in accordance with all
applicable laws, including employer's liability insurance, in the amounts agreed
to by the Manager and Tribe, or as required by the Tribal-State Compact.
4.3 Commercial General Liability. Manager, acting as agent of the
Tribe, shall maintain commercial general liability insurance covering operations
of the Enterprise, including blanket contractual liability coverage, broad form
property liability coverage, and personal injury coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 per person/$3,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $1,000,000
per person/$3,000,000 per occurrence for property damage, or as required by a
Tribal-State Compact or the Gaming Commission.
4.4 Automobile. Manager, acting as agent of the Tribe, shall maintain
comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering operations of the
Enterprise, including all owned, hired and non-owned automobiles, trucks, buses,
trailers, motorcycles or other equipment licensed for highway use with limits
and coverage approved by the Manager and Tribe.
4.5 Tribe and Manager to be Insured. Insurance set forth in Sections
4.3 and 4.4 hereof shall name the Tribe and Manager as insureds, and such
policies shall be endorsed to prohibit the insurer from raising tribal sovereign
immunity as a defense to the payment of claim by the insurer.
4.6 Property Insurance. Manager shall also, acting a agent for the
Tribe, procure replacement value all-risk casualty and extended hazard insurance
in appropriate coverage amounts which shall insure the Facility and any
fixtures, improvements and contents located therein against lost or damage by
fire, theft and vandalism. Such casualty insurance policy or policies shall name
the Tribe and Manager, and the Facility and Transition Loan lenders as insureds.
All such casualty insurance proceeds shall be applied to the immediate
replacement of the applicable Facility part or fixture, improvements or contents
therein unless the parties agree otherwise. Subject to the terms of Sections 6.4
and 6.6 hereof, any excess insurance proceeds that are not used to repair and
reconstruct the applicable damaged Enterprise assets shall be deposited into the
Dominion Account and disbursed in accordance with the same terms and provisions
applicable to Gross Total Revenues, provided however that such excess proceeds
(except business interruption insurance proceeds) shall be excluded from Net
Total Revenues for purposes of calculating the management compensation of
Manager under Section 5.5(b) hereof.
4.7 Fidelity Bond. Manager, acting as agent of the Tribe, shall
maintain fidelity bonds on Enterprise employees and in such amounts as Manager
and the Tribe shall deem reasonable.
4.8 Unemployment Insurance. Manager, acting as agent for the Tribe,
shall maintain adequate unemployment compensation/disability insurance with
respect to the Enterprise employees in compliance with a Tribal-State Compact.
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4.9 Evidence of Insurance. Prior to the opening of the Facility to the
public and commencing operations of the Enterprise, and from time to time as
reasonably requested by the Tribe, Manager shall supply to the Tribe and any
necessary Governmental Authorities copies of the insurance policies applicable
to the Facility or Enterprise operations as required by this Article.
4.10 Insurance Proceeds. Subject to the terms of Sections 6.4 and 6.6
hereof, any insurance proceeds received with respect to the Enterprise, except
as provided in Section 4.6 hereof, shall be deposited into the Dominion Account
and disbursed in accordance with the same terms and provisions applicable to
Gross Total Revenues, provided, however, that if there is any insurance recovery
for a claim related to the operation of the Enterprise for which either the
Tribe or Manager has previously paid from its own separate funds, then, to the
extent of amounts paid by either of such parties, the insurance proceeds will be
paid over to them and the balance shall be deposited into the Dominion Account
as above.
ARTICLE 5
BUDGETS, COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
5.1 Projections and Budgets.
(a) The parties shall use their best efforts to project expected
revenues and expenses for the first three (3) years of operation of the
Enterprise, reflecting possible alternative scopes of the Project and its stages
of development, and shall reasonably cooperate in prompt mutual choice of the
first stage for development of the Project.
(b) Manager shall prepare a budget for the Initial Costs of Operation
and submit such budget to the Tribe for approval by the Tribal Council within
one hundred twenty (120) days of execution of this Management Agreement. Manager
shall also prepare an initial operating budget for the first Fiscal Year and
submit the same to the Tribe for approval by the Tribal Council at least ninety
(90) days prior to any Commencement Date. Annual operating budgets shall be
submitted by Manager to the Tribe thereafter by no later than thirty (30) days
prior to the commencement of the Fiscal Year. The proposed initial operating
budget and each subsequent annual operating budget shall be subject to approval
or disapproval within thirty (30) days of submission to the Tribe, such approval
not to be unreasonably withheld. The Tribal Council may approve or disapprove of
any item on such proposed budget. The parties recognize that mutually agreeable
adjustments may be made to previously approved operating budgets from time to
time during any Fiscal Year, to reflect the impact of unforeseen circumstances,
financial constraints, or other events. Manager agrees to keep the Tribal
Council informed regarding any items of revenue or expense that are reasonably
anticipated to cause a material change to the operating budget previously
approved by the Tribal Council. Manager shall operate the Enterprise and make
expenditures in connection therewith in accordance with such approved operating
budget. In the event the Tribal Council and Manager are unable to resolve any
disputed portions of the proposed operating budget before commencement of the
Fiscal Year, the undisputed portions of the operating budget shall be deemed
adopted and approved, and those line items in dispute shall be determined by
increasing the preceding Fiscal Year's actual expense for the corresponding line
items by an
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amount determined by Manager which does not exceed the increase in the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. City Average, all items (1997-98=100), or any successor or
replacement index thereto, for the Fiscal Year prior to the Fiscal Year with
respect to which adjustment to the line item(s) is being calculated. The
resulting adjusted operating budget shall be deemed to be in effect for that
Fiscal Year until such time as the Tribal Council and Manager have resolved the
disputed items.
(c) Manager shall prepare an annual capital expenditure budget and
submit such budget to the Tribe for approval by the Tribal Council at least
ninety (90) days prior to the Commencement Date. Annual capital expenditure
budgets shall be submitted by Manager to the Tribe thereafter by no later than
thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of each succeeding Fiscal Year. The
proposed capital expenditure budgets shall be subject to approval or disapproval
within thirty (30) days of submission to the Tribe for approval, such approval
not to be unreasonably withheld. The Tribal Council may approve or disapprove of
any item on such proposed budget. The parties recognize that mutually agreeable
adjustments may be made to previously approved capital expenditure budgets from
time to time during any budget year, to reflect the impact of unforeseen
circumstances, financial constraints, or other events. Manager agrees to keep
the Tribal Council informed and obtain Tribe's approval regarding any projects
or expenditures that are reasonably anticipated to cause a material change to
the capital expenditure budget previously approved by the Tribal Council.
Manager shall make capital expenditures in accordance with such approved capital
expenditure budget.
5.2 Initial Costs of Operation. The budget for the Enterprise's Initial
Costs of Operation shall contain amounts approved by Manager and the Tribe,
which amounts shall be included as pre-opening costs and not as Costs of Gaming
Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations.
5.3 Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments.
