URA Res. No. 2007-02AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
RESOLUTION NO. 07-02
SERIES OF 2007
A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT CERTAIN OFFICERS AND AGENTS OF THE
AUTHORITY
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING SHERMAN & HOWARD L.L.C. AS
GENERAL COUNSEL TO THE AUTHORITY AND APPOINTING
STAN BERNSTEIN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. AS FINANCIAL
CONSULTANT TO THE AUTHORITY.
WHEREAS, the Avon Urban Renewal Authority (the "Authority") is a duly organized
body corporate and politic under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Colorado including the
Urban Renewal Law, constituting Part 1 of Article 25 of Title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes
("C.R.S."); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Authority (the "Board") is authorized
by Section 31-25-104(2)(c), C.R.S., and the bylaws of the Authority (the "Bylaws") to retain
attorneys, advisors, experts and other agents and consultants and to delegate to one or more of its
agents or employees such duties as it deems proper; and
WHEREAS, there are on file with the Secretary of the Authority the forms of. (l) an
engagement letter addressed to the Authority from Sherman & Howard L.L.C. relating to its
proposed legal representation of the Authority (the "Sherman & Howard Engagement Letter"), a
copy of which is attached as Exhibit A; and (2) an engagement letter addressed to the Authority
from Stan Bernstein and Associates, Inc. relating to its proposed affiliation with the Authority as
financial consultant (the "Stan Bernstein Engagement Letter"), a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit B.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS OF THE AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY:
1. The Board hereby accepts and approves the Sherman & Howard Engagement
Letter as submitted by Sherman & Howard L.L.C., and Sherman & Howard L.L.C. shall serve as
General Counsel to the Authority upon the terms, conditions, and provisions as set forth in the
Sherman & Howard Engagement Letter.
2. The Board hereby accepts and approves the Stan Bernstein Engagement Letter as
submitted by Stan Bernstein and Associates, Inc., and Stan Bernstein and Associates, Inc. shall
serve as financial consultant to the Authority upon the terms, conditions, and provisions as set
forth in the Stan Bernstein Engagement Letter.
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]
ADOPTED this 28th day of August, 2007.
8~j
O~
ATTEST:
. 4" c
Pat f-~ Kenn , Aut ority Clerk
AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
",c CG
Ronald C. Wolfe,
CERTIFIED BY:
STATE OF COLORADO )
COUNTY OF EAGLE ) SS.
AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY )
I, Patty McKenny, the duly qualified and acting Town Clerk of the Town of
Avon, Colorado (the "Town"), acting as the Authority Clerk of the Avon Urban Renewal
Authority (the "Authority") do hereby certify:
1. That the foregoing pages are a true, correct, and complete copy of a
resolution (the "Resolution") concerning the appointment of certain Authority agents, adopted by
the Board of Commissioners (the "Board") of the Authority, at a regular meeting of the Board
held at the Town Municipal Building on August 28, 2007.
2. The Resolution was adopted at an open, regular meeting of the Board on
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 by an affirmative vote of the members of the Board as follows:
Name
"Yes"
"No"
Absent
Ronald Wolfe
Brian Sipes
✓
Richard Carroll
Dave Dantas
Kristi Ferraro
✓
Amy Phillips
Tamra Nottingham Underwood
✓
3. The Resolution has been signed by the Chairman of the Board, sealed with
the corporate seal of the Authority, attested by the Secretary, certified by me as Authority Clerk,
and duly recorded in the books of the Authority; and that the same remains of record in the book
of records of the Authority.
4. Notice of the regular meeting of August 28, 2007, in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit I, was posted in a public place within the boundaries of the Authority no less
than twenty-four hours prior to such meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Authority this day of August, 2007.
a.tl C -
Authority erk
EXHIBIT 1
(Attach Notice of Meeting)
EXHIBIT A
Sherman & Howard Engagement Letter
A-1
Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
Randy D. Funk
Direct Dial Number: (303) 299-8046
E-mail: rfunk(a_,)sah.com
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW
633 SEVENTEENTH STREEKSUITE 3000
DENVER, COLORADO 80202
TELEPHONE: 303 297.2900
FAX: 303 298-0940
OFFICES IN: COLORADO SPRINGS
RENO • LAS VEGAS • PHOENIX
August 28, 2007
Mr. Ronald C. Wolfe
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
Avon Urban Renewal Authority
P.O. Box 975
Avon, Colorado, 81620
Dear Chairman Wolfe:
This letter is to confirm our engagement as counsel to the Avon Urban Renewal
Authority (the "Authority"). We have completed our engagement with the Town of Avon to
create the Authority as set forth in our letter dated September 6, 2006, and we look forward to
representing the Authority. We appreciate the Authority's confidence in us and will do our best
to continue to merit it.
