UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
DC 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
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ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
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OR
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¨
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TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For
the transition period from _________________
to______________________
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Commission
File Number 0-422
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey
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22-1114430
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(State
of Incorporation)
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(IRS
employer identification no.)
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1500
Ronson Road, Iselin NJ 08830
(Address
of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(732)
634-1500
(Registrant's
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of Each Class:
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Name
of each exchange on which registered:
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None
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None
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Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, No par
Value
(Title of
Class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
¨
No
þ
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
¨
No
þ
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes
þ
No
¨
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best
of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.
þ
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting
company.
Large
accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated
filer
þ
Non-accelerated
filer
¨
Smaller
reporting company
¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act). Yes
¨
No
þ
The
aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant at June 30, 2008 was $211,963,578 based on the closing market price
of $16.59 per share.
The
number of shares outstanding for each of the registrant's classes of common
stock, as of March 13, 2009:
Common
Stock, No par Value 13,419,619 shares outstanding
Documents Incorporated by
Reference
Proxy
Statement to be filed in connection with the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2009, which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission within 120 days, is incorporated as to Part
III.
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
FORM
10-K
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PAGE
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1
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2
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Overview
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Financial
Information
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4
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Water
Supplies and Contracts
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4
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Employees
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5
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Competition
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6
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Regulation
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7
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Management
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10
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14
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14
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16
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16
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16
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16
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18
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18
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26
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26
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49
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49
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52
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53
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53
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53
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53
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53
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53
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55
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56
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Forward-Look
i
ng Statements
Certain
statements contained in this annual report and in the documents incorporated by
reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the
safe harbors created under those laws. These statements include, but
are not limited to:
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statements
as to expected financial condition, performance, prospects and earnings of
the Company;
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statements
regarding strategic plans for
growth;
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statements
regarding the amount and timing of rate increases and other regulatory
matters;
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statements
as to the Company’s expected liquidity needs during the upcoming fiscal
year and beyond and statements as to the sources and availability of funds
to meet its liquidity needs;
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statements
as to expected rates, consumption volumes, service fees, revenues,
margins, expenses and operating
results;
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statements
as to the Company’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations and
estimations of the materiality of any related
costs;
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statements
as to the safety and reliability of the Company’s equipment, facilities
and operations;
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statements
as to financial projections;
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statements
as to the ability of the Company to pay
dividends;
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statements
as to the Company’s plans to renew municipal franchises and consents in
the territories it serves;
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expectations
as to the amount of cash contributions to fund the Company’s retirement
benefit plans, including statements as to anticipated discount rates and
rates of return on plan assets;
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statements
as to trends; and
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statements
regarding the availability and quality of our water
supply.
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These
forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated
results and outcomes include, but are not limited to:
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the
effects of general economic
conditions;
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increases
in competition in the markets served by the
Company;
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the
ability of the Company to control operating expenses and to achieve
efficiencies in its operations;
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the
availability of adequate supplies of
water;
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actions
taken by government regulators, including decisions on rate increase
requests;
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new
or additional water quality
standards;
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weather
variations and other natural
phenomena;
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the
existence of financially attractive acquisition candidates and the risks
involved in pursuing those
acquisitions;
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acts
of war or terrorism;
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significant
changes in the housing starts in
Delaware;
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the
availability and cost of capital resources;
and
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other
factors discussed elsewhere in this annual
report.
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Many of
these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or
predict. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which only speak to the
Company’s understanding as of the date of this report. The Company does not
undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as
may be required under applicable securities laws.
For an
additional discussion of factors that may affect the Company’s business and
results of operations, see Item 1A - Risk Factors.
Overview
Middlesex
Water Company (“Middlesex”) was incorporated as a water utility company in 1897
and owns and operates regulated water utility and wastewater systems
in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company also operates water and
wastewater systems under contract on behalf of municipal and private clients in
New Jersey and Delaware.
The terms
“the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Middlesex Water Company and its
subsidiaries, including Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater) and Tidewater’s
wholly-owned subsidiaries, Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores)
and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. (White Marsh). The Company’s other
subsidiaries are Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands
Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), Utility
Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc.,
(USA-PA) and Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. (TESI).
Middlesex
principal executive offices are located at 1500 Ronson Road, Iselin, New Jersey
08830. Our telephone number is (732) 634-1500. Our internet website address is
http://www.middlesexwater.com. We make available, free of charge through our
internet website, reports and amendments filed or furnished pursuant to Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, after such material is
electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).
Middlesex
System
The
Middlesex System in New Jersey provides water services to approximately 59,700
retail customers, primarily in eastern Middlesex County, New Jersey and provides
water under wholesale contracts to the City of Rahway, Township of Edison, the
Boroughs of Highland Park and Sayreville and both the Old Bridge and the
Marlboro Township Municipal Utilities Authorities. The Middlesex System treats,
stores and distributes water for residential, commercial, industrial and fire
prevention purposes. The Middlesex System also provides water treatment and
pumping services to the Township of East Brunswick under contract. The Middlesex
System, through its retail and contract sales, produced approximately 64% of
2008 revenue.
The
Middlesex System’s retail customers are located in an area of approximately 55
square miles in Woodbridge Township, the City of South Amboy, the Boroughs of
Metuchen and Carteret, portions of the Township of Edison and the Borough of
South Plainfield in Middlesex County and, to a minor extent, a portion of the
Township of Clark in Union County. Retail customers include a mix of residential
customers, large industrial concerns and commercial and light industrial
facilities. These customers are located in generally well-developed areas of
central New Jersey. The contract customers of the Middlesex System comprise an
area of approximately 146 square miles with a population of approximately
303,000. Contract sales to Edison, Sayreville, Old Bridge, Marlboro and Rahway
are supplemental to the existing water systems of these customers. The State of
New Jersey in the mid-1980’s approved plans to increase available surface water
supply to the South River Basin area of the state to facilitate a reduction in
groundwater use in this area. The Middlesex System provides treated surface
water under long-term agreements to East Brunswick, Marlboro, Old Bridge and
Sayreville consistent with the state-approved plan.
Middlesex
provides water service to approximately 300 customers in Cumberland County, New
Jersey. This system is referred to as Bayview and is not physically
interconnected with the Middlesex system. Bayview produced less than 1% of our
total revenue in 2008.
Tidewater
System
Tidewater,
together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern Shores, provides water
services to approximately 35,500 retail customers for domestic, commercial and
fire protection purposes in over 300 separate community water systems in New
Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. An additional wholly-owned
subsidiary, White Marsh, operates water and wastewater systems under contract
for approximately 7,200 residential customers and also owns the office buildings
that Tidewater uses as its central business office campus. White Marsh’s rates
for water and wastewater operations are not regulated by the Delaware Public
Service Commission (PSC). The Tidewater System produced approximately 24% of
total revenue in 2008.
Utility
Service Affiliates-Perth Amboy
USA-PA
operates the City of Perth Amboy, NJ’s water and wastewater systems under a
20-year agreement, which expires in 2018. USA-PA serves approximately
9,700 customers, most of whom are served by both systems. The agreement was
effected under New Jersey’s Water Supply Public-Private Contracting Act and the
New Jersey Wastewater Public/Private Contracting Act and requires USA-PA to
lease from Perth Amboy all of its employees who currently work on the Perth
Amboy water and wastewater systems. Under the agreement, USA-PA receives both
fixed and variable fees. The variable position is based on customer
billing. Fixed fee revenues were $8.0 million in 2008 and are to increase over
the term of the 20-year contract to $10.2 million based upon a schedule of
rates. USA-PA produced approximately 9% of total revenue in 2008.
In
connection with the agreement, Middlesex guaranteed a series of Perth Amboy’s
municipal bonds in the principal amount of approximately $26.3 million, of which
approximately $21.4 million remains outstanding. In connection with the
agreement with Perth Amboy, USA-PA entered into a 20-year subcontract with a
wastewater operating company for the operation and maintenance of the Perth
Amboy wastewater system. The subcontract provides for the sharing of certain
fixed and variable fees and operating expenses.
Pinelands
System
Pinelands
Water provides water services to approximately 2,500 residential customers in
Burlington County, New Jersey. Pinelands Water produced less than 1% of total
revenue in 2008. Pinelands Water is not physically interconnected
with the Middlesex System.
Pinelands
Wastewater provides wastewater services to approximately 2,500 primarily
residential retail customers. Under contract, it also services one municipal
wastewater system in Burlington County, New Jersey with about 200 residential
customers. Pinelands Wastewater produced approximately 1% of total
revenue in 2008.
Utility
Service Affiliates, Inc.
USA
provides residential customers in New Jersey and Delaware a water service line
and sewer lateral maintenance program called LineCare
SM
and
LineCare+
SM
,
respectively. These are affordable maintenance programs that covers all parts,
material and labor required to repair or replace specific elements of the
customer’s water service line, customer shut-off valve and sewer lateral in the
event of a failure. USA produced less than 1% of total revenue in
2008.
TESI
System
TESI
provides wastewater services to approximately 1,800 residential retail customers
in Delaware. TESI produced less than 1% of our total revenue in
2008.
Financial
Information
Consolidated
operating revenues and operating income are as follows:
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Years Ended December 31
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(Thousands
of Dollars)
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2008
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2007
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2006
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Operating
Revenues
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$
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91,038
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$
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86,114
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$
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81,061
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Operating
Income
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$
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24,019
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$
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22,671
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$
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21,318
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Operating
revenues were earned from the following sources:
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Years Ended December 31
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2008
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2007
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2006
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Residential
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45.1
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%
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45.0
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%
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42.6
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%
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Commercial
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9.6
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9.7
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10.0
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Industrial
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9.3
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9.9
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10.7
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Fire
Protection
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10.4
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10.3
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10.7
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Contract
Sales
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13.1
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12.5
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12.3
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Contract
Operations
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10.5
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10.3
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11.0
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Other
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2.0
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2.3
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2.7
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TOTAL
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100.0
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%
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100.0
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%
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100.0
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%
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Water
Supplies and Contracts
Our New
Jersey and Delaware water supply systems are physically separate and are not
interconnected. In New Jersey, the Pinelands System and Bayview System are not
interconnected with the Middlesex System or each other. We believe that we have
adequate sources of water supply to meet the current service requirements of our
present customers in New Jersey and Delaware.
Middlesex
System
Our
Middlesex System, which produced approximately 16.8 billion gallons in 2008,
obtains water from surface sources and wells, or groundwater sources. In 2008,
surface sources of water provided approximately 71% of the Middlesex System’s
water supply, groundwater sources provided approximately 23% from 31 wells and
the balance was purchased from a non-affiliated water utility. Middlesex
System’s distribution storage facilities are used to supply water to customers
at times of peak demand, outages and emergencies.
The
principal source of surface water for the Middlesex System is the Delaware &
Raritan Canal, which is owned by the State of New Jersey and operated as a water
resource by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. Middlesex is under
contract with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, which expires November 30,
2023. The contract provides for average purchases of 27 million gallons per day
(mgd) of untreated water from the Delaware & Raritan Canal, augmented by the
Round Valley/Spruce Run Reservoir System. Surface water is pumped to, and
treated, at the Middlesex Carl J. Olsen (CJO) Plant. Middlesex also has an
agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the purchase of
treated water. This long-term agreement, which expires February 27, 2011,
provides for minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with provisions for
additional purchases.
Tidewater
System
Our
Tidewater System, which produced approximately 2.0 billion gallons in 2008,
obtains 100% of its groundwater sources from 176 wells. In 2008, 13 new wells
were placed into service. We deactivated, sealed and abandoned 29
wells for either water quality reasons or for the purpose of consolidating
production facilities for more cost-efficient operation. Tidewater continues to
submit applications to Delaware regulatory authorities for the approval of
additional wells as growth, demand and water quality warrants. The Tidewater
System does not have a central treatment facility but has several regional
treatment plants. Several of its water systems in New Castle, Kent and Sussex
Counties, Delaware have interconnected transmission systems.
Pinelands
System
Water
supply to our Pinelands System is derived from groundwater sources from four
wells which provided overall system delivery of 194 million gallons in 2008. The
pumping capacity of the four wells is 2.2 million gallons per day.
Bayview
System
Water
supply to Bayview customers is derived from groundwater water sources from two
wells, which delivered approximately 10 million gallons in 2008.
Pinelands
Wastewater System
The
Pinelands Wastewater System discharges into the South Branch of the Rancocas
Creek through a tertiary treatment plant that provides clarification,
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The total capacity of the plant is
0.5 mgd, and the system provided overall treatment to 105 million gallons in
2008.
TESI
System
The TESI
System owns and operates six wastewater treatment systems in Southern Delaware.
The treatment plants provide clarification, sedimentation, and disinfection. The
combined total treatment capacity of the plants is 0.6 mgd. Current average flow
is approximately 0.2 mgd.
Employees
As of
December 31, 2008, we had a total of 269 employees. In addition, we lease 18
full-time employees under the USA-PA contract with the City of Perth Amboy, New
Jersey. No employees are represented by a union except the leased employees who
are subject to a collective bargaining agreement with the City of Perth Amboy.
We believe our employee relations are good. Wages and benefits, other than for
leased employees, are reviewed annually and are considered competitive within
both the industry and the regions where we operate.
Competition
Our
business in our franchised service area is substantially free from direct
competition with other public utilities, municipalities and other entities.
However, our ability to provide contract water supply and wastewater services
and operations and maintenance services is subject to competition from other
public utilities, municipalities and other entities. Although Tidewater has been
granted an exclusive franchise for each of its existing community water systems,
its ability to expand service areas can be affected by the PSC awarding
franchises to other regulated water utilities with whom we compete for such
franchises and for projects.
Regulation
We are
regulated as to rates charged to customers for water and wastewater services in
New Jersey and Delaware, as to the quality of the services we provide and as to
certain other matters. Our USA, USA-PA and White Marsh subsidiaries are not
regulated utilities. We are subject to environmental and water quality
regulation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with respect to
operations in New Jersey and by Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control (DNREC), the Delaware Department of Health and Social
Services-Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware River Basin
Commission (DRBC) with respect to operations in Delaware. In addition, our
issuances of securities are subject to the prior approval of the SEC and the New
Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) or the PSC.
Regulation
of Rates and Services
New
Jersey water and wastewater service operations (excluding the operations of USA
and USA-PA) are subject to regulation by the BPU. Similarly, our Delaware water
and wastewater operations (excluding the operations of White Marsh) are subject
to regulation by the PSC. These regulatory authorities have jurisdiction with
respect to rates, service, the issuance of securities and other matters of
utility companies operating within the States of New Jersey and Delaware,
respectively. For ratemaking purposes, we account separately for operations in
New Jersey and Delaware to facilitate independent ratemaking by the BPU for New
Jersey operations and the PSC for Delaware operations.
In
determining our rates, the BPU and the PSC consider the income, expenses, rate
base of property used and useful in providing service to the public and a fair
rate of return on investments within their separate jurisdictions. Rate
determinations by the BPU do not guarantee particular rates of return to us for
our New Jersey operations nor do rate determinations by the PSC guarantee
particular rates of return for our Delaware operations. Thus, we may
not achieve the rates of return permitted by the BPU or the PSC.
On
January 26, 2009 Tidewater filed an application with the PSC seeking permission
to increase its base rates by 32.54%. Approximately 5.25% of the requested
increase is already collected from customers through a separately PSC approved
rate called a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). The
request was made necessary by increased costs of operations, maintenance and
taxes, as well as capital investment of approximately $26.7 million since its
last rate filing in April of 2006. We cannot predict whether the PSC will
ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Concurrent with
the rate filing, Tidewater also submitted a request for a 12.79% interim rate
increase subject to refund as allowed under PSC regulations. The interim rate
increase includes the 5.25% DSIC rate. If approved by the PSC, the
interim rates of 12.79% will go into effect on March 27, 2009 and the DSIC rate
will be set to zero.
The
following table shows the DSIC increases approved by the PSC from January 1,
2008 through January 1, 2009:
Date
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January
1, 2008
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July
1, 2008
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January
1, 2009
|
%
Increase
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1.45%
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1.32%
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2.31%
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Cumulative
%
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1.62%
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2.94%
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5.25%
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On
January 12, 2009, Middlesex filed an application with the BPU seeking permission
to establish a Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC) and implement a tariff
rate sufficient to recover increased costs of $1.0 million to purchase untreated
water from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and treated water from a
non-affiliated regulated water utility. We cannot predict whether the BPU will
ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request.
Effective
December 18, 2008, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater implemented New
Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved base rate increases of 5.53% and
18.30%, respectively. These increases represent a total base rate increase of
approximately $0.2 million for Pinelands to offset increased costs associated
with the operation and maintenance of their systems.
In
accordance with the tariff established for Southern Shores, an annual rate
increase of 3% was implemented on January 1, 2009. Under the terms of
a contract with Southern Shores Homeowners Association, the increase cannot
exceed the lesser of the regional Consumer Price Index or 3%.
There can
be no assurance that any future rate increases will be granted or, if granted,
that they will be in the amounts requested.
Water
Quality and Environmental Regulations
Both the
EPA and the DEP regulate our operations in New Jersey with respect to water
supply, treatment and distribution systems and the quality of the water, as do
the EPA, DNREC, DPH and DRBC with respect to operations in
Delaware.
Federal,
New Jersey and Delaware regulations adopted relating to water quality require us
to perform expanded types of testing to ensure that our water meets state and
federal water quality requirements. In addition, environmental regulatory
agencies are reviewing current regulations governing the limits of certain
organic compounds found in the water as byproducts of treatment. We participate
in industry-related research to identify the various types of technology that
might reduce the level of organic, inorganic and synthetic compounds found in
the water. The cost to water companies of complying with the proposed water
quality standards depends in part on the limits set in the regulations and on
the method selected to implement such reduction. We believe the CJO Plant
capabilities put us in a strong position to meet any such future standards with
regard to our Middlesex System. We regularly test our water to
determine compliance with existing federal, New Jersey and Delaware primary
water quality standards.
Well
water treatment in our Tidewater System is by chlorination for disinfection
purposes and, in some cases, pH correction and filtration for nitrate and iron
removal.
Well
water treatment in the Pinelands and Bayview Systems (disinfection only) is done
at individual well sites.
The DEP
and the DPH monitor our activities and review the results of water quality tests
that are performed for adherence to applicable regulations. Other regulations
applicable to us include the Lead and Copper Rule, the maximum contaminant
levels established for various volatile organic compounds, the Federal Surface
Water Treatment Rule and the Total Coliform Rule.
Management
This
table lists information concerning our executive management team:
Name
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|
Age
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|
Principal
Position(s)
|
Dennis
W. Doll
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|
50
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
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A.
Bruce O’Connor
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50
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Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
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Ronald
F. Williams
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59
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Vice
President-Operations and Chief Operating Officer
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
|
|
61
|
|
Vice
President-General Counsel, Secretary and Treasurer
|
James
P. Garrett
|
|
62
|
|
Vice
President–Human Resources
|
Richard
M. Risoldi
|
|
52
|
|
Vice
President–Subsidiary Operations
|
Bernadette
M. Sohler
|
|
48
|
|
Vice
President-Corporate Affairs
|
Gerard
L. Esposito
|
|
57
|
|
President,
Tidewater Utilities, Inc.
|
Dennis W. Doll
– Mr. Doll
joined the Company in November 2004 as Executive Vice President. He was elected
President and Chief Executive Officer and became a Director of Middlesex
effective January 1, 2006. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Doll was employed
by Elizabethtown Water Company since 1985, serving most recently as a member of
the senior leadership team of the Northeast Region of American Water, comprised
of various regulated utilities and other non-regulated subsidiaries in the water
and wastewater fields. Mr. Doll is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New
Jersey Utilities Association and is a Director of the National Association of
Water Companies.
A. Bruce O’Connor
– Mr.
O’Connor, a Certified Public Accountant, joined the Company in 1990 as Assistant
Controller and was elected Controller in 1992 and Vice President in 1995. He was
elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1996. He is
responsible for financial reporting, customer service, rate cases, cash
management and financings. He is Treasurer and a Director of Tidewater
Utilities, Inc., Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc., Utility Service
Affiliates, Inc., and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. He is
Vice President, Treasurer and a Director of Utility Service Affiliates (Perth
Amboy) Inc., Pinelands Water Company and Pinelands Wastewater
Company.
Ronald F. Williams
– Mr.
Williams joined the Company in 1995 as Assistant Vice President–Operations,
responsible for the Company’s Engineering and Distribution Departments. He was
elected Vice President–Operations in October 1995 and designated Chief Operating
Officer in 2004. Mr. Williams was elected to the additional posts of Assistant
Secretary and Assistant Treasurer for Middlesex in 2004. He was
formerly employed by Garden State Water Company as President and Chief Executive
Officer. He is a Director and President of Utility Service Affiliates (Perth
Amboy) Inc.
Kenneth J. Quinn
– Mr. Quinn
joined the Company in 2002 as General Counsel and was elected Assistant
Secretary in 2003. In 2004, Mr. Quinn was elected Vice President,
Secretary and Treasurer for Middlesex and Secretary and Assistant Treasurer for
all subsidiaries of Middlesex. Prior to joining the Company he had
been employed in private law practice. Prior to that, Mr. Quinn spent 10 years
as in-house counsel to two major banking institutions located in New Jersey. In
May 2003, he was elected Assistant Secretary of Tidewater Utilities, Inc.,
Pinelands Water Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company, Utility Service
Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc., Bayview Water Company and White Marsh
Environmental Systems, Inc. He is a member of the New Jersey State Bar
Association and is also a member of the Public Utility Law Section of the Bar.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Section.