(a) During the term of this Management Agreement, provided that the
Commencement Date has occurred, the Enterprise shall, subject to the provisions
of Section 5.3(b) below, pay the Tribe One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per
month on a cumulative Fiscal Year basis (the "Minimum Guaranteed Monthly
Payment"), beginning on the Commencement Date and continuing for the remainder
of the term of the Management Agreement. The Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payment
shall be payable to the Tribe in arrears on the twentieth (20th) day of each
calendar month following the month in which the Commencement Date occurs, which
payment shall have priority over the Operating Note, Facility Loan or Transition
Loan repayment and payment of Manager's compensation. If the Commencement Date
is a date other than the first day of a calendar month, the first payment will
be prorated from the Commencement Date to the end of the month. The Minimum
Guaranteed Monthly Payment shall be prorated if gaming is conducted at the
Facility for any other partial months.
(b) Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments shall be charged against the
Tribe's monthly distributable share of Net Total Revenues under Section 5.5
hereof; provided, however, that if the Net Total Revenues in a given month are
less than $1,000,000, Manager shall
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advance the funds necessary to compensate for the deficiency from its own funds
(the "Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances", which advances shall not accrue
interest but shall be evidenced by an Operating Note substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit F), and provided further that the Minimum Guaranteed
Monthly Payments shall be reduced to $100,000 per month for the remaining months
in a Fiscal Year after the Tribe has received in such Fiscal Year Total Net
Revenue distributions of $12,000,000. Manager shall be entitled to recoup any
Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances made under this subsection from the Net
Total Revenues of the Enterprise in succeeding months during the term hereof, as
provided in Section 5.5 hereof (and any amounts outstanding on account of
Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances at the end of the term of this Management
Agreement shall be immediately due and payable by the Tribe). In no event shall
this recoupment payment for Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances result in the
Tribe receiving less than its Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payment in any month,
and in no event shall Manager be allowed or entitled to interest on any Minimum
Guaranteed Payment Advances. However, no Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments
shall be required with respect to any months (or portions thereof) that Class
III Gaming is suspended or terminated at the Facility, provided that the reason
or cause of such suspension or termination is beyond the reasonable control of
Manager. Further, no Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments shall accrue subsequent
to termination of this Management Agreement.
(c) Any obligations owing by the Tribe under the Operating Note shall
be repaid solely as a Limited Recourse obligation of the Tribe without any cross
collateralization from other projects of Tribe and without any other liability
or guarantee on the part of the Tribe. Except for the Minimum Guaranteed Monthly
Payment to the Tribe, repayment of the Operating Note obligations shall have
first priority on any Net Gaming and Net Incidental Revenues generated by the
Enterprise. The Tribe agrees to grant to Manager a first priority and perfected
security interest, including a Dominion Account arrangement pursuant to the
Dominion Account Agreement (in a form consistent with the terms of this
Management Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A), on any Net Gaming and Net
Incidental Revenues of the Enterprise in order to secure repayment of the
Operating Note, and such Operating Note shall also be secured on a first
priority and perfected basis by any Furnishings and Equipment financed by
proceeds of the Facility Loan and Transition Loan pursuant to the Security
Agreement. The Tribe agrees not to encumber any of the assets of the Facility or
the Enterprise without the written consent of Manager, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld; except that the Tribe shall have the right without the
consent of Manager to grant security interests in the Enterprise's revenues
which are subordinate to Manager's, interests under this Management Agreement
and all related Transaction Documents pursuant to a subordination agreement in
form and substance acceptable to Manager. The Tribe agrees to enter into a
limited, transactional waiver of sovereign immunity and consent to jurisdiction
and arbitration as to Manager and in connection with the Operating Note, as
provided in the Resolution of Limited Waiver.
5.4 Daily and Monthly Statements. Manager shall furnish to the Tribe's
designated representative financial statements identifying for each day the
Gross Gaming Revenues attributable to the Enterprise's Class III Gaming on each
day that such reports are normally available. Within fifteen (15) days after the
end of each calendar month, Manager shall provide verifiable financial
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statements in accordance with GAAP to the Tribe and the Gaming Commission
covering the preceding month's operations of the Enterprise, including operating
statements, balance sheets, income statements and statements reflecting the
amounts computed to be distributed in accordance with Section 5.5 hereof.
5.5 Distribution of Net Total Revenues.
(a) All Net Total Revenues shall be disbursed on a monthly basis as set
forth below, paid on the twentieth day of each calendar month for the preceding
month. Such Net Total Revenues shall be disbursed from the Enterprise Bank
Account(s) to the extent available for payment of the following accounts in the
following order of priority:
(i) The Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payment described in
Section 5.3 hereof;
(ii) All outstanding Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances and
Working Capital Advances (and accrued interest thereon) or any other
amounts owing to Manager under the Operating Note;
(iii) Current principal, interest and any other payments due
on Facility Loan;
(iv) Current principal, interest and any other payments due on
the Transition Loan;
(v) Management compensation due Manager under Section 5.5(b)
below; provide that if the distribution under this subsection in any
month is insufficient to fund such payment in full, the unpaid amount
shall be deferred and paid under subsection (vi) below;
(vi) Any amounts deferred (including interest on any deferred
management compensation which interest shall accrue at the rate of the
prime interest rate of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (or any successor
bank) plus two percent (2%) from the date the management compensation
is deferred) under subsections (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above;
(vii) Any monthly capital replacement or other reserve
contributions which have been created with the written approval of the
Manager and the Tribe;
(viii) Any indemnification or other obligations then owing by
the Tribe to Manager under any Transaction Document and not paid as
Costs of Gaming Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations (provided
Manager has
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provided written notice to the Tribe that above amounts are owed under
the Transaction Documents, and the Tribe has not disputed the same or
such amounts have been determined to be owing through an arbitration
proceeding under Article 10 hereof); and
(ix) All remaining Net Total Revenues shall be disbursed to
the Tribe at the same time the Management compensation is paid, subject
to the rights of the Manager under the Dominion Account Agreement upon
the occurrence of a Material Breach by the Tribe.
(b) As compensation for Manager's services, Manager shall receive
thirty-five percent (35%) of Net Total Revenues for the prior calendar month,
for so long as this Management Agreement shall remain in effect during the term
hereof, as provided in this Management Agreement. Any amounts owing to Manager
hereunder shall be Limited Recourse obligations of the Tribe and shall be
subject to the security provisions described in Section 5.3(c) hereof, including
the Dominion Account Agreement and Security Agreement.
(c) Manager, on behalf of the Enterprise, is responsible for making the
Net Total Revenues disbursements to the appropriate party.
5.6 Annual Audit. With respect to each Fiscal Year, Manager, on behalf
of the Enterprise, shall cause an audit to be conducted by an independent
certified public accountant from a Big Five accounting firm with more than five
(5) years experience in audits of gaming enterprise operations selected and
approved by the Tribe, and on or before one hundred twenty (120) days after the
end of such year, such accounting firm shall issue a report with financial
statements in accordance with GAAP with respect to the preceding Fiscal Year (or
portion of the year in the case of the first year) operations of the Enterprise,
including operating statements, balance sheets, income statements and statements
reflecting the amounts computed to be distributed in accordance with Section 5.5
hereof, such report to be approved at an annual meeting to be held at a location
mutually agreed upon by the parties. In addition, upon termination of this
Management Agreement in accordance with its terms, such accounting firm shall
conduct an audit, and on or before ninety (90) days after the termination date,
shall issue a report setting forth the same information as is required in the
annual report, in each case with respect to the portion of the Fiscal Year
ending on the termination date. If the Net Total Revenues or other amounts paid
to the Tribe or Manager in accordance with Section 5.5 (b) above for relevant
period are different from the amount which should have been paid to such party
based on the report prepared by the accounting firm and based upon the
provisions of this Management Agreement, then to the extent either party
received an overpayment, it shall repay and deposit the amount of such
overpayment into the bank account referenced in Section 2.8 (a) hereof within
twenty-five (25) days of the receipt by such party of the accountant's report,
and to the extent either party received an underpayment, it shall receive a
distribution from the bank account referenced in Section 2.8 (a) hereof of the
amount of such underpayment within ten (10) days of the receipt by such party of
the accountant's report. Manager may make adjustment to future payments to
correct a discrepancy if required distributions are not made.
