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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-19 City Commission Packet Materials - C8. PSA with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company for Underwriting Services for BPSC Bonds Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Kristin Donald, Finance Director SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company for Underwriting Services. MEETING DATE: July 1, 2019 AGENDA ITEM: Consent RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Interim City Manager to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company for underwriting services for the issuance of bonds for the Bozeman Public Safety Center. BACKGROUND: In November 2018, the citizens of Bozeman approved the bond issuance for the building of the Bozeman Public Safety Center. In May, the City put out a request for proposals for underwriting services for the bond issuance. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company have been selected as underwriter. ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the commission FISCAL EFFECTS: Underwriting Costs are part of the bond issuance costs and planned as part of the project. Attachments: Professional Services Agreement Scope of Services Report compiled on June 20, 2019 53 1 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 1 day of July, 2019, by and between the CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, a self governing municipal corporation organized and existing under its Charter and the laws of the State of Montana, 121 North Rouse Street, Bozeman, Montana, with a mailing address of PO Box 1230, Bozeman, MT 59771, hereinafter referred to as “City,” and, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, hereinafter referred to as “Contractor.” In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency whereof being hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. Purpose: City agrees to enter this Agreement with Contractor to perform for City services described in the Scope of Services attached hereto as Attachment “A” and by this reference made a part hereof. 2. Term/Effective Date: This Agreement is effective upon the date of its execution and will terminate after bond issuance. 3. Scope of Work: Contractor will perform the work and provide the services in accordance with the requirements of the Scope of Services. For conflicts between this Agreement and the Scope of Services, unless specifically provided otherwise, the Agreement governs. 4. Payment: City agrees to pay Contractor the amount specified in the Scope of Services. Any alteration or deviation from the described services that involves additional costs above the Agreement amount will be performed by Contractor after written request by the City, and will become an additional charge over and above the amount listed in the Scope of Services. The City must agree in writing upon any additional charges. 5. Contractor’s Representations: To induce City to enter into this Agreement, Contractor makes the following representations: a. Contractor has familiarized itself with the nature and extent of this Agreement, the Scope of Services, and with all local conditions and federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations that in any manner may affect cost, progress or performance of the Scope of Services. b. Contractor represents and warrants to City that it has the experience and ability to perform the services required by this Agreement; that it will perform said services in a professional, competent and timely manner and with diligence and skill; that it has the power to enter into and perform this Agreement and grant the rights granted in it; and that its performance of this Agreement shall not infringe upon or violate the rights of any third party, whether rights of copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, libel, slander or any other rights of any nature whatsoever, or violate any federal, state and municipal laws. The City 54 2 will not determine or exercise control as to general procedures or formats necessary to have these services meet this warranty. 6. Independent Contractor Status/Labor Relations: The parties agree that Contractor is an independent contractor for purposes of this Agreement and is not to be considered an employee of the City for any purpose. Contractor is not subject to the terms and provisions of the City’s personnel policies handbook and may not be considered a City employee for workers’ compensation or any other purpose. Contractor is not authorized to represent the City or otherwise bind the City in any dealings between Contractor and any third parties. Contractor shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Workers’ Compensation Act, Title 39, Chapter 71, MCA, and the Occupational Disease Act of Montana, Title 39, Chapter 71, MCA. Contractor shall maintain workers’ compensation coverage for all members and employees of Contractor’s business, except for those members who are exempted by law. Contractor shall furnish the City with copies showing one of the following: (1) a binder for workers’ compensation coverage by an insurer licensed and authorized to provide workers’ compensation insurance in the State of Montana; or (2) proof of exemption from workers’ compensation granted by law for independent contractors. Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold the City harmless from any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities arising out of, resulting from, or occurring in connection with any labor problems or disputes or any delays or stoppages of work associated with such problems or disputes and for any claims regarding underpaid prevailing wages. 7. Indemnity/Waiver of Claims/Insurance: The Contractor will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Issuer, each of its members, directors, officers and employees, and each person who controls the Issuer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses to which the Issuer may become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof), arise out of or are based upon: (i) any statement or information in the Preliminary Official Statement or in the Official Statement under the caption “Underwriting” that is or is alleged to be untrue or incorrect in any material respect, or any omission or alleged omission of any statement or information in the Preliminary Official Statement or the Official Statement under the caption “Underwriting” which is necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; or (ii) Contractor’s or any of Contractor’s employees’ gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the services that are the subject of this contract; provided, however, that such indemnification shall not cover any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses that are attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Issuer or its employees. 