In establishing the attorney-client relationship, we believe that it is good practice to set
forth in some detail and in writing the elements of our mutual understanding as to the scope of
our representation and the terms of our employment. While some (perhaps most) of the matters
covered in this letter will never be relevant or of concern between us, we hope you will
understand that, as attorneys and counsellors, it is our natural function to try to make
communication clear and complete, and to anticipate and resolve questions before they arise.
Also, we believe that since performance of our services may require our joint effort and
cooperation, the better our mutual understanding of our respective roles, responsibilities and
contributions, the more efficient, effective and economical our work for the Authority can be.
Scope of Employment
We understand our employment will include those matters requested by you, the
Executive Director of the Authority, the Treasurer of the Authority, or the Board of
Commissioners of the Authority and will likely include providing the Authority legal advice and
assistance in a variety of areas including, but not limited to the organization of the Authority; the
approval and implementation of urban renewal plans, the planning of Authority financing
projects.
Authority is Client
We understand that the Authority, rather than any individual Commissioner or employee,
is our client. We expect that most of our contacts with the Authority will be through the
Authority's staff, and we will generally rely upon the Authority's staff to keep the Board of
Commissioners informed about the advice and other legal services we provide. However, since
Sherman & Howard L.L.C. Avon Urban Renewal Authority
August 28, 2007
Page 2
the ultimate responsibility for the management of the Authority is vested in the Board of
Commissioners, there may be occasions when we will deem it advisable to communicate directly
with the Board of Commissioners.
Conflicts of Interest
Before accepting any new business, the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct (the
"Rules") require us to evaluate whether there exist any ethical constraints to representing the
Authority. As you are aware, our firm currently represents the Town of Avon (the "Town") in a
variety of matters While the Authority and the Town cooperate in many material respects, they
are separate entities and could possibly have interests that are adverse to one another. We do not
believe that our current or prospective engagements as counsel to the Town will materially limit
or adversely affect our ability to represent the Authority because the potential for adversity
between the Town and the Authority is remote and minor. In reviewing our current and potential
future representation of the parties discussed above, we have considered: whether we can
represent each client with undivided loyalty; whether we can protect the confidentiality of each
client; the duration and extent of our engagement with the parties; the likelihood that a conflict
will eventuate, possibly requiring our withdrawal from the representation; and should any
conflict arise, any prejudice to each client which might result therefrom.
Consent Requested. Pursuant to the matters discussed herein, we will treat your execution
of this letter as consent to our current representation of the Town. Your execution of this letter
will also signify the Authority's consent to our prospective representation of the Town while we
are representing the Authority hereunder. If at any time a question should arise about an adverse
representation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Supervision and Delegation
I will be the attorney who will coordinate and oversee the services we perform on the
Authority's behalf. We routinely delegate selected responsibilities to other persons in our firm
when, because of special experience, time availability or other reasons, they are in a better
position to carry them out. In addition, we will try, where feasible, to delegate tasks to persons
who can properly perform them at the least cost to the Authority.
Financial Arrangements
I am enclosing a Memorandum about Financial Arrangements, which outlines the
financial terms of our engagement. Please read the memorandum carefully. If anything in the
financial arrangements presents a problem, or is unclear, please advise me promptly so that we
may discuss it and reach a full understanding.
Sherman & Howard's rates for the work by its attorneys and legal assistants vary based
on the experience and expertise of the individuals involved. Typically, we adjust these rates at
the beginning of a calendar year to reflect changing economic conditions. Colorado's ethics
rules governing attorneys require that the basis or rate of legal fees be communicated to the client
Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
Avon Urban Renewal Authority
August 28, 2007
Page 3
in writing. Accordingly, set out below are the firm's current billing rates for the attorneys and
legal assistants who will be working with the Authority. We are sensitive to the Authority's
budgetary constraints and for certain matters as mutually agreed we will provide some discount
from these fees. Generally, when our fees are able to be reimbursed from a third-party or paid
from a financing transaction, we will charge our standard rates. For other matters when such
recovery is not likely, we will discount our rates by 10%. We will always strive to use the most
cost-effective means to accomplish the Authority's objectives. If you have any questions about
the fees being charged for your representation, please contact me.
Attorney/ Hourly Effective
Leeal Assistant Rate Date
Randy D. Funk $350.00 December 17, 2006
Matthew O. Gray $190.00 December 17, 2006
Public Contract for Services - Compliance with § 8-17.5-101 C.R.S.