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5.7 Advances for Working Capital. Where amounts in bank accounts
established pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof are insufficient to meet Costs of
Gaming Operation or Costs of Incidental Operation, then after the first Fiscal
Year, Tribe and Manager shall advance monies to the Enterprise sufficient to
meet Costs of Gaming Operation and Costs of Incidental Operation on a prorated
basis equal to their percentage of Net Total Revenues distribution under Section
5.5(b) hereof. During the first Fiscal Year Manager shall advance monies to the
Enterprise sufficient to meet Costs of Gaming Operations and Costs of Incidental
Operations. If Manager makes any advances hereunder ("Working Capital Advances",
which advances shall be evidenced by an Operating Note substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit F and shall accrue interest rate of the prime
interest rate of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (or any successor bank) plus two
percent (2%) from the date the advances are made), Manager shall be repaid as
provided in Section 5.5 hereof (and any amounts outstanding on account of
Working Capital Advances at the end of the term of this Management Agreement
shall be immediately due and payable by the Tribe). Any Working Capital Advances
shall be Limited Recourse obligations of the Tribe and shall be subject to the
security provisions described in Section 5.3(c) hereof, including the Dominion
Account Agreement and Security Agreement. Any advances made by the Tribe
hereunder shall accrue interest at the same rate as applies to the Transition
Loan as described in Section 2.3(c) hereof.
5.8 Development and Construction Cost Recoupment. The maximum dollar
amount for recoupment of development and construction costs for the Facility and
Enterprise shall be the total amount of the sums advanced by the Lender or
Developer to the Tribe pursuant to the Transition Loan under Section 2.3 and the
Facility Loan under Section 2.5 of the Development Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
TERMINATION/MATERIAL BREACH
6.1 Termination for Cause. Either party may terminate this Managemnt
Agreement if the other party commits or allows to be committed a Material Breach
(as hereinafter defined) of this Memorandum of Agreement and fails to cure such
breach within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of a written notice from
the non-breaching party identifying the nature of the Material Breach in
specific detail and its intention to terminate this Memorandum of Agreement;
provided, however, that if the nature of such breach (but specifically excluding
breaches curable by the payment of money) is such that it is not possible to
cure such breach within sixty (60) days, such sixty-day period shall be extended
for so long as the breaching party shall be using diligent efforts to effect a
cure thereof, and provided further that Manager shall not be entitled to an
extension of such sixty-day cure period in the event of theft, embezzlement or
willful misconduct with respect to the handling of money or other property.
Termination is not an exclusive remedy for claims of a Material Breach, and the
parties shall be entitled to other rights and remedies as may be available
pursuant to the terms hereof or under applicable law. For purposes of this
Memorandum of Agreement, a "Material Breach" is any of the following
circumstances: (i) failure of Manager to provide the Tribe with the monthly
Minimum Guaranteed Monthly Payments pursuant to Section
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<PAGE> 26
5.3 hereof, unless suspended pursuant to the terms of Sections 5.3(b) or 6.4(b)
hereof, (ii) material failure of either party to perform a material obligation
hereunder, or under the Development Agreement, or any document or agreement
related hereto or thereto for reasons not excused under Section 9.6 hereof
(Force Majeure), (iii) if any of Manager's employees are found guilty of theft,
embezzlement or crime of moral turpitude by a final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction and if, after knowledge of such final judgment, Manager
does not remove such employee from connection with Class III Gaming operations
of the Enterprise, (iv) default under the Facility Note, the Interim Promissory
Note, the Operating Note, or any document or agreement related hereto or
thereto, or (v) any representation or warranty made pursuant to Section 9.11 or
9.12 hereof proves to be knowingly false or erroneous in any material way when
made. Any final notice of termination hereunder shall be in writing detailing
the reason the party considers the Material Breach not to be cured and must be
delivered to the other party before such termination becomes effective.
6.2 Mutual Consent. This Management Agreement may be terminated at any
time upon the mutual written consent and approval of the parties.
6.3 Involuntary Termination Due to Changes in Law or Tribal-State
Compact. The parties hereby agree to use their best efforts to conduct Class III
Gaming activities in accordance with this Management Agreement and to ensure
that such activities and this Management Agreement conform to and comply with
all applicable laws and a Tribal-State Compact. The Tribe agrees that, except as
may be required by federal law, the Tribe will not enact or pass any new
ordinances subsequent to the execution of this Management Agreement that would
materially impair the rights of Manager under this Management Agreement. In the
event of any change in state or federal laws that results in a final
determination by the Secretary, the National Indian Gaming Commission, or a
court of competent jurisdiction that this Management Agreement is unlawful, the
Tribe and Manager shall use their respective good faith best efforts to amend
this Management Agreement in a mutually satisfactory manner which will comply
with the change in applicable laws and not materially change the rights, duties
and obligations of the parties hereunder. In the event such amendment can not be
legally effected following exhaustion of all such good faith best efforts
(including the lapse of all legal proceedings and appeal periods without
favorable results) performance of this Management Agreement shall be
automatically suspended effective upon the date that performance of this
Management Agreement becomes unlawful by such final determination, and either
party shall have the right to terminate such suspended Management Agreement
(except the Notes and Security Provisions, as defined in Section 6.4 (b)) upon
written notice to the other party.
6.4 Other Rights upon Material Breach; Ownership of Assets and
Repayment of Obligations on Termination.
(a) Upon the occurrence of any Material Breach or upon the occurrence
of any event or circumstance which with the giving of notice or the passage of
time or both would constitute a Material Breach, the Manager may suspend its
obligation to make any Minimum Guaranteed Payment Advances, until such time as
the default has been cured. Upon the occurrence of any Material Breach, the
Manager may suspend its obligation to make any Working Capital Advances until
such time as the Material Breach has been cured.