55 3 Such obligations shall not be construed to negate, abridge, or reduce other rights or obligations of indemnity that would otherwise exist. The indemnification obligations of this Section must not be construed to negate, abridge, or reduce any common-law or statutory rights of the indemnitee(s) which would otherwise exist as to such indemnitee(s). Contractor’s indemnity under this Section shall be without regard to and without any right to contribution from any insurance maintained by City. Should any indemnitee described herein be required to bring an action against the Contractor to assert its right to defense or indemnification under this Agreement or under the Contractor’s applicable insurance policies required below the indemnitee shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred in asserting its right to indemnification or defense but only if a court of competent jurisdiction determines the Contractor was obligated to defend the claim(s) or was obligated to indemnify the indemnitee for a claim(s) or any portion(s) thereof. In the event of an action filed against City resulting from the City’s performance under this Agreement, the City may elect to represent itself and incur all costs and expenses of suit. Contractor also waives any and all claims and recourse against the City or its officers, agents or employees, including the right of contribution for loss or damage to person or property arising from, growing out of, or in any way connected with or incident to the performance of this Agreement except “responsibility for his own fraud, for willful injury to the person or property of another, or for violation of law, whether willful or negligent” as per 28-2-702, MCA. These obligations shall survive termination of this Agreement and the services performed hereunder. In addition to and independent from the above, Contractor shall at Contractor’s expense secure insurance coverage through an insurance company or companies duly licensed and authorized to conduct insurance business in Montana which insures the liabilities and obligations specifically assumed by the Contractor in this Section. The insurance coverage shall not contain any exclusion for liabilities specifically assumed by the Contractor in subsection (a) of this Section. The insurance shall cover and apply to all claims, demands, suits, damages, losses, and expenses that may be asserted or claimed against, recovered from, or suffered by the City without limit and without regard to the cause therefore and which is acceptable to the City and Contractor shall furnish to the City an accompanying certificate of insurance and accompanying endorsements in amounts not less than as follows: • Workers’ Compensation – statutory; 56 4 • Employers’ Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 annual aggregate; • Commercial General Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 annual aggregate; • Automobile Liability - $1,000,000 property damage/bodily injury; $2,000,000 annual aggregate; and • Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per claim; $2,000,000 annual aggregate. The above amounts shall be exclusive of defense costs. The City of Bozeman, its officers, agents, and employees, shall be endorsed as an additional or named insured on a primary non- contributory basis on both the Commercial General and Automobile Liability policies. The insurance and required endorsements must be in a form suitable to City and shall include no less than a sixty (60) day notice of cancellation or non-renewal. The City must approve all insurance coverage and endorsements prior to the Contractor commencing work. Contractor shall notify City within two (2) business days of Contractor’s receipt of notice that any required insurance coverage will be terminated or Contractor’s decision to terminate any required insurance coverage for any reason. The City must approve all insurance coverage and endorsements prior to the Contractor commencing work. 8. Termination for Contractor’s Fault: a. If Contractor refuses or fails to timely do the work, or any part thereof, or fails to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, or otherwise breaches any terms or conditions of this Agreement, the City may, by written notice, terminate this Agreement and the Contractor’s right to proceed with all or any part of the work (“Termination Notice Due to Contractor’s Fault”). The City may then take over the work and complete it, either with its own resources or by re-letting the contract to any other third party. b. In the event of a termination pursuant to this Section 8, Contractor shall be entitled to payment only for those services Contractor actually rendered. c. Any termination provided for by this Section 8 shall be in addition to any other remedies to which the City may be entitled under the law or at equity. d. In the event of termination under this Section 8, Contractor shall, under no circumstances, be entitled to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business opportunity, lost productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits damages of any nature arising, or claimed to have arisen, as a result of the termination. 