James P. Garrett
– Mr.
Garrett, a licensed attorney, joined the Company in 2003 as Assistant Vice
President–Human Resources. In May 2004, he was elected Vice President- Human
Resources and is responsible for all human resources and information technology
throughout the Company. Prior to his hire, Mr. Garrett was employed
by a national retail chain as Director of Organizational
Development.
Richard M. Risoldi
– Mr.
Risoldi joined the Company in 1989 as Director of Production, responsible for
the operation and maintenance of the Company’s treatment and pumping
facilities. He was appointed Assistant Vice President of Operations
in 2003. He was elected Vice President in May 2004-Subsidiary Operations,
responsible for regulated subsidiary operations and business development. He is
a Director of Tidewater Utilities, Inc., Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc.,
White Marsh Environmental Systems Inc and USA-PA. He also serves as
Director and President of Pinelands Water Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company
and Utility Service Affiliates, Inc.
Bernadette M. Sohler –
Ms.
Sohler joined the Company in 1994 and was named Director of Communications in
2003 and promoted to Vice President-Corporate Affairs in March 2007 with
responsibilities for corporate, investor and employee communications, media and
government relations, marketing, community affairs and corporate philanthropic
activities. She also serves as Vice President of Utility Service
Affiliates, Inc.
Gerard L. Esposito
– Mr.
Esposito joined Tidewater Utilities, Inc. in 1998 as Executive Vice
President. He was elected President of Tidewater and White Marsh
Environmental Systems, Inc. in 2003 and elected President of Tidewater
Environmental Services, Inc. in January 2005. Prior to joining the Company he
worked in various executive positions for Delaware environmental protection and
water quality governmental agencies. He is a Director of Tidewater Utilities,
Inc., Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc., and White Marsh Environmental
Systems, Inc.
Our
revenue and earnings depend on the rates we charge our customers. We cannot
raise utility rates in our regulated businesses without filing a petition with
the appropriate governmental agency. If these agencies modify, delay, or deny
our petition, our revenues will not increase and our earnings will decline
unless we are able to reduce costs.
The BPU
regulates our public utility companies in New Jersey with respect to rates and
charges for service, classification of accounts, awards of new service
territory, acquisitions, financings and other matters. That means, for example,
that we cannot raise the utility rates we charge to our customers without first
filing a petition with the BPU and going through a lengthy administrative
process. In much the same way, the PSC regulates our public utility companies in
Delaware. We cannot give assurance of when we will request approval for any such
matter, nor can we predict whether the BPU or PSC will approve, deny or reduce
the amount of such requests.
Certain
costs of doing business are not completely within our control. The failure to
obtain any rate increase would prevent us from increasing our revenues and,
unless we are able to reduce costs, would result in reduced
earnings.
We
are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including water quality and
wastewater effluent quality regulations, as well as other state and local
regulations. Compliance with those laws and regulations requires us to incur
costs and we are subject to fines or other sanctions for
non-compliance
The EPA
and DEP regulate our operations in New Jersey with respect to water supply,
treatment and distribution systems and the quality of the water. Our
operations in Delaware are regulated by the EPA, DNREC, DPH, and DRBC with
respect to water supply, treatment and distribution systems and the quality of
water. Federal, New Jersey and Delaware regulations relating to water quality
require us to perform expanded types of testing to ensure that our water meets
state and federal water quality requirements. We are subject to EPA regulations
under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which include the Lead and Copper
Rule, the maximum contaminant levels established for various volatile organic
compounds, the Federal Surface Water Treatment Rule and the Total Coliform Rule.
There are also similar state regulations by the DEP in New Jersey. The DEP and
DPH monitor our activities and review the results of water quality tests that we
perform for adherence to applicable regulations. In addition, environmental
regulatory agencies are continually reviewing regulations governing the limits
of certain organic compounds found in the water as byproducts of
treatment.
We are
also subject to regulations related to fire protection services. In
Delaware, fire protection is regulated statewide by the Office of State Fire
Marshal. In New Jersey there is no state-wide fire protection
regulatory agency. However, state regulations exist as to the size of
piping required regarding the provision of fire protection
services.
The cost
of compliance with the water and wastewater effluent quality standards depends
in part on the limits set in the regulations and on the method selected to
implement them. If new or more restrictive standards are imposed, the cost of
compliance could be very high and have an adverse impact on our revenues and
results of operations if we cannot recover those costs through our rates that we
charge our customers. The cost of compliance with fire protection
requirements could also be high and make us less profitable if we cannot recover
those costs through our rates charged to our customers.
In
addition, if we fail to comply with environmental or other laws and regulations
to which our business is subject, we could be fined or subject to other
sanctions, which could adversely impact our business or results of
operations.
We
depend upon our ability to raise money in the capital markets to finance some of
the costs of complying with laws and regulations, including environmental laws
and regulations or to pay for some of the costs of improvements to or the
expansion of our utility system assets. Our regulated utility companies cannot
issue debt or equity securities without regulatory approval.
We
require financing to fund the ongoing capital program for the improvement of our
utility system assets and for planned expansion of those systems. We expect to
spend between $96 million and $124 million for capital projects through
2011. We must obtain regulatory approval to sell debt or equity
securities to raise money for these projects. If sufficient capital is not
available or the cost of capital is too high, or if the regulatory authorities
deny a petition of ours to sell debt or equity securities, we may not be able to
meet the costs of complying with environmental laws and regulations or the costs
of improving and expanding our utility system assets to the level we believe
necessary. This might result in the imposition of fines or
restrictions on our operations and may curtail our ability to improve upon and
expand our utility system assets.
Weather
conditions and overuse of underground aquifers may interfere with our sources of
water, demand for water services and our ability to supply water to
customers.
Our
ability to meet the existing and future water demands of our customers depends
on an adequate supply of water. Unexpected conditions may interfere with our
water supply sources. Drought and overuse of underground aquifers may limit the
availability of ground and/or surface water. Freezing weather may also
contribute to water transmission interruptions caused by pipe and/or main
breakage. Any interruption in our water supply could cause a reduction in our
revenue and profitability. These factors might adversely affect our ability to
supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers. Governmental drought
restrictions might result in decreased use of water services and can adversely
affect our revenue and earnings.
Our
business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could affect demand for our
water service and our revenues.
Demand
for our water during the warmer months is generally greater than during cooler
months due primarily to additional consumption of water in connection with
irrigation systems, swimming pools, cooling systems and other outside water use.
Throughout the year, and particularly during typically warmer months, demand may
vary with temperature and rainfall levels. In the event that
temperatures during the typically warmer months are cooler than normal, or if
there is more rainfall than normal, the demand for our water may decrease and
adversely affect our revenues.
Our
water sources may become contaminated by naturally-occurring or man-made
compounds and events. This may cause disruption in services and impose costs to
restore the water to required levels of quality.
Our
sources of water may become contaminated by naturally-occurring or man-made
compounds and events. In the event that our water supply is contaminated, we may
have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to install
treatment equipment or substitute the flow of water from an uncontaminated water
source through our transmission and distribution systems. We may also incur
significant costs in treating the contaminated water through the use of our
current treatment facilities, or development of new treatment methods. Our
inability to substitute water supply from an uncontaminated water source, or to
adequately treat the contaminated water source in a cost-effective manner may
reduce our revenues and make us less profitable.
We
face competition from other water and wastewater utilities and service providers
which might hinder our growth and reduce our profitability.
We face
risks of competition from other utilities authorized by federal, state or local
agencies. Once a state utility regulator grants a franchise to a utility to
serve a specific territory, that utility has an exclusive right to service that
territory. Although a new franchise offers some protection against competitors,
the pursuit of franchises is competitive, especially in Delaware where new
franchises may be awarded to utilities based upon competitive negotiation.
Competing utilities have challenged, and may in the future challenge, our
applications for new franchises. Also, third parties entering into long-term
agreements to operate municipal systems might adversely affect us and our
long-term agreements to supply water on a contract basis to municipalities,
which could adversely affect our operating results.
We
have a long-term contractual obligation for water and wastewater system
operation and maintenance under which we may incur costs in excess of payments
received.
Middlesex
Water Company and USA-PA operate and maintain the water and wastewater systems
of the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey under a 20-year contract expiring in
2018. This contract does not protect us against incurring costs in excess of
revenues we earn pursuant to the contract. There can be no absolute assurance
that we will not experience losses resulting from this contract. Losses under
this contract or our failure or inability to perform may have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, in connection
with the contract, Perth Amboy, through the Middlesex County Improvement
Authority, issued approximately $68.0 million in three series of
bonds. Middlesex guaranteed one of those series of bonds, designated
the Series C Serial Bonds, in the principal amount of approximately $26.3
million. As of December 31, 2008, approximately $21.4 million of the Series C
Serial Bonds remain outstanding. If Perth Amboy defaults on its obligations to
pay the bonds we have guaranteed, we would have to raise funds to meet our
obligations under that guarantee.
An
important element of our growth strategy is the acquisition of water and
wastewater assets, operations, contracts or companies. Any pending or future
acquisitions we decide to undertake may involve risks.
The
acquisition and/or operation of water and wastewater systems is an important
element in our growth strategy. This strategy depends on identifying suitable
opportunities and reaching mutually agreeable terms with acquisition candidates
or contract partners. These negotiations, as well as the integration of acquired
businesses, could require us to incur significant costs and cause diversion of
our management’s time and resources. Further, acquisitions may result in
dilution of our equity securities, incurrence of debt and contingent
liabilities, fluctuations in quarterly results and other related expenses. In
addition, the assets, operations, contracts or companies we acquire may not
achieve the sales and profitability expected.
The
current concentration of our business in central New Jersey and Delaware makes
us susceptible to any adverse development in local regulatory, economic,
demographic, competitive and weather conditions.
Our New
Jersey water and wastewater businesses provide services to customers who are
located primarily in eastern Middlesex County, New Jersey. Water service is
provided under wholesale contracts to the Township of Edison, the Boroughs of
Highland Park and Sayreville, both the Old Bridge and the Marlboro Township
Municipal Utilities Authorities, and the City of Rahway in Union County, New
Jersey. We also provide water and wastewater services to customers in
the State of Delaware. Our revenues and operating results are
therefore subject to local regulatory, economic, demographic, competitive and
weather conditions in a relatively concentrated geographic area. A
change in any of these conditions could make it more costly or difficult for us
to conduct our business. In addition, any such change would have a
disproportionate effect on us, compared to water utility companies that do not
have such a geographic concentration.
The
necessity for ongoing security has and may continue to result in increased
operating costs.
Because
of the continuing threats to the health and security of the United States of
America, we procedures to review and modify, as necessary, security measures at
our facilities. We provide ongoing training and communications to our employees
about threats to our water supply. Our security measures include the delivery
and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. We are at risk for
terrorist attacks and have incurred, and will continue to incur costs for
security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies from
such risks.
Our
ability to achieve growth is somewhat dependent on the residential building
market in the territories we serve. If housing starts decline
significantly, our rate of growth may not meet our expectations.
We expect
our revenues to increase from customer growth for our regulated water and
wastewater operations as a result of the anticipated
construction and sale of new housing units in the territories we
serve. Although the residential building market in Delaware has
experienced growth in recent years, this growth may not continue in the
future. If housing starts in the territories we serve decline
significantly as a result of economic conditions or otherwise, our revenue
growth may not meet our expectations and our financial results could be
negatively impacted.
There
can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future or, if
dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past
dividends.
We have
paid dividends on our common stock each year since 1912 and have increased the
amount of dividends paid each year since 1973. Our earnings, financial
condition, capital requirements, applicable regulations and other factors,
including the timeliness and adequacy of rate increases, will determine both our
ability to pay dividends on common stock and the amount of those dividends.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future
or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past
dividends.
If
we are unable to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness as it comes
due or we default under certain other provisions of our loan documents, our
indebtedness could be accelerated and our results of operations and financial
condition could be adversely affected.
Our
ability to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness as it comes due
will depend upon our current and future performance. Our performance
is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control. We
believe that our cash generated from operations, and, if necessary, borrowings
under our existing credit facilities, will be sufficient to enable us to make
our debt payments as they become due. If, however, we do not generate
sufficient cash, we may be required to refinance our obligations or sell
additional equity, which may be on terms that are not as favorable to
us.
No
assurance can be given that any refinancing or sale or equity will be possible
when needed or that we will be able to negotiate acceptable terms. In
addition, our failure to comply with certain provisions contained in our trust
indentures and loan agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness could
lead to a default under these documents, which could result in an acceleration
of our indebtedness.
We
depend significantly on the services of the members of our senior management
team, and the departure of any of those persons could cause our operating
results to suffer.
Our
success depends significantly on the continued individual and collective
contributions of our senior management team. If we lose the services
of any member of our senior management or are unable to hire and retain
experienced management personnel, it could affect our operating
results.
We
are subject to anti-takeover measures that may be used by existing management to
discourage, delay or prevent changes of control that might benefit
non-management shareholders.
Subsection
10A of the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, known as the New Jersey
Shareholders Protection Act, applies to us. The Shareholders Protection Act
deters merger proposals, tender offers or other attempts to effect changes in
control that are not approved by our Board of Directors. In addition, we have a
classified Board of Directors, which means only one-third of the Directors are
elected each year. A classified Board can make it harder for an acquirer to gain
control by voting its candidates onto the Board of Directors and may also deter
merger proposals and tender offers. Our Board of Directors also has the ability,
subject to obtaining BPU approval, to issue one or more series of preferred
stock having such number of shares, designation, preferences, voting rights,
limitations and other rights as the Board of Directors may fix. This could be
used by the Board of Directors to discourage, delay or prevent an acquisition
that might benefit non-management shareholders.
|
Unresolved
Staff Comments.
|
None.
Utility
Plant
The water
utility plant in our systems consist of source of supply, pumping, water
treatment, transmission and distribution, general facilities and all
appurtenances, including all connecting pipes.
Middlesex
System
The
Middlesex System’s principal source of surface supply is the Delaware &
Raritan Canal owned by the State of New Jersey and operated as a water resource
by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
Water is
withdrawn from the Delaware & Raritan Canal at New Brunswick, New Jersey
through our intake and pumping station, located on state-owned land bordering
the canal. Water is transported through two raw water pipelines for
treatment and distribution at our CJO Plant in Edison, New Jersey.
The CJO
Plant includes chemical storage and chemical feed equipment, two dual rapid
mixing basins, four upflow clarifiers which are also called superpulsators, four
underground reinforced chlorine contact tanks, twelve rapid filters containing
gravel, sand and anthracite for water treatment and a steel washwater tank. The
CJO Plant also includes a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions
system to monitor and control the CJO Plant and the water supply and
distribution system in the Middlesex System. There is an on-site
State certified laboratory capable of performing bacteriological, chemical,
process control and advanced instrumental chemical sampling and analysis. The
firm design capacity of the CJO Plant is 45 mgd (60 mgd maximum capacity). The
main pumping station at the CJO Plant has a design capacity of 90 mgd. The four
electric motor-driven, vertical turbine pumps presently installed have an
aggregate capacity of 72 mgd.
In
addition, there is a 15 mgd auxiliary pumping station located at the CJO Plant
location. It has a dedicated substation and emergency power supply provided by a
diesel-driven generator. It pumps from the 10 million gallon distribution
storage reservoir directly into the distribution system.
The
transmission and distribution system is comprised of 732 miles of mains and
includes 23,200 feet of 48-inch reinforced concrete transmission main connecting
the CJO Plant to our distribution pipe network and
related
storage facilities. Also included is a 58,600 foot transmission main and a
38,800 foot transmission main, augmented with a long-term, non-exclusive
agreement with the East Brunswick system to transport water to several of our
contract customers.
Middlesex
System’s storage facilities consist of a 10 million gallon reservoir at the CJO
Plant, 5 million gallon and 2 million gallon reservoirs in Edison (Grandview), a
5 million gallon reservoir in Carteret (Eborn) and a 2 million gallon reservoir
at the Park Avenue Well Field.
In New
Jersey, we own the properties on which Middlesex System’s 31 wells are located,
the properties on which our storage tanks are located as well as the property
where the CJO Plant is located. We also own our headquarters complex
located at 1500 Ronson Road, Iselin, New Jersey, consisting of a 27,000 square
foot office building and an adjacent 16,500 square foot maintenance
facility.
Tidewater
System
The
Tidewater System is comprised of 89 production plants that vary in pumping
capacity from 26,000 gallons per day to 2.0 mgd. Water is transported to our
customers through 594 miles of transmission and distribution mains. Storage
facilities include 49 tanks, with an aggregate capacity of 6.0 million gallons.
Our Delaware operations are managed from Tidewater’s offices in Dover, Delaware.
The Delaware office property, located on eleven-acre lot owned by White Marsh,
consists of two office buildings totaling approximately 17,000 square
feet.
Pinelands
System
Pinelands
Water owns well site and storage properties in Southampton Township, New Jersey.
The Pinelands Water storage facility is a 1.2 million gallon standpipe. Water is
transported to our customers through 18 miles of transmission and distribution
mains.
Pinelands
Wastewater System
Pinelands
Wastewater owns a 12 acre site on which its 0.5 million gallons per day capacity
tertiary treatment plant and connecting pipes are located. Its wastewater
collection system is comprised of approximately 25 miles of main.
Bayview
System
Bayview
owns two well sites, which are located in Downe Township, Cumberland County, New
Jersey. Water is transported to its customers through our 4.2 mile distribution
system.
TESI
System
The TESI
System owns and operates six wastewater treatment systems in Southern Delaware.
The treatment plants provide clarification, sedimentation, and disinfection. The
combined total capacity of the plants is 0.6 mgd.
USA-PA,
USA and White Marsh
Our
non-regulated subsidiaries, namely USA-PA, USA and White Marsh, do not own
utility plant property.
The
Company is a defendant in lawsuits in the normal course of business. We believe
the resolution of pending claims and legal proceedings will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Item
4. Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
Item
5.
|
Market
for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Ma
t
ters.
|
The
Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, under the symbol
MSEX. The following table shows the range of high and low share prices per share
for the common stock and the dividend paid to shareholders in such
quarter. As of December 31, 2008, there were 1,967 holders of
record.
2008
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Dividend
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
$
|
17.93
|
|
|
$
|
12.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.1775
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
$
|
18.52
|
|
|
$
|
15.68
|
|
|
$
|
0.1750
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
$
|
19.23
|
|
|
$
|
16.59
|
|
|
$
|
0.1750
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
$
|
19.83
|
|
|
$
|
17.25
|
|
|
$
|
0.1750
|
|
2007
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Dividend
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
$
|
19.25
|
|
|
$
|
18.10
|
|
|
$
|
0.1750
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
$
|
20.24
|
|
|
$
|
18.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.1725
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
$
|
19.48
|
|
|
$
|
18.12
|
|
|
$
|
0.1725
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
$
|
19.07
|
|
|
$
|
17.75
|
|
|
$
|
0.1725
|
|
The
Company has paid dividends on its common stock each year since 1912. Although it
is the present intention of the Board of Directors of the Company to continue to
pay regular quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, the payment of future
dividends is contingent upon the future earnings of the Company, its financial
condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors at its
discretion.
If four
or more quarterly dividends are in arrears, the preferred shareholders, as a
class, are entitled to elect two members to the Board of Directors in addition
to Directors elected by holders of the common stock. In the event dividends on
the preferred stock are in arrears, no dividends may be declared or paid on the
common stock of the Company.
The
Company maintains an escrow account for 58,775 shares of the Company's common
stock which were awarded under the 1997 Restricted Stock Plan, which has expired
and 21,807 shares of the Company's common stock which were awarded under the
2008 Restricted Stock Plan. Such stock is subject to an agreement requiring
forfeiture by the employee in the event of termination of employment within five
years of the award other than as a result of retirement, death, disability or
change in control. Shareholders approved the new 2008
Restricted
Stock Plan at the Company’s May 21, 2008 annual meeting of
shareholders. The maximum number of shares authorized for grant under
the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan is 300,000 shares.
Set forth
below is a line graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total return
(which includes reinvestment of dividends) of a $100 investment for the
Company’s common stock, a peer group of investor-owned water utilities, and the
Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index for the period of five years commencing
December 31, 2003. In 2008, we added American Water Works, Inc. as a
component of our peer group. The current peer group also includes American
States Water Company, Aqua America Inc., Artesian Resources Corp., California
Water Service Company, Connecticut Water Service, Inc., Pennichuck Corp., SJW
Corp., Southwest Water Company, York Water Company and the
Company. The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Stock Index measures the
performance of all U.S. headquartered equity securities with readily available
price data.