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(b) Upon termination: (i) the Tribe will retain full ownership of the
Facility, Plans and Specifications therefor, and the Enterprise and its assets,
subject to Manager's security interest in the Net Total Revenues of the
Enterprise pursuant to the Dominion Account Agreement and the Tribe's Limited
Recourse obligations under the Operating Note (if not yet satisfied), or any
security interests or liens in any Furnishings and Equipment purchased with
Facility Loan and Transition Loan proceeds or other purchase money agreements;
and, (ii) Manager will have no rights to the Enterprise and its assets or the
Facility (or any equipment, books and records, materials or furnishings therein
that were purchased with Costs of Gaming or Incidental Operations) except as to
the security interests and liens recited above or as may be established
otherwise by a proceeding pursuant to Article 10 hereof. In the event of any
termination (whether voluntary or involuntary), the Tribe shall continue to have
the obligation to pay unpaid principal and interest and other amounts due under
indemnity obligations or the Operating Note (if not yet satisfied). Any and all
obligations and provisions contained in this Management Agreement concerning
indemnity obligations or repayment of the Operating Note and the security
therefor (collectively, the "Notes and Security Provisions"), shall survive
termination this Management Agreement. In the event of termination for any
reason, and subject to its rights under the dispute resolution provisions under
Article 10 herein, Manager shall cooperate with the Tribe in the orderly
transition of management of the Enterprise, and shall provide the Tribe or its
designee with any and all books, records, documents, contracts, and all other
information relating to the Facility or the Enterprise, whether such information
shall be in electronic, hard copy or any other form. In addition to any other
survival provisions set forth in this Management Agreement, upon the occurrence
of any termination of this Management Agreement, the terms and provisions of
Articles 6 and 7 and Sections 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 9.10,
9.11, 9.12, 9.13, 9.14, 9.15, 9.16, 9.17, 9.18, 9.19, 9.20, 9.22, 9.24 and 10.3
hereof shall survive such termination. If at the time of termination the Tribe's
obligations under the Operating Note remain unsatisfied in full, then the Tribe
may either pay the Note obligations in full, or to the extent economically
feasible (as hereinafter defined), the Tribe shall have the obligation to
continue to operate and maintain the Facility and Enterprise in accordance with
reasonable industry standards, and as to any portions of the Facility and the
Enterprise that are no longer economically feasible to operate, the Tribe and
the Manager shall conduct an orderly liquidation of such assets and any
liquidation proceeds (net of reasonable sale costs) shall be deposited into the
Dominion Account and disbursed in accordance with the same terms and provisions
applicable to Gross Total Revenues, provided however that such liquidation
proceeds shall be excluded from Net Total Revenues for purposes of calculating
the management compensation of any Replacement manager whether under Section
5.5(b) hereof or otherwise; and the Tribe shall keep the Facility and Enterprise
and all related assets insured for the coverages and amounts required by this
Management Agreement and name Manager as an additional insured, loss payee and
mortgagee, as applicable and provide evidence thereof upon request until all
amounts owing to Manager have been paid in full, and if any portion of the
Enterprise assets are damaged by any casualty and it is economically feasible
for the Tribe to continue to operate such damaged assets, then the Tribe shall
repair and reconstruct such operations that were damaged and are to be
continued, and any excess insurance proceeds that are not used to repair and
reconstruct the applicable damaged Enterprise assets shall be deposited into the
Dominion Account and disbursed
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in accordance with the same terms and provisions applicable to Gross Total
Revenues, provided however that such excess proceeds shall be excluded from Net
Total Revenues for purposes of calculating the management compensation of any
Replacement manager whether under Section 5.5(b) hereof or otherwise. As used
herein and in Section 6.6(d) hereof, the term "economically feasible" shall mean
that the gross revenues derived from any applicable operations is in excess of
that needed to pay the Costs of Gaming Operations or Costs of Incidental
Operations, as applicable to the operations in question.
(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, in the event of
termination of this Management Agreement for any reason prior to the full
repayment to Manager of any amounts owed to it by the Tribe under the
Transaction Documents, including without limitation, the Operating Note, the
Tribe shall, as promptly as reasonably possible, appoint a person or entity
qualified to manage the Facility and operate the Enterprise (the "Replacement")
and use its best efforts to obtain approvals of all required Governmental
Authorities for such Replacement, provided the obligation to continue to operate
under Section 6.4(b) exists. The Tribe agrees to keep full and accurate
financial records of operations of the Enterprise by such Replacement and to
allow Manager to audit such records at reasonable times prior to full repayment
to Manager of any amounts owed to it by the Tribe under the Transaction
Documents, including without limitation, the Operating Note, and that Tribe's
compliance with this paragraph shall not preclude the Manager from exercising
any of its other rights and remedies hereunder or any document or agreement
related hereto, including, without limitation, rights under the Operating Note
and the Dominion Account Agreement.
6.5 Notice of Termination. In the event of a proposed termination
pursuant to this Article, the Tribe shall provide notice of the termination to
the Secretary or other appropriate Governmental Authorities within ten (10) days
after the termination.
6.6 Cessation of Class III Gaming at the Facility.
(a) If, during the term of this Management Agreement, Class III Gaming
cannot be lawfully conducted at the Facility by reason of the application of any
legislation or court or administrative agency order or decree adopted or issued
by a governmental entity having the authority to do so, Manager shall, within 60
days after such legislation, order or decree becomes effective, elect to:
(i) retain Manager's interest in this Management Agreement and
suspend Gaming operations until such date, if any, during the term of
this Management Agreement on which Class III Gaming at the Facility
becomes lawful (during which period the term of the Management
Agreement will be tolled until Class III Gaming at the Facility becomes
lawful or the parties mutually agreed otherwise); or
(ii) retain Manager's interest in this Management Agreement,
suspend Class III Gaming operations until such date, if any, during the
term of this Management Agreement on which Class III Gaming at the
Facility becomes lawful
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(during which period the term of the Management Agreement will be
tolled until Class III Gaming at the Facility becomes lawful or the
parties mutually agreed otherwise), and with the prior approval of the
Tribe, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, use the
Facility for any other lawful purpose pursuant to a use agreement
containing terms reasonably acceptable to Manager and the Tribe; or
(iii) terminate Class III Gaming operations and terminate this
Management Agreement.
Manager shall give the Tribe written notice of Manager's election
within such 60-day period.
(b) If Manager elects to retain its interest in this Management
Agreement under Section 6.6 (a)(i) or (ii) above, Manager shall have the right
(but not the obligation) to commence Class III Gaming operations within sixty
(60) days after the date on which Class III Gaming becomes lawful. Manager may
exercise such right by giving the Tribe written notice of such exercise within
thirty (30) days after the date on which Class III Gaming becomes lawful. Any
reasonable payment to any third party made during the period during which Class
III Gaming is unlawful to preserve or eliminate any leasehold or purchase
contract rights of the Facility shall be paid by Manager from Enterprise funds
after mutual approval of the Tribe and Manager as Costs of Gaming Operation or
Cost of Incidental Operations, as applicable, and reimbursed after Class III
Gaming is recommenced.
(c) If, during the term of this Management Agreement, the Facility is
damaged by casualty or other occurrence to the extent, as reasonably determined
by Manager, that Class III Gaming cannot be conducted at the Facility, Manager
shall elect to:
(i) retain Manager's interest in this Management Agreement
pending repair or reconstruction of the Facility, suspend Class III
Gaming operations pending the repair or reconstruction of the Facility
(during which period the term of the Management Agreement will be
tolled until Class III Gaming can be conducted at the Facility or the
parties mutually agreed otherwise), and arrange for such repair or
reconstruction in the manner described in this Section 6.6; or
(ii) terminate this Management Agreement, such termination to
be effective on the sixtieth (60th) day after written notice of
termination shall have been delivered to the Tribe.
Manager shall give the Tribe and Tribe written notice of Manager's
election under subsection within sixty (60) days after such casualty or
occurrence.
