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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09- Land Exchange Agreement with Northwestern EnergyCommission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Bob Murray, Project Engineer Chris Kukulski, City Manager SUBJECT: Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility Project MEETING DATE: 1/5/09 RECOMMENDATION: Authorize City Manager to sign the Land Exchange Agreement. BACKGROUND: Attached is a copy of the Land Exchange Agreement with Northwestern Energy for the above referenced project. Northwestern owns an island of property within the boundary of the City land that the WRF facility is located on. There is a substation located on a portion of their property with the remainder being for future expansion. In order to facilitate the layout of the new WRF facility it was necessary to complete a boundary relocation with Northwestern. After the relocation, both parties will own the same amount of property as they currently do, just in a slightly different location. In order to complete the boundary relocation via a future filing of a subdivision exemption, it is necessary to first execute the attached Land Exchange Agreement with Northwestern. The agreement has gone through legal review and found to be acceptable. FISCAL EFFECTS: None ALTERNATIVES: Disapprove Respectfully submitted, Robert J. Mu ay Jr., Project E g eer Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager Attachments: Land Exchange Agreement Report compiled on 12/24/08 LAND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT This agreement stipulates the terms of the land transfer of properties between the parties. Read carefully before signing. This is a legally binding contract. If not understood, seek competent advice. THIS AGREEMENT is made at Bozeman, Montana, as of the date of signature of the Parties, as set forth below. 1. The City of Bozeman Montana, a political subdivision of the State of Montana with address of P.O. Box 1230, Bozeman, Montana 59771-1230, (hereinafter referred to as "City" or "Party") as owner of Tract 2, more particularly described below and Northwestern Corporation D/B/A/ Northwestern Energy, a Delaware Corporation, with address of 40 East Broadway, Butte, Montana 59701, (hereinafter referred to as "Northwestern" or "Party") as owner of Tract 1, more particularly described below agree to exchange certain portions of the real property described herein below, ail of which is located within Gallatin County, Montana. The City and Northwestern may be referred to collectively herein as "Parties". a. The City is the owner of certain real property, located in Gallatin County, Montana, which is more particularly described as follows: A tract of land located in the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4) and the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of Section twenty-six (26), Township One (1) South, Range five (5) East of the Montana Principle Meridian and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point which bears South eighty nine degrees fifty six minutes and thirteen seconds East (S 89° 56' 13" E) a distance of sixty one and fifteen hundredths (61.15) feet from the center of said Section twenty-six (26); thence, North twelve degrees thirty minutes and forty three seconds West (N 12° 30' 43" W) a distance of three hundred forty six and twenty eight hundredths (346.28) feet; thence, North eighteen degrees forty seven minutes and three seconds West (N 18° 4T 03" W) a distance four hundred fifty and seventy eight hundredths (450.78) feet; thence, North six degrees fifty three minutes and fifty three seconds West (N 06° 53' S3" W) a distance of one hundred seventeen and ninety four hundredths (117.94) feet; thence North one degree sixteen minutes and twenty seven seconds East a distance of one hundred eighteen and fifteen hundredths (118.15) feet; thence North eleven degrees three minutes and five seconds East (N 11° 03' OS" E) a distance of one hundred nine and seventy nine hundredths (109.79) feet; thence North twenty one degrees thirty six minutes and fifty nine seconds East (N 21° 36' S9" E) a distance of two hundred thirty seven and twenty one hundredths (237.21) feet; thence South eighty nine degrees forty nine minutes and twenty five seconds East (S 89° 49' 25" E) a distance of eighty nine and seventeen hundredths (8.17) feet to the West Quarter corner of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said Section twenty-six (26); thence, South eighty nine degrees fifty three minutes and five seconds East (S 89° 53' OS" E) a distance of one thousand, three hundred thirty three and fourteen hundredths (1,333.14) feet to the center of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said Section twenty-six (26); thence, South one degree eleven minutes and thirty eight seconds West (S O1° 11' 38" W) a distance of one thousand three hundred twenty seven and five hundredths (1,327.05) feet to the South Quarter corner of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4 of said Section twenty six (26); thence North eighty nine degrees fifty six minutes and thirteen seconds West (N 89° 56' 13" W) a distance of one thousand two hundred seventy one and thirty eight hundredths (1,271.38) feet to the said point of Beginning and containing forty three and five hundred thirty five thousands (43.535) acres. Less and excepting therefrom Tract 1, Certificate of Survey No. 1015. (Referred to herein as "Tract 2"). b. Northwestern is the owner certain real property, located in Gallatin County, Montana, which is more particularly described as follows: A tract of land located in the Southwest one-quarter Northeast one-quarter, Section 26, Township 1 South, Range 5 East, Principal Meridian Montana, Gallatin County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Southwest