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Middlesex
Water Company
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
93.30
|
|
|
|
85.42
|
|
|
|
92.27
|
|
|
|
93.35
|
|
|
|
84.88
|
|
Dow
Jones Wilshire 5000
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
110.85
|
|
|
|
115.91
|
|
|
|
132.02
|
|
|
|
137.22
|
|
|
|
84.14
|
|
Peer
Group
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
116.61
|
|
|
|
154.40
|
|
|
|
153.89
|
|
|
|
147.33
|
|
|
|
140.97
|
|
Item
6.
|
Select
e
d Financial Data.
|
CONSOLIDATED
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars Except per Share Data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
|
91,038
|
|
|
$
|
86,114
|
|
|
$
|
81,061
|
|
|
$
|
74,613
|
|
|
$
|
70,991
|
|
Operating
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
and Maintenance
|
|
|
48,929
|
|
|
|
46,240
|
|
|
|
43,345
|
|
|
|
42,156
|
|
|
|
39,984
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7,922
|
|
|
|
7,539
|
|
|
|
7,060
|
|
|
|
6,460
|
|
|
|
5,846
|
|
Other
Taxes
|
|
|
10,168
|
|
|
|
9,664
|
|
|
|
9,338
|
|
|
|
8,779
|
|
|
|
8,228
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
67,019
|
|
|
|
63,443
|
|
|
|
59,743
|
|
|
|
57,395
|
|
|
|
54,058
|
|
Operating
Income
|
|
|
24,019
|
|
|
|
22,671
|
|
|
|
21,318
|
|
|
|
17,218
|
|
|
|
16,933
|
|
Other
Income, Net
|
|
|
1,302
|
|
|
|
1,527
|
|
|
|
774
|
|
|
|
740
|
|
|
|
795
|
|
Interest
Charges
|
|
|
7,057
|
|
|
|
6,619
|
|
|
|
7,012
|
|
|
|
6,245
|
|
|
|
5,468
|
|
Income
Taxes
|
|
|
6,056
|
|
|
|
5,736
|
|
|
|
5,041
|
|
|
|
3,237
|
|
|
|
3,814
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
12,208
|
|
|
|
11,843
|
|
|
|
10,039
|
|
|
|
8,476
|
|
|
|
8,446
|
|
Preferred
Stock Dividend
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
|
248
|
|
|
|
248
|
|
|
|
251
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
Earnings
Applicable to Common Stock
|
|
$
|
11,990
|
|
|
$
|
11,595
|
|
|
$
|
9,791
|
|
|
$
|
8,225
|
|
|
$
|
8,191
|
|
Earnings
per Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
|
$
|
0.83
|
|
|
$
|
0.72
|
|
|
$
|
0.74
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
$
|
0.82
|
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
|
$
|
0.73
|
|
Average
Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
13,317
|
|
|
|
13,203
|
|
|
|
11,844
|
|
|
|
11,445
|
|
|
|
11,080
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
13,615
|
|
|
|
13,534
|
|
|
|
12,175
|
|
|
|
11,784
|
|
|
|
11,423
|
|
Dividends
Declared and Paid
|
|
$
|
0.703
|
|
|
$
|
0.693
|
|
|
$
|
0.683
|
|
|
$
|
0.673
|
|
|
$
|
0.663
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$
|
440,000
|
|
|
$
|
392,675
|
|
|
$
|
370,267
|
|
|
$
|
324,383
|
|
|
$
|
305,634
|
|
Convertible
Preferred Stock
|
|
$
|
2,273
|
|
|
$
|
2,856
|
|
|
$
|
2,856
|
|
|
$
|
2,856
|
|
|
$
|
2,961
|
|
Long-term
Debt
|
|
$
|
118,217
|
|
|
$
|
131,615
|
|
|
$
|
130,706
|
|
|
$
|
128,175
|
|
|
$
|
115,281
|
|
Item
7.
|
Manageme
n
t's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operation.
|
The
following discussion of the Company’s historical results of operations and
financial condition should be read in conjunction with the Company’s
consolidated financial statements and related notes.
Overview
Middlesex
Water Company has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897, and in
Delaware, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater, since
1992. We are in the business of collecting, treating and distributing
water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection
purposes. We also operate a New Jersey municipal water and wastewater system
under contract and provide wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware
through our subsidiaries. We are regulated as to rates charged to
customers for water and wastewater services, as to the quality of water service
we provide and as to certain other matters in New Jersey and in Delaware. Only
our USA, USA-PA and White Marsh subsidiaries are not regulated
utilities.
In the
design of water and wastewater systems that we ultimately intend to construct,
own and operate, we invest capital in Preliminary Survey and Investigation
(PS&I) activities. These costs are recorded as a deferred asset
on the balance sheet in anticipation of recovery of and a return on, these costs
through future rates charged to customers, as these investments are placed into
service as utility plant. Our future capital expenditures are
discussed in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources Section
below.
Our New
Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to
approximately 59,700 retail customers, primarily in central New Jersey. The
Middlesex System also provides water service under contract to municipalities in
central New Jersey with a total population of approximately 303,000. In
partnership with our subsidiary, USA-PA, we operate the water supply system and
wastewater system for the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Our other New Jersey
subsidiaries, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater, provide water and
wastewater services to residents in Southampton Township, New
Jersey.
Our
Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores, provide water services to
approximately 35,500 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties,
Delaware. Our TESI subsidiary provides wastewater services to approximately
1,800 residential retail customers. Our other Delaware subsidiary, White Marsh,
services an additional 7,200 customers in Kent and Sussex Counties through 68
operations and maintenance contracts.
The
majority of our revenue is generated from retail and contract water services to
customers in our service areas. We record water service revenue as
such service is rendered and include estimates for amounts unbilled at the end
of the period for services provided after the last billing cycle. Fixed service
charges are billed in advance by our subsidiary, Tidewater, and are recognized
in revenue as the service is provided.
We expect
the growth of our regulated wastewater operations in Delaware will eventually
become a more significant component of our operations.
In
September 2008, we entered into an agreement to own and operate a water and
wastewater facility system that is expected to serve 1,500 people in North
Carolina. Planning is under way to gain approval from the North
Carolina Public Service Commission to operate these systems as regulated public
utilities, which are expected to be ready to serve customers during the third
quarter of 2009.
On
January 26, 2009 Tidewater filed an application with the PSC seeking permission
to increase its base rates by 32.54%. Approximately 5.25% of the requested
increase is already collected from customers through a separately PSC approved
rate called a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). The
request was made necessary by increased costs of operations, maintenance and
taxes, as well as capital investment of approximately $26.7 million since its
last rate filing in April of 2006. We cannot predict whether the PSC will
ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Concurrent with
the rate filing, Tidewater also submitted a request for a 12.79% interim rate
increase subject to refund as allowed under PSC regulations. The interim rate
increase includes the 5.25% DSIC rate. If approved by the PSC, the
interim rates of 12.79% will go into effect on March 27, 2009 and the DSIC rate
will be set to zero.
Our
ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly on
four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost
management, and customer growth. These factors are evident in the discussions
below which compare our results of operations from prior years.
Operating
Results by Segment
The
Company has two operating segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. Our Regulated
segment contributed 89%, 90% and 89% of total revenues, and 90%, 94% and 94% of
net income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The discussion of the Company’s results of operations is on a consolidated
basis, and includes significant factors by subsidiary. The segments in the
tables included below are comprised of the following companies: Regulated-
Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands, Southern Shores, and TESI; Non-Regulated- USA,
USA-PA, and White Marsh.
Results
of Operations in 2008 Compared to 2007
|
|
Years ended December
31,
|
|
|
|
(Millions
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
|
Non-
Regulated
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
|
Non-
Regulated
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
81.1
|
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
|
$
|
91.0
|
|
|
$
|
77.1
|
|
|
$
|
9.0
|
|
|
$
|
86.1
|
|
Operations
and maintenance
|
|
|
41.2
|
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|
|
48.9
|
|
|
|
38.8
|
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
|
46.2
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
Other
taxes
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
|
9.5
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
Operating
income
|
|
|
22.1
|
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
|
24.0
|
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
22.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
Income
taxes
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
11.0
|
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
|
$
|
12.2
|
|
|
$
|
11.1
|
|
|
$
|
0.7
|
|
|
$
|
11.8
|
|
Operating
revenues for the year rose $4.9 million, or 5.7% over the same period in 2007.
Revenues in our Middlesex system increased $4.2 million as a result of a 9.1%
base rate increase implemented October 26, 2007. Middlesex revenues
decreased $1.1 million due to lower consumption by our customers during 2008.
Water sales improved $0.8 million in our Delaware water systems. We recorded
additional revenue of $1.2 million as a result of an additional 12% base rate
increase that was granted to Tidewater February 28, 2007, and Distribution
System Improvement Charge (DSIC) rate increases of 1.62% and 2.94% that went
into effect January 1, 2008 and July 1, 2008, respectively. DSIC is a
PSC approved rate that allows water utilities to recover their investment in
non-revenue producing capital improvements to the water system in between base
rate increase requests. Fees charged for initial connection to our
Delaware Water system were $0.4 million lower in 2008 as new residential and
commercial development has slowed in our Delaware service territories. USA-PA’s
fees for managing the Perth Amboy water and wastewater systems were $0.5 million
higher than the same period in 2007, due mostly to scheduled increases in the
fixed fee component of the contract. Revenues from our
regulated wastewater operations in Delaware increased $0.2 million due to
customer growth. All other operations accounted for $0.3 million of
additional revenues.
While we
anticipate continued organic customer and consumption growth among our Delaware
systems, such growth and increased consumption cannot be guaranteed. The impact
of the national economic recession has been to reduce the level of activity in
the new residential housing market in our Delaware service
territories. In addition, our water systems are highly dependent on
the effects of weather, which may adversely impact future consumption despite
customer growth. Appreciable organic customer and consumption growth is less
likely in our New Jersey systems due to the extent to which our service
territory is developed. The Company expects its 2009 Tidewater
operating revenues to reflect the benefit of the DSIC rate increase effective
January 1, 2009 and interim rate increase expected to be go into effect in late
March 2009. There can be no assurances that the PSC will accept,
reject or amend the level of the interim rate increase request.
Operation
and maintenance expenses increased $2.7 million, or 5.8%. Even though
2008 water production was lower than 2007 in our Middlesex and Tidewater
systems, our expenses increased $0.3 million due to higher costs for water,
electric power and chemicals. Labor and benefits costs increased $1.3
million, which includes $0.7 million recognized for employee benefits due to
market fluctuations in the cash surrender value of life insurance
policies. The costs to operate our regulated wastewater facilities in
Delaware increased $0.3 million due to acquisition of the Milton, Delaware
municipal wastewater system during 2007 and an increased number of wastewater
treatment facilities in operation in Delaware. Costs for
service claims under our LineCare
SM
program
were $0.1 million higher due in part to a 9.4% increase in the number of
subscribers in the program during 2008. Operating costs for USA-PA increased
$0.3 million due to higher pass-through charges. All other expense
categories increased $0.4 million.
Depreciation
expense for 2008 increased by $0.4 million, or 5.1%, due to a higher level of
utility plant in service.
Other
taxes increased by $0.5 million generally reflecting additional taxes on higher
taxable gross revenues, payroll and real estate.
Other
income was $0.2 million lower than 2007, primarily due to one-time gains
recorded in 2007 on two transactions related to assets no longer used in our
operations.
Interest
expense increased by $0.4 million, or 6.6%, as a result of a higher level of
average short-term debt outstanding when compared to 2007.
Income
tax expense based on our current year operating results was $0.2 million higher
than 2007 and reflects increased revenues due to higher water rates in New
Jersey and Delaware.
Net
income increased to $12.2 million from $11.8 million in the prior year, and
basic earnings per share increased from $0.88 to $0.90. Diluted earnings per
share increased from $0.87 to $0.89.
Results
of Operations in 2007 Compared to 2006
|
|
Years ended December
31,
|
|
|
|
(Millions
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
|
Non-
Regulated
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
|
Non-
Regulated
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
77.1
|
|
|
$
|
9.0
|
|
|
$
|
86.1
|
|
|
$
|
71.9
|
|
|
$
|
9.2
|
|
|
$
|
81.1
|
|
Operations
and maintenance
|
|
|
38.8
|
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
|
46.2
|
|
|
|
35.7
|
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|
|
43.4
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
Other
taxes
|
|
|
9.5
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
|
9.1
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
Operating
income
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
22.7
|
|
|
|
20.1
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
|
21.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
Income
taxes
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
11.1
|
|
|
$
|
0.7
|
|
|
$
|
11.8
|
|
|
$
|
9.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.6
|
|
|
$
|
10.0
|
|
Operating
revenues for the year rose $5.0 million, or 6.2% over the same period in 2006.
Revenues improved by $3.7 million in our Tidewater System, of which $2.4 million
was a result of a base rate increase that was granted to
Tidewater. The rate increase was implemented in two parts; a 15%
interim rate increase in June 2006 and an additional 12% final increase on
February 28, 2007. Customer growth and higher consumption contributed
$1.9 million of increased revenues. Our Tidewater System experienced record
water production and consumption billed due to extended favorable weather during
the spring and summer. Fees charged to new customers for initial
connection to our Delaware water systems were lower by $0.6 million as new
residential and commercial development has slowed in our Delaware service
territories. Revenues in our Middlesex system increased by $0.7
million as a result of a 9.1% base rate increase implemented on October 26,
2007. Middlesex revenues also increased by $0.3 million due to
increased sales to our contract customers. TESI revenues increased by
$0.3 million, as we connected new customers to our existing and new wastewater
systems in Delaware.
Operation
and maintenance expenses increased $2.8 million, or 6.5%. Labor costs were $1.3
million higher due to wage increases and increased headcount to meet the needs
of the growing Delaware customer base, risk management, training and
safety. As expected, electric generation costs for our Middlesex
system increased due to the renewal in late 2006 of our contract with the power
purveyor. That factor accounted for most of the $0.6 million in
additional power costs. Pumping and water treatment costs increased a
combined $0.2 million due to higher costs for chemicals and disposal of
residuals. Costs for water main breaks in our New Jersey system and
transportation fuel were $0.2 million higher than the same period in 2006 due to
the number and size of the breaks and higher gasoline prices. The cost to
operate our TESI regulated wastewater facilities in Delaware increased by $0.2
million as we acquired the Milton, Delaware wastewater system during the
year. All other operating costs increased by $0.3
million.
Depreciation
expense for 2007 increased by $0.4 million, or 5.6%, due to a higher level of
utility plant in service.
Other
taxes increased by $0.4 million generally reflecting additional taxes on higher
taxable gross revenues, payroll and real estate.
Other
income increased $0.7 million, primarily due to a gain of $0.2 million on the
sale of non-utility real property in New Jersey and a gain of $0.4 million on
the sale of certain water service rights in Delaware.
Interest
expense decreased by $0.4 million, or 5.7%, as a result of a lower level of
average short-term debt outstanding when compared to 2006.
Income
tax expense based on our current year operating results was $0.9 million higher
than 2006 and reflects the increased revenues due to higher water rates in New
Jersey and Delaware, the record customer usage in Delaware and the sale of
non-essential assets. This was partially offset by $0.2 million of
solar tax credits recorded during 2007.
Net
income increased to $11.8 million from $10.0 million in the prior year, and
basic earnings per share increased from $0.83 to $0.88. Diluted earnings per
share increased from $0.82 to $0.87.
Outlook
In
addition to factors previously discussed under “Results of Operations in 2008
Compared to 2007,” our revenues are expected to increase in 2009 from rate
increases granted to our Pinelands companies in December 2008. Middlesex has
filed a petition with the BPU to implement a purchased water adjustment clause
(PWAC) seeking recovery of $1.0 million of additional costs associated with rate
increases from two non-affiliated water purveyors for our purchases of treated
and untreated water. There can be no assurances that the BPU will
grant the PWAC in whole or in part.
Revenues
and earnings will also be influenced by weather. Changes in these factors, as
well as increases in capital expenditures and operating costs are the primary
factors that determine the need for rate increase filings. We
continue to implement viable plans to streamline operations and reduce operating
costs.
We expect
our level of borrowing to increase during 2009 in order to finance a portion of
our capital expenditures during the coming year (see Liquidity and Capital
Resources). However, current interest rates on short-term borrowings
are significantly below the rates at which we borrowed during much of 2008. We
believe those lower interest rates will continue during 2009 and will result in
lower interest expense.
The
actual return on assets held in our retirement benefit plans during 2008
resulted in a decline in the amount available to fund current and future
obligations. We expect this will result in higher benefits expenses
and increased cash contributions to the plans in 2009.
As a
result of ongoing delays in new residential home construction throughout the
service territories we serve, there may be an increase in the amount of PS&I
that will not be currently recoverable in rates.
Our
strategy includes continued revenue growth through acquisitions, internal
expansion, contract operations and when necessary, rate relief. We will continue
to pursue opportunities in both the regulated and non-regulated sectors that are
financially sound, complement existing capabilities and increase shareholder
value.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash
flows from operations are largely based on three factors: weather, adequate and
timely rate increases, and customer growth. The effect of those factors on net
income is discussed in results of operations. For 2008, cash
flows
from operating activities increased $0.3 million to $19.1 million, as compared
to the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to higher net income
and depreciation. The $19.1 million of net cash flow from operations enabled us
to fund approximately 67% of our utility plant expenditures for the period
internally, with the remainder funded with proceeds from equity issued under our
Dividend Reinvestment Plan, long-term borrowings and short-term
borrowings.
For 2007,
cash flows from operating activities increased $2.7 million to $18.8 million, as
compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to higher
net income and depreciation. The $18.8 million of net cash flow from operations
enabled us to fund approximately 86% of our utility plant expenditures for the
period internally, with the remainder funded with proceeds from equity issued
under our Dividend Reinvestment Plan, long-term borrowings and short-term
borrowings.
Increases
in certain operating costs will impact our liquidity and capital resources. As
described in our results of operations and outlook discussions, during 2008 we
received rate relief for Tidewater and Pinelands and have filed for rate
increases for Middlesex and Tidewater. We continually monitor the need for
timely rate filing to minimize the lag between the time we experience increased
operating and capital costs and the time we receive appropriate rate
relief. There is no certainty, however, that the BPU or PSC will
approve any or all future requested increases.
Sources
of Liquidity
Short-term
Debt.
The Company had established lines of credit aggregating $36.0
million as of December 31, 2008, and increased the established amount to $50.0
million in February 2009. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding borrowings under
these credit lines was $25.9 million at a weighted average interest rate of
2.30%.
The
weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s
credit lines and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were $16.4
million and $2.6 million at 3.69% and 6.36% for the years ended December 31,
2008 and 2007, respectively.
Long-term Debt.
Subject to regulatory approval, the Company periodically finances capital
projects under State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs in New Jersey and
Delaware. These government programs provide financing at interest rates that are
typically below rates available in the broader financial markets. A portion of
the borrowings under the New Jersey SRF is interest-free. We participated in the
Delaware and New Jersey SRF loan programs during 2008 and expect to participate
in the 2009 New Jersey SRF program for up to $4.0 million.
During
2008, Middlesex closed on $3.5 million of first mortgage bonds through the New
Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) under the New Jersey SRF loan
program in order to finance our 2009 RENEW program. The proceeds of these bonds,
and any interest earned, are held by a trustee, and are classified as Restricted
Cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Substantially
all of the Utility Plant of the Company is subject to the lien of its mortgage,
which includes debt service and capital ratio covenants. The Company is in
compliance with all of its mortgage covenants and restrictions.
Common
Stock
. The Company periodically issues shares of common stock in
connection with its Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (the
Plan). The Company raised $1.2 million through the issuance of shares under the
Plan during 2008. Periodically, the Company may issue additional equity to
reduce short-term indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
The last public offering of our common stock closed in November
2006. The majority of the net proceeds of approximately $26.2 million
from that common
stock
offering of 1.5 million shares were used to repay all of the Company’s
short-term borrowings outstanding at that time.
Capital
Expenditures and Commitments
Under our
capital program for 2009, we plan to expend $10.0 million for additions and
improvements for our Delaware water systems, which include the construction of
several storage tanks and the creation of new wells and interconnections. We
expect to spend approximately $1.0 million for construction of wastewater
systems in Delaware. We expect to spend $5.2 million to complete the
implementation of a Company-wide information system and $0.9 million for other
information systems equipment and software. We expect to spend $3.5 million for
our RENEW program, which is our program to clean and cement line unlined mains
in the Middlesex System. There remains a total of approximately 109 miles of
unlined mains in the 730-mile Middlesex System. In 2008, three miles
of unlined mains were cleaned and cement lined. The capital program also
includes $12.4 million for scheduled upgrades to our existing systems in New
Jersey. The scheduled upgrades consist of $4.0 million for improvements to
existing plant, $5.8 million for mains, $0.9 million for service lines, $0.7
million for meters, $0.3 million for hydrants, and $0.8 million for other
infrastructure needs.
To pay
for our capital program in 2009, we will utilize internally generated funds and
funds available and held in trust under existing NJEIT loans (currently, $4.5
million) and Delaware SRF loans (currently, $1.9 million). The SRF programs
provide low cost financing for projects that meet certain water quality and
system improvement benchmarks. If necessary, we will also utilize short-term
borrowings through $50.0 million of available lines of credit with several
financial institutions. As of December 31, 2008, we had $25.9 million
outstanding against the lines of credit.