(d) If Manager elects to retain its interest in this Management
Agreement under Section 6.6(c)(i) above, the Tribe shall be obligated to make
such repairs or reconstruction as the Manager shall reasonably determine should
be made to the Facility (to the extent that insurance
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<PAGE> 30
proceeds are available or as otherwise mutually agreed by the Tribe and
Manager), and Manager shall promptly verify the amount of insurance proceeds
available to pay the cost of repair or reconstruction. If the Manager elects to
retain its interests under Section 6.6(c)(i) above, Manager is hereby granted
the authority to submit, adjust and settle, on behalf of the Tribe, all
insurance claims associated with the casualty or occurrence; provided, however,
that Manager shall obtain the Tribe's prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld) to any settlement. Manager shall provide copies of
all settlement documents to the Tribe. If the Manager does not elect to retain
its interest under Section 6.6(c)(i) above and if the Tribe's obligations under
the Operating Note are not yet satisfied, then: (a) the Tribe shall have the
authority to submit, adjust and settle all insurance claims provided that any
final settlement shall be with the prior written consent of Manager which will
not be unreasonably withheld, and the Tribe shall provide copies of all
settlement documents to the Manager; (b) to the extent economically feasible (as
defined in Section 6.4(b), the Tribe shall have the obligation to continue to
operate and maintain the Facility and Enterprise in accordance with reasonable
industry standards, and as to any portions of the Facility and the Enterprise
that are no longer economically feasible to operate, the Tribe and the Manager
shall conduct an orderly liquidation of such assets and any liquidation proceeds
(net of reasonable sale costs) shall be deposited into the Dominion Account and
disbursed in accordance with the same terms and provisions applicable to Gross
Total Revenues, provided however that such liquidation proceeds shall be
excluded from Net Total Revenues for purposes of calculating the management
compensation of any Replacement Manager whether under Section 5.5(b) hereof or
otherwise; (c) the Tribe shall repair and reconstruct such operations that were
damaged and are to be continued; and (d) any excess insurance proceeds that are
not used to repair and reconstruct the applicable damaged Enterprise assets
shall be deposited into the Dominion Account and disbursed in accordance with
the same terms and provisions applicable to Gross Total Revenues, provided
however that such excess proceeds shall be excluded from Net Total Revenues for
purposes of calculating the management compensation of any Replacement manager
whether under Section 5.5(b) hereof or otherwise.
(e) If Manager elects to terminate this Management Agreement under this
Section 6.6, the provisions of Section 6.4 above shall apply.
6.7 Renewal Option.
The parties by mutual agreement may decide to renew or extend the
Management Agreement of this Management Agreement. Any such renewal or extension
shall only become effective upon approval by the NIGC and appropriate licensing
by the Gaming Commission.
6.8 Buyout Option.
Following forty-eight (48) months of continuous operation of Class III
Gaming at the Enterprise, the Tribe shall have the option to buy out the
Manager's remaining rights under this Management Agreement for an amount equal
to the present value, using a discount rate of two percent above the prime
interest rate of Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or any successor bank, of the
Remaining Management Fees (as hereinafter defined). The term "Remaining
Management Fees"
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shall mean the total monthly compensation which would have been payable to
Manager under Section 5.5(b) hereof for the balance of the term of this
Agreement, assuming that such monthly compensation would be the average of the
compensation paid to Manager during the most recent operating twelve months
prior to such buy out.
6.9 Cumulative Remedies.
All rights or remedies of either the Tribe or Manager under this
Management Agreement or any other Transaction Documents shall be cumulative and
may be exercised singularly in any order or concurrently, at such party's
respective option, and the exerciser or enforcement of any such right or remedy
shall neither be a condition to nor bar to the exercise or enforcement of any
other right or remedy.
ARTICLE 7
RELEASE AND INDEMNITY
7.1 Third-Party Claims. Neither party shall be entitled to recover
from, and expressly releases, the other party, its agents, directors, officers
and employees, from or for any third-party damages, claims, causes of action,
losses and/or expenses of whatever kind or nature, except claims resulting from
the other party's own gross negligence or willful or criminal misconduct,
including attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in defending such claims in
connection with the lawful operation of the Facility and Enterprise in
accordance with the terms of this Management Agreement; and such claims,
damages, losses or expenses shall be considered either Costs of Gaming Operation
or Costs of Incidental Operations, depending on the circumstances and nature of
the claim, payable from the bank accounts established pursuant to Section 2.8(a)
hereof.
7.2 Indemnity from Manager. Notwithstanding Section 7.1, Manager shall
indemnify and hold the Tribe, its agents, directors, officers and employees,
harmless against any and all damages, claims, losses or expenses of whatever
kind or nature, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in
defending such claims, resulting from the gross negligence or willful or
criminal misconduct of Manager, its officers and directors in connection with
Manager's performance of this Management Agreement, and no such damages, losses
or expenses shall be paid from the bank accounts established pursuant to Section
2.8 (a) hereof, nor shall such losses or expenses be considered Costs of Gaming
Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations.
7.3 Indemnity from Tribe. Notwithstanding Section 7.1, Tribe shall upon
request indemnify and hold Manager, its agents, directors, officers and
employees, harmless against any and all damages, claims, losses or expenses of
whatever kind or nature, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses
incurred in defending such claims, resulting from the gross negligence or
willful or criminal misconduct of the Tribe, its officers, directors, or tribal
government employees, in connection with the Tribe's performance of this
Management Agreement, and no such damages, losses or expenses shall be
considered Costs of Gaming Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations.
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7.4 Indemnity Against Unauthorized Debt and Liabilities. The parties
expressly agree that neither this Management Agreement nor its performance
creates or implies a partnership between the parties or authorizes either party
to act as agent for the other except to the extent expressly provided herein.
Manager hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the Tribe harmless from any
third-party claims, actions and liabilities, including reasonable attorneys'
fees on account of obligations or debts of Manager that Manager is not
authorized to undertake as agent for the Tribe pursuant to the terms of this
Management Agreement. The Tribe likewise agrees to indemnify and hold Manager
harmless from any third-party claims, actions and liabilities on account of any
of the separate obligations or debts of the Tribe that are not authorized Costs
of Gaming Operations or Costs of Incidental Operations pursuant to this
Management Agreement.
7.5 Indemnity Agreement. In connection with any indemnity obligations
hereunder, the parties agree they will comply with the terms and conditions set
forth in the Indemnity Agreement attached to the Development Agreement as
Exhibit E.
ARTICLE 8
PARTIES IN INTEREST
8.1 Payment of Fees and Submission of Information for Background
Investigations.
Upon execution of this Management Agreement, Manager shall pay the fees
required by federal and Tribe regulations for background investigations for the
"Parties in Interest" as defined herein, and it shall submit the information
required by this Section in duplicate to the National Indian Gaming Commission
and the Gaming Commission and update such information at any time that changes
occur in prior submissions so as to allow complete background investigations. In
no event shall the cost of background investigations under this Section relating
to Gaming Commission regulations exceed $25,000.
(a) As used in this Section 8.1, the term, "Parties in Interest"
includes any person or entity with a financial interest in, or having management
responsibility for, this Management Agreement or for which background
investigations are required by 25 C.F.R. Part 537, and any amendments thereto.