57 5 9. Termination for City’s Convenience: a. Should conditions arise which, in the sole opinion and discretion of the City, make it advisable to the City to cease performance under this Agreement City may terminate this Agreement by written notice to Contractor (“Notice of Termination for City’s Convenience”). The termination shall be effective in the manner specified in the Notice of Termination for City’s Convenience and shall be without prejudice to any claims that the City may otherwise have against Contractor. b. Upon receipt of the Notice of Termination for City’s Convenience, unless otherwise directed in the Notice, the Contractor shall immediately cease performance under this Agreement and make every reasonable effort to refrain from continuing work, incurring additional expenses or costs under this Agreement and shall immediately cancel all existing orders or contracts upon terms satisfactory to the City. Contractor shall do only such work as may be necessary to preserve, protect, and maintain work already completed or immediately in progress. c. In the event of a termination pursuant to this Section 9, Contractor is entitled to payment only for those services Contractor actually rendered on or before the receipt of the Notice of Termination for City’s Convenience. d. The compensation described in Section 9(c) is the sole compensation due to Contractor for its performance of this Agreement. Contractor shall, under no circumstances, be entitled to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business opportunity, lost productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits damages of any nature arising, or claimed to have arisen, as a result of the termination. 10. Limitation on Contractor’s Damages; Time for Asserting Claim: a. In the event of a claim for damages by Contractor under this Agreement, Contractor’s damages shall be limited to contract damages and Contractor hereby expressly waives any right to claim or recover consequential, special, punitive, lost business opportunity, lost productivity, field office overhead, general conditions costs, or lost profits damages of any nature or kind. b. In the event Contractor wants to assert a claim for damages of any kind or nature, Contractor shall provide City with written notice of its claim, the facts and circumstances surrounding and giving rise to the claim, and the total amount of damages sought by the claim, within thirty (30) days of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the claim. In the event Contractor fails to provide such notice, Contractor shall waive all rights to assert such claim. 58 6 11. Representatives: a. City’s Representative: The City’s Representative for the purpose of this Agreement shall be the Finance Director or such other individual as City shall designate in writing. Whenever approval or authorization from or communication or submission to City is required by this Agreement, such communication or submission shall be directed to Kristin Donald as the City’s Representative and approvals or authorizations shall be issued only by such Representative; provided, however, that in exigent circumstances when City’s Representative is not available, Contractor may direct its communication or submission to other designated City personnel or agents as listed above and may receive approvals or authorization from such persons. b. Contractor’s Representative: The Contractor’s Representative for the purpose of this Agreement shall be Scott Pasternak or such other individual as Contractor shall designate in writing. Whenever direction to or communication with Contractor is required by this Agreement, such direction or communication shall be directed to Contractor’s Representative; provided, however, that in exigent circumstances when Contractor’s Representative is not available, City may direct its direction or communication to other designated Contractor personnel or agents. 12. Permits: Contractor shall provide all notices, comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, obtain all necessary permits, licenses, including a City of Bozeman business license, and inspections from applicable governmental authorities, and pay all fees and charges in connection therewith. 13 Laws and Regulations: Contractor shall comply fully with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances including, but not limited to, all workers’ compensation laws, all environmental laws including, but not limited to, the generation and disposal of hazardous waste, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the safety rules, codes, and provisions of the Montana Safety Act in Title 50, Chapter 71, MCA, all applicable City, County, and State building and electrical codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all non- discrimination, and utilization of minority and small business statutes and regulations. 14. Nondiscrimination: The Contractor agrees that all hiring by Contractor of persons performing this Agreement shall be on the basis of merit and qualifications. The Contractor will have a policy to provide equal employment opportunity in accordance with all applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and contracts, with the exception of laws pertaining to affirmative action. The Contractor will not refuse employment to a person, bar a person from employment, or discriminate against a person in compensation or in a term, condition, or privilege of employment because of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, 59 7 national origin, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, except when the reasonable demands of the position require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status or sex distinction. The Contractor shall be subject to and comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 140, Title 2, United States Code, and all regulations promulgated thereunder. The Contractor shall require these nondiscrimination terms of its sub-Contractors providing services under this agreement. 15. Intoxicants; DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations/Safety and Training: Contractor shall not permit or suffer the introduction or use of any intoxicants, including alcohol or illegal drugs, by any employee or agent engaged in services to the City under this Agreement while on City property or in the performance of any activities under this Agreement. Contractor acknowledges it is aware of and shall comply with its responsibilities and obligations under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations governing anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention plans and related testing. City shall have the right to request proof of such compliance and Contractor shall be obligated to furnish such proof. The Contractor shall be responsible for instructing and training the Contractor's employees and agents in proper and specified work methods and procedures. The Contractor shall provide continuous inspection and supervision of the work performed. The Contractor is responsible for instructing his employees and agents in safe work practices. 