Going
forward into 2010 through 2011, we currently project that we may be required to
expend between $65.0 million and $91.2 million for capital projects. The exact
amount is dependent on customer growth, residential housing sales and project
scheduling. In particular, Middlesex had filed a prudence review application
with the BPU for a proposed major transmission pipeline designed to strengthen
its existing transmission network and provide further system
reliability. Initial estimates to construct the pipeline are $26.2
million. A settlement amongst the parties in the prudence review was
approved by the BPU on October 23, 2008. As part of the settlement,
it was agreed the pipeline is needed but will not be constructed at this
time. The parties further agreed that it would be effective utility
management and proper long-term planning for the Company to proceed with the
procurement of easements along the agreed-upon pipeline route in anticipation of
a need for the project as customer demand for water increases in the South River
Basin portion of our customer base.
To the
extent possible and because of favorable interest rates available to regulated
water utilities, we expect to finance portions of our capital expenditures under
the SRF loan programs. We also expect to use internally generated funds and
proceeds from the sale of common stock through the Dividend Reinvestment and
Common Stock Purchase Plan. It may also be necessary to sell shares
of our Common Stock through a public offering.
Contractual
Obligations
In the
course of normal business activities, the Company enters into a variety of
contractual obligations and commercial commitments. Some of these items result
in direct obligations on the Company’s balance sheet while others are
commitments, some firm and some based on uncertainties, which are disclosed in
the Company’s other underlying consolidated financial statements.
The table
below presents our known contractual obligations for the periods specified as of
December 31, 2008.
|
|
Payment
Due by Period
(Millions
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less
than
1 Year
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
|
4-5
Years
|
|
|
More
than
5 Years
|
|
Long-term
Debt
|
|
$
|
136.0
|
|
|
$
|
18.0
|
|
|
$
|
6.8
|
|
|
$
|
7.0
|
|
|
$
|
104.2
|
|
Notes
Payable
|
|
|
25.9
|
|
|
|
25.9
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
Interest
on Long-term Debt
|
|
|
93.4
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
|
66.4
|
|
Purchased
Water Contracts
|
|
|
41.9
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
24.3
|
|
Wastewater
Operations
|
|
|
47.6
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
|
|
25.4
|
|
Employee
Retirement Plans (1)
|
|
|
5.6
|
|
|
|
5.6
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
350.4
|
|
|
$
|
64.4
|
|
|
$
|
34.2
|
|
|
$
|
31.5
|
|
|
$
|
220.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Amount
not determinable after one year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantees
USA-PA
operates the City of Perth Amboy’s (Perth Amboy) water and wastewater systems
under a service contract agreement through June 30, 2018. Under the agreement,
USA-PA receives a fixed fee and a variable fee based on increased system
billing. Scheduled fixed fee payments were $8.0 million in 2008 and will
increase over the term of the contract to $10.2 million by the end of the
contract.
In
connection with the agreement, Perth Amboy, through the Middlesex County
Improvement Authority, issued approximately $68.0 million in three series of
bonds. Middlesex guaranteed one of those series of bonds, designated the Series
C Serial Bonds, in the principal amount of approximately $26.3 million. Perth
Amboy guaranteed the two other series of bonds. The Series C Serial Bonds have
various maturity dates with the final maturity date on September 1, 2015. As of
December 31, 2008, approximately $21.4 million of the Series C Serial Bonds
remained outstanding.
We are
obligated to perform under the guarantee in the event notice is received from
the Series C Serial Bonds trustee of an impending debt service deficiency. If
Middlesex funds any debt service obligations as guarantor, there is a provision
in the agreement that requires Perth Amboy to reimburse us. There are other
provisions in the agreement that we believe make it unlikely that we will be
required to perform under the guarantee, such as scheduled annual rate increases
for the water and wastewater services as well as rate increases due to
unforeseen circumstances. In the event revenues from customers could not satisfy
the reimbursement requirements, Perth Amboy has Ad Valorem taxing powers, which
could be used to raise the needed amount.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The
application of accounting policies and standards often requires the use of
estimates, assumptions and judgments. Changes in these variables may lead to
significantly different financial statement results. Our critical accounting
policies are set forth below.
Regulatory
Accounting
We
maintain our books and records in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. Middlesex and
certain of its subsidiaries, which account for 89% of Operating Revenues and 98%
of Total Assets, are subject to regulation in the states in which they operate.
Those companies are required to maintain their accounts in accordance with
regulatory authorities’ rules and guidelines, which may differ from other
authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those instances, the Company follows
the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB),
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, “Accounting For the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” (SFAS 71).
In
accordance with SFAS No. 71, costs and obligations are deferred if it is
probable that these items will be recognized for rate-making purposes in future
rates. Accordingly, we have recorded costs and obligations, which will be
amortized over various future periods. Any change in the assessment of the
probability of rate-making treatment will require us to change the accounting
treatment of the deferred item. We have no reason to believe any of the deferred
items that are recorded would be treated differently by the regulators in the
future.
Revenues
Revenues
from metered customers include amounts billed on a cycle basis and unbilled
amounts estimated from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting
period. The estimated unbilled amounts are determined by utilizing factors which
include historical consumption usage and current climate conditions. Differences
between estimated revenues and actual billings are recorded in a subsequent
period.
Revenues
from unmetered customers are billed at a fixed tariff rate in advance at the
beginning of each service period and are recognized in revenue ratably over the
service period.
Revenues
from the Perth Amboy management contract are comprised of fixed and variable
fees. Fixed fees, which have been set for the life of the contract, are billed
monthly and recorded as earned. Variable fees, which are based on billings and
other factors and are not significant, are recorded upon approval of the amount
by Perth Amboy.
Pension
Plan
We
maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which covers
substantially all employees with more than 1,000 hours of service and who were
hired prior to March 31, 2007.
The
discount rate utilized for determining future pension obligations has increased
from 5.89% at December 31, 2006 to 6.59% at December 31, 2007 and decreased to
6.17% at December 31, 2008. Lowering the discount rate by 0.5% would have
increased the net periodic pension cost by $0.2 million in 2008. Lowering the
expected long-term rate of return on the pension plans by 0.5% (from 8.0% to
7.5%) would have increased the net periodic pension cost in 2008 by
approximately $0.1 million.
The
discount rate for determining future pension obligations is determined based on
market rates for long-term, high-quality corporate bonds at our December 31
measurement date. The expected long-term rate of return for pension assets is
determined based on historical returns and our asset allocation.
Future
pension expense will depend on future investment performance, changes in future
discount rates and various other demographic factors related to the population
participating in the pension plan.
Recent
Accounting Standards
See Note
1(m) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of
recent accounting pronouncements.
|
Qualitative
and Quantitative Disclosures About Market
Risk.
|
The
Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal
course of business. Our policy is to manage interest rates through
the use of fixed rate long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term
debt. The Company’s interest rate risk related to existing fixed
rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of
the
majority of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have final maturity dates ranging
from 2009 to 2038. Over the next twelve months, approximately $18.0
million of the current portion of 24 existing long-term debt instruments will
mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of interest charged by 10% on
those borrowings, would not have a material effect on our earnings.
|
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the
Board of Directors and
Stockholders
of Middlesex Water Company
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements
of capital stock and long-term debt of Middlesex Water Company and subsidiaries
(the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2008. The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated
financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December
31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
We also
have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), Middlesex Water Company’s internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established
in
Internal Control – Integral
Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 13, 2009 expressed an
unqualified opinion.
/s/ Beard
Miller Company LLP
Beard
Miller Company LLP
Reading,
Pennsylvania
March 13,
2009
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
|
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
UTILITY
PLANT:
|
Water
Production
|
|
$
|
107,517
|
|
|
$
|
98,942
|
|
|
Transmission
and Distribution
|
|
|
283,759
|
|
|
|
264,939
|
|
|
General
|
|
|
27,142
|
|
|
|
24,874
|
|
|
Construction
Work in Progress
|
|
|
11,653
|
|
|
|
9,833
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
430,071
|
|
|
|
398,588
|
|
|
Less
Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
|
70,544
|
|
|
|
64,736
|
|
|
UTILITY
PLANT - NET
|
|
|
359,527
|
|
|
|
333,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS:
|
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
3,288
|
|
|
|
2,029
|
|
|
Accounts
Receivable, net
|
|
|
9,510
|
|
|
|
8,227
|
|
|
Unbilled
Revenues
|
|
|
4,822
|
|
|
|
4,609
|
|
|
Materials
and Supplies (at average cost)
|
|
|
1,475
|
|
|
|
1,205
|
|
|
Prepayments
|
|
|
1,481
|
|
|
|
1,363
|
|
|
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
20,576
|
|
|
|
17,433
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEFERRED
CHARGES
|
Unamortized
Debt Expense
|
|
|
2,903
|
|
|
|
2,884
|
|
AND
OTHER ASSETS:
|
Preliminary
Survey and Investigation Charges
|
|
|
7,187
|
|
|
|
5,283
|
|
|
Regulatory
Assets
|
|
|
31,910
|
|
|
|
16,090
|
|
|
Operations
Contracts Fees Receivable
|
|
|
3,708
|
|
|
|
4,184
|
|
|
Restricted
Cash
|
|
|
7,049
|
|
|
|
6,418
|
|
|
Non-utility
Assets - Net
|
|
|
6,762
|
|
|
|
6,183
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
378
|
|
|
|
348
|
|
|
TOTAL
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS
|
|
|
59,897
|
|
|
|
41,390
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$
|
440,000
|
|
|
$
|
392,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITALIZATION
AND LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITALIZATION:
|
Common
Stock, No Par Value
|
|
$
|
107,726
|
|
|
$
|
105,668
|
|
|
Retained
Earnings
|
|
|
30,077
|
|
|
|
27,441
|
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
TOTAL
COMMON EQUITY
|
|
|
137,803
|
|
|
|
133,178
|
|
|
Preferred
Stock
|
|
|
3,375
|
|
|
|
3,958
|
|
|
Long-term
Debt
|
|
|
118,217
|
|
|
|
131,615
|
|
|
TOTAL
CAPITALIZATION
|
|
|
259,395
|
|
|
|
268,751
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
|
Current
Portion of Long-term Debt
|
|
|
17,985
|
|
|
|
2,723
|
|
LIABILITIES:
|
Notes
Payable
|
|
|
25,877
|
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
Accounts
Payable
|
|
|
5,689
|
|
|
|
6,477
|
|
|
Accrued
Taxes
|
|
|
7,781
|
|
|
|
7,611
|
|
|
Accrued
Interest
|
|
|
2,053
|
|
|
|
1,916
|
|
|
Unearned
Revenues and Advanced Service Fees
|
|
|
842
|
|
|
|
758
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,243
|
|
|
|
1,274
|
|
|
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
61,470
|
|
|
|
27,009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEFERRED
CREDITS
|
Customer
Advances for Construction
|
|
|
22,089
|
|
|
|
21,758
|
|
AND
OTHER LIABILITIES:
|
Accumulated
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
|
|
|
1,382
|
|
|
|
1,461
|
|
|
Accumulated
Deferred Income Taxes
|
|
|
21,733
|
|
|
|
17,940
|
|
|
Employee
Benefit Plans
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
13,333
|
|
|
Regulatory
Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal
|
|
|
6,197
|
|
|
|
5,726
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
963
|
|
|
|
459
|
|
|
TOTAL
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
|
|
77,904
|
|
|
|
60,677
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION
|
|
|
41,231
|
|
|
|
36,238
|
|
|
TOTAL
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
|
|
$
|
440,000
|
|
|
$
|
392,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MIDDLESEX WATER
COMPANY
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
(In
thousands except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
|
91,038
|
|
|
$
|
86,114
|
|
|
$
|
81,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
44,782
|
|
|
|
42,117
|
|
|
|
39,799
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
|
4,147
|
|
|
|
4,123
|
|
|
|
3,546
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
7,922
|
|
|
|
7,539
|
|
|
|
7,060
|
|
Other
Taxes
|
|
|
10,168
|
|
|
|
9,664
|
|
|
|
9,338
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
67,019
|
|
|
|
63,443
|
|
|
|
59,743
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Income
|
|
|
24,019
|
|
|
|
22,671
|
|
|
|
21,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance
for Funds Used During Construction
|
|
|
667
|
|
|
|
537
|
|
|
|
632
|
|
Other
Income
|
|
|
906
|
|
|
|
1,153
|
|
|
|
160
|
|
Other
Expense
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
(163
|
)
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Other Income, net
|
|
|
1,302
|
|
|
|
1,527
|
|
|
|
774
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Charges
|
|
|
7,057
|
|
|
|
6,619
|
|
|
|
7,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
before Income Taxes
|
|
|
18,264
|
|
|
|
17,579
|
|
|
|
15,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
Taxes
|
|
|
6,056
|
|
|
|
5,736
|
|
|
|
5,041
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
12,208
|
|
|
|
11,843
|
|
|
|
10,039
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
Stock Dividend Requirements
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
|
248
|
|
|
|
248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
Applicable to Common Stock
|
|
$
|
11,990
|
|
|
$
|
11,595
|
|
|
$
|
9,791
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share of Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
|
$
|
0.83
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
$
|
0.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Shares Outstanding :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
13,317
|
|
|
|
13,203
|
|
|
|
11,844
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
13,615
|
|
|
|
13,534
|
|
|
|
12,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Dividends Paid per Common Share
|
|
$
|
0.703
|
|
|
$
|
0.693
|
|
|
$
|
0.683
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
$
|
12,208
|
|
|
$
|
11,843
|
|
|
$
|
10,039
|
|
Adjustments
to Reconcile Net Income to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and Amortization
|
|
|
8,530
|
|
|
|
8,176
|
|
|
|
7,761
|
|
Provision
for Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
|
|
|
1,032
|
|
|
|
399
|
|
|
|
897
|
|
Equity
Portion of AFUDC
|
|
|
(348
|
)
|
|
|
(255
|
)
|
|
|
(259
|
)
|
Cash
Surrender Value of Life Insurance
|
|
|
576
|
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
(155
|
)
|
Gain
on Disposal of Equity Investments
|
|
|
(86
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Gain
on Sale of Real Estate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(267
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Changes
in Assets and Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
Receivable
|
|
|
(807
|
)
|
|
|
(2,752
|
)
|
|
|
(463
|
)
|
Unbilled
Revenues
|
|
|
(213
|
)
|
|
|
(596
|
)
|
|
|
(276
|
)
|
Materials
& Supplies
|
|
|
(270
|
)
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
(46
|
)
|
Prepayments
|
|
|
(118
|
)
|
|
|
(134
|
)
|
|
|
(301
|
)
|
Other
Assets
|
|
|
(351
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(485
|
)
|
Accounts
Payable
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
986
|
|
|
|
(538
|
)
|
Accrued
Taxes
|
|
|
206
|
|
|
|
941
|
|
|
|
197
|
|
Accrued
Interest
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Employee
Benefit Plans
|
|
|
(1,146
|
)
|
|
|
239
|
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
Unearned
Revenue & Advanced Service Fees
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
Other
Liabilities
|
|
|
(465
|
)
|
|
|
224
|
|
|
|
(299
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
19,116
|
|
|
|
18,818
|
|
|
|
16,126
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility
Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $319 in 2008, $282 in 2007 and $373
in 2006
|
|
|
(28,429
|
)
|
|
|
(21,930
|
)
|
|
|
(30,734
|
)
|
Restricted
Cash
|
|
|
(591
|
)
|
|
|
444
|
|
|
|
(1,036
|
)
|
Proceeds
from Real Estate Dispositions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Preliminary
Survey & Investigation Charges
|
|
|
(1,907
|
)
|
|
|
(1,847
|
)
|
|
|
(1,661
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
(30,927
|
)
|
|
|
(23,060
|
)
|
|
|
(33,431
|
)
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemption
of Long-term Debt
|
|
|
(2,787
|
)
|
|
|
(2,501
|
)
|
|
|
(1,915
|
)
|
Proceeds
from Issuance of Long-term Debt
|
|
|
4,652
|
|
|
|
3,632
|
|
|
|
5,016
|
|
Net
Short-term Bank Borrowings
|
|
|
19,627
|
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
Deferred
Debt Issuance Expenses
|
|
|
(158
|
)
|
|
|
(50
|
)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
Common
Stock Issuance Expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
|
(238
|
)
|
Restricted
Cash
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(32
|
)
|
Proceeds
from Issuance of Common Stock
|
|
|
1,475
|
|
|
|
1,420
|
|
|
|
28,088
|
|
Payment
of Common Dividends
|
|
|
(9,353
|
)
|
|
|
(9,141
|
)
|
|
|
(8,190
|
)
|
Payment
of Preferred Dividends
|
|
|
(218
|
)
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
Construction
Advances and Contributions-Net
|
|
|
(128
|
)
|
|
|
1,110
|
|
|
|
1,694
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
13,070
|
|
|
|
445
|
|
|
|
20,147
|
|
NET
CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
1,259
|
|
|
|
(3,797
|
)
|
|
|
2,842
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
|
|
|
2,029
|
|
|
|
5,826
|
|
|
|
2,984
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
|
|
$
|
3,288
|
|
|
$
|
2,029
|
|
|
$
|
5,826
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility
Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions
|
|
$
|
5,452
|
|
|
$
|
8,960
|
|
|
$
|
3,543
|
|
Transfer
of Equity Investment to Employee Retirement Benefit Plans
|
|
$
|
132
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Paid During the Year for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
$
|
6,864
|
|
|
$
|
6,542
|
|
|
$
|
6,937
|
|
Interest
Capitalized
|
|
$
|
(319
|
)
|
|
$
|
(282
|
)
|
|
$
|
(373
|
)
|
Income
Taxes
|
|
$
|
5,205
|
|
|
$
|
4,534
|
|
|
$
|
4,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK
|
AND
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Common
Stock, No Par Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Authorized -
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Outstanding -
2008
- 13,404
|
|
|
$
|
107,726
|
|
|
$
|
105,668
|
|
2007
- 13,246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained
Earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,077
|
|
|
|
27,441
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
TOTAL
COMMON EQUITY
|
|
|
|
137,803
|
|
|
|
133,178
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative
Preference Stock, No Par Value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Authorized -
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Outstanding -
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative
Preferred Stock, No Par Value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Authorized - 2008 - 134; 2007 - 139
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Outstanding -
2008 -
32;
2007 - 37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 14
|
|
|
|
1,457
|
|
|
|
1,457
|
|
Shares
Outstanding, $8.00 Series - 2008 - 7; 2007 - 12
|
|
|
|
816
|
|
|
|
1,399
|
|
Nonredeemable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
Shares
Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
TOTAL
PREFERRED STOCK
|
|
|
|
3,375
|
|
|
|
3,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
Debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.05%,
Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021
|
|
|
|
2,695
|
|
|
|
2,800
|
|
6.25%,
Amortizing Secured Note, due May 22, 2028
|
|
|
|
8,155
|
|
|
|
8,575
|
|
6.44%,
Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030
|
|
|
|
6,067
|
|
|
|
6,347
|
|
6.46%,
Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031
|
|
|
|
6,347
|
|
|
|
6,627
|
|
4.22%,
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
657
|
|
|
|
691
|
|
3.30%
to 3.60%, State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025
|
|
|
|
3,689
|
|
|
|
3,168
|
|
3.49%,
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027
|
|
|
|
675
|
|
|
|
603
|
|
4.03%,
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026
|
|
|
|
939
|
|
|
|
974
|
|
4.00%
to 5.00%, State Revolving Trust Bond, due September 1,
2021
|
|
|
|
660
|
|
|
|
695
|
|
0.00%,
State Revolving Fund Bond, due September 1, 2021
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
|
538
|
|
3.64%,
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028
|
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
3.64%,
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
First
Mortgage Bonds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.20%,
Series S, due October 1, 2022
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
5.25%,
Series T, due October 1, 2023
|
|
|
|
6,500
|
|
|
|
6,500
|
|
6.40%,
Series U, due February 1, 2009
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
5.25%,
Series V, due February 1, 2029
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
5.35%,
Series W, due February 1, 2038
|
|
|
|
23,000
|
|
|
|
23,000
|
|
0.00%,
Series X, due September 1, 2018
|
|
|
|
538
|
|
|
|
591
|
|
4.25%
to 4.63%, Series Y, due September 1, 2018
|
|
|
|
710
|
|
|
|
765
|
|
0.00%,
Series Z, due September 1, 2019
|
|
|
|
1,230
|
|
|
|
1,342
|
|
5.25%
to 5.75%, Series AA, due September 1, 2019
|
|
|
|
1,675
|
|
|
|
1,785
|
|
0.00%,
Series BB, due September 1, 2021
|
|
|
|
1,566
|
|
|
|
1,685
|
|
4.00%
to 5.00%, Series CC, due September 1, 2021
|
|
|
|
1,895
|
|
|
|
1,995
|
|
5.10%,
Series DD, due January 1, 2032
|
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
0.00%,
Series EE, due September 1, 2024
|
|
|
|
6,693
|
|
|
|
7,112
|
|
3.00%
to 5.50%, Series FF, due September 1, 2024
|
|
|
|
8,025
|
|
|
|
8,385
|
|
0.00%,
Series GG, due August 1, 2026
|
|
|
|
1,619
|
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
4.00%
to 5.00%, Series HH, due August 1, 2026
|
|
|
|
1,880
|
|
|
|
1,950
|
|
0.00%,
Series II, due August 1, 2027
|
|
|
|
1,708
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
3.40%
to 5.00%, Series JJ, due August 1, 2027
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
0.00%,
Series KK, due August 1, 2028
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
5.00%
to 5.50%, Series LL, due August 1, 2028
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
SUBTOTAL
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
|
|
136,202
|
|
|
|
134,338
|
|
Less:
Current Portion of Long-term Debt
|
|
|
|
(17,985
|
)
|
|
|
(2,723
|
)
|
TOTAL
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
|
$
|
118,217
|
|
|
$
|
131,615
|
|
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Income
(Loss)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at January 1, 2006
|
|
|
11,584
|
|
|
$
|
76,161
|
|
|
$
|
23,638
|
|
|
$
|
(207
|
)
|
|
$
|
99,592
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,039
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,039
|
|
Minimum
Pension Liability, Net of $135 Income Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
262
|
|
|
|
262
|
|
Change
in Value of Equity Investments, Net of $20 Income Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,340
|
|
Dividend
Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
|
1,321
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,321
|
|
Restricted
Stock Award - Net
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
275
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275
|
|
Preferred
Stock Conversion
|
|
|
1,495
|
|
|
|
26,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,491
|
|
Cash
Dividends on Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,190
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,190
|
)
|
Cash
Dividends on Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
Common
Stock Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(238
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(238
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
13,168
|
|
|
|
104,248
|
|
|
|
25,001
|
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
129,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,843
|
|
Change
in Value of Equity Investments, Net of $13 Income
Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,818
|
|
Dividend
Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
1,147
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,147
|
|
Restricted
Stock Award - Net
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Cash
Dividends on Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,141
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,141
|
)
|
Cash
Dividends on Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
Common
Stock Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
13,246
|
|
|
|
105,668
|
|
|
|
27,441
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
|
133,178
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,208
|
|
Change
in Value of Equity Investments, Net of $36 Income Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(69
|
)
|
|
|
(69
|
)
|
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,139
|
|
Dividend
Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
|
1,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,187
|
|
Conversion
of $8 Covnvertible Preferred Stock
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
Restricted
Stock Award - Net
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288
|
|
Cash
Dividends on Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,353
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,353
|
)
|
Cash
Dividends on Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(218
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(218
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Balance
at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
13,404
|
|
|
$
|
107,726
|
|
|
$
|
30,077
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
137,803
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Middlesex
Water Company
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note
1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)
Organization - Middlesex
Water Company (Middlesex) is the parent company and sole shareholder of
Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc.