(b) Manager shall require sufficient information and identification
from each "Party in Interest" to perform a background investigation for the
purpose of determining the suitability of such persons for employment in a Class
III Gaming operation, including, at a minimum, the information required by the
National Indian Gaming Commission as set forth in 25 C.F.R. Part 537.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, Manager shall obtain a current set
of fingerprints on each person for whom background investigations are required
by the Gaming Commission and the National Indian Gaming Commission, using forms
supplied by the National Indian Gaming Commission and/or the Gaming Commission,
which shall be referred to the Federal
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<PAGE> 33
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Identification Division or other law
enforcement agency designated by the Gaming Commission.
(d) The parties hereby certify that a listing of all "Parties in
Interest" as defined in Section 8.1 (a) above is set forth in Exhibit D hereto.
All such "Parties in Interest", as such listing shall be supplemented from time
to time, shall be required to furnish the information required by this Section
8.1 prior to obtaining such interest. All necessary Governmental Authorities
must approve any change in the "Parties in Interest". Any change of a person
listed in Exhibit D shall not constitute a change in persons with a financial
interest in or management responsibility for a management contract.
8.2 Removal; Divestiture. Should the Gaming Commission or the National
Indian Gaming Commission, in a final non-appealable decision, find that any
person with a "direct or indirect financial interest" in this Management
Agreement (as defined in 25 C.F.R. ss. 502.17, and any amendments thereto) whose
prior activities, criminal record, if any, or reputation, habits, and
associations pose a threat to the public interest, or the tribal interest, or
the effective regulation of gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of
unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices and methods and activities in the
conduct of gaming or the carrying on of related business and financial
arrangements, and should either agency notify Manager or the Tribe of such
finding, then Manager shall require such individual to divest his or her
interest in this Management Agreement and remove such person from all
association with operations under this Management Agreement within ten (10)
business days of receipt of such notice. In addition, if any person with "direct
or indirect financial interest" in this Management Agreement (as defined in 25
C.F.R. ss. 502.17, and any amendments thereto) that: (a) has been or is
subsequently convicted of a felony relating to gaming, (b) knowingly or
willfully provided materially false statements to the Tribe, the Gaming
Commission or the National Indian Gaming Commission, or refused to respond to
questions from either of such agencies, or (c) attempts to unduly interfere or
unduly influence for his or her gain or advantage any decision or process of
tribal government relating to Class III Gaming and if Manager becomes aware of
such conflicts or prohibited actions, then Manager shall notify Tribe of such
event and within seventy-two (72) hours cause such person to divest his or her
interest in this Management Agreement.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Assignment and Subcontractors. The rights and obligations under
this Management Agreement shall not be assigned or subcontracted by any party
without the prior written consent of the other party and without first obtaining
prior approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission or the BIA, if
applicable, and any other necessary regulatory approvals. However, the Tribe
reserves the right to assign its rights and obligations under this Management
Agreement (together with all right, title and interests to the Enterprise assets
and the Development Agreement) to a tribally chartered entity or an IRA section
17 corporation that it wholly owns and controls, and the Manager reserves the
right to assign its rights and obligations under this Management Agreement to a
wholly owned subsidiary provided that the original Manager hereunder, or an
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<PAGE> 34
affiliated entity reasonably satisfactory to the Tribe, remains obligated
hereunder by means of a guaranty or other accommodation reasonably satisfactory
to the Tribe, and further provided that Manager shall have received prior
approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission or the BIA, if applicable,
and any other necessary regulatory approvals. Any assigning party engaging in a
permitted assignment described above shall and shall cause its assignee to
execute and deliver to the other party such assignment and assumption agreements
together with evidence of the due authorization, execution, delivery and
enforceability of such assignment documents as may be reasonably requested.
Other than as expressly provided herein or in Section 9.2 below, any attempted
assignment or subcontracting without such consent and approval shall be void.
Approval of any assignment or subcontract to any new party must be preceded by a
complete background investigation of the new party as required by Section 8.1.
Subject to the preceding requirements, this Management Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and assigns.
9.2 Change of Control in Ownership Interest. Any Change of Control (as
defined herein) in Manager shall require prior written consent of the Tribe and
be subject to Legal Requirements, or this Management Agreement shall be
terminated. For purposes of this Management Agreement, a "Change of Control"
means the acquisition by any person or affiliated group of persons not presently
members of Manager of beneficial ownership of 51% or more of membership interest
in Manager.
9.3 Notices. Any notice, consent or any other communication permitted
or required by this Management Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
effective on the date sent and shall be delivered by personal service, via
telecopier with reasonable evidence of transmission, express delivery or by
certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, and,
until written notice of a new address or addresses is given, shall be addressed
as follows:
If to the Tribe: The Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council
156 Worcester-Providence Highway
Suite 28
Sutton Square Mall
Sutton, MA 01590
Attention: Chairman
With a copy to: Christopher P. Sullivan, Esq.
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.
222 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
If to the Manager: Lakes Nipmuc, LLC
130 Cheshire Lane
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Attention: Timothy J. Cope
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With a copy to: Kevin C. Quigley, Esq.
Johnson Hamilton Quigley Twait & Foley PLC
W1450 First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101-1314
and Brian Klein, Esq.
Maslon, Edelman, Borman & Brand, LLP
3300 Wells Fargo Center
90 South Seventh Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4140
Copies of any notices shall be given to the Gaming Commission.
9.4 Amendments. This Management Agreement may be amended only by
written instrument duly executed by all of the parties hereto and with any and
all necessary regulatory approvals previously obtained.
9.5 Counterparts. This Management Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts and by facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
9.6 Force Majeure. No party shall be in default in performance due
hereunder if such failure or performance is due to causes beyond its reasonable
control, including acts of God, war, fires, floods, or accidents causing damage
to or destruction of the Facility or property necessary to operate the Facility,
or any other causes, contingencies, or circumstances not subject to its
reasonable control which prevent or hinder performance of this Management
Agreement; provided, however, that the forgoing shall not excuse any obligations
of the Tribe to make monetary payments to the Manager as and when required
hereunder or in any related document or agreement.
9.7 Time is Material. The parties agree that time is of the essence and
the time and schedule requirements set forth in this Management Agreement are
material terms of this Management Agreement.
9.8 Further Assurances. The parties hereto agree to do all acts and
deliver necessary documents as shall from time to time be reasonably required to
carry out the terms and provisions of this Management Agreement.
9.9 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Management
Agreement is, by final order of a court of competent jurisdiction or Government
Authority, held to be illegal or void, the validity of the remaining portions of
the Management Agreement shall be enforced as if the Management Agreement did
not contain such illegal or void clauses or provisions, and the parties shall
use their best efforts to negotiate an amendment to this ManagmentAgreement
which will comply with the judicial order and maintain the originally
contemplated rights, duties and obligations of the parties hereunder.
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9.10 Sovereign Immunity. Except for the Resolution of Limited Waiver
attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein by reference, nothing in
this Management Agreement shall be deemed or construed to constitute a waiver of
sovereign immunity of the Tribe and the only applicable waivers of sovereign
immunity shall be those expressly provided and executed by the Tribe's duly
authorized representative and substantially conforming to the form as approved
by the parties. The parties agree that they will not amend or alter the
Resolution of Limited Waiver which will in any way lessen the rights of any
party as set forth in the Resolution of Limited Waiver, including without
limitation the covenant therein of the Tribe to preserve its effective terms in
the event of future changes in its legal status or governance. This Section 9.10
shall survive termination of this Management Agreement, regardless of the reason
for the termination.