one-quarter Northeast one- quarter of said Section 26; thence North 89° 56' 13" West, along the South line of said Southwest one-quarter Northeast one-quarter, a distance of 846.22 feet; thence North O 1 ° 11' 3 5" East, a distance of 80.00 feet to the true point of beginning; thence North O1°11' 35" East, a distance of 210.00 feet; thence South 88^ 48' 25" East, a distance of 209.96 feet; thence South O1° 11' 35" West, a distance of 205.86 feet; thence North 89° 56' 13" West, a distance of 210.00 feet and containing 1.001 acres, depicted as Tract 1, Certificate of Survey No. 1015. (Referred to herein as "Tract 1 "). c. The City and Northwestern desire to reconfigure and relocate the common boundaries between their respective properties, as described above, in order that each tract shall maintain the same acreage. The agreed upon reconfiguration of the property is depicted on the Draft Certificate of Survey attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein as by reference. The reconfiguration requires that each party become vested in the newly realigned and reconfigured tracts and release their respective interest in the former configuration of Tracts 1 and 2, described above. In that regard, the City agrees to transfer to Northwestern that portion of Tract 2, identified as Parcel B on Exhibit "B", in exchange for Northwestern transferring to the City that portion of Tract 1, identified as Parcel A on Exhibit "B". The transfer of each tract shall include all of the Party's interest mineral estate appurtenant thereto, vacated streets and alleys adjacent thereto, all easements, all unharvested crops, and all other appurtenances thereto; and all improvements, and permanent fixtures thereon, including without limitation: buildings, fences and gates, irrigation fixtures and equipment, and shrubs, trees, and all other fixtures attached thereto, specifically excluding however, any electric or natural gas transmission or distribution lines, for which Northwestern specifically reserves such facilities and an easement therefore. It 2 is recognized that no buildings exist on either property at the time of transfer. d. Water rights shall not transfer. e. The City shall grant, as part of this reconfiguration of tracts, to Northwestern access easement to the EXISTING GATE, located on the east side of NorthWestern's new tract through existing drives and access ways which may change from'time to time, but which will continue to provide access substantially similar to that existing at the time of this Agreement. £ The City shall construct a gravel access road from Moss Bridge Road to the existing fence line as shown on Exhibit B. g. Northwestern shall install a vehicle gate on the southerly side of the existing chain link fence in the location indicated on Exhibit B as "proposed vehicle gate". Northwestern shall install a chain link fence across the southern boundary of their new tract and from the southeast corner of the new tract to the existing fence line, along with a second vehicle gate, as shown on Exhibit B. The City shall reimburse Northwestern for the cost of the installation of said improvements upon completion of the gate and presentation of invoices documenting the costs. h. It is anticipated that the installation of all improvements, including roads, fences and gates, shall be constructed concurrently with the City's wastewater treatment plant project. Should any improvement be available for installation or construction prior to the closing of this transaction, the parties agree to grant access to the other party for such installation and construction. Further it is anticipated that such construction shall occur after the closing of this transaction and are intended to survive closing. 2. PERSONAL PROPERTY: No personal property shall transfer. Each Party shall retain its respective personal property and shall remove any personal property present the on other parties Tract prior to closing. 3. STATUTORY WATER RIGHTS DISCLOSURE: By Montana law, failure of the parties at closing or transfer of real property to pay the required fee to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for updating water right ownership may result in the transferee of the property being subject to a penalty. Additionally, in the case of water rights being exempted, severed, or divided, the failure of the parties to comply with section 85-2-424, MCA, could result in a penalty against the transferee and rejection of the deed for recording. 4. RECEIPT OF EARNEST MONEY: Each Party acknowledges receipt from the from the other earnest money in the amount of ONE HUNDRED AND 00/100 U.S. Dollars ($100.00) as evidenced by cash, _ check, or -, J The Parties to this transaction agree, unless otherwise provided herein, that the earnest monies will be deposited within five (5) business days of the date all Parties have signed the Agreement, and such funds will be held in anon-interest accruing escrow account by Bozeman, Montana, title insurance agent and closing escrow agent for this transaction. The Parties agree that earnest money shall be held in a non-interest accruing account. 5-. EXCHANGE VALUE AND TERMS: The Parties have are aware of the value of the property being transferred through this realignment process. Each Party hereby acknowledges that the reconfigured properties remain at an equal value to the former configuration. No additional funds shall be paid as an exchange price. Earnest money shall be paid to the transferring Party at closing. 6. PARTIES' REPRESENTATION OF FUNDS: Each Party represents that it has right, title and interest together with sufficient funds to complete the transfer of it's respective property and payment of closing costs to close this transfer in accordance with this Agreement and is not relying upon any contingent source of such funds unless otherwise expressly set forth herein. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: The City shall retain an environmental engineer, acceptable to Northwestern, to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment Transaction Screen Questionnaire (Transaction Screen) concerning the property to be transferred between the parties to this Agreement and provide a full and complete copy of the Transaction Screen to Northwestern. The parties' respective obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement is contingent upon their respective review and approval of the Transaction Screen. If ether party's review of the Transaction Screen discloses any condition that materially affects the value, usefulness and/or suitability of the property for that party's intended purposes, it shall give written notice of said condition to the other party, on or before 15 days from the date such party received the Transaction Screen. If a party fails to provide such notice and copy within such time, then this contingency shall be deemed waived by such party. The party receiving written notice of unacceptable condition shall have 15 days to advise the party which gave the notice in writing whether it will agree to remedy the noted conditions. If the party receiving the notice elects to remedy such conditions the transaction shall proceed to closing, however the parties shall have an additional 30 days from the specified closing date to affect the remedy, if necessary. If the party receiving the notice elects not to remedy such conditions party's obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement shall be terminated. 7. APPRAISAL PROVISION: The Parties, as previously stated, have secured or waive an appraisal by a qualified appraiser. The reconfiguration of the tracts of land are determined to be of equivalent value to the existing tracts. 8. PROPERTY INVESTIGATION: Without affecting or abrogating the Parties' contingencies set forth herein, each Party has had sufficient time, prior to the execution of this Agreement to independently conduct an investigation of and satisfaction with any or 4 all of the following conditions relating to the property, including but not lirnited to; covenants, zoning, access, easements, well depths, septic and sanitation restrictions, surveys or other means of establishing the corners and boundaries, special improvement districts, restrictions affecting use, special building requirements, future assessments, utility hook-up and installation costs, environmental hazards, appurtenant water and mineral rights, wildlife habitat, agricultural productivity, physical access, or anything else that the either Party deems appropriate. 9. DUE DILIGENCE: The parties' respective obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement is contingent upon their respective review and approval of such professional, independent due diligence investigation of all conditions relating to the properties which the either party may desire to have investigated, other than the environmental condition, which is addressed in Section 6, above. If ether party's review of such inspection discloses any condition that materially affects the value, usefulness and/or suitability of the property for that party's intended purposes, it shall give written notice of said condition to the other party, providing a full copy of the inspection report, on or before 30 days from the date of this Agreement. If a party fails to provide such notice and copy within such time, then this contingency shall be deemed waived by such party. The party receiving written notice of unacceptable condition shall have 15 days to advise the party which gave the notice in writing whether it will agree to remedy the noted conditions. If the party receiving the notice elects to remedy such conditions the transaction shall proceed to closing, however the parties shall have an additional 30 days from the specified closing date to affect the remedy, if necessary. If the party receiving the notice elects not to remedy such conditions party's obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement shall be terminated. Each party shall be responsible for all costs associated with its due diligence investigations. 10. PROPERTIES INSPECTIONS: The Parties are aware that the Parties may have had conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the property. The Parties agree to provide that information, should it exist, to the other. The parties make no representation as to their respective property condition, do not assure that any fixture upon the property will be satisfactory to the other in all respects, nor that all equipment will operate properly or that the property and/or improvements comply with current building and zoning codes and ARE NOT building inspectors, building contractors, structural engineers, electricians, plumbers, sanitarians, septic or cesspool experts, well drillers or well experts, land surveyors, civil engineers, flood plain or water drainage experts, roofing contractors or roofing experts, accountants, attorneys or title examiners, or experts in identifying hazardous waste and/or toxic materials. 11. PARTIES REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES: Each Party represents and warrants to the other that: A. The parties hereto are the fee simple owner of all of the properties subject to this Agreement; and that Parties have the right and authority to execute documents of conveyance for the properties to each other. 