(TESI), Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater
Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), Utility Service
Affiliates, Inc. (USA) and Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc.
(USA-PA). Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores) and
White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. (White Marsh), are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Tidewater. The financial statements for Middlesex and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company) are reported on a consolidated basis.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
Middlesex
Water Company has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897, and in
Delaware, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater, since
1992. We are in the business of collecting, treating, distributing
and selling water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire
protection purposes. We also operate a New Jersey municipal water and wastewater
system under contract and provide wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware
through our subsidiaries. We are regulated as to rates charged to customers for
water and wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware, as to the quality of
services we provide and as to certain other matters. Only our USA, USA-PA and
White Marsh subsidiaries are not regulated utilities.
Certain
reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to
conform with current period presentation.
(b)
System of Accounts -
Middlesex, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater maintain their accounts in
accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the Board of Public
Utilities of the State of New Jersey (BPU). Tidewater, TESI and Southern Shores
maintain their accounts in accordance with the Public Service Commission of
Delaware (PSC) requirements.
(c)
Utility Plant is stated at
original cost as defined for regulatory purposes. Property accounts are charged
with the cost of betterments and major replacements of property. Cost includes
direct material, labor and indirect charges for pension benefits and payroll
taxes. The cost of labor, materials, supervision and other expenses incurred in
making repairs and minor replacements and in maintaining the properties is
charged to the appropriate expense accounts. At December 31, 2008, there was no
event or change in circumstance that would indicate that the carrying amount of
any long-lived asset was not recoverable.
(d)
Depreciation is computed
by each regulated member of the Company utilizing a rate approved by the
applicable regulatory authority. The Accumulated Provision for Depreciation is
charged with the cost of property retired, less salvage. The
following table sets forth the range of depreciation rates for the major utility
plant categories used to calculate depreciation for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006. These rates have been approved by either the BPU or
PSC:
Source
of Supply
|
1.15%
- 3.44%
|
Transmission
and Distribution (T&D):
|
Pumping
|
2.87%
- 5.04%
|
T&D
– Mains
|
1.10%
- 3.13%
|
Water
Treatment
|
2.71%
- 7.64%
|
T&D
– Services
|
2.12%
- 2.81%
|
General
Plant
|
2.08%
- 17.84%
|
T&D
– Other
|
1.61%
- 4.63%
|
Non-regulated
fixed assets consist primarily of an office building, furniture and fixtures,
and transportation equipment. These assets are recorded at original cost and
depreciation is calculated based on the estimated useful lives, ranging from 3
to 40 years.
(e)
Customers’ Advances for
Construction
–
Water
utility plant and/or cash advances are contributed to the Company by customers,
real estate developers and builders in order to extend water service to their
properties. These contributions are recorded as Customers’
Advances for Construction. Refunds on these advances are made by the Company in
accordance with agreements with the contributing party and are based on either
additional operating revenues related to the utility plant or as new customers
are connected to and take service from the utility plant. After all
refunds are made, any remaining balance is transferred to Contributions in Aid
of Construction.
Contributions
in Aid of Construction – Contributions in Aid of Construction include direct
non-refundable contributions of water utility plant and/or cash and the portion
of Customers’ Advances for Construction that become non-refundable.
Advances
and Contributions are not depreciated in accordance with BPU and PSC
requirements. In addition, these amounts reduce the investment base
for purposes of setting rates.
(f)
Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction (AFUDC) - Middlesex and its regulated subsidiaries
capitalize AFUDC, which represents the cost of financing projects during
construction. AFUDC is added to the construction costs of individual projects
exceeding specific cost and construction period thresholds established for each
company and then depreciated along with the rest of the utility plant’s costs
over its estimated useful life. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 approximately $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively of
AFUDC was added to the cost of construction projects. AFUDC is
calculated using each company’s weighted cost of debt and equity as approved in
their most recent respective regulatory rate order. The average AFUDC rate for
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 for Middlesex and Tidewater
were 7.55% and 8.07%, respectively.
(g)
Accounts Receivable – We
record bad debt expense based on historical write-offs. The allowance for
doubtful accounts was $0.2 million at December 31, 2008, $0.3 million at
December 31, 2007, and $0.3 million at December 31, 2006. The corresponding
expense for the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $0.2 million,
$0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
(h)
Revenues - General metered
customer’s bills for regulated water service are typically comprised of two
components; a fixed service charge and a volumetric or consumption charge.
Revenues from general metered service water customers, except Tidewater, include
amounts billed in arrears on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts estimated from
the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period. The estimated
unbilled amounts are determined by utilizing factors which include historical
consumption usage and current climate conditions. Actual billings may differ
from our estimates. Revenues are adjusted in the period that the difference is
identified. Tidewater customers are billed in advance for their fixed service
charge and these revenues are recognized as the service is provided to the
customer.
Southern
Shores is an unmetered system. Customers are billed a fixed service charge in
advance at the beginning of each month and revenues are recognized as
earned. Revenues from the City of Perth Amboy management contract are
comprised of fixed and variable fees. Fixed fees, which have been set for the
life of the contract, are billed monthly and recorded as earned. Variable fees,
which are not significant, are recorded upon approval of the amount by the City
of Perth Amboy.
USA bills
customers on a quarterly or annual basis for its LineCare
SM
service
line maintenance program. Quarterly amounts billed are recognized as earned.
Amounts that are billed on an annual basis are deferred and recognized as
revenue ratably over the year.
(i)
Deferred Charges and Other
Assets - Unamortized Debt Expense is amortized over the lives of the related
issues. Restricted Cash represents proceeds from loans entered into through
state financing programs and is held in trusts. The proceeds are restricted for
specific capital expenditures and debt service requirements.
(j)
Income Taxes - Middlesex
files a consolidated federal income tax return for the Company and income taxes
are allocated based on the separate return method. Investment tax
credits have been deferred and are amortized over the estimated useful life of
the related property.
(k)
Statements of Cash Flows -
For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid
investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents represent bank balances and money market
funds with investments maturing in less than 90 days.
(l)
Use of Estimates -
Conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
(m)
Recent Accounting
Pronouncements – In December 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS
132(R)-1, “Employers’
Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”. This FSP
amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
132(R), “Employers’
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”, to provide
guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit
pension or other postretirement plan. The disclosures about plan
assets required by this FSP shall be provided for fiscal years ending after
December 15, 2009. The Company is currently reviewing the effect this
new pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
In
October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-3,
“
Determining the Fair Value
of a Financial Asset When The Market for That Asset Is Not
Active” (FSP 157-3), to clarify the application of the
provisions of SFAS 157 in an inactive market and how an entity would
determine fair value in an inactive market. FSP 157-3 was
effective immediately. The application of the provisions of FSP 157-3 did
not materially affect the Company’s financial statements.
In
September 2006, the Financial FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements,
which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures
about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB
Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2), which deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 to
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for nonfinancial assets and
nonfinancial liabilities. Adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and
financial liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial
statements. The Company does not anticipate that adoption of FSP
157-2 will have a material impact on its financial statements.
In June
2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF 03-6-1, “Determining
Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are
Participating Securities.” This FSP clarifies that all outstanding
unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable
dividends participate in undistributed earnings with common
shareholders. Awards of this nature are considered participating
securities and the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per
share must be applied. This FSP, which is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2008 will not have an impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
SFAS No.
141 (R) “Business Combinations” was issued in December of 2007. This Statement
establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business
recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the
acquired business entity. The Statement also provides guidance for
recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and
determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial
statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business
combination. The guidance will become effective as of the beginning of a
company’s fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. This new pronouncement
will impact the Company’s accounting for business combinations completed
beginning January 1, 2009.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued FSP FAS 158-1, “Conforming Amendments
to the Illustrations in FASB Statements No. 87, No. 88, and No 106 and
to the Related Staff Implementation Guides.”. This FSP makes conforming
amendments to other FASB statements and staff implementation guides and provides
technical corrections to SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined
Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” The conforming amendments in
this FSP did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements or disclosures.
In May
2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 48-1 “Definition of Settlement in FASB
Interpretation No. 48” (FSP FIN 48-1). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how to
determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of
recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN 48-1 is effective
retroactively to January 1, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not
have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
In May
2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 48-1 “Definition of Settlement in FASB
Interpretation No. 48” (FSP FIN 48-1). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how to
determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of
recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN 48-1 is effective
retroactively to January 1, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not
have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
(n)
Other Comprehensive Income
– Total comprehensive income includes changes in equity that are excluded from
the consolidated statements of income and are recorded into a separate section
of capitalization on the consolidated balance sheets.
(o)
Regulatory Accounting - We
maintain our books and records in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. Middlesex and
certain of its subsidiaries, which account for 90% of Operating Revenues and 98%
of Total Assets, are subject to regulation in the state in which they operate.
Those companies are required to maintain their accounts in accordance with
regulatory authorities’ rules and guidelines, which may differ from other
authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those instances, the
Company follows the guidance provided in SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation.”
(p)
Pension Plan - We maintain
a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which covers substantially all
employees with more than 1,000 hours of service, and who were hired as of March
31, 2007. The discount rate utilized for determining pension costs increased
from 5.52% for the year ended December 31, 2006 to 5.89% for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and increased to 6.59% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Future actual pension expense will depend on future investment performance,
changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to the
population participating in the pension plans.
Note
2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters
Effective
December 18, 2008, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater implemented New
Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved base rate increases of 5.53% and
18.30%, respectively. These increases represent a total base rate increase of
approximately $0.2 million for Pinelands to offset increased costs associated
with the operation and maintenance of their systems.
Effective
October 26, 2007, Middlesex received approval from the New Jersey Board of
Public Utilities (BPU) for a 9.1%, or $5.0 million increase in its base water
rates. The increase was predicated on a rate base of $164.4 million
and an authorized return on equity of 10.0%. Middlesex had originally
filed for an $8.9 million or 16.5% base rate increase with the BPU on April 18,
2007. The rate increase is intended to recover increased costs of
operations, maintenance, labor and benefits, purchased power, purchased water
and taxes, as well as capital investment of approximately $23.0 million since
June 2005.
On April
28, 2006, Tidewater filed for a $5.5 million, or 38.6%, base rate increase with
the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC). The request is intended to recover
increased costs of operations, maintenance and taxes, as well as capital
investment of approximately $23.8 million since rates were last established in
March 2005. Since June 27, 2006, Tidewater has been billing and recognizing
additional revenues through a 15% interim rate increase subject to refund as
allowed under PSC regulations. A settlement was reached amongst the parties
which concluded that a 26.9% overall increase in base rates would be
implemented. The PSC approved the settlement and the remaining 11.9%
increase was put into effect on February 28, 2007.
In
accordance with the tariff established for Southern Shores, an annual rate
increase of 3% was implemented on January 1, 2009. Under the terms of
a contract with Southern Shores Homeowners Association, the increase cannot
exceed the lesser of the regional Consumer Price Index or 3%.
We have
recorded certain costs as regulatory assets because we expect full recovery of,
or are currently recovering, these costs in the rates we charge customers. These
deferred costs have been excluded from rate base and, therefore, we are not
earning a return on the unamortized balances. These items are
detailed as follows:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
Regulatory Assets
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Remaining
Recovery
Periods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement
Benefits
|
|
$
|
20,679
|
|
|
$
|
7,279
|
|
Various
|
Income
Taxes
|
|
|
10,905
|
|
|
|
8,222
|
|
Various
|
Tank
Painting
|
|
|
189
|
|
|
|
225
|
|
3-7
years
|
Rate
Cases and Other
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
364
|
|
Up
to 2 years
|
Total
|
|
$
|
31,910
|
|
|
$
|
16,090
|
|
|
Postretirement
benefits include pension and other postretirement benefits that have been
recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet upon adoption of SFAS 158. These
amounts represent obligations in excess of current funding, which the Company
believes will be fully recovered in rates set by the regulatory
authorities.
The
recovery period for income taxes is dependent upon when the temporary
differences between the tax and book treatment of various items
reverse.
The
Company uses composite depreciation rates for its regulated utility assets,
which is currently an acceptable method under generally accepted accounting
principles and is widely used in the utility industry. Historically, under the
composite depreciation method, the anticipated costs of removing assets upon
retirement are provided for over the life of those assets as a component of
depreciation expense. The Company recovers certain asset retirement costs
through rates charged to customers as an approved component of depreciation
expense. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has approximately $6.2
million and $5.7 million, respectively, of
expected
costs of removal recovered currently in rates in excess of actual costs
incurred. These amounts are recorded as regulatory liabilities.
The
Company is recovering in current rates acquisition premiums totaling $0.8
million over the remaining lives of the underlying Utility Plant. These deferred
costs have been included in rate base as utility plant and a return is being
earned on the unamortized balances during the recovery periods.
Note
3 - Income Taxes
Income
tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory rate on
book income subject to tax for the following reasons:
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Income
Tax at Statutory Rate
|
|
$
|
6,253
|
|
|
$
|
6,021
|
|
|
$
|
5,155
|
|
Tax
Effect of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility
Plant Related
|
|
|
(725
|
)
|
|
|
(595
|
)
|
|
|
(338
|
)
|
State
Income Taxes – Net
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
350
|
|
|
|
257
|
|
Employee
Benefits
|
|
|
202
|
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
(48
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
Total
Income Tax Expense
|
|
$
|
6,056
|
|
|
$
|
5,736
|
|
|
$
|
5,041
|
|
Income
tax expense is comprised of the following:
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
4,651
|
|
|
$
|
4,894
|
|
|
$
|
3,846
|
|
State
|
|
|
392
|
|
|
|
413
|
|
|
|
298
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
1,018
|
|
|
|
634
|
|
|
|
884
|
|
State
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
Investment
Tax Credits
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
|
(322
|
)
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
Total
Income Tax Expense
|
|
$
|
6,056
|
|
|
$
|
5,736
|
|
|
$
|
5,041
|
|
The
statutory review period for income tax returns for the years prior to 2007 has
been closed. An examination by the Internal Revenue Service of the
Federal income tax returns for 2005 and 2006 was completed during 2008. The
examination resulted in a net refund, including interest of approximately $0.1
million. The tax refund was recorded to the appropriate current and
deferred tax accounts and the interest was reported as other
income. In the event that there are interest and penalties associated
with income tax adjustments in future examinations, these amounts will be
reported under interest expense and other expense, respectively. There are no
unrecognized tax benefits resulting from prior period tax
positions.
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial purposes and the
amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the net
deferred tax liability are as follows:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Utility
Plant Related
|
|
$
|
26,224
|
|
|
$
|
24,892
|
|
Customer
Advances
|
|
|
(4,036
|
)
|
|
|
(4,117
|
)
|
Employee
Benefits
|
|
|
(65
|
)
|
|
|
(2,544
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
(390
|
)
|
|
|
(291
|
)
|
Total
Deferred Tax Liability
|
|
$
|
21,733
|
|
|
$
|
17,940
|
|
Note
4 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guarantees -
USA-PA operates
the City of Perth Amboy’s (Perth Amboy) water and wastewater systems under a
service contract agreement through June 30, 2018.
Under the
agreement, USA-PA receives a fixed fee and a variable fee based on increased
system billing. Scheduled fixed fee payments for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $8.0
million, $7.8 million and $7.6 million, respectively. The fixed fees
will increase over the term of the contract to $10.2 million.
In
connection with the agreement, Perth Amboy, through the Middlesex County
Improvement Authority, issued approximately $68.0 million in three series of
bonds. Middlesex guaranteed one of those series of bonds, designated the Series
C Serial Bonds, in the principal amount of approximately $26.3 million. Perth
Amboy guaranteed the two other series of bonds. The Series C Serial Bonds have
various maturity dates with the final maturity date on September 1, 2015. As of
December 31, 2008, approximately $21.4 million of the Series C Serial Bonds
remained outstanding.
We are
obligated to perform under the guarantee in the event notice is received from
the Series C Serial Bonds trustee of an impending debt service deficiency. If
Middlesex funds any debt service obligations as guarantor, there is a provision
in the agreement that requires Perth Amboy to reimburse us. There are other
provisions in the agreement that we believe make it unlikely that we will be
required to perform under the guarantee, such as scheduled annual rate increases
for water and wastewater services as well as rate increases due to unforeseen
circumstances. In the event revenues from customers could not satisfy the
reimbursement requirements, Perth Amboy has Ad Valorem taxing powers, which
could be used to raise the needed amount.
Water Supply
- Middlesex has
an agreement with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) for the purchase
of untreated water through November 30, 2023, which provides for an average
purchase of 27 million gallons a day (mgd). Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA
through a public rate making process. The agreement has provisions for
additional pricing in the event Middlesex overdrafts or exceeds certain monthly
and annual thresholds.
Middlesex
also has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the
purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27, 2011,
provides for the minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with provisions for
additional purchases.
Purchased
water costs are shown below:
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Millions
of Dollars)
|
|
Purchased Water
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Untreated
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
2.3
|
|
Treated
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
Total
Costs
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
4.2
|
|
Construction
–The Company may
spend up to $33.0 million in 2009, $47.6 million in 2010 and $43.6 million in
2011 on its construction program.
The
development of these estimates is based in part upon projected housing
development and sales in Delaware. There is no assurance that the
projected housing development will occur.
Litigation
– The Company is a
defendant in lawsuits in the normal course of business. We believe the
resolution of pending claims and legal proceedings will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Change in Control Agreements
– The Company has Change in Control Agreements with certain of its officers that
provide compensation and benefits in the event of termination of employment in
connection with a change in control of the Company.
Note
5 – Short-term Borrowings
Information
regarding the Company’s short-term borrowings for the years ended December 31,
2008 and 2007 is summarized below:
|
|
(Millions
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Established
Lines at Year-End
|
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
|
$
|
40.0
|
|
Maximum
Amount Outstanding
|
|
|
25.9
|
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
Average
Outstanding
|
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Notes
Payable at Year-End
|
|
|
25.9
|
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
Weighted
Average Interest Rate
|
|
|
3.69
|
%
|
|
|
6.36
|
%
|
Weighted
Average Interest Rate at Year-End
|
|
|
2.30
|
%
|
|
|
5.79
|
%
|
The
maturity dates for the $25.9 million borrowings outstanding as of December 31,
2008 are: $16.5 million on several dates in January 2009, $3.5 million on
February 9, 2009 and $5.9 million on several dates in March,
2009. The weighted average interest rate for those loans is
2.30%
Interest
rates for short-term borrowings are below the prime rate with no requirement for
compensating balances.
Note
6 - Capitalization
All the
transactions discussed below related to the issuance of securities were approved
by either the BPU or PSC, except where otherwise noted.
Common
Stock
In June
2007, the number of shares authorized under the Dividend Reinvestment and Common
Stock Purchase Plan (DRP) increased from 1,700,000 shares to 2,300,000
shares. The cumulative number of shares issued under the DRP at
December 31, 2008, is 1,684,411. The Company also has shares authorized and
outstanding under a restricted stock plan, which is described in Note 7 –
Employee Benefit Plans.