9.11 Representations and Warranties of Manager. The Manager hereby
represents and warrants as follows:
(a) This Management Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Manager and, when approved by necessary Governmental
Authorities as set forth (where applicable), will constitute a valid
and binding obligation, enforceable against Manager in accordance with
its terms.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Management Agreement,
the performance by Manager of its obligations hereunder and the
consummation by Manager of the transactions contemplated hereby will
not violate any contract or agreement to which Manager or any of its
affiliated companies is a party or any law, regulation, rule or
ordinance or any order, judgment or decree of any federal, state,
tribal or local court or require any regulatory approval beyond those
contemplated herein.
(c) Manager has the full legal right, power and authority and
has taken all action necessary to enter into this Management Agreement,
to perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate all other
transactions contemplated by this Management Agreement.
9.12 Representations and Warranties of Tribe. The Tribe hereby
represents and warrants as follows:
(a) The Tribe is a duly organized Indian tribe under the
Constitution of the Tribe and laws of the United States. The Tribe
agrees that it shall ratify this Management Agreement and its rights,
liabilities obligations hereunder and any related document or agreement
thereto within ten (10) days of final agency determination by the
United States government recognizing the Tribe as a federally
recognized tribe.
(b) The Tribe has full legal right, power and authority under
the laws for the Tribe and has taken all official Tribal Council action
necessary (i) to enter into this Management Agreement and authorize the
Tribe to execute and deliver this Management Agreement, the
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Operating Note, Dominion Account Agreement, Security Agreement, and any
and all other documents and agreements related thereto or contemplated
thereby (collectively, the "Transaction Documents"), (ii) to perform
its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and (iii) to consummate all
other transactions contemplated by this Management Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents.
(c) This Management Agreement, the Operating Note, and the
other Transaction Documents, when executed and delivered by Tribe and
approved by necessary Governmental Authorities, including the Tribe,
will constitute a valid and binding obligation, enforceable against
Tribe in accordance with their terms.
(d) The execution and delivery of this Management Agreement,
the Operating Note, and the other Transaction Documents, the
performance by Tribe of its obligations hereunder and the consummation
by Tribe of the transactions contemplated hereby will not violate any
contract or agreement to which Tribe is a party, law, regulation, rule
or ordinance or any order judgment or decree of any federal, state,
tribal or local court, or require any approval by Governmental
Authorities beyond those contemplated herein.
9.13 Governing Law. This Management Agreement has been negotiated, made
and executed at the Tribe's office located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its conflict of laws
provisions, and applicable federal laws.
9.14 Entire Agreement. This Management Agreement, including all
exhibits, represents the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all
prior agreements relating to management of Class III Gaming conducted by the
Tribe at the Facility and the operations of the Enterprise.
9.15 Representatives of Tribe. The Tribal Council shall furnish to
Manager a list of the authorized representatives who are empowered to act on
behalf of the Tribe for the purposes of this Memorandum of Agreement and the
Tribe shall keep such list current.
9.16 Limitations of Liability.
Manager expressly agrees that the Tribe's total aggregate liability for
damages for breach of the Management Agreement shall be limited in accordance
with the Resolution of Limited Waiver attached hereto as Exhibit C and
incorporated herein by reference.
9.17 Approvals. Unless otherwise provided herein, all approvals or
consents required by either party hereunder shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Unless otherwise provided herein, approval by the Tribal Council or
its duly authorized representative shall be deemed to constitute approval by the
Tribe and approval by the Chief Executive Officer of the Manager shall be deemed
to constitute approval by the Manager.
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9.18 Best Efforts. Except as otherwise provided herein, Manager and the
Tribe shall use their best efforts to perform and fulfill their obligations
under this Management Agreement in the manner required by this Management
Agreement.
9.19 Request for NIGC Approval. The parties specifically request that
the NIGC, or the Secretary where appropriate, approve this Management Agreement
and the other Transaction Documents, if required or declare that such approval
is not required.
9.20 Non-disclosure. The parties agree not to divulge to third parties
the terms of this Management Agreement or any other proprietary or confidential
information exchanged between the parties pursuant to this Management Agreement,
unless (i) the information is required to be disclosed pursuant to judicial
order or Legal Requirements, (ii) the information is at the time of disclosure
already in the public domain, or (iii) to the extent required in order to obtain
financing. This prohibition shall not apply to disclosures by either party to
their attorneys, accountants, or other professional advisers. In situations
where disclosure of the terms of this Management Agreement to regulatory,
governmental or judicial entities is required by law or regulations, the parties
will make reasonable efforts to secure confidential treatment of the economic
terms of this Management Agreement by such entities; provided, however, this
disclosure restriction shall not prohibit Manager making any SEC filings it
deems legally necessary. The parties agree to consult with each other and
cooperate regarding any press releases regarding this Management Agreement and
the relationships described herein.
9.21 Non-Competition and Right of First Offer. Manager agrees that,
during the term of this Management Agreement and the Development Agreement,
neither Manager, nor any parent entity, subsidiary entity or otherwise
affiliated entity, shall manage or have any direct or indirect ownership or
other interest in, or consult with or otherwise provide any financing or
services to, any facility (other than the Facility) where Class II or Class III
Gaming is conducted within the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode
Island (the "Restricted Area") without the prior written consent of the Tribe.
In the event that the Tribe desires to conduct Class II or Class III Gaming
within the Restricted Area (other than at the Facility) during the term of this
Management Agreement or the Developement Agreement, the Tribe shall first offer
to Manager the right to develop and manage such facility upon the terms and
conditions proposed by the Tribe, with a prompt response by Manager required,
but in no event later than thirty (30) days after written notice from the Tribe.
In the event that Manager declines to accept such offer upon such terms and
conditions, the Tribe shall have the right to pursue such Class II or Class III
Gaming provided that (i) the Tribe may not offer to an unrelated third party
terms and conditions which are more favorable than those offered to Manager, and
(ii) such Class II or Class III Gaming shall not commence operations prior to
the opening of the Facility unless this Management Agreement or the Development
Agreement shall have been terminated. Manager and the Tribe acknowledge that
notwithstanding their mutual intent hereunder to conduct Class III Gaming, the
parties may mutually agree to conduct Class II Gaming at the Facility while
conducting Class III Gaming at the Facility. In such event, the Tribe agrees
that Manager or its affiliate will manage the Class II Gaming facility for a
term of seven (7) years and pursuant to such other terms to which the parties
shall mutually agree. The parties shall mutually agree to the scope and size of
any Class II Gaming facility that they determine to build and operate as part of
the Enterprise.
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9.22 Other Business Opportunities. During the term of this Management
Agreement, or until Manager is repaid in full on the Operating Note, whichever
is later, the Tribe is free to pursue other real estate and development
opportunities; provided it grants to Manager the right of first refusal to
participate with the Tribe upon the terms and conditions proposed by the Tribe,
with a prompt response by Manager required, but in no event later than thirty
(30) days after written notice from the Tribe. In the event that Manager
declines to participate with the Tribe upon such terms and conditions, the Tribe
shall have the right to pursue such opportunity but may not offer to an
unrelated third party terms and conditions which are more favorable than those
offered to Manager.