16. Modification and Assignability: This Agreement may not be enlarged, modified or altered except by written agreement signed by both parties hereto. The Contractor may not subcontract or assign Contractor’s rights, including the right to compensation or duties arising hereunder, without the prior written consent of City. Any subcontractor or assignee will be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 17. Reports/Accountability/Public Information: Contractor agrees to develop and/or provide documentation as requested by the City demonstrating Contractor’s compliance with the requirements of this Agreement. Contractor shall allow the City, its auditors, and other persons authorized by the City to inspect and copy its books and records for the purpose of verifying that the reimbursement of monies distributed to Contractor pursuant to this Agreement was used in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable provisions of federal, state, and local law. The Contractor shall not issue any statements, releases or information for public dissemination without prior approval of the City. 18. Non-Waiver: A waiver by either party any default or breach by the other party of any terms or conditions of this Agreement does not limit the other party’s right to enforce such term or conditions or to pursue any available legal or equitable rights in the event of any subsequent default or breach. 60 8 19. Attorney’s Fees and Costs: That in the event it becomes necessary for either Party of this Agreement to retain an attorney to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement or to give any notice required herein, then the prevailing Party or the Party giving notice shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs, including fees, salary, and costs of in-house counsel to include City Attorney. 20. Taxes: Contractor is obligated to pay all taxes of any kind or nature and make all appropriate employee withholdings. 21. Dispute Resolution: a. Any claim, controversy, or dispute between the parties, their agents, employees, or representatives shall be resolved first by negotiation between senior-level personnel from each party duly authorized to execute settlement agreements. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, the parties may invite an independent, disinterested mediator to assist in the negotiated settlement discussions. b. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days from the date the dispute was first raised, then such dispute may only be resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction in compliance with the Applicable Law provisions of this Agreement. 22. Survival: Contractor’s indemnification shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the maximum period allowed under applicable law. 23. Headings: The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not be construed as a part of the Agreement or as a limitation on the scope of the particular paragraphs to which they refer. 24. Severability: If any portion of this Agreement is held to be void or unenforceable, the balance thereof shall continue in effect. 25. Applicable Law: The parties agree that this Agreement is governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Montana. 26. Binding Effect: This Agreement is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the parties. 27. No Third-Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties, does not constitute a third-party beneficiary agreement, and may not be relied upon or enforced by a third party. 61 9 28. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together constitute one instrument. 29. Integration: This Agreement and all Exhibits attached hereto constitute the entire agreement of the parties. Covenants or representations not contained therein or made a part thereof by reference, are not binding upon the parties. There are no understandings between the parties other than as set forth in this Agreement. All communications, either verbal or written, made prior to the date of this Agreement are hereby abrogated and withdrawn unless specifically made a part of this Agreement by reference. 30. Extensions: this Agreement may, upon mutual agreement, be extended for a period of one year by written agreement of the Parties. In no case, however, may this Agreement run longer than six months. [END OF AGREEMENT EXCEPT SIGNATURE PAGE] 62 10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this instrument the day and year first above written. CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA Stifel, Nicolaus & Company By________________________________ By_____________________________ Andrea Surratt, City Manager Print Name: Title: APPROVED AS TO FORM By_______________________________ Greg Sullivan, Bozeman City Attorney 63 UNDERWRITER ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this ________ day of _______, 2019, by and among City of Bozeman, Montana (the "Issuer") and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, (the "Underwriter" or “Stifel”), with reference to the following facts: RECITALS WHEREAS, the Issuer plans to issue General Obligation Bonds, Series 2019 (the “Bonds”) to finance the construction of the Bozeman Public Safety Center (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the Issuer desires and is authorized by law to retain the services of the Underwriter in connection with the issuance of the Bonds; and WHEREAS, the Underwriter agrees to be retained by the Issuer and to provide to the Issuer the services described herein; and WHEREAS, Stifel agrees to act as underwriter, subject to the conditions set forth herein; NOW therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and conditions herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: Scope of Services The Issuer has engaged the Underwriter to perform various services related to the issuance of the Bonds, which are to be performed within the framework of all relevant rules and regulations. All services are provided on an arm’s length, commercial basis and may or may not be provided in conjunction with services provided by advisors to the Issuer, such as, but not limited to, a financial advisor or a municipal advisor. With this understanding, the Underwriter may provide the following services and perform the following functions with respect to the Bonds: A. Structuring the Financing 1. The Underwriter will work with the Issuer, its bond counsel, disclosure counsel, and other members