In
November 2006, the Company sold and issued 1,495,000 shares of its common stock
in a public offering that was priced at $18.46. The majority of the net proceeds
of approximately $26.2 million were used to repay all of the Company’s
short-term borrowings outstanding at that time. Remaining proceeds
from the public offering were used to fund a portion of the 2007 capital
program.
In the
event dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears, no dividends may be
declared or paid on the common stock of the Company. At December 31,
2008, no preferred stock dividends were in arrears.
Preferred
Stock
If four
or more quarterly dividends are in arrears, the preferred shareholders, as a
class, are entitled to elect two members to the Board of Directors in addition
to Directors elected by holders of the common stock. At December 31, 2008 and
2007, 31,898 and 36,898 shares of preferred stock presently authorized were
outstanding and there were no dividends in arrears.
The
conversion feature of the no par $7.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible
Preferred Stock allows the security holders to exchange one convertible
preferred share for twelve shares of the Company's common stock. In
addition, the Company may redeem up to 10% of the outstanding convertible stock
in any calendar year at a price equal to the fair market value of twelve shares
of the Company's common stock for each share of convertible stock
redeemed.
The
conversion feature of the no par $8.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible
Preferred Stock allows the security holders to exchange one convertible
preferred share for 13.714 shares of the Company's common stock. The
preferred shares are convertible into common stock at the election of the
security holder or Middlesex. During 2008, 5,000 shares of the no par $8.00
Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 68,570 of
common stock.
Long-term
Debt
In
November 2008, Middlesex issued $3.5 million of first mortgage bonds through the
New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust under the New Jersey
State Revolving Fund (SRF)
program. The Company closed on the first mortgage bonds designated as Series KK
and LL on November 8, 2008.
In
December 2007, Tidewater closed on a loan with the Delaware SRF for two specific
projects and borrowed $0.5 million in 2008. The interest rate is 3.64% with a
final maturity of July 1, 2028.
In
November 2007, Middlesex issued $3.5 million of first mortgage bonds through the
New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust under the New Jersey SRF program.
The Company closed on the first mortgage bonds designated as Series II and JJ on
November 8, 2007.
First
Mortgage Bonds Series S through W and Series DD are term bonds with single
maturity dates. With the exception of $15.0 million for repayment for the First
Mortgage Bond Series U which matured on February 2, 2009, principal repayments
for the First Mortgage Bonds extend beyond 2012. The aggregate annual
principal repayment obligations for all other long-term debt are shown
below:
(Millions of Dollars)
|
Year
|
Annual Maturities
|
2009
|
$3.0
|
2010
|
$3.4
|
2011
|
$3.4
|
2012
|
$3.5
|
2013
|
$3.5
|
The
weighted average interest rate on all long-term debt at December 31, 2008 and
2007 was 5.15% and 5.20%, respectively. Except for the Amortizing Secured Notes
and Series U First Mortgage Bonds, all of the Company’s outstanding debt has
been issued through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
($57.5
million),
the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust program ($34.0 million) and
the Delaware SRF program ($6.5 million).
Restricted
cash includes proceeds from the Series Y, AA, BB, CC, EE, FF, GG, HH, II, JJ, KK
and LL First Mortgage Bonds and State Revolving Trust Bonds issuances. These
funds are held in trusts and restricted for specific capital expenditures and
debt service requirements. Series II and JJ proceeds can only be used for the
2008 main cleaning and cement lining program. Series KK and LL proceeds can only
be used for the 2009 main cleaning and cement lining program. All
other bond issuance balances in restricted cash are for debt service
requirements.
Substantially
all of the Utility Plant of the Company is subject to the lien of its mortgage,
which includes debt service and capital ratio covenants. The Company is in
compliance with all of its mortgage covenants and restrictions.
Earnings
Per Share
The
following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
(EPS) for the three years ended December 31, 2008. Basic EPS is
computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares
outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of both the
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and $8.00 Series.
|
|
(In
Thousands, Except per Share Amounts)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Basic:
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
$
|
12,208
|
|
|
|
13,317
|
|
|
$
|
11,843
|
|
|
|
13,203
|
|
|
$
|
10,039
|
|
|
|
11,844
|
|
Preferred
Dividend
|
|
|
(218
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(248
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
248
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
Applicable to Common Stock
|
|
$
|
11,990
|
|
|
|
13,317
|
|
|
$
|
11,595
|
|
|
|
13,203
|
|
|
$
|
9,791
|
|
|
|
11,844
|
|
Basic
EPS
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.83
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
Applicable to Common Stock
|
|
$
|
11,990
|
|
|
|
13,317
|
|
|
$
|
11,595
|
|
|
|
13,203
|
|
|
$
|
9,791
|
|
|
|
11,844
|
|
$7.00
Series Dividend
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
$8.00
Series Dividend
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
164
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
164
|
|
Adjusted
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock
|
|
$
|
12,153
|
|
|
|
13,615
|
|
|
$
|
11,788
|
|
|
|
13,534
|
|
|
$
|
9,984
|
|
|
|
12,175
|
|
Diluted
EPS
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.82
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its
fair value disclosure for financial instruments for which it is practicable to
estimate that value. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance
sheets for cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and trade
receivables and payables approximate their respective fair values due to the
short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s
long-term debt relating to first mortgage bonds is based on quoted market prices
for similar issues. The carrying amount and fair market value of the
Company’s bonds were as follows:
|
|
At December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
First
Mortgage Bonds
|
|
$
|
105,290
|
|
|
$
|
95,171
|
|
|
$
|
103,322
|
|
|
$
|
104,681
|
|
State
Revolving Bonds
|
|
$
|
1,160
|
|
|
$
|
1,170
|
|
|
$
|
1,233
|
|
|
$
|
1,272
|
|
For other
long-term debt for which there was no quoted market price, it was not
practicable to estimate their fair value. The carrying amount of these
instruments was $29.8 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Customer advances for construction have a carrying amount of $22.1 million and
$21.8 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Their relative fair
values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on
several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption
levels and future rate increases.
Note
7 - Employee Benefit Plans
Pension
The
Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which covers
substantially all employees with more than 1,000 hours of service. Employees
hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but do
participate in a defined contribution plan that provides an annual contribution
at the discretion of the Company based upon a percentage of the participants’
compensation. In order to be eligible for an annual contribution, the eligible
employee must be employed by the Company on December 31
st
of the
year the award pertains to. In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded
supplemental pension plan for its executive officers. The Accumulated
Benefit Obligation for all pension plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $27.5
million and $21.6 million, respectively.
Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions
The
Company has a postretirement benefit plan other than pensions for substantially
all of its retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not
eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life
insurance. Retiree contributions are dependent on credited years of
service. Accrued retirement benefit costs are recorded each
year.
The
Company has recognized a deferred regulatory asset relating to the difference
between the accrued retirement benefit costs and actual cash paid for plan
premiums in years prior to 1998. Included in the regulatory asset is a
transition obligation from adopting SFAS No.106, “Employers’ Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions,” on January 1, 1993. In addition to
the recognition of annual accrued retirement benefit costs in rates, Middlesex
is also recovering the transition obligation over 15 years. The regulatory
assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were $0.4 million and $0.4 million,
respectively.
The
Company adopted SFAS 158 on December 31, 2006. Because the Company is
subject to regulation in the states in which it operates, it is required to
maintain its accounts in accordance with the regulatory authority’s rules and
guidelines, which may differ from other authoritative accounting pronouncements.
In those instances, the Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 71, “Accounting
for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” (SFAS 71). Based on prior
regulatory practice, and in accordance with the guidance provided by SFAS 71,
the Company records underfunded pension and postretirement obligations, which
otherwise would be recognized as Other Comprehensive Income under SFAS 158, as a
Regulatory Asset, and expects to recover those costs in rates charged to
customers. The adoption of this standard had no impact on results of operations
or cash flows.
The
Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its employee benefit
plans. The table below sets forth information relating to the Company’s pension
plans and other postretirement benefits for 2008 and 2007.
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
Pension
Benefits
|
|
|
Other
Benefits
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Reconciliation
of Projected Benefit Obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
Balance
|
|
$
|
30,167
|
|
|
$
|
31,728
|
|
|
$
|
15,067
|
|
|
$
|
14,698
|
|
Service
Cost
|
|
|
1,248
|
|
|
|
1,296
|
|
|
|
775
|
|
|
|
821
|
|
Interest
Cost
|
|
|
1,950
|
|
|
|
1,807
|
|
|
|
1,010
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
Actuarial
(Gain)/Loss
|
|
|
2,637
|
|
|
|
(3,081
|
)
|
|
|
2,420
|
|
|
|
(852
|
)
|
Benefits
Paid
|
|
|
(1,650
|
)
|
|
|
(1,583
|
)
|
|
|
(501
|
)
|
|
|
(495
|
)
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
$
|
34,352
|
|
|
$
|
30,167
|
|
|
$
|
18,771
|
|
|
$
|
15,067
|
|
Reconciliation
of Plan Assets at Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
Balance
|
|
$
|
24,568
|
|
|
$
|
23,028
|
|
|
$
|
7,025
|
|
|
$
|
6,701
|
|
Actual
Return on Plan Assets
|
|
|
(5,390
|
)
|
|
|
1,315
|
|
|
|
(1,085
|
)
|
|
|
324
|
|
Employer
Contributions
|
|
|
2,508
|
|
|
|
1,808
|
|
|
|
1,800
|
|
|
|
495
|
|
Benefits
Paid
|
|
|
(1,650
|
)
|
|
|
(1,583
|
)
|
|
|
(501
|
)
|
|
|
(495
|
)
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
$
|
20,036
|
|
|
$
|
24,568
|
|
|
$
|
7,239
|
|
|
$
|
7,025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded
Status
|
|
$
|
(14,316
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,599
|
)
|
|
$
|
(11,532
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,042
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts
Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Liability
|
|
|
(308
|
)
|
|
|
(308
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Noncurrent
Liability
|
|
|
(14,008
|
)
|
|
|
(5,291
|
)
|
|
|
(11,532
|
)
|
|
|
(8,042
|
)
|
Net
Liability Recognized
|
|
$
|
(14,316
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,599
|
)
|
|
$
|
(11,532
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,042
|
)
|
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
Pension
Benefits
|
|
|
Other
B
enefits
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Components
of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
Cost
|
|
$
|
1,248
|
|
|
$
|
1,296
|
|
|
$
|
1,311
|
|
|
$
|
775
|
|
|
$
|
821
|
|
|
$
|
756
|
|
Interest
Cost
|
|
|
1,950
|
|
|
|
1,807
|
|
|
|
1,703
|
|
|
|
1,010
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
804
|
|
Expected
Return on Plan Assets
|
|
|
(1,938
|
)
|
|
|
(1,819
|
)
|
|
|
(1,608
|
)
|
|
|
(581
|
)
|
|
|
(481
|
)
|
|
|
(330
|
)
|
Amortization
of Net Transition Obligation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
Amortization
of Net Actuarial (Gain)/Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
258
|
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
|
337
|
|
|
|
443
|
|
Amortization
of Prior Service Cost
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
Periodic Benefit Cost
|
|
$
|
1,270
|
|
|
$
|
1,369
|
|
|
$
|
1,675
|
|
|
$
|
1,626
|
|
|
$
|
1,707
|
|
|
$
|
1,808
|
|
Amounts
that are expected to be amortized from Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic
Benefit Cost in 2009 are as follows:
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
Pension
Benefits
|
|
|
Other
Benefits
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
2009
|
|
Actuarial
(Gain)/Loss
|
|
$
|
601
|
|
|
$
|
579
|
|
Prior
Service Cost
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Transition
Obligation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
Pension
Benefits
|
|
|
Other
Benefits
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
Average Assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected
Return on Plan Assets
|
|
|
8.00
|
%
|
|
|
8.00
|
%
|
|
|
8.00
|
%
|
|
|
7.50
|
%
|
|
|
7.50
|
%
|
|
|
7.50
|
%
|
Discount
Rate for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit
Obligation
|
|
|
6.17
|
%
|
|
|
6.59
|
%
|
|
|
5.89
|
%
|
|
|
6.12
|
%
|
|
|
6.59
|
%
|
|
|
5.89
|
%
|
Benefit
Cost
|
|
|
6.59
|
%
|
|
|
5.89
|
%
|
|
|
5.52
|
%
|
|
|
6.59
|
%
|
|
|
5.89
|
%
|
|
|
5.52
|
%
|
Compensation
Increase for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit
Obligation
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
Benefit
Cost
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
The
compensation increase assumption for Other Benefits is attributable to life
insurance provided to qualifying employees upon their retirement. The
insurance coverage will be determined based on the employee’s base compensation
as of their retirement date.
A 9.0%
annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits
was assumed for 2008 and assumed to decline by 1.0% per year through 2011 and by
0.5% per year to 5% by year 2014. A one-percentage point change in assumed
healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:
|
|
1
Percentage Point
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
|
|
Increase
|
|
|
Decrease
|
|
Effect
on Current Year’s Service and Benefit Cost
|
|
$
|
392
|
|
|
$
|
(299
|
)
|
Effect
on Benefit Obligation
|
|
|
2,630
|
|
|
|
(2,070
|
)
|
The
following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected
to be paid:
Year
|
Pension
Benefits
|
Other
Benefits
|
2009
|
|
$
|
1,630
|
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
2010
|
|
|
1,635
|
|
|
|
561
|
|
2011
|
|
|
1,688
|
|
|
|
601
|
|
2012
|
|
|
1,691
|
|
|
|
645
|
|
2013
|
|
|
1,802
|
|
|
|
691
|
|
2014-2018
|
|
|
10,487
|
|
|
|
4,290
|
|
Totals
|
|
$
|
18,933
|
|
|
$
|
7,334
|
|
Benefit
Plans Assets
The
allocation of plan assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 by asset category is as
follows:
|
|
Pension Plan
|
|
|
Other Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Category
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Target
|
|
|
Range
|
|
Equity
Securities
|
|
|
49.5
|
%
|
|
|
59.7
|
%
|
|
|
25.7
|
%
|
|
|
47.0
|
%
|
|
|
60
|
%
|
|
|
30-65
|
%
|
Debt
Securities
|
|
|
47.0
|
|
|
|
37.8
|
|
|
|
59.6
|
|
|
|
50.6
|
|
|
|
38
|
%
|
|
|
25-70
|
%
|
Cash
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
0-10
|
%
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two
outside investment firms each manage a portion of the pension plan asset
portfolio. One of those investment firms also manages the other postretirement
benefits assets. Quarterly meetings are held between the Company’s Pension
Committee of the Board of Directors and the investment managers to review their
performance and asset allocation. If the actual asset allocation is outside the
targeted range, the Pension Committee reviews current market conditions and
advice provided by the investment managers to determine the appropriateness of
rebalancing the portfolio.
The
objective of the Company is to maximize the long-term return on benefit plan
assets, relative to a reasonable level of risk, maintain a diversified
investment portfolio and maintain compliance with the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the
various asset categories in which plan assets are invested and the current
expectations and historical performance for these categories.
Equity
securities include Middlesex common stock in the amounts of $0.7 million (3.4%
of total plan assets) and $0.7 million (3.0 % of total plan assets) at December
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
For the
pension plan, Middlesex made total cash contributions of $2.4 million and
contributed $0.1 million in equity securities to the plan in 2008 and expects to
make cash contributions of approximately $3.6 million in 2009.
For the
postretirement health benefit plan, Middlesex made total cash contributions of
$1.8 million in 2008 and expects to make contributions of approximately $2.0
million in 2009.
401(k)
Plan
The
Company has a 401(k) defined contribution plan, which covers substantially all
employees with more than 1,000 hours of service. Under the terms of the Plan,
the Company matches 100% of a participant’s contributions, which do not exceed
1% of a participant’s compensation, plus 50% of a participant’s contributions
exceeding 1%, but not more than 6%. The Company’s matching
contributions were $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $.04
million for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
For
those employees hired after March 31, 2007 and still employed on December 31,
2008, the Company approved a discretionary contribution that was based on 5% of
eligible compensation. The Company expects to fund the contribution of $0.1
million in March 2009.
Stock-Based
Compensation
The
Company maintains an escrow account for 58,775 shares of the Company's common
stock which were awarded under the 1997 Restricted Stock Plan, which has expired
and 21,807 shares of the Company's common stock which were awarded under the
2008 Restricted Stock Plan. Such stock is subject to an agreement requiring
forfeiture by the employee in the event of termination of employment within five
years of the award other than as a result of retirement, death, disability or
change in control. Shareholders approved the new 2008
Restricted
Stock Plan at the Company’s May 21, 2008 annual meeting of
shareholders. The maximum number of shares authorized for grant under
the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan is 300,000 shares.
The
Company recognizes compensation expense at fair value for the restricted stock
awards in accordance with SFAS No.123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”
Compensation expense is determined by the market value of the stock on the date
of the award and is being amortized over a five-year period.
The
following table presents information on the Restricted Stock Plan:
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Unearned
Compensation
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
|
|
Balance,
January 1, 2006
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
$
|
700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
405
|
|
|
$
|
19.24
|
|
Vested
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(38
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of Compensation Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
$
|
796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
344
|
|
|
$
|
19.10
|
|
Vested
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of Compensation Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(276
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
$
|
861
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
377
|
|
|
$
|
17.30
|
|
Vested
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of Compensation Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
$
|
928
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
8 – Business Segment Data
The
Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated business of
collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and wholesale basis to
residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection customers in parts of
New Jersey and Delaware. This segment also includes regulated wastewater systems
in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company is subject to regulations as to its
rates, services and other matters by the states of New Jersey and Delaware with
respect to utility service within these states. The other segment is primarily
comprised of non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance
of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and
Delaware. Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs are treated
as pass-through expenses. Finance charges on inter-segment loan activities are
based on interest rates that are below what would normally be charged by a third
party lender.
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars)
|
|
Operations
by Segments:
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
81,118
|
|
|
$
|
77,113
|
|
|
$
|
71,948
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
10,327
|
|
|
|
9,392
|
|
|
|
9,317
|
|
Inter-segment
Elimination
|
|
|
(407
|
)
|
|
|
(391
|
)
|
|
|
(204
|
)
|
Consolidated
Revenues
|
|
$
|
91,038
|
|
|
$
|
86,114
|
|
|
$
|
81,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
22,132
|
|
|
$
|
21,351
|
|
|
$
|
20,062
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
1,887
|
|
|
|
1,320
|
|
|
|
1,256
|
|
Consolidated
Operating Income
|
|
$
|
24,019
|
|
|
$
|
22,671
|
|
|
$
|
21,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
7,798
|
|
|
$
|
7,408
|
|
|
$
|
6,936
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
|
124
|
|
Consolidated
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
7,922
|
|
|
$
|
7,539
|
|
|
$
|
7,060
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income, Net:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
1,077
|
|
|
$
|
1,643
|
|
|
$
|
951
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
(78
|
)
|
Inter-segment
Elimination
|
|
|
(162
|
)
|
|
|
(116
|
)
|
|
|
(99
|
)
|
Consolidated
Other Income, Net
|
|
$
|
1,302
|
|
|
$
|
1,527
|
|
|
$
|
774
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
Expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
6,981
|
|
|
$
|
6,619
|
|
|
$
|
7,012
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
Inter-segment
Elimination
|
|
|
(162
|
)
|
|
|
(116
|
)
|
|
|
(99
|
)
|
Consolidated
Interest Charges
|
|
$
|
7,057
|
|
|
$
|
6,619
|
|
|
$
|
7,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
10,976
|
|
|
$
|
11,120
|
|
|
$
|
9,417
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
1,232
|
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
|
622
|
|
Consolidated
Net Income
|
|
$
|
12,208
|
|
|
$
|
11,843
|
|
|
$
|
10,039
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
Expenditures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
27,188
|
|
|
$
|
21,586
|
|
|
$
|
30,492
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
1,241
|
|
|
|
344
|
|
|
|
242
|
|
Total
Capital Expenditures
|
|
$
|
28,429
|
|
|
$
|
21,930
|
|
|
$
|
30,734
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of
December
31,
|
|
|
As
of
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
|
|
$
|
433,109
|
|
|
$
|
387,931
|
|
Non
– Regulated
|
|
|
11,537
|
|
|
|
8,157
|
|
Inter-segment
Elimination
|
|
|
(4,646
|
)
|
|
|
(3,413
|
)
|
Consolidated
Assets
|
|
$
|
440,000
|
|
|
$
|
392,675
|
|
Note
9 - Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited
Operating
results for each quarter of 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
|
|
(Thousands
of Dollars, Except per Share Data)
|
|
|
|
1
st
|
|
|
2
nd
|
|
|
3
rd
|
|
|
4
th
|
|
|
Total
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
|
20,855
|
|
|
$
|
23,035
|
|
|
$
|
25,653
|
|
|
$
|
21,495
|
|
|
$
|
91,038
|
|
Operating
Income
|
|
|
4,347
|
|
|
|
6,825
|
|
|
|
8,384
|
|
|
|
4,463
|
|
|
|
24,019
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
2,004
|
|
|
|
3,565
|
|
|
|
4,715
|
|
|
|
1,924
|
|
|
|
12,208
|
|
Basic
Earnings per Share
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
Diluted
Earnings per Share
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
|
18,988
|
|
|
$
|
21,745
|
|
|
$
|
24,135
|
|
|
$
|
21,246
|
|
|
$
|
86,114
|
|
Operating
Income
|
|
|
3,722
|
|
|
|
6,279
|
|
|
|
7,729
|
|
|
|
4,941
|
|
|
|
22,671
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
|
1,769
|
|
|
|
3,313
|
|
|
|
4,158
|
|
|
|
2,603
|
|
|
|
11,843
|
|
Basic
Earnings per Share
|
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
|
$
|
0.25
|
|
|
$
|
0.31
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
Diluted
Earnings per Share
|
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
|
$
|
0.24
|
|
|
$
|
0.31
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
information above, in the opinion of the Company, includes all adjustments
consisting only of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation
of such amounts. The business of the Company is subject to seasonal fluctuation
with the peak period usually occurring during the summer months.
|
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure.
|
None.