9.23 Use of Trade Marks and Trade Names. To assure that the Tribe can
continue operation of the Facility and Enterprise without disruption in the
event that this Management Agreement is terminated or not renewed, Manager
agrees that, in identifying any portion of the Facility or Enterprise or
services offered within the Facility or Enterprise, Manager shall use only those
trade marks or trade names which are not owned by Manager or by any third party.
Manager agrees that it shall have no ownership interest in, nor shall it use for
its own account or the account of others, any trade name or trade mark,
copyrighted material or other intellectual property relating to the Tribe,
Facility or Enterprise, all of which shall remain the sole property of the
Tribe.
9.24 Recitals. The recitals at the beginning of this Management
Agreement are true and are incorporated by reference herein.
ARTICLE 10
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
10.1 Disputes Between the Enterprise and Patrons. Disputes that arise
between the Enterprise and any patron of the Facility shall be resolved in
accordance with the Tribal-State Compact and tribal ordinances, if applicable.
10.2 Disputes Between the Enterprise and Enterprise Employees. The
Tribe and Manager shall jointly develop an employee dispute resolution policy
and the Manager shall implement and administer the employee dispute resolution
policy after its adoption.
10.3 Disputes Between the Tribe and the Manager. Disputes between the
Tribe and Developer with respect to this Management Agreement, the Operating
Note, or any other Transaction Documents, or a party's performance hereunder or
thereunder, shall be resolved by the following dispute resolution process and
pursuant to the Resolution of Limited Waiver attached hereto.
(a) The parties shall first meet and confer in a good faith attempt to
resolve the dispute through negotiations not later than ten (10) calendar days
after receipt of written notice of the dispute, unless both parties agree in
writing to an extension of time.
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(b) If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties
within thirty (30) calendar days after the first meeting in Subsection 10.3(a)
above, then any claim, controversy or dispute arising out of or relating to this
Management Agreement, the Operating Note, or any other Transaction Document, or
any alleged default thereunder or breach of any provisions thereof shall be
submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time of
submission; except that: (a) the question whether or not a dispute is arbitrable
under this Management Agreement, the Operating Note, or any other Transaction
Document shall be a matter for binding arbitration by the arbitrators, such
question shall not be determined by any court and, in determining any such
question, all doubts shall be resolved in favor of arbitrability; and (b)
discovery shall be permitted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, subject to supervision as to scope and appropriateness by the
arbitrators. Judgment on any arbitration award may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction over the parties pursuant to the Resolution of Limited
Waiver attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Unless the parties hereto otherwise agree in writing prior of the
submission of such claim, controversy or dispute to arbitration, arbitration
proceedings under this Article 11 shall be held in Boston, Massachusetts.
(d) Either party may, at any time prior to the selection of an
arbitrator or arbitrators, require that the arbitrator or arbitrators selected
be an attorney or attorneys licensed to practice law in the United States and
that the attorneys have experience in Indian gaming regulatory and development
issues.
(e) Unless the parties hereto otherwise agree in writing, any matter to
be arbitrated shall be submitted to a panel of three arbitrators. One arbitrator
shall be selected by the Tribe, one arbitrator shall be selected by Manager and
the third arbitrator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the two
arbitrators selected by the parties hereto.
(f) The arbitration award shall be in writing signed by each of the
arbitrators, and shall state the basis for the award. The arbitration award
shall be set forth in reasonable detail as to its findings of fact and law, and
basis of determination of award form and amount. In connection with any
arbitration award, the arbitrators shall be empowered to take the actions and
enforce the judicial remedies described in Paragraph 5 of the Resolution of
Limited Waiver; provided however, that although the arbitrators may award
damages in the event the Tribe or the Gaming Commission may choose not to comply
with the award, the arbitrators may not require the Tribe or the Gaming
Commission to take or modify any governmental legislative decision or action
which the arbitrators have determined has resulted in the dispute between the
parties and is contrary to the parties rights, liabilities and obligations under
this Management Agreement, the Operating Note, or any other Transaction Document
("Specific Performance Restriction"). Provided further, that: (a) should the
arbitrators determine that the governmental legislative decision or action by
the Tribe or the
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Gaming Commission in dispute has been made in an unreasonable manner and if the
Tribe shall not reverse such governmental legislative decision or action, then
the arbitrators shall award treble damages to Manager, Guarantor, or other
claimant, as applicable, for damages suffered as a consequence of the Tribe's or
Gaming Commission's governmental legislative decision or action; (b) that such
Specific Performance Restriction shall not prevent Manager from enforcing the
Operating Note, , the Security Agreement, the Dominion Account Agreement, or the
liens and security interests granted thereunder, nor from realizing on
collateral encumbered thereby; and (c) if the unreasonably imposed governmental
action involves a tax or other governmental imposition directly or indirectly on
the revenues generated from the Enterprise and such tax or imposition has a
material adverse impact (as determined by the arbitrators) on Manager's ability
to collect or realize upon the obligations owing by the Tribe and/or the
collateral securing such obligations, then the arbitrators shall have the
authority to grant Manager the right to seek recourse against all tribal assets
(including, without limitation, the Limited Recourse assets) with respect to the
payment of any arbitration award granted to Manager and the Tribe hereby agrees
to the granting of such expanded recourse rights.
(g) Except to the extent such enforcement will be inconsistent with a
specific provision of this Management Agreement, arbitration awards made
pursuant to this Article 11 shall be enforceable under Title 9 of the United
States Code and any applicable tribal, federal or state law governing the
enforcement of arbitration awards.
(h) In addition to any basis for appeal of an arbitration award stated
in Title 9 of the United States Code or any applicable law governing the
enforcement of arbitration awards, either party hereto may appeal an arbitration
award on the basis that the arbitrator or arbitrators incorrectly decided a
question of law in making the award, or the award was made in an arbitrary or
capricious manner or in manifest disregard of the factual evidence.
(i) Either party hereto, without having to exhaust any tribal remedies
first, shall have the right to seek and obtain a court order from a court having
jurisdiction over the parties requiring that the circumstances specified in the
order be maintained pending completion of the arbitration proceeding, to the
extent permitted by applicable law.
ARTICLE 11
GUARANTY
11.1 As a material inducement to the Tribe's execution and delivery
hereof, contemporaneously herewith Manager has delivered to the Tribe a guaranty
of Manager's obligations hereunder (the "Guaranty") substantially in the form of
Exhibit E attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Guaranty has been executed
by Lakes Gaming, Inc., which owns all of the membership interests in Manager
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Lakes Gaming and Resorts, LLC.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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SIGNATURE PAGE FOR MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR CLASS III GAMING FACILITY
BETWEEN THE NIPMUC NATION AND LAKES NIPMUC, LLC
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Management
Agreement, under seal, as of the above written date.
The Nipmuc Nation Lakes Nipmuc, LLC
By: /s/ Robert Hazzard By: /s/ Lyle Berman
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Its: Chair Its: CEO
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Arthur Selden
-----------------------------
Its: Vice Chair
As to the Management Agreement
Approved pursuant to 25 U.S.C.ss.2711
National Indian Gaming Commission
By:
-----------------------------
Print Name:
Its Chairman
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Dominion Account Agreement
Exhibit B Security Agreement
Exhibit C Resolution of Limited Waiver of Immunity from Suit
Exhibit D List of Manager's "Parties in Interest"
Exhibit E Guaranty by Lakes Gaming, Inc.
Exhibit F Operating Note Form
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