Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 60953Date Received: Feb 15, 2024 Time Received: 3:31 p.m. City Secretary Contract No.: 60953 ESCROW AGREEMENT TO REPLACE COMPLETION AGREEMENT Escrow No. 3002-393213 THIS ESCROW AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), is made an entered into by and between the City of Fort Worth, a home -rule municipal corporation of the State of Texas ("City"), Quail Valley Devco VLO, LLC ("Developer"), and American Escrow Company, a Texas corporation ("Escrow Agent"). WHEREAS, City and Developer entered into a Community Facilities Agreement for Walsh Ranch PA3W-B (CFA# 22-0068, City Project Number 104054 and City Secretary No. 58093) for the construction of water, sewer, paving, and storm drain Improvements ("CFA"); and WHEREAS, the CFA provides that Developer shall submit to the City performance bonds, cash deposits, or other financial security acceptable to the City (collectively, the "Financial Security") for the purpose of guaranteeing satisfactory compliance by Developer with all requirements, terms, and conditions of the CFA ("CFA Obligations"); and WHEREAS, City and Developer previously executed a Completion Agreement as the financial security guaranteeing satisfactory compliance with the CFA Obligations ("Completion Agreement"); and WHEREAS, the CFA and the Completion Agreement are filed with the City Secretary as City Secretary Contract Number 58093; and WHEREAS, Developer desires to replace the Completion Agreement with this Agreement in order to guarantee satisfactory compliance with the remaining CFA Obligations; and WHEREAS, City staff have determined that the amount of this Escrow Agreement is adequate financial security to guarantee satisfactory compliance by Developer with the remaining CFA Obligations; and WHEREAS, City and Developer desire and agree that Developer be allowed to escrow and pledge cash deposits to City, to be held by Escrow Agent, as an escrow agent, in complete satisfaction of the obligation to submit the Financial Security to secure the performance of the remaining CFA Obligations. NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of these recitals, ten dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows: SECTION 1. DEFINED TERMS. For the purposes of this Agreement, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings: "Security Funds" shall mean the cash deposit of one million, four hundred ninety three thousand, five hundred seventy four dollars and thirty eight cents ($1,493,574.38), which sum represents one City of Fort Worth, Texas OFFICIAL RECORD Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement CITY SECRETARY Rev: 10/19 FT. WORTH, TX Page 1 of 10 hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the estimated Developer's cost of constructing the remaining CFA Obligations ("Estimated Developer's Cost"). "Lien" shall mean any lien, security interest, charge, tax lien, pledge or encumbrance designed to secure the repayment of indebtedness or the satisfaction of any other obligation to a third party not a party of this Agreement. SECTION 2. SECURITY FUNDS. As financial security for the full and punctual performance of the remaining CFA Obligations, Developer hereby pledges, assigns, and transfers to City, and hereby grants to City a security interest in the Security Funds and all rights and privileges pertaining thereto with the exception of the interest income to be derived therefrom (which interest income shall remain the property of Developer and shall be distributed by Escrow Agent in accordance with Developer's periodic instructions) subject, however, to the terms, covenants, and conditions hereinafter set forth. The security interest granted and the assignments made hereunder are made as security only and shall not subject the City or Escrow Agent to, or transfer or in any way affect or modify, any obligation of Developer with respect to the CFA Obligations or any transaction involving or giving rise therefrom. The Security Funds shall not be held by Escrow Agent in an interest -bearing money market account at Texas Capital Bank or Citibank. If Escrow Funds are to be invested in an interest -bearing money market account, any interest accrued thereon shall be disbursed to Developer (which, in this paragraph only, is referred to as the "Investor"), who or which will provide a fully executed W-9 and Investment Letter to Escrow Agent before such investment will be made. The interest earned on the invested money market funds held in escrow for the Investor shall not become part of the escrow funds. The parties are advised that FDIC insurance of bank deposits for all accounts at any FDIC insured bank is currently $250,000.00. Each numbered account of Escrow Agent is FDIC insured in this manner, but this insured FDIC limit includes other escrow accounts held in escrow for any party which is participating in more than one escrow with Escrow Agent or has individual accounts at such bank. FDIC insurance can be increased to a maximum of $150,000,000.00 for any single escrow or multiple, cumulative escrows by using a program utilized by Texas Capital Bank to hold the escrow deposit described herein (the "Program") which will provide full FDIC coverage of the total amount of escrow funds of a party, but such party must request the use of this Program by notice to Escrow Agent and provide to Escrow Agent in such notice the full name of any bank(s) and ABA number(s) in which such party has deposits in order to exclude such bank(s) from the Program. If the IntraFi account is utilized and the disbursement request is a final request which will disburse all Escrow Funds, then the parties are advised that such request will require three (3) business days to make such disbursement. If the disbursement request is not a final request, then such request will require one (1) to two (2) business days to make such disbursement depending on the time of day it was received. SECTION 3. PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF SECURITY FUNDS. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Developer shall have delivered to and deposited with Escrow Agent the Security Funds. The parties acknowledge and agree that Escrow Agent shall be required to segregate the Security Funds from other funds held by Escrow Agent for Developer in accordance with the normal practices of Escrow Agent acting as an escrow agent. Escrow Agent shall return all funds on deposit representing or evidencing the Security Funds remaining in its possession to Developer (or take such other action as Developer may request or direct) immediately after receipt of written notice from City that the CFA Obligations have been fully performed. During such time as Escrow Agent has possession of the Security Funds, Escrow Agent shall furnish to the City, when requested by the City, written acknowledgments signed by an officer of Escrow Agent detailing the amount of the Security Funds. City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 2 of 10 City's rights in the Security Funds shall be superior to those of Escrow Agent's notwithstanding any terms or understandings, written or otherwise, between Developer and Escrow Agent. SECTION 4. COVENANTS. (a) Affirmative Covenants. So long as any of the remaining CFA Obligations are unperformed, Developer covenants and agrees that Developer will: (i) from time to time execute and deliver to City all such assignments, certificates, supplemental writings, and other items and do all other acts or things as City may reasonably request in order to evidence and perfect the security interest of City in the Security Funds; (ii) furnish City with information which City may reasonably request concerning the Security Funds; (iii) notify City of any claim, action, or proceeding affecting title to the Security Funds or City's security interest(s) therein; and (iv) adjust the Security Funds to an amount equal to the actual contract price, including revisions thereto, if the original Security Funds were based on an engineer's estimate of costs. (b) Negative Covenants. So long as any of the CFA Obligations remain unperformed, Developer covenants and agrees that Developer will not: (i) assign or transfer any rights of Developer in the Security Funds; or (ii) create any Lien in the Security Funds, or any part thereof, or permit the same to be or become subject to any Lien except the security interest herein created in favor of the City. SECTION 5. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Developer shall be in default under this Agreement only upon the happening of any of the following events ("Default"): (a) default in the timely payment for or performance of the CFA Obligations after written notice thereof has been given to Developer and Escrow Agent and such default is not cured within seven (7) days after such notice; or (b) any affirmative covenant or negative covenant is breached by Developer. SECTION 6. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF FORT WORTH UPON AND AFTER DEFAULT. (a) Remedv. Upon the occurrence of a Default, City shall have the right to direct Escrow Agent to transfer to City all of the Security Funds. Escrow Agent is hereby authorized to transfer the Security Funds immediately upon the receipt of a written statement purporting to be executed by an authorized representative of City stating that: (i) a Default by Developer has occurred related to the remaining CFA Obligations; City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 3 of 10 (ii) written notice of such Default has been given by City to Developer and Escrow Agent and such Default was not cured within seven (7) days after delivery of such notice; and (iii) City is entitled to have the Security Funds transferred in accordance with the Agreement. (b) Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given to any party hereto shall be given in writing, shall be personally delivered or mailed by prepaid certified or registered mail to such party at the address set forth below, and shall be effective when actually received. To: Developer: Quail Valley Devco VLO, LLC Attention: Seth Carpenter 400 S. Record St. Ste 1200 Dallas, TX 75202 Email: Carpenter@republicpropertygroup.com To: Escrow Agent: American Escrow Company Attention: Shauna Dawson 2626 Howell Street, 10' Floor Dallas, Texas 75204 Email: sdawsonaa,renublictitle.com Phone: 214-754-7768 With a copy to: American Escrow Company Attn: William A. Kramer 2626 Howell St., 10 h Floor Dallas, Texas 75204 Email: bkramer(a,renublictitle.com Phone: 214-855-8850 To: City of Fort Worth Attn: City Treasurer 200 Texas Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 With a copy to: City of Fort Worth Atten: CFA Administration 200 Texas Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Email: zzDEVSVCS CFA(afortworthtexas.2ov Phone: (817) 392-7810 Any party may change its address for notice by giving all other parties hereto notice to such change in the manner set forth in this Section no later than ten (10) days before the effective date of such new address. SECTION 7. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 4 of 10 If the Developer fails to perform its obligations under the CFA, the City's sole and exclusive remedy shall be to complete the obligations of Developer at Developer' expense. In furtherance of such sole and exclusive remedy, City is entitled to exercise its rights as set forth in Section 6 hereof. SECTION 8. SUBSTITUTION OF COLLATERAL. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, Developer shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to obtain releases of all or any part of the Security Funds (hereinafter called the "Released Collateral") upon satisfaction of the following conditions: (a) Developer shall provide City and Escrow Agent written notice ("Substitution Notice") that the Developer desires to obtain Released Collateral in exchange for a contemporaneous substitution of an alternate Financial Security acceptable to City (as specified and described in the Substitution Notice); (b) Developer shall pledge to, or obtain for the benefit of City, and deliver to City the alternate Financial Security acceptable to City ("Substituted Collateral") which Substituted Collateral shall in the aggregate be at least equal to the Estimated Developer's Cost; and (c) said Substituted Collateral shall be of sufficient amounts to cover all work which has occurred prior to the substitution of collateral provided for in this Section. Upon satisfaction of the above -specified conditions, Escrow Agent shall be authorized (without the further consent of City) to return to Developer the original Security Funds in Escrow Agent's possession that represent or evidence the Released Collateral or take such other action with respect to the Released Collateral as Developer may request or direct. Developer shall pay the expenses incurred by Escrow Agent in connection with obtaining each such release and substitution. SECTION 9. REDUCTIONS IN SECURITY FUNDS. (a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, Developer shall have the right to reductions in the Security Funds (hereinafter called a "Reduction in the Security Funds"), in accordance with this Section 8. (b) Every thirty (30) days, Developer may request a reduction in the Security Funds in accordance with Section 9-310.1 of the CFA Ordinance. (c) Developer shall provide City and Escrow Agent with written notice (the "Withdrawal Notice") that Developer desires to obtain a Reduction in the Security Funds in any amount less than or equal to the then -completed CFA Obligations as inspected or accepted by the City. (d) A Reduction in the Security Funds may only be made after: (i) The City's inspectors have verified the amount of the Community Facilities that have been constructed in accordance with the engineering plans; and (ii) The City has received an affidavit and unconditional release of lien executed by the contractor indicating that the contractor has been paid by Developer and the contractor has paid all subcontractors and material suppliers for the Community Facilities that have been constructed pursuant to the CFA. City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 5 of 10 (e) After the City has confirmed the amount of the Community Facilities that have been constructed in accordance with the engineering plans and the City has received an affidavit and release of lien from the contractor for the Community Facilities that have been constructed, then the Security Funds may be reduced to an amount that is no less than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the value of the Community Facilities that are remaining to be constructed SECTION 10. NON- ASSIGNABILITY OF CITY'S RIGHTS. The rights, powers, and interests held by City hereunder in and to the Security Funds may not be transferred or assigned by City in whole or in part. Any attempted transfer or assignment shall be absolutely void and shall entitle Developer to a release of all Security Funds. SECTION 11. NO WAIVER. No waiver by City of any Default shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other subsequent Default. No delay or omission by City in exercising any right or power hereunder shall impair any such right or power or be construed as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power preclude other or further exercise thereof. SECTION 12. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties, their successors and assigns. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, waived, or modified except pursuant to a written instrument executed by City, Escrow Agent and Developer. SECTION 13. CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE. This Agreement is to be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Venue shall be in the state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. SECTION 14. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of multiple counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. SECTION 15. INDEMNITY. DEVELOPER HEREBY AGREES TO RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNIFY ESCROWAGENT (AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES) FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES, COSTS, SUITS AND OTHER LIABILITY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER THAT ARISE OUT OF OR ARE DIRECTLYORINDIRECTLYRELATED TO THE PERFORMANCE BYESCROW AGENT OF ITS DUTIES HEREUNDER EXCEPT FOR THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF ESCROW AGENT OR ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES AND DEVELOPER HEREBYAGREES TO RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNIFY CITY (AND ITS RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES) FROM AND AGAINSTALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES, COSTS, SUITS AND OTHER LIABILITY OF City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 6 of 10 ANY KIND WHATSOEVER THAT ARISE OUT OF OR ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATED TO ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION BY CITY WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT. SECTION 16. PAYMENT OF ESCROW FEES Developer will be responsible for the payment of all fees to Escrow Agent associated with this Agreement. SECTION 17. PROVISIONS CONCERNING ESCROW AGENT (a) Wire Transfers and Wire Transfer Verifications: All monetary funds to be held in escrow pursuant to this Escrow Agreement are to be sent to Escrow Agent by Federal wire transfer. The parties acknowledge that they may be charged fees by their banks in connection therewith. Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, wires or checks will not be accepted as monetary funds to be held in escrow. Escrow fees may be paid by check or Federal wire. If requested by a party, Escrow Agent will make disbursements by check and send such checks by regular mail, or certified mail in accordance with the notice provisions hereof. Federal wire transfers of monetary disbursements by Escrow Agent must be verified by a phone call from a representative of Escrow Agent to the named representative and phone number set forth in the notice provisions hereof prior to a wire being transmitted. Such phone call will request the party being contacted to confirm the amount to be wired, the name of the bank to receive the wire, the American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number of the receiving bank, the name of the account at such bank to which the wire transfer will be credited, and the bank identification number of such account. Escrow Agent's fee specified herein contemplates no more than twelve (12) such Federal wire transfers and confirmations during each twelve (12) month period of this Escrow Agreement and any wire and verification in excess thereof will be charged $150.00 each within such twelve (12) month period, beginning on the effective date of this Escrow Agreement. (b) Escrow Agent is not a party to, or bound by any agreement which may be deposited under, evidenced by, or which arises out of the foregoing instructions. (c) Escrow Agent acts hereunder as a depository only and is not responsible or liable in any manner whatever for the sufficiency, correctness, genuineness, or validity of any instrument deposited with it hereunder, or with respect to the form or execution of the same, or the identity, authority, or rights of any person executing or depositing the same. (d) Escrow Agent shall not be required to take or be bound by notice of any default of any person, or to take any action with respect to such default involving any expense or liability, unless notice in writing is given to an officer of Escrow Agent of such default. (e) Escrow Agent shall be protected by Developer in acting upon any notice, request, waiver, consent, receipt, or other paper or document believed by Escrow Agent in good faith to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties. (fl Escrow Agent may consult with legal counsel in the event of any dispute or questions as to the construction of the foregoing instructions, or Escrow Agent's duties hereunder. (g) Escrow Agent assumes no liability and the parties hereto consent and agree that Escrow Agent shall have no liability for any defalcation, insolvency, receivership or conservatorship of the City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 7 of 10 depository institution (Texas Capital Bank), nor shall Escrow Agent have any liability due to any of the parties other than Escrow Agent filing for bankruptcy or the consequences or effect of such a bankruptcy on the funds and/or documents deposited hereunder. (h) For its ordinary services hereunder, Escrow Agent shall be entitled to a fee of $2,000.00, payable by Developer concurrently with its acceptance hereof. (i) Developer further agrees that Escrow Agent assumes no liability for and is expressly released from any claim or claims whatsoever in connection with the receiving, retaining and delivering of the above papers and funds except to account for payment and/or delivery made thereon. Deposit by Escrow Agent of the instruments and funds (less its charges and expenses incurred herein) comprising this escrow in Court, shall relieve Escrow Agent of all further responsibility and liability, and Escrow Agent is hereby expressly authorized after filing a petition with the court and depositing the funds with the court to disregard in its sole discretion any and all notices or warnings given by any of the parties hereto, or by any other person or corporation, but the said Escrow Agent is hereby expressly authorized to regard and to comply with and obey any and all orders, judgments or decrees entered or issued by any court with jurisdiction. In case of any suit or proceeding regarding this escrow to which Escrow Agent is or may be at any time a party, Developer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Escrow Agent from all loss, costs or damages incurred, including but not limited to attorneys' fees, by reason of this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or any cause of action which may be filed in connection therewith and to pay Escrow Agent, upon demand all such costs, fees and expenses so incurred. SECTION 18. TERMINATION OF COMPLETION AGREEMENT The Completion Agreement is hereby terminated. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK] City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 8 of 10 ACCORDINGLY, the City, Developer, and Escrow Agent have each caused this Agreement to be executed in each entity's respective name by its duly authorized signatories effective as of the date executed by the City's City Manager or their designee. CITY OF FORT WORTH TjQIZCL �Le Dana Burghdoff(Feb 2024 CST) Dana Burghdoff Assistant City Manager Date: Feb 15, 2024 Recommended by: 0- ". Dwayne Hollars (Feb 13, 202413:29 CST) Name: Dwayne Hollars Title: Contract Compliance Specialist Development Services Approved at to Form & Legality: Thomas Royce Hansen Assistant City Attorney M&C No. N/A Form 1295: N/A 4,dg40pgIl� 1 o°$ ATTEST: ono �9a°o PVe o=d pP�* aoo oQo *�d A dpQnT°nE°�n°544o Jannette Goodall // Ronald Gonzales City Secretary // Assistant City Secretary City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Rev: 10/19 Page 9 of 10 DEVELOPER Quail Valley Devco VLO, LLC Set ar�Feb 13, 2024 08:51 CST) Name: Seth Carpenter Title: Vice President Date: Feb 13, 2024 ESCROW AGENT American Escrow Company William A K'GImew william A. Kramer (Feb 13, 202412:17 CST) Name: William A. Kramer Title: Authorized Signer Date: Feb 13, 2024 Contract Compliance Manager By signing I acknowledge that I am the person responsible for the monitoring and administration of this contract, including ensuring all performance and reporting requirements. —46,1^ Rebecca Owen (Feb 14, 2024 08:05 CST) Name: Rebecca Diane Owen Title: Development Manager OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TX ATTACHMENT "1" Changes to Standard Agreement Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Negotiated changes are contained in the body of the Agreement. City of Fort Worth, Texas Escrow Pledge Agreement to Replace Completion Agreement Page 8 of 10