5 B. The Parties have not caused or consented to any work on their respective property which could result in the filing of construction liens against the property, and the Party shall not permit such liens to arise prior to Closing. C. No person, firm, or entity other than the other Party to this Agreement, has any right to acquire any of the property subject to this agreement and there is no outstanding agreement to sell either property to any third party. The Parties have not granted and will not grant any third party any right of use of the properties that. may continue after the Closing Date. No leases, licenses, agreements, or other use rights of any type or nature, with or in favor of any third party, whether written or oral, whether of record or not of record, exist as to the property. D. The Parties have no knowledge of pending, threatened or contemplated condemnation actions, which would affect the properties subject to this Agreement. The Parties do not know of threatened or pending boundary disputes with owners of real estate adjoining the properties subject to this Agreement, nor have the Parties entered into any boundary agreement with any adjacent property owner. E. The Parties have no knowledge of any facts which would give rise to a claim of a prescriptive interest in and to any part of the properties subject to this Agreement by any third party, nor has any such claim or demand ever been threatened or asserted against the Parties or the properties during the period of Parties' ownership thereof. F. To the best of each Party's knowledge and belief, there are no underground fuel storage tanks and/or toxic waste dumps on the subject property. In addition, to the best of Parties' knowledge and belief, there has been no disposal, release, or threatened releases of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes from, on, or under the subject properties during the period of the Party's respective ownership, other than the types and amounts of substances used in connection with agricultural operations on the properties as is customary for a ranching operation in Gallatin County, Montana, and other than the types and amounts of substances used in connection with the operation of NorthWestern's electric substation, which substances have been used and disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. G. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, or claims, that remain unresolved affecting the properties or any portion thereof or relating to or rising out of the ownership, operation, use or occupancy of the property pending or being prosecuted in any Court or by or before any Federal, State, Court or Municipal Department, Commission Board, Bureau or Agency, and that any notice of an action, suit proceeding or claim received by the parties,. which may be threatened or asserted against the properties, be resolved prior to closing, except for the process in Montana that involves the general adjudication of all Montana water rights. 6 H. All information and disclosures made by the Parties and their agents and representatives are true and correct to the best of Parties' knowledge and belief as of date and time of Closing. The Parties agree to hold each other harmless and indemnify the other from and against any and all liability, claims, actions, suits, damages, and costs arising out of the untruth or out of the Parties' breach of any of the foregoing .representations and or warranties. These representations and warranties, and the indemnification covenant herein contained, shall survive Closing and not be merged into or extinguished by any documents of conveyance delivered at Closing. 12. CONVEYANCE: The Parties shall each convey the real property by. Warranty Deed, free of all liens and encumbrances except those described in the title insurance commitment as approved by the other Party. The City's conveyance shall be together with the grant of an access easement, as anticipated by Section 1 (e) and NorthWestern's conveyance shall reserve an easement for existing electric and natural gas transmission and distribution lines, as anticipated by Section 1 (c). Further, the City acknowledges and agrees that Parcel A, as depicted on Exhibit "B", which is to be conveyed by Northwestern to the City, is subject to the lien of mortgage that Northwestern agrees to obtain the release of in the normal course of business. Upon the City's request, Northwestern will provide an Indemnification Agreement indemnifying the City and its title company from the effects of such mortgage. 13. TITLE INSURANCE: The City shall purchase for Northwestern Title Insurance on the property it is conveying to Northwestern, in the amount of $250,000, and may purchase for itself, Title Insurance on the Lot they are acquiring, both of which evidenced by a standard form American Land Title Association title insurance commitment, committing to insure merchantable title to the real property in Party's name, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances except: zoning ordinances; building and use restrictions; reservations in federal patents; beneficial easements of record; Special Improvement Districts; real estate taxes for the year in which closing occurs; and the standard pre-printed exclusions. Each Party may purchase additional title coverage for an additional cost. It is recommended that each Party obtain details from a title company. 14. TITLE REVIEW: The parties' respective obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement is contingent upon their respective review and approval of a preliminary title commitment concerning the property each party is to acquire. If ether party s review of the preliminary title commitment discloses any condition that materially affects the value, usefulness and/or suitability of the property, such party shall give written notice of said condition to the other party on or before 30 days from the date of this Agreement. If a party fails to provide such notice and copy within such time, then this contingency shall be deemed waived by such party. The party receiving written notice of unacceptable condition shall have 15 days to advise the party which gave the notice in writing whether it will agree to remedy the noted conditions. If the party receiving the notice elects to remedy such conditions the transaction shall proceed to 7 closing, however the parties shall have an additional 30 days from the specified closing date to affect the remedy, if necessary. If the party receiving the notice elects not to remedy such conditions party's obligations to consummate the exchange anticipated by this Agreement shall be terminated. 15. SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS: Special Improvement Districts (including rural SIDs), including those that have been noticed by City/County, but not yet spread or currently assessed, if any; will be paid current as of the time of Closing. Each Party shall assume the unpaid balance of any SIDS after closing. 16. PRORATION OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS: Each Party agrees to prorate taxes, Special Improvement District assessments for the current tax year, as well as pre- paid rents. Otherwise, the City shall pay all other closing costs, including but not limited to the fee of the closing agent, document preparation costs, and recording fees. 17. CLOSING DATE: The date of Closing shall be 60 days after the execution of this Agreement by all Parties. The calculation shall begin on the date of the last signature to this Agreement. The Parties may, by mutual agreement, agree to close the transaction at any time prior to the date specified or to extend the Closing Date. The Parties will deposit with the Closing Agent all instruments and monies necessary to complete the transfer in accordance with this Agreement by such date. The Parties recognize that the person who prepared this Transfer Agreement, namely Susan B. Swimley, attorney for City of Bozeman. It is recommended that Northwestern have this document and all subsequent documents reviewed by an attorney of its choice before signing. 18. POSSESSION: The Parties shall deliver each to the other possession of the property and allow occupancy on the date of Closing. The properties shall be vacant unless otherwise agreed in writing. All loss or damage to either tract subject to this agreement shall be born by the owner of the tract through the closing and transfer. 19. CONDITION OF PROPERTY: Each Party agrees that the properties shall be in the same condition, normal wear and tear excepted, from the date of the execution of this Agreement up to the time the other Party takes possession of the property. Each Party shall remove all personal property prior to Closing. Any such items of personal property remaining on the property after closing shall become the property of the new owner. 20. NOXIOUS WEEDS DISCLOSURE: Each Party receiving property in the state of Montana should be aware that some properties contain noxious weeds. The laws of the state of Montana require owners of property within this state to control, and to the extent possible, eradicate noxious weeds. For information concerning noxious weeds and your obligation as an owner of property, contact either your local County extension agent or Weed Control Board. 21. MEGAN'S LAW DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to the provisions of Title 46, Chapter 23, Part 5 of the Montana Code Annotated, certain individuals are required to register their address with the local law enforcement agencies as part of Montana's Sexual and 8 Violent Offender Registration Act. In some communities, law enforcement offices will make the information concerning registered offenders available to the public. If you desire further information please contact the local County Sheriffs office, the Department of Justice in Helena, Montana, and the probation officers assigned to the area. 22. REMEDIES: If the Parties agree to the transfer as set forth in this Agreement, but refuse or neglect to consummate the transaction within the time period provided in this Agreement, the Party ready to perform shall have the right to: (1) Demand that Party specifically perform Party's obligations under this Agreement; OR (2) Demand monetary damages from non-performing Party for the non- performing Party's failure to perform the terms of this Agreement. 23. PARTIES' CERTIFICATION: By entering into this Agreement, each person or persons executing this Agreement, represents that he/she is eighteen (18) years of age or older, of sound mind, and legally competent to own real property in the State of Montana; and, if acting on behalf of a corporation, partnership, or other non-human entity, that he/she is duly authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of such entity. 24. CONSENT TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION: The parties hereby consent to the procurement and disclosure by the parties and their attorneys, agents, and other parties having interests essential to this Agreement, of any and all information reasonably necessary to consummate the transaction described in this Agreement, specifically including access to escrows for review of contracts, deeds, trust indentures, or similar documents concerning this property or underlying obligations pertaining thereto. 25. RISK OF LOSS: All loss or damage to any of the above-described real property or personal property to any cause is assumed by owner of the property through the time of Closing unless otherwise specified. 26. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE: Time is of the essence in this Agreement and all clauses herein. 27. BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNABILITY: The Agreement is binding upon the heirs, successors, and assigns of each of the parties hereto. The parties may only assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement with the prior written consent of the other Party. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. 