In connection with our engagement with the Authority, Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
qualifies as a "contractor" pursuant to § 8-17.5-101(2), C.R.S. and we hereby certify that, as of
the date hereof. (i) we do not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien, and (ii) we
have participated in the Basic Pilot Program (as defined in § 8-17.5-101(1), C.R.S.) in order to
confirm the employment eligibility of all employees who are newly hired for employment in the
United States. In compliance with Section § 8-17.5-102(2), C.R.S., the provisions set forth in
Exhibit A to this engagement letter are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.
We are pleased to have the Authority as a client, and look forward to a mutually
satisfactory and beneficial relationship. Our effectiveness and the Authority's best interest are
enhanced by an atmosphere of candor and confidence between us, not only as to the facts and
circumstances of the legal issues on which we are working, but also as to the client-attorney
relationship itself. We hope you will not hesitate to discuss with us any question or concern you
might have about either.
Sincerely,
Randy D. Funk
Sherman & Howard L.L.C. Avon Urban Renewal Authority
August 28, 2007
Page 4
Accepted and Approved:
AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
By: Mr. Ronald C. Wolfe
Its: Chairman
Date:
RDF/rh
Enclosure
Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
Exhibit A
A. Sherman & Howard L.L.C. shall not:
(I) knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform work described in
this engagement letter under Scope of Employment (the "Legal Services") or
(II) enter into a contract with a subcontractor that fails to certify to Sherman &
Howard L.L.C. that the subcontractor shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal
alien to perform the Legal Services.
B. Sherman & Howard L.L.C.:
(I) has confirmed or attempted to confirm the employment eligibility of all
employees who are newly hired for employment in the United States through participation in the
Basic Pilot Program;
(II) shall not use Basic Pilot Program procedures to undertake preemployment
screening of job applicants while performing Legal Services;
(III) shall be required (only if Sherman & Howard L.L.C. obtains actual knowledge
that a subcontractor performing Legal Services knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal
alien):
(a) to notify the subcontractor and the Authority within three days that
Sherman & Howard L.L.C. has actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or
contracting with an illegal alien; and
(b) terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of
receiving the notice required pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this subparagraph (III) the
subcontractor does not stop employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that Sherman
& Howard L.L.C. shall not terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during such three
days the subcontractor provides information to establish that the subcontractor has not knowingly
employed or contracted with an illegal alien; and
(IV) shall comply with any reasonable request by the Department of Labor and
Employment made in the course of an investigation that such department is undertaking pursuant
to § 8-17.5-102(5) C.R.S.
Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
MEMORANDUM ABOUT FIRM POLICIES
1. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
I . Periodic Billines for Legal Services. Unless we have reached a different agreement in a
specific matter, the firm submits statements for legal services monthly. These are generally mailed
toward the middle of the month following the latest date covered in the statement. In retaining
Sherman & Howard, you agree to pay our statements upon presentation. If you do not pay statements
within 30 days after receipt, the firm may, at its option, charge a late fee at the rate of 12% per annum on
the balance due.
2. Determining the Fee. This firm has offices in Colorado, Nevada and Arizona. In fixing
fees for services, our lawyers are bound by the rules of professional conduct established by the Supreme
Courts of those states. These rules list a number of factors to be considered in establishing a fee. These
include: time spent; reputation; the skill and experience required to complete the services properly; the
extent to which the acceptance of the particular matter will preclude other employment; the amount
involved; the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; the
nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; and whether the fee is fixed or
contingent.
Generally, the firm fixes the fees for its services based primarily on hourly rates for the lawyers
or paralegals performing the services. These rates reflect the experience and expertise of the individuals
involved. At the present time, hourly rates for Members and Counsel range from $310 to $425; rates for
Associates range from $190 to $290; and rates for Paralegals range from $100 to $135. We adjust hourly
rates from time to time, generally at year end. We will use the modified rates in setting fees for work
performed after such adjustments. Circumstances, including those set out above, may require departure
from the application of hourly rates. When expressly agreed in writing, fees may be fixed on some other
basis.
3. Retainers. With new clients or with substantial new matters for existing clients, the firm
may require the client to pay a retainer. A retainer is in the nature of a deposit, held by the firm for the
protection of its investment of time and effort. With a retainer, we still bill for services on a periodic
basis. Ordinarily, we will apply the retainer against fees and expenses billed on our periodic statements,
but you agree to pay the full amount of those statements as submitted. This will keep the retainer at the
agreed amount through the course of the representation. At the time of the final billing, we will apply
the retainer against the balance due and return any excess.