(1)
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports
filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding disclosure.
As
required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls
and procedures was conducted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with
the Company’s Chief Financial Officer for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.
Based upon that evaluation the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the
Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded:
(a)
Disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period
covered by this report.
(b) No
changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most
recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly,
management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this
report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
(2)
Management’s Report on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
The
management of Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) is responsible
for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13A-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Middlesex’s
internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the
Company’s management and Board of Directors of adequate preparation and fair
presentation of the published financial statements.
All
internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent
limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the adequacy of financial
statement preparation and presentation. Middlesex’s management assessed the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO) in
Internal
Control-Integrated Framework
. Based on our assessment, we believe that as
of December 31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is
operating as designed and is effective based on those criteria.
Middlesex’s
independent registered public accounting firm has audited the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 as stated
in their report which is included herein.
/s/ Dennis W. Doll
|
/s/ A.Bruce O’Connor
|
Dennis
W. Doll
|
A.
Bruce O’Connor
|
President
and Chief
|
Vice
President and Chief
|
Executive
Officer
|
Financial
Officer
|
Iselin,
New Jersey
March 13,
2009
(3)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the
Board of Directors and
Stockholders
of Middlesex Water Company
We have
audited Middlesex Water Company’s (the Company) internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated
Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A
company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We have
also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of capital stock and long-term debt of the Company as of
December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. Our report
dated March 13, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on these consolidated
financial statements.
/s/ Beard
Miller Company LLP
Beard Miller Company LLP
Reading,
Pennsylvania
March 13, 2009
Item
10.
|
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governanc
e
.
|
Information
with respect to Directors of Middlesex Water Company is included in Middlesex
Water Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and
is incorporated herein by reference.
Information
regarding the Executive Officers of Middlesex Water Company is included under
Item 1. in Part I of this Annual Report.
Item
11.
|
Executive
Compen
s
ation.
|
This
Information for Middlesex Water Company is included in Middlesex Water Company’s
Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item
12.
|
Security
Ownersh
i
p of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters.
|
This
information for Middlesex Water Company is included in Middlesex Water Company’s
Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item
13.
|
Certain
Relations
h
ips and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence.
|
This
information for Middlesex Water Company is included in Middlesex Water Company’s
Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item
14.
|
Principal
Account
i
ng Fees and
Services.
|
This
information for Middlesex Water Company is included in Middlesex Water Company’s
Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item
15.
|
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedule
s
.
|
1.
|
The
following Financial Statements and Supplementary Data are included in Part
II- Item 8. of this annual report:
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Consolidated
Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended
December
31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December
31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Consolidated
Statements of Capital Stock and Long-term Debt at December 31, 2008
and
2007.
Consolidated
Statements of Common Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income for
each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006.
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.
|
Financial Statement
Schedules
|
All
Schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they
are required or because the required information is shown in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
See
Exhibit listing immediately following the signature page.
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Dennis W. Doll
|
|
|
Dennis
W. Doll
|
|
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
Date:
|
March
13, 2009
|
|
|
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons, on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities on March 13, 2009.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ A. Bruce O’Connor
|
|
|
A.
Bruce O’Connor
|
|
|
Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
(Principal
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Dennis W. Doll
|
|
|
Dennis
W. Doll
|
|
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ J. Richard Tompkins
|
|
|
J.
Richard Tompkins
|
|
|
Chairman
of the Board and Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Annette Catino
|
|
|
Annette
Catino
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ John C. Cutting
|
|
|
John
C. Cutting
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ John R. Middleton
|
|
|
John
R. Middleton
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ John P. Mulkerin
|
|
|
John
P. Mulkerin
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Walter G. Reinhard
|
|
|
Walter
G. Reinhard
|
|
|
Director
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By:
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/s/ Jeffries Shein
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Jeffries
Shein
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Director
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Exhibits
designated with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith. The exhibits not so
designated have heretofore been filed with the Commission and are incorporated
herein by reference to the documents indicated in the previous filing columns
following the description of such exhibits. Exhibits designated with a dagger
(t) are management contracts or compensatory plans.
Exhibit
No.
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Document
Description
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Previous
Registration
No.
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Filing’s
Exhibit
No.
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3.1
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Certificate
of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 of 1998
Form 10-K.
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3.2
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Bylaws
of the Company, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.2 of 2005 Form
10-K.
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3.3
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Certificate
of Correction of Middlesex Water Company filed with the State of New
Jersey on April 30, 1999, filed as Exhibit 3.3 of 2003 Form
10-K/A-2.
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3.4
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Certificate
of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation Middlesex Water
Company, filed with the State of New Jersey on February 17, 2000, filed as
Exhibit 3.4 of 2003 Form 10-K/A-2.
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3.5
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Certificate
of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation Middlesex Water
Company, filed with the State of New Jersey on June 5, 2002, filed as
Exhibit 3.5 of 2003 Form 10-K/A-2.
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4.1
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Form
of Common Stock Certificate.
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2-55058
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2(a)
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4.2
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Registration
Statement, Form S-3, under Securities Act of 1933 filed February 3, 1987,
relating to the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase
Plan.
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33-11717
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4.3
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Revised
Prospectus relating to the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase
Plan, Submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, January 20,
2000.
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33-11717
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4.4
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Post
Effective Amendments No. 7, Form S-3, under Securities Act of 1933 filed
February 1, 2002, relating to the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock
Purchase Plan.
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33-11717
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10.1
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Copy
of Purchased Water Agreement between the Company and Elizabethtown Water
Company, filed as Exhibit 10 of 2006 First Quarter Form
10-Q.
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10.2
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Copy
of Mortgage, dated April 1, 1927, between the Company and Union County
Trust Company, as Trustee, as supplemented by Supplemental Indentures,
dated as of October 1, 1939 and April 1, 1949.
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2-15795
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4(a)-4(f)
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10.3
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 1964 and June 15, 1991,
between the Company and Union County Trust Company, as
Trustee.
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33-54922
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10.4-10.9
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10.4
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Copy
of Supply Agreement, dated as of November 17, 1986, between the Company
and the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority.
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33-31476
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10.12
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10.5
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Copy
of Supply Agreement, dated as of July 14, 1987, between the Company and
the Marlboro Township Municipal Utilities Authority, as
amended.
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33-31476
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10.13
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
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Document
Description
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Previous
Registration
No.
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Filing’s
Exhibit
No.
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10.6
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Copy
of Supply Agreement, dated as of February 11, 1988, with modifications
dated February 25, 1992, and April 20, 1994, between the Company and the
Borough of Sayreville filed as Exhibit No. 10.11 of 1994 First Quarter
Form 10-Q.
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10.7
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Copy
of Water Purchase Contract, dated as of
September
25, 2003, between the Company and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority,
filed as Exhibit No. 10.7 of 2003 Form 10-K.
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10.8
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Copy
of Treating and Pumping Agreement, dated April 9, 1984, between the
Company and the Township of East Brunswick.
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33-31476
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10.17
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10.9
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Copy
of Supply Agreement, dated June 4, 1990, between the Company and Edison
Township.
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33-54922
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10.24
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10.10
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Copy
of amended Supply Agreement, between the Company and the Borough of
Highland Park, filed as Exhibit No. 10.1 of 2006 First Quarter Form
10-Q.
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(t)10.11
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Copy
of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.13 of 1999
Third Quarter Form 10-Q.
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(t)10.12(a)
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Copy
of 2008 Restricted Stock Plan, filed as Appendix A to the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement, dated and filed
April
11, 2008.
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(t)10.12(b)
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Copy
of 2008 Outside Director Stock Compensation Stock Plan, filed as Appendix
B to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, dated and filed
April
11, 2008.
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*(t)10.13(a)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and
Dennis W. Doll.
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*(t)10.13(b)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and A.
Bruce O’Connor.
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*(t)10.13(c)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and
Ronald F. Williams.
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*(t)10.13(d)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and
Richard M. Risoldi.
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*(t)10.13(e)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and
Kenneth J. Quinn.
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*(t)10.13(f)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and James
P. Garrett.
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*(t)10.13(g)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Tidewater Utilities, Inc. and
Gerard L. Esposito.
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*(t)10.13(h)
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Change
in Control Termination Agreement between Middlesex Water Company and
Bernadette M. Sohler.
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
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Document
Description
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Previous
Registration
No.
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Filing’s
Exhibit
No.
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10.14
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Copy
of Transmission Agreement, dated October 16, 1992, between the Company and
the Township of East Brunswick.
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33-54922
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10.23
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10.15
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Copy
of Supplemental Indentures, dated September 1, 1993, (Series S & T)
and January 1, 1994, (Series V), between the Company and United Counties
Trust Company, as Trustee, filed as Exhibit No. 10.22 of 1993 Form
10-K.
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10.16
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Copy
of Trust Indentures, dated September 1, 1993, (Series S & T) and
January 1, 1994, (Series V), between the New Jersey Economic Development
Authority and First Fidelity Bank (Series S & T), as Trustee, and
Midlantic National Bank (Series V), as Trustee, filed as Exhibit No. 10.23
of 1993 Form 10-K.
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10.17
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 1998 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee. Copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 1998 between the New Jersey and Middlesex
Water Company (Series X), filed as Exhibit No. 10.22 of the 1998 Third
Quarter Form 10-Q.
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10.18
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 1998 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee. Copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 1998 between the State of New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust and Middlesex Water Company (Series Y),
filed as Exhibit No. 10.23 of the 1998 Third Quarter Form
10-Q.
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10.19
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Copy
of Operation, Maintenance and Management Services Agreement dated January
1, 1999 between the Company City of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County
Improvement Authority and Utility Service Affiliates, Inc.
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333-66727
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10.24
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10.20
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 1999 between
Middlesex Water Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee and copy
of Loan Agreement dated November 1, 1999 between the State of New Jersey
and Middlesex Water Company (Series Z), filed as Exhibit No. 10.25 of the
1999 Form 10-K.
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10.21
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 1999 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 1999 between the New Jersey Environmental
Infrastructure Trust and Middlesex Water Company (Series AA), filed as
Exhibit No. 10.26 of the 1999 Form 10-K.
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
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Document
Description
|
Previous
Registration
No.
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Filing’s
Exhibit
No.
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10.22
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2001 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 2001 between the State of New Jersey and
Middlesex Water Company (Series BB). Filed as Exhibit No. 10.22
of the 2001 Form 10-K.
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10.23
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2001 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 2001 between the New Jersey Environmental
Infrastructure Trust and Middlesex Water Company (Series
CC). Filed as Exhibit No. 10.22 of the 2001 Form
10-K.
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10.24
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated January 15, 2002 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated January 1, 2002 between the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and Middlesex Water Company (Series DD), filed as
Exhibit No. 10.24 of the 2001 Form 10-K.
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10.25
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated March 1, 1998 between Middlesex Water
Company and First Union National Bank, as Trustee. Copy of
Trust Indenture dated March 1, 1998 between the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and PNC Bank, National Association, as Trustee
(Series W), filed as Exhibit No. 10.21 of the 1998 Third Quarter Form
10-Q.
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10.26
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2004 between Middlesex Water
Company and Wachovia Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan Agreement dated
November 1, 2004 between the State of New Jersey and Middlesex Water
Company (Series EE), filed as Exhibit No. 10.26 of the 2004 Form
10-K.
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10.27
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2004 between Middlesex Water
Company and Wachovia Bank, as Trustee and copy of Loan Agreement dated
November 1, 2004 between the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust
and Middlesex Water Company (Series FF), filed as Exhibit No. 10.27 of the
2004 Form 10-K.
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10.29
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Copy
of Supply Agreement, between the Company and the City of Rahway, filed as
Exhibit No. 10.2 of 2006 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
|
Document
Description
|
Previous
Registration
No.
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Filing’s
Exhibit
No.
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10.30
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2006 between Middlesex Water
Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 2006 between the State of New Jersey and
Middlesex Water Company (Series GG), filed as Exhibit No. 10.30 of the
2006 Form 10-K.
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10.31
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Copy
of Supplemental Indenture dated October 15, 2006 between Middlesex Water
Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and copy of Loan
Agreement dated November 1, 2006 between the New Jersey Environmental
Infrastructure Trust and Middlesex Water Company (Series HH), filed as
Exhibit No. 10.31 of the 2006 Form 10-K.
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10.32
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Copy
of Loan Agreement By and Between New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure
Trust and Middlesex Water Company dated as of November 1, 2007 (Series
II), filed as Exhibit No. 10.32 of the 2007 Form 10-K.
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10.33
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Copy
of Loan Agreement By and Between The State of New Jersey, Acting By and
Through The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and
Middlesex Water Company dated as of November 1, 2007 (Series JJ), filed as
Exhibit 10.33 of the 2007 Form 10-K.
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*10.34
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Copy
of Loan Agreement By and Between New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure
Trust and Middlesex Water Company dated as of November 1, 2008 (Series
KK).
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*10.35
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Copy
of Loan Agreement By and Between The State of New Jersey, Acting By and
Through The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and
Middlesex Water Company dated as of November 1, 2008 (Series
LL).
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*21
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Middlesex
Water Company Subsidiaries.
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*23.1
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Consent
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Beard Miller Company
LLP.
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*31
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Section
302 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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*31.1
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Section
302 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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*32
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Section
906 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to 18
U.S.C.§1350.
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*32.1
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Section
906 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to 18
U.S.C.§1350.
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60
Exhibit
10.13(a)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
Dennis W.
Doll, residing at 15 Edward Avenue, Monroe, New Jersey 08831(referred to as
“You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31 afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ J. Richard
Tompkins
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J.
Richard Tompkins
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Chairman
of the Board
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.13(b)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
A. Bruce
O’Connor, residing at 32 Buckingham Way, Freehold, New Jersey 07728, (referred
to as “You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ A. Bruce
O’Connor
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A.
Bruce O’Connor
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.13(c)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
Ronald F.
Williams, residing at 11 Peacock Court, Trenton, New Jersey 08619 (referred to
as “You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
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1.
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Term
of Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as
of
|
January
1, 2009 and shall continue in effect through December 31,
2009. However, commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one
(1) additional year unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the
Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be
proposed to occur or have occurred during the original or any extended term of
this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination
of employment with the Company or its successor or when all amounts due under
this Agreement following a termination have been paid, whichever is
later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was performed by You prior to the Change in
Control (other than any such failure resulting from your Disability or any such
actual or anticipated failure after the issuance by You of a Notice of
Termination for Good Reason as defined herein) after a written demand for
substantial performance is delivered to You by the Board, which demand
specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that You have not
substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the
Change in
Control where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control;
or (ii) as such status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the
Company, or (iii) which are a substantial adverse alteration in the nature or
status of your responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the
Change in Control of the Company whichever is applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the
Change in
Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the Company generally
at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to continue to provide
You with a Company automobile or allowance in lieu of it at the time of the
Change in Control of the Company, (iii) the taking of any action by the Company
that would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or
deprive You of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the
Change in Control of the Company, or (iv) the failure by the Company to provide
You with the number of paid vacation days to which You are entitled on the basis
of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal
vacation policy in effect at the time of the Change in Control of the
Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less
than 30
days, and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not
be less than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the Notice of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ Ronald
Williams
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Ronald
F. Williams
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.13(d)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
Richard
M. Risoldi, residing at 11 Lohli Drive, Hamilton Square, New Jersey 08690,
(referred to as “You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of
January
1, 2009 and shall continue in effect through December 31,
2009. However, commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ Richard M.
Risoldi
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Richard
M. Risoldi
|
Page 11 of
11
Exhibit
10.13(e)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and Kenneth J. Quinn, residing
at 224 Stonehurst Boulevard, Freehold, New Jersey 07728, (referred to as “You”
in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
|
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Dennis
W. Doll
|
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President
|
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Ronald
Williams
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Ronald
F. Williams
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Assistant
Secretary
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.13(f)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
James P.
Garrett, residing at 10 Oakmont Lane, Jackson, New Jersey 08527, (referred to as
“You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ James P.
Garrett
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James
P. Garrett
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.13(g)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and
Gerard L.
Esposito, residing at 18 Victoria Drive, Milford, Delaware 19963, (referred to
as “You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by
You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief that your action or
omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, You shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to You and an opportunity for You, together with your counsel,
to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the
Board You were guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of
this Section and specifying the particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ Gerard L.
Esposito
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Gerard
L. Esposito
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Page 11 of
11
Exhibit
10.13(h)
CHANGE
IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This
Change in Control Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of
January 1, 2009, between Middlesex Water Company, a New Jersey corporation, with
its principal place of business located at 1500 Ronson Road, P.O. Box 1500,
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0452, (the “Company”), and Bernadette M. Sohler,
residing at 62 Timberlane Drive, Colonia, New Jersey 07067, (referred to as
“You” in this Agreement).
Recitals
A. The
Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to
foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this
connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that,
as is the case with many publicly held Companies, the possibility of a Change in
Control may exist. This possibility, and the uncertainty and
questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or
distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its
stockholders.
B. The
Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and
encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s
management, including You, to the assigned duties without distraction in the
face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a
Change in Control of the Company.
C. To
induce You to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration of your
agreement set forth below, the Company agrees that You shall receive the
severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event your employment with
the Company is terminated by the Company, or is terminated by You for “Good
Reason” as defined herein in connection with a “Change in Control of the
Company” (as defined in Section 2 below) under the circumstances described
below. This Agreement is meant to supersede any other specific
written agreements that may have been entered into between yourself and the
Company concerning termination of employment.
Therefore,
in consideration of your continued employment and the parties’ agreement to be
bound by the terms contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1.
Term of
Agreement
. This Agreement shall commence as of January 1, 2009
and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009. However,
commencing on December 31, 2009, and each December 31
afterwards,
the term
of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year
unless, no later than the preceding November 1st, the Company shall have given
notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Change in Control of the Company shall be proposed to occur or
have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until your termination of employment with the
Company or its successor or when all amounts due under this Agreement following
a termination have been paid, whichever is later.
2.
Change In
Control
. No benefits shall be payable under this Agreement
unless there shall have been a Change in Control of the Company, as set forth
herein. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the
Company shall be deemed to occur if any party or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 20 percent or more of the voting shares of the Company; or if
shareholder approval is obtained for a transaction involving the acquisition of
the Company through the purchase or exchange of the stock or assets of the
Company by merger or otherwise; or if one-third or more of the Board elected in
a 12-month period or less are so elected without the approval of a majority of
the Board as constituted at the beginning of such period; or a liquidation or
dissolution of Company.
3.
Termination
Following Change In Control
. If any of the events described in
Section 2 above constituting a Change in Control of the Company shall have
occurred, then unless the termination is (A) because of your death, Disability
or Retirement, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by You other than for Good
Reason, on the subsequent termination of your employment during the term of this
Agreement, You shall be entitled to the severance benefits provided in Section
4.3 below if such termination occurs on or before the third (3
rd
)
anniversary of the Change in Control date .
3.1
Disability;
Retirement
. If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, You shall have been absent from the full-time performance of
your duties with the Company for 6 consecutive months, and within 30 days after
written notice of termination is given You shall not have returned to the
full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for
"Disability." Termination of your employment by the Company or You
due to your "Retirement" shall mean termination in accordance with the Company's
retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its
salaried employees or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established
with your consent with respect to You.
3.2
Cause
. Termination
by the Company of your employment for "Cause" shall mean termination as a result
of:
3.2.1 The
willful and continued failure by You to substantially perform your duties with
the Company as such employment was
performed
by You prior to the Change in Control (other than any such failure resulting
from your Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance by You of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason as defined herein)
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to You by the
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that You have not substantially performed your duties; or
3.2.2
The willful act by You
in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, and
which the Board deems to cause or will cause substantial economic damage to the
Company or injury to the business reputation of the Company, monetarily or
otherwise. For purposes of this Section, no act, or failure to act,
on your part shall be deemed “willful
”
unless done, or
omitted to be done, by You not in good faith and without a reasonable belief
that your action or omission was in the best interest of the
Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, You shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to You a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less
than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the
Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to You and an
opportunity for You, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Board),
finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board You were guilty of conduct
set forth above in clauses 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 of this Section and specifying the
particulars in detail.