of the Issuer's financing team in evaluating specific terms and conditions affecting the Bonds with the purposes of meeting the Issuer’s financing objectives and assuring appropriate credit quality; 2. The Underwriter will work with the Issuer to create a feasible and efficient structure for the Bonds in order to enhance the Bonds’ marketability; 3. In cooperation with Issuer, the Underwriter will assist in the preparation of and/or review of all documents necessary to implement the issuance of the Bonds, including, but not limited to, authorizing resolutions, bond purchase agreement, and preliminary and final official statements distributed to potential investors, as required; 64 2 B. Marketing the Securities 1. The Underwriter will provide information and material as needed to support presentations for rating agencies and/or bond insurance companies; if requested; 2. The Underwriter will coordinate printing and distribution of the preliminary and final official statements; 3. Together with the Issuer and other appropriate parties, the Underwriter will provide market information on the timing of the sale of the Bonds in relation to the market conditions and financing needs; 4. The Underwriter will arrange for distribution of the final official statements in accordance with Section 240.15c2-12 of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and 5. The Underwriter will serve as sole managing underwriter of the Bonds, which obligation is conditioned upon the execution of a mutually satisfactory bond purchase agreement and other customary documentation, and coordinate with all parties so as to consummate the sale and delivery of the Bonds in a timely manner. Regulatory Disclosure Issuer is aware of Section 975 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s adopted rule commonly known as the “Municipal Advisor Rule” (SEC Rule 15Ba1-1 to 15Ba1-8 -“the Rule”) and the underwriter exclusion from the definition of “municipal advisor” for a firm serving as an underwriter for a particular issuance of municipal securities. Some of the services that Stifel will be called upon to perform, such as providing advice with respect to the sizing, structure, timing and terms of the Bond issuance, are services that are also commonly provided by financial advisory firms. However, in providing such services for the Bonds, the parties understand and agree that Stifel is serving as an underwriter for this transaction and is permitted to give advice and recommendations under the “underwriter exclusion” provision of the Rule. Issuer agrees that Stifel will not be serving as the Issuer’s financial advisor or acting as an agent or fiduciary for the Issuer and that the Issuer will be consulting with its own legal, financial and other advisors. This Agreement and relationship shall be either executed, approved or acknowledged by the governing board of Issuer (the “Governing Board”). Disclosures Required by MSRB Rule G-17 Concerning the Role of the Underwriter 1. Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) Rule G-17 requires an underwriter to deal fairly at all times with both municipal issuers and investors. 2. The underwriter’s primary role is to purchase securities with a view to distribution in an arm’s-length commercial transaction with the Issuer. The underwriter has financial and other interests that differ from those of the issuer. 3. The underwriter does not have a fiduciary duty to the issuer under the federal securities laws and is, therefore, not required by federal law to act in the best interests of the issuer without regard to its own financial or other interests. 4. The underwriter has a duty to purchase the securities from the issuer at a fair and reasonable price, but must balance that duty with its duty to sell the securities to investors at prices that are fair and reasonable. 65 3 5. The underwriter will review the official statement for the securities in accordance with, and as part of, its respective responsibilities to investors under the federal securities laws, as applied to the facts and circumstances of this transaction. 1 Disclosures Concerning the Underwriter Compensation The underwriter will be compensated by a fee and/or an underwriting discount outlined below and that will be set forth in the bond purchase agreement to be negotiated and entered into in connection with the issuance of the securities. Payment or receipt of the underwriting fee or discount will be contingent on the closing of the transaction and the amount of the fee or discount may be based, in whole or in part, on a percentage of the principal amount of the securities. While this form of compensation is customary in the municipal securities market, it presents a conflict of interest since the underwriter may have an incentive to recommend to the Issuer a transaction that is unnecessary or to recommend that the size of the transaction be larger than is necessary. Conflicts of Interest Disclosures Stifel has not identified any additional potential or actual material conflicts that require disclosure. Disclosures Relating to Complex Municipal Securities Financing Since Stifel has not recommended a “complex municipal securities financing” to the Issuer, additional disclosures regarding the financing structure for the Issue are not required under MSRB Rule G-17. However, if Stifel recommends, or if the Issue is ultimately structured in a manner considered a “complex municipal securities financing” to the Issuer, this letter will be supplemented to provide disclosure of the material financial characteristics of that financing structure as well as the material financial risks of the financing that are known to us and are reasonably foreseeable at that time. Limitation of Duties The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that Stifel is not making a commitment to extend credit, make a loan or otherwise fund the Project beyond the obligations contained in a mutually satisfactory bond purchase agreement. The Issuer acknowledges that the services provided under this Agreement involve professional judgment by Stifel and that the results cannot be, and are not, guaranteed. As addressed above, among the services that Stifel will perform under this Agreement is assistance in preparation of, and/or review of the preliminary and final official statements for the Bonds. We note, however, that under federal securities law, an issuer of securities has the primary responsibility for disclosure to investors. Our assistance with respect to, and/or review of the official statement will be solely for purposes of satisfying our obligations as underwriter under the federal securities laws and such assistance and/or review should not be construed by the Issuer as a guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of the information in the official statement. 