4. Paralegals. Certain work may be done by paralegals or legal assistants. Such persons,
although not lawyers, have undergone training to perform certain services that would otherwise need to
be performed by lawyers. That work is supervised by lawyers. The use of paralegals allows us to
deliver legal services to you at a lower cost.
5. Contract Personnel. On occasion, when the nature of a specific engagement or
personnel needs require, we may use contract lawyers or paralegals to assist on a specific project.
Ordinarily, we bill for their services based on experience and expertise of the individuals on the same
basis as for "regular" lawyers and paralegals.
Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
6. Client Disbursements. Most matters require the firm to incur certain expenses on your
behalf. Some of these reflect payments to third parties while others represent internal costs incurred to
provide services. These expenses include items such as fees for court filings, delivery and copying
charges, travel expenses, computer assisted research and a variety of others. In retaining the firm, you
agree that we have the authority to use our judgment in making such expenditures on your behalf and
that you will pay such amounts as billed on our periodic statements. We will do our best to minimize
these costs and generally will seek your approval before incurring significant items of expense. If the
nature of the matter is such that we anticipate substantial advances, we may require a separate deposit for
such purpose. We also may request that substantial individual items such as expert witness fees, the
costs of deposition transcripts and major printing costs be billed directly to you by the vendor. You
agree to pay such items as billed by the vendors.
II. DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY
Sherman & Howard has adopted a policy for client file retention to comply with applicable legal
ethics rules. Under that policy, at the conclusion of our representation of a client in a matter, a
responsible firm attorney will direct a review of the file to determine which materials should be retained
because of pending proceedings or as a record of the representation and which are no longer needed.
Ordinarily, we will retain for several years such materials as correspondence, final substantive work
product, documents obtained from the client, and documents obtained from third parties. We may not
retain such materials as duplicates of the above-described material, or drafts and notes. Duplicates,
drafts and notes are generally no longer needed by the client or by the firm after the conclusion of the
representation.
As to the client file materials that we retain, ordinarily the firm will keep files for Business, Real
Estate, Litigation and Employment Law matters for seven years, Tax and Estate Plan matters for ten
years and Public Finance matters for seven years after the final maturity of the bonds. At the end of that
time, unless a client has advised us in writing to the contrary, we will destroy the bulk of the file. We
would not destroy original legal documents such as corporate records, employee benefit plans, deeds or
contracts, if these original documents are in our file. Nor will we destroy originals or copies of wills,
estate plans, or trusts. Ordinarily, we will return those to the client. If the file is especially voluminous,
we may return the client documents to the client sooner than the end of this period as our storage
facilities are limited.
If a client wishes to make other arrangements for retention or disposition of files, the client
should advise the firm in writing. Whatever alternative arrangements are agreed to should be put in
writing so both client and the firm are clear on their obligations. If at any time the client's files become
subject to legal or administrative process or become relevant to pending or threatened litigation, the
client should also advise us of that promptly, so the firm can take appropriate steps to preserve those
files.
At the conclusion of a representation, even if the client directs the firm to return files from the
representation, the firm always reserves the right to retain a copy of the client files.
2
BUS RE11406721.1
EXHIBIT B
Stan Bernstein Engagement Letter
B-1
Stan Bernstein and Associates, Inc.
Financial Planners and Consultants
For Local Governments, Municipal Bond Underwriters, and Real Estate Developers
8400 East Prentice Ave., Penthouse
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Telephone: 303-409-7611; Fax: 303-409-7612; Email: stanplan@earthlink.net
August 21, 2007
Town of Avon Urban Renewal Authority
c/o Mr. Scott Wright, CPA, CPFO
Asst. Town Manager - Finance
Town of Avon, Colorado
RE: ENGAGEMENT LETTER FOR PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING
SERVICES FOR TOWN OF AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
Dear Scott:
Please accept this engagement letter as my firm's intent to continue providing professional financial
planning and modeling services for the Town of Avon Urban Renewal Authority (the "URA").
We are excited about the Urban Renewal plans for the Town of Avon and are pleased to continue to
work in a financial planning capacity.
I anticipate that we will continue to provide financial planning and modeling services in
conjunction with the URA's proposed issuance of its Property Tax Increment Revenue Bonds
which presumably will be issued during 2008. We anticipate revising our property tax increment
revenue projections (based upon updated information we will receive from Eagle County and from
various real estate developers located within the boundaries of the URA); working with you, Larry,
Leland Consulting, David Bell (the URA's investment banker), various URA Revenue Bond
investors, and the various attorneys who will be involved with the issuance of the URA Revenue
Bonds.