28. §1031 EXCHANGE: Each Party herein acknowledges that it is or may be the intention of the other Party to create an IRC § 1031 tax-deferred exchange in connection with this transaction. Each Party agrees that the other Party's rights and obligations under this Agreement may be assigned to facilitate such exchange and that this Agreement is part of an integrated, interdependent exchange agreement. Each Party agrees to cooperate with the other exchanging Party in any manner necessary to enable the exchanging Party to qualify for and conduct such exchange provided there is no 9 additional cost or liability to cooperating Party. This Agreement shall not be contingent upon either Party's ability to transact such an exchange. 29. ATTORNEY FEES: In any action brought by the Parties' to enforce any of the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to such reasonable attorney fees as the court or arbitrator shall determine just. 30. FACSIMILE: The Parties agree that a facsimile copy of this Agreement which contains the Parties' signature may be used as the original. 31. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement, together with any attached exhibits and any addenda or amendments signed by the Parties, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties, and supersedes any other written or oral agreements between the Parties. This Agreement can be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties. 32. COUNTERPARTS: A copy of this document may be executed by each individual/entity separately, and when each has executed a copy thereof, such copies, taken together, shall be deemed to be a full and complete contract between the Parties. 33. CITY- ENTRY WAY CORRIDOR: A. The parties understand that the reconfigured parcel which Northwestern will acquire as part of this exchange is partially within the City's Class I Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone (Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone). The parties further understand that inclusion of a portion of the property in the Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone may cause the City to require Northwestern to make improvements, including but not limited to screening, landscaping, parking, drainage, entrances, lighting, road improvements, sidewalk and curbs, bicycle paths and other improvements, which Northwestern would not otherwise choose to make. The City therefore shall indemnify and hold Northwestern harmless from any and all costs and expenses (including without limitation, reasonable attorney fees and expenses) incurred in designing, engineering, constructing, and in anyway related to making any improvements to its property required for compliance with the Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone, as the Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone may presently exist, or may be modified into the future. This provision shall survive closing of the exchange contemplated herein, and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of fifty years from the date of closing. B. Any dispute between Northwestern and the City as to whether an improvement or condition imposed on Northwestern by the City is required for compliance with the Entryway Corridor Overlay Zone shall be submitted to a third party arbitrator, who shall be agreed upon by the parties. Either party may exercise its right to submit a dispute concerning this issue to the arbitrator by sending written notice to the other party. If the parties can not agree upon an arbitrator, each of the parties shall name an arbitrator, and those two arbitrators shall name a third arbitrator, and the decision of a majority of those three arbitrators shall resolve the dispute. The parties shall then submit in writing to the arbitrator their positions in regards to the dispute between the parties upon a schedule set forth by the arbitrator in writing to the parties. The arbitrator shall make a written 10 decision upon the dispute within thirty (30) days of the submission of the party's position statements and shall include a statement specifying in reasonable detail the basis for the decision and the computation of any amounts in the decision, if any. Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. 33 EARNEST MONEY DISPUTES: The Parties agree that, in the event of any controversy regarding the earnest money and things of value held by the Closing Agent, unless mutual written instructions are received by the holder of the earnest money and things of value, Closing Agent shall not be required to take any action, but may await any proceedings, or, Closing Agent's option and sole discretion, may interplead all parties and deposit any monies or things of value into a court of competent jurisdiction and may utilize as much of the earnest money deposit as may be necessary to advance the cost and fees required for filing such action. 34. PARTIES' ACKNOWLEDGMENT REGARDING INVESTIGATION: Without affecting or abrogating the Parties' contingencies set forth hereinabove, the Parties' acknowledge that they have examined the real property and that each enters into this Agreement in full reliance upon its independent investigation and judgment, that prior verbal representations by the other Party do not modify or affect this Agreement, and that by signing this Agreement the Parties acknowledge having read and understood this entire Agreement. City of (B~ozeman~f by~~~1/7 . Its: ~'L a o C' dated: (-- Northwestern Corporation D/B/A Northwestern Energy a Delaware corporation by: Its: Member dated: 11 f3 iB EI y Y;;Fg i _p p~ ~ t t e '~ g ~f2 o !S ~ a 6 ~ ~ l S ~ P2 ~. f e ~ 4 e I z 3 $ ~ w ~~ ~ I~ i £ i I~ i $ ~ @ i e S a 3 3 ~ S ' i ee j g ~ R ~ ~ 3 F }» y iffy 8 6F ~, gg } :: B E: £ ~g $ ~F.~3 q 8 ^ ~ ~2: F ~ e4 ~ ~~~ ~•' pp +~• q$_ `9§EI c3~ Y6~ r~ ° f e[~ gxe {e`t ~i?": v ~k. cg~jpi ::y¢$is ~ ~ss$ oe}{e$ ~ ~ 3 f4. 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