1 Under federal securities law, an issuer of securities has the primary responsibility for disclosure to investors. The review of the official statement by the underwriter is solely for purposes of satisfying the underwriter’s obligations under the federal securities laws and such review should not be construed by an issuer as a guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of the information in the official statement. 66 4 Expenses The Issuer, from the Bond proceeds, will pay the Underwriter’s costs incurred in the performance of this Agreement, including costs of its legal counsel, if any, communication, preparation of the official statements, and overhead expenses. The Issuer, from the Bond proceeds or other lawfully available funds, will pay for legal fees, including disclosure counsel; rating agency and credit enhancement fees including all related travel (if any); the cost of appraisal, fiscal consultant, statistical, computer, and graphics services (if any), cost of printing and distribution of the official statements and expense of publication, advertising, and informational meetings; and the costs of fiscal agent or bond trustee and registrar. Compensation The Underwriter agrees to prepare and coordinate all aspects of the sale of the Bonds. Stifel will be paid only when the Bonds are sold. The fee for Stifel’s preparation and coordination of the sale of the Bonds shall be $3.00 per $1,000.00 of Bonds sold, as outlined in Stifel’s response to the Issuer’s RFP for Underwriting Services dated May 10, 2019. The underwriting fee is contingent on a successful sale of the Bonds and is payable from the proceeds of the Bonds. Term of Agreement This Agreement is to continue until the Project is financed or until the Governing Board formally abandons the Project, unless previously terminated by mutual written consent of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Issuer, upon five business days’ prior notice to such effect to the Underwriter, or by the Underwriter upon five business days’ prior notice to such effect to the Issuer. Any such termination, however, shall not affect the obligations of the Issuer under the Expenses section hereof. Severability of Provisions If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby if such remainder would then continue to conform to the terms and requirements of applicable law. Governing Law This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto, shall be construed, interpreted and enforced pursuant to the laws of the State of Montana, and exclusive venue in any and all actions existing under this Agreement shall be laid in the action or proceeding which Issuer or Underwriter may be required to prosecute to enforce its respective rights within this Agreement. The unsuccessful party therein agrees to pay all costs incurred by the prevailing party therein, including reasonable interest and attorney's fees, to be fixed by court, and said costs, interest, and attorneys' fees shall be made a part of the judgment in said action. Prior to the commencement of any litigation concerning this Agreement, the Issuer and the Underwriter agree to first submit any disagreements to mediation. This mediation requirement is intended to reduce the costs of dispute resolution for both parties. 67 5 Subcontractors The Underwriter shall, with the prior written approval of the Issuer, use such subcontractors as are necessary in the fulfillment of this Agreement. Miscellaneous Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Underwriter from carrying on its customary and usual business activities. The Underwriter specifically reserves the right, but is not obligated, to bid for and maintain secondary markets on any Issuer outstanding bonds subject to appropriate information barriers. Services provided by the Underwriter in connection with this Agreement shall not limit the Underwriter from providing services for the Issuer in conjunction with other services requested by the Issuer except as limited by rule of law or regulation. In connection with services agreed to herein, it is understood that the Underwriter will render professional services as an independent contractor. Neither the Underwriter nor any of its agents or employees shall be deemed an employee of the Issuer for any purpose. The Underwriter shall not assign or otherwise transfer any interest in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Issuer. The Issuer acknowledges and recognizes Stifel as Underwriter with respect to the municipal securities referenced for purposes of MSRB Rule G-23 and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 17 CFR (Registration of Municipal Advisors) and acknowledges receipt of the G-17 disclosures included herein. It is our understanding that you have the authority to bind the Issuer by contract with us, and that you are not a party to any conflict of interest relating to the subject transaction. If our understanding is incorrect, please notify the undersigned immediately. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter thereof and supersedes any prior understandings or representations. The Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both parties. It is solely for the benefit of the Issuer and Stifel, and no other person. This Agreement is submitted in duplicate originals. The acceptance of this Agreement by the Issuer will occur upon the return of one original executed by an authorized Issuer representative, and the Issuer hereby represents that the signatory below is so authorized. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above. 68 6 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated By: ____________________________________ Name: Bryan Stelmack_______________________ Title: Director___________________________ Date: June 18, 2019________________________ ACCEPTANCE City of Bozeman, Montana By: ____________________________________ Name: ____________________________________ Title: __________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ 69