Our Fee structure for basic financial modeling will be offered to the URA at our discounted
municipal rate of $140 per hour for myself,, and $120 per hour for my associate Amy Bernstein. In
addition, it is our firm's policy that if our work product becomes a part of the official statement (or
any other type of offering document) that is used in conjunction with the marketing of URA
Revenue Bonds we charge an additional fee of 0.075% of the par amount of the bond issue ( which
for a $21 million bond issue would be $15,750 and compensates us for our additional risk and
exposure) - this fee would be paid from the proceeds of the bond issue.
Mr. Scott Wright
August 21, 2007
Page ii
If you are in agreement with the terms of this engagement letter please indicate so by signing below
and returning a copy of this letter to my office. If you have any questions or comments regarding
this engagement letter do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to make revisions, etc.
Very truly yours,
Stan Bernstein and Associates, Inc.
Signed:
Avon Urban Renewal Authority, Ronald Wolfe, Chairman
Memo
To: Board Chairman and Commissioners
Thru: Larry Brooks, Executive Director
From: Scott Wright, TreasurerQ,-
Date: August 23, 2007
Re: AURA Resolution No. 07-02 Appointment of Certain Officers and Agents of the
Authority
Summary:
The attached resolution approves the appointment of Sherman and Howard as general counsel
to the Authority, and Stan Bernstein & Associates as financial consultant to the Authority.
The respective engagement letters from each firm sets forth the scope of their engagement,
hourly rates and other matters.
Financial Implications:
The attached engagement letters set forth billing rates for services provided. In addition, Stan
Bernstein & Associates includes a fee of 7 '/2 basis points of the par value of the bond issue for
including their work product in the official statement or associated offering documents. This
fee would be paid for from bond proceeds.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Board approve Resolution No. 07-02, a resolution appointing
Sherman and Howard LLC as general counsel to the Authority and appointing Stan Bernstein
& Associates, Inc. as financial consultant to the Authority.
Executive Director Comments:
Page 1
Attachments:
A -AURA Resolution No. 07-02
B - Exhibit A - Sherman and Howard Engagement Letter
C - Exhibit B - Stan Bernstein & Associates Engagement Letter
0 Page 2
AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2007
AVON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 400 BENCHMARK ROAD
AUTHORITY AGENDA
MEETING BEGINS AT 4 PM
1. CONVENE MEETING
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. NEW BUSINESS
a. Avon Urban Renewal Authority Overview & Board Orientation (Anne Ricker, Leland
Consulting) Review of Authority powers and functions, responsibilities of commissioners and
other general issues
b. Depfa Bank Term Letter and Presentation of Proposed Timetable & Terms for issuing
Tax Increment Revenues Bonds (David Bell, Stifel Nicolaus) Review details of Tax increment
financing
4. RESOLUTIONS
a. Resolution No. 07-01, Series of 2007, A Resolution to approve the Bylaws of the Avon
Urban Renewal Authority (Scott Wright, Asst. Town Manager Finance, Randy Funk, Sherman
& Howard) Attached are the proposed bylaws of the Avon Renewal Authority which set forth
terms and requirements to effectuate certain provisions of Colorado State Statutes and Urban
Renewal Law
b. Resolution No. 07-02, Series of 2007, A Resolution to appoint certain officers and
agents of the authority, A Resolution appointing Sherman & Howard L.L.C. as
General Counsel to the Authority and appointing Stan Bernstein and Associates,
Inc. as financial consultant to the Authority (Scott Wright, Asst. Town Manager Finance,
Randy Funk, Sherman & Howard) The respective engagement letters from each firm set
forth the scope of their engagement, hourly rates and other matters
c. Resolution No. 07-03, Series of 2007, A Resolution to approve a Cooperation
Agreement between the Town of Avon, Colorado and the Avon Urban Renewal Authority
(Scott Wright, Asst. Town Manager Finance, Randy Funk, Sherman & Howard) The cooperation
agreement between the Avon Urban Renewal Authority and the Town of Avon sets forth several
key financial and operating policies regarding the two entities
Resolution No. 07-04, Series of 2007, A Resolution to designate a public place within the
boundaries of the Authority where notices of meetings of the Authority's Board of
Commissioners shall be posted (Scott Wright, Asst. Town Manager Finance, Randy Funk,
Sherman & Howard) This resolution designates the public places whereby meeting notices will be
posted during 2007; adopted annually at the first regularly scheduled Authority meeting of each
calendar year
5. ADJOURNMENT AT 5:15 PM
Avon Council Meeting. 07.08.28
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