3.3
Good
Reason
. You shall be entitled to receive severance benefits as
provided in this Agreement if You terminate your employment with the Company for
“Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall
mean, without your consent, the occurrence in connection with a Change in
Control of the Company of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case
of Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, or 3.3.8, the circumstances are fully
corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of
Termination, as defined in Sections 3.5 and 3.4, respectively, given in respect
of them. If You terminate your employment with the Company for Good
Reason, as provided below, your employment with the Company shall be considered
to have been involuntarily terminated by the Company:
3.3.1 The
assignment to You of any significant employment duties which are inconsistent
with your status and position (i) prior to the Change in Control where such
change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control; or (ii) as such
status exists immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iii) which are a
substantial
adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company whichever is
applicable;
3.3.2
A reduction by the
Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the initial date of this
Agreement, or as same may be increased from time to time irrespective of future
Company policies including any across-the-board salary reductions similarly
affecting all key employees of the Company;
3.3.3
Your relocation, without
your consent, to an employment location not within twenty-five (25) miles of
your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company's
business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel
obligations;
3.3.4
The failure by the
Company, without your consent, to pay to You any part of your current
compensation, or to pay to You any part of an installment of deferred
compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within
fourteen (14) days of the date the compensation is due;
3.3.5
The failure by the
Company to continue in effect any bonus to which You were entitled, or any
compensation plan in which You participate (i) prior to the Change in Control
where such change is a direct result of any pending Change in Control, or (ii)
immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company that is material to
your total compensation, including but not limited to the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan, 401(k) Plan, and Benefit Plans, or any substitute plans adopted
prior to the Change in Control of the Company, unless an equitable arrangement
(embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with
respect to the plan, or the failure by the Company to continue your
participation in it (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not
materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and
the level of your participation relative to other participants, as existed at
the time of the Change in Control;
3.3.6
The failure by the
Company to continue to provide You with (i) benefits substantially similar to
those enjoyed by You under any of the Company's life insurance, medical, health
and accident, or disability plans in which You were participating at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company was in effect for the employees of the
Company generally at the time of the Change in Control, (ii) the failure to
continue to provide You with a Company automobile
or
allowance in lieu of it at the time of the Change in Control of the Company,
(iii) the taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly
materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive You of any material fringe
benefit enjoyed by You at the time of the Change in Control of the Company, or
(iv) the failure by the Company to provide You with the number of paid vacation
days to which You are entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company
in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of
the Change in Control of the Company;
3.3.7
The failure of the
Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and
agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 of this Agreement;
or
3.3.8
Any purported
termination of your employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of
Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 3.4 below (and, if
applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2 above); for purposes of this
Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.
3.4
Notice of
Termination
. Any purported termination of your employment by
the Company or by You shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to
the other party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6 of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in
this Agreement relied on, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment
under the provision so indicated. Your rights to terminate your
employment pursuant to this Section shall not be affected by your incapacity due
to Disability. Your continued employment shall not constitute consent
to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good
Reason under this Agreement. In the event You deliver Notice of
Termination based on circumstances set forth in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.6,
3.3.7, or 3.3.8 above, which are fully corrected prior to the Date of
Termination set forth in your Notice of Termination, the Notice of Termination
shall be deemed withdrawn and of no further force or effect.
3.5
Date of
Termination, etc
. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is
given (provided that You shall not have returned to the full-time performance of
your duties during such 30-day period), and (B) if your employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 above or for any other reason (other than
Disability), the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case
of a termination pursuant to Section 3.2 above shall not be less than 30 days,
and in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall not be less
than 15 nor more than 60 days, respectively, from the date the
Notice
of
Termination is given). However, if within 15 days after any Notice of
Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Date of Termination (as
determined without regard to this provision), the party receiving the Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the
termination, then the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute
is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a
binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order, or decree of a court
of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the
time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected). The
Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if the notice
is given in good faith and the party giving the notice pursues the resolution of
the dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency
of any such dispute, the Company will continue to pay You your full compensation
in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but
not limited to, base salary) and continue You as a participant in all
compensation, benefit, and insurance plans in which You were participating when
the notice giving rise to the dispute was given, until the dispute is finally
resolved in accordance with this Section. Amounts paid under this
Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this
Agreement.
4.
Compensation
on Termination or During Disability
. Following a Change in
Control of the Company, as defined by Section 2, on termination of your
employment or during a period of Disability You shall be entitled to the
following benefits:
4.1
During any period that
You fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of
incapacity due to Disability, You shall continue to receive your base salary at
the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all
amounts payable to You under any compensation plan of the Company during the
period, until this Agreement is terminated pursuant to section 3.1
above. Thereafter, or in the event your employment shall be
terminated by the Company or by You for Retirement, or by reason of your death,
your benefits shall be determined under the Company's retirement, insurance, and
other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of those
programs.
4.2 If
your employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by You other
than for Good Reason, Disability, death, or Retirement, the Company shall pay
You your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts and benefits
to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of the Company at the time
the payments are due. The Company shall have no obligations to You
under this Agreement.
4.3 On
or before the third anniversary of the Change in Control, if your employment by
the Company shall be terminated (a) by the Company other than for Cause,
Retirement or Disability, or (b) by You for Good Reason (as defined in Section
3.3 herein), then You shall be entitled to the benefits provided
below:
4.3.1 The
Company shall pay You your full salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other
amounts and benefits to which You are entitled under any compensation plan of
the Company, at the time the payments are due, except as otherwise provided
below.
4.3.2
In lieu of any further
salary payments to You for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to You, as severance pay the following: (i) a lump
sum severance payment equal to three (3) times the average of your Compensation
for the five (5) years prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise
to the Notice of Termination (or if employed less than 5 years, the average
annualized compensation of the period worked to date), plus (ii) the amounts in
the forms set forth in paragraphs 4.3.3, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 (the “Severance
Payments”). In addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall
pay to You an additional amount equal to the amount of the Excise Tax, if
any, that is due or determined to be due under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, resulting from the Severance Payments
or any other payments under this Agreement or any other agreement between You
and the Company and an amount sufficient to pay the taxes on any such Excise
Taxes (the “Gross-up”).
4.3.3
The Company shall
continue coverage for You and your dependents under any health or welfare
benefit plan under which You and your dependents were participating prior to the
Change in Control for a period ending on the
earlier
to occur of
(i) the date You become covered by a new employer’s health and welfare benefit
plan, (ii) the date You become covered by Medicare, or (iii) the date which is
thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination. The coverage for
your dependents shall end earlier than (i), (ii) or (iii) if required by the
health or welfare benefit plan due to age eligibility.
4.3.4
The Company shall pay to
You any deferred compensation, including, but not limited to deferred bonuses,
allocated or credited to You or your account as of the Date of
Termination.
4.3.5
Outstanding stock
options or Restricted Stock grants, if any, granted to You under the Company's
Stock Plans which are not vested on Termination shall immediately
vest.
4.3.6
Where You shall prevail
in any action against the Company to recover benefits hereunder, the Company
shall also pay to You all reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses
incurred by You as a result of the termination, including all such fees and
expenses incurred by You as a result of the termination, (including all such
fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any termination
or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement or in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent
attributable to the application of Code Section 4999 to any payment or benefit
provided under this Agreement) or any other agreement with the
Company.
4.3.7
The amount of Severance
Payments and any Gross-up due to You under this or any other relevant agreement
with the Company shall be determined by a third party agreed to by You and the
Company. If You cannot agree on a third party, then both third
parties shall determine the amounts due under this Agreement. If the
third parties do not agree on the amount to be paid to You, then either party
may submit the calculation of the amounts which are in dispute to Arbitration in
accordance with this Agreement. The payments provided for in
Paragraphs 4.3.2, 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 above, shall be made no later than the
thirtieth (30
th
) day
following the Date of Termination. However, if the amounts of the
payments cannot be finally determined on or before that day, the Company shall
pay to You on that day an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company,
of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay the remainder of those
payments (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B)
of the Code) as soon as the amount can be determined but in no event later than
the 30th day after the Date of Termination. In the event that the
amount of the estimated payments exceeds the amount subsequently determined to
have been due, the excess shall constitute a loan by the Company to You payable
on the 30th day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
4.4 For
purposes of this Agreement, “Compensation” shall mean the gross earnings
reported on Form W-2 during a calendar year (which may include but is not
limited to the value of the personal use of an automobile, any third-party sick
pay, and any fees paid to You for serving as a Director of the Company or
its
subsidiaries);
awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan or other equity awards; and
Company contributions to your 401(k) account.
4.5
You shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or
benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by
You as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by
offset against any amount claimed to be owed by You to the Company, or otherwise
except as specifically provided in this Section 4.
4.6
In addition to all other
amounts payable to You under this Section 4, You shall be entitled to receive
all qualified benefits payable to You under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Defined
Benefit Plan and any other plan or agreement relating to retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of those plans.
5.
Successors;
Binding Agreement
.
5.1
The Company will require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to
obtain the assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any succession
shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle You to compensation from
the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as You would have been
entitled to under this Agreement if You had terminated your employment for Good
Reason following a Change in Control of the Company, except that for purposes of
implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes
effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.
5.2
This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, and
legatees. If You should die while any amount would still be payable
to You if You had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
in this Agreement, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your
estate.
6.
Notice
. For
the purpose of this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for
in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to
the
respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided
that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board
with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either
party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance this Agreement,
except that notice of a change of address shall be effective only on
receipt.
7.
Miscellaneous
7.1
No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless the waiver,
modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by You and such
officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.
7.2
No waiver by either
party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
7.3
No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement have been made by either party that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7.4
Nothing in this
Agreement is intended to reduce any benefits payable to You under any other
agreement You may have with the Company or in any Company plan in which You may
participate.
7.5
The validity,
interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be
governed by the law of New Jersey without reference to its conflict of laws
principles.
7.6
All references to
sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for
shall be paid net of any applicable withholding or deduction required under
federal, state or local law.
7.7
The obligations of the
Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
8.
Validity
. The
validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.
9.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
10.
Arbitration
. Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall
be settled exclusively by arbitration in New Jersey in accordance with the rules
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
jurisdiction. However, You shall be entitled to seek specific
performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the
pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection this
Agreement.
11.
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements or understandings with respect to the subject
matter.
In
witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
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Dennis
W. Doll
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President
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ATTEST:
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/s/ Kenneth J.
Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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Secretary
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/s/ Bernadette M.
Sohler
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Bernadette
M. Sohler
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Page 11 of 11
Exhibit
10.34
LOAN
AGREEMENT
BY
AND BETWEEN
NEW
JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST
AND
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
DATED
AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2008
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Page
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ARTICLE
I
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DEFINITIONS
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SECTION
1.01. Definitions
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2
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ARTICLE
II
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REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
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SECTION
2.01. Representations of Borrower
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7
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SECTION
2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower
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11
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ARTICLE
III
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LOAN
TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
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SECTION
3.01. Loan; Loan Term
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20
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SECTION
3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds
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20
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SECTION
3.03. Amounts Payable
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21
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SECTION
3.03A.
A
mounts on Deposit in Project Loan
Account after Completion of Project Draws
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22
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SECTION
3.04. Unconditional Obligations
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23
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SECTION
3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Bond Resolution and Trust
Bonds
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24
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SECTION
3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and
Indemnification
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24
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SECTION
3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments
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25
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SECTION
3.08. Priority of Loan and Fund Loan
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26
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SECTION
3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State
Treasurer
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26
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ARTICLE
IV
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ASSIGNMENT
OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
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SECTION
4.01. Assignment and Transfer by Trust
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27
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SECTION
4.02. Assignment by Borrower
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27
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ARTICLE
V
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EVENTS
OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
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SECTION
5.01. Events of Default
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28
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SECTION
5.02. Notice of Default
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29
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SECTION
5.03. Remedies on Default
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29
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SECTION
5.04. Attorneys' Fees and Other Expenses
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29
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SECTION
5.05. Application of Moneys
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29
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SECTION
5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice
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30
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SECTION
5.07. Retention of Trust's Rights
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30
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ARTICLE
VI
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MISCELLANEOUS
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SECTION
6.01. Notices
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31
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SECTION
6.02. Binding Effect
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31
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SECTION
6.03. Severability
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31
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SECTION
6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications
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31
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SECTION
6.05. Execution in Counterparts
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32
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SECTION
6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations
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32
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SECTION
6.07. Consents and Approvals
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32
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SECTION
6.08. Captions
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32
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SECTION
6.09. Benefit of Loan Agreement; Compliance with Bond
Resolution
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32
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SECTION
6.10. Further Assurances
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32
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SCHEDULE
A
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Certain
Additional Loan Agreement Provisions
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S-1
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EXHIBIT
A
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(1)
Description of Project and Environmental Infrastructure
System
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A-1-1
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(2)
Description of Loan
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A-2-1
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EXHIBIT
B
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Basis
for Determination of Allowable Project Costs
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B-1
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EXHIBIT
C
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Estimated
Disbursement Schedule
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C-1
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EXHIBIT
D
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Specimen
Borrower Bond
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D-1
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EXHIBIT
E
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Opinions
of Borrower's Bond and General Counsels
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E-1
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EXHIBIT
F
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Additional
Covenants and Requirements
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F-1
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EXHIBIT
G
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General
Administrative Requirements for the State
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Environmental
Infrastructure Financing Program
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G-1
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EXHIBIT
H
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Form
of Continuing Disclosure Agreement
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H-1
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NEW
JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT
, made and
entered into as of this November 1, 2008, by and between the NEW JERSEY
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST, a public body corporate and politic with
corporate succession, and the Borrower (capitalized terms used in this Loan
Agreement shall have, unless the context otherwise requires, the meanings set
forth in said Section 1.01);
WITNESSETH
THAT:
WHEREAS
, the Trust, in
accordance with the Act, the Bond Resolution and a financial plan approved by
the State Legislature in accordance with Sections 22 and 22.1 of the Act, will
issue its Trust Bonds on or prior to the Loan Closing for the purpose of making
the Loan to the Borrower and the Loans to the Borrowers from the proceeds of the
Trust Bonds to finance a portion of the Costs of Environmental Infrastructure
Facilities;
WHEREAS
, the Borrower has, in
accordance with the Act and the Regulations, made timely application to the
Trust for a Loan to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS
, the State
Legislature, in accordance with Sections 20 and 20.1 of the Act, has in the form
of an appropriations act approved a project priority list that includes the
Project and that authorizes an expenditure of proceeds of the Trust Bonds to
finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS
, the Trust has
approved the Borrower's application for a Loan from available proceeds of the
Trust Bonds to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS
, in accordance with
the applicable Bond Act (as defined in the Fund Loan Agreement), and the
Regulations, the Borrower has been awarded a Fund Loan for a portion of the
Costs of the Project; and
WHEREAS
, the Borrower, in
accordance with the Act, the Regulations, the Business Corporation Law and all
other applicable law, will issue a Borrower Bond to the Trust evidencing said
Loan at the Loan Closing.
NOW, THEREFORE
, for and in
consideration of the award of the Loan by the Trust, the Borrower agrees to
complete the Project and to perform under this Loan Agreement in accordance with
the conditions, covenants and procedures set forth herein and attached hereto as
part hereof, as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION
1.01. Definitions.
(a) The following terms as used
in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise,
have the following meanings:
"Act"
means the "New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust Act", constituting Chapter 334 of the
Pamphlet Laws of 1985 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1
et seq.
), as the same may
from time to time be amended and supplemented.
"Administrative Fee"
means
that portion of Interest on the Loan or Interest on the Borrower Bond payable
hereunder as an annual fee of up to four-tenths of one percent (.40%) of the
initial principal amount of the Loan or such lesser amount, if any, as may be
authorized by any act of the State Legislature and as the Trust may approve from
time to time.
"Authorized Officer"
means, in
the case of the Borrower, any person or persons authorized pursuant to a
resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower to perform any act or
execute any document relating to the Loan, the Borrower Bond or this Loan
Agreement.
"Bond Counsel"
means a law
firm appointed or approved by the Trust, as the case may be, having a reputation
in the field of municipal law whose opinions are generally acceptable by
purchasers of municipal bonds.
"Borrower"
means the
corporation that is a party to and is described in Schedule A to this Loan
Agreement, and its successors and assigns.
"Borrower Bond"
means the
general obligation bond, note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness
authorized, executed, attested and delivered by the Borrower to the Trust and,
if applicable, authenticated on behalf of the Borrower to evidence the Loan, a
specimen of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D and made a part
hereof.
"Borrowers"
means any other
Local Government Unit or Private Entity (as such terms are defined in the
Regulations) authorized to construct, operate and maintain Environmental
Infrastructure Facilities that have entered into Loan Agreements with the Trust
pursuant to which the Trust will make Loans to such recipients from moneys on
deposit in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account.
"Business Corporation Law"
means the "New Jersey Business Corporation Act", constituting Chapter 263 of the
Pamphlet Laws of 1968 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 14A:1-1
et seq.
), as the same may
from time to time be amended and supplemented.
"Code"
means the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may from time to time be amended and
supplemented, including any regulations promulgated thereunder, any successor
code thereto and any administrative or judicial interpretations
thereof.
"Cost"
means those costs that
are eligible, reasonable, necessary, allocable to the Project and permitted by
generally accepted accounting principles, including Allowances and Building
Costs (as defined in the Regulations), as shall be determined on a
project-specific basis in accordance with the Regulations as set forth in
Exhibit B hereto, as the same may be amended by subsequent eligible costs as
evidenced by a certificate of an authorized officer of the Trust.
"Debt Service Reserve Fund"
means the Debt Service Reserve Fund, if any, as defined in the Bond
Resolution.
“Department”
means the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
"Environmental Infrastructure
Facilities"
means Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Stormwater Management
Facilities or Water Supply Facilities (as such terms are defined in the
Regulations).
"Environmental Infrastructure
System"
means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the
Borrower, including the Project, described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and
made a part hereof for which the Borrower is borrowing the Loan under this Loan
Agreement.
"Event of Default"
means any
occurrence or event specified in Section 5.01 hereof.
“Excess Project Funds”
shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03A hereof.
"Fund Loan"
means the loan
made to the Borrower by the State, acting by and through the Department,
pursuant to the Fund Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 2008 by and between
the Borrower and the State, acting by and through the Department, to finance or
refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project.
"Fund Loan Agreement"
means
the loan agreement dated as of November 1, 2008 by and between the Borrower and
the State, acting by and through the Department, regarding the terms and
conditions of the Fund Loan.
"Interest on the Loan"
or
"Interest on the Borrower
Bond"
means the sum of (i) the Interest Portion, (ii) the Administrative
Fee, and (iii) any late charges incurred hereunder.
"Interest Portion"
means that
portion of Interest on the Loan or Interest on the Borrower Bond payable
hereunder that is necessary to pay the Borrower's proportionate share of
interest on the Trust Bonds (i) as set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereof under the
column heading entitled "Interest", or (ii) with respect to any prepayment of
Trust Bond Loan Repayments in accordance with Section 3.07 or 5.03 hereof, to
accrue on any principal amount of Trust Bond Loan Repayments to the date of the
optional redemption or acceleration, as the case may be, of the Trust Bonds
allocable to such prepaid or accelerated Trust Bond Loan Repayment.
"Loan"
means the loan made by
the Trust to the Borrower to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the
Project pursuant to this Loan Agreement.
"Loan Agreement"
means this
Loan Agreement, including the Exhibits attached hereto, as it may be
supplemented, modified or amended from time to time in accordance with the terms
hereof and of the Bond Resolution.
"Loan Agreements"
means any
other loan agreements entered into by and between the Trust and one or more of
the Borrowers pursuant to which the Trust will make Loans to such Borrowers from
moneys on deposit in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account,
financed with the proceeds of the Trust Bonds.
"Loan Closing"
means the date
upon which the Trust shall issue and deliver the Trust Bonds and the Borrower
shall deliver its Borrower Bond, as previously authorized, executed, attested
and, if applicable, authenticated, to the Trust.
"Loan Repayments"
means the
sum of (i) Trust Bond Loan Repayments, (ii) the Administrative Fee, and (iii)
any late charges incurred hereunder.
"Loan Term"
means the term of
this Loan Agreement provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof and in Exhibit A-2
attached hereto and made a part hereof.
"Loans"
means the loans made
by the Trust to the Borrowers under the Loan Agreements from moneys on deposit
in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account.
"Master Program Trust
Agreement"
means that certain Master Program Trust Agreement, dated as of
November 1, 1995, by and among the Trust, the State, United States Trust Company
of New York, as Master Program Trustee thereunder, The Bank of New York (NJ), in
several capacities thereunder, and First Fidelity Bank, N.A. (predecessor to
Wachovia Bank, National Association), in several capacities thereunder, as
supplemented by that certain Agreement of Resignation of Outgoing Master Program
Trustee, Appointment of Successor Master Program Trustee and Acceptance
Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2001, by and among United States Trust
Company of New York, as Outgoing Master Program Trustee, State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A. (predecessor to U.S. Bank Trust National Association), as
Successor Master Program Trustee, and the Trust, as the same may be amended and
supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Official Statement"
means the
Official Statement relating to the issuance of the Trust Bonds.
"Preliminary Official
Statement"
means the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the
issuance of the Trust Bonds.
"Prime Rate"
means the
prevailing commercial interest rate announced by the Trustee from time to time
in the State as its prime lending rate.
"Project"
means the
Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower described in Exhibit A-1
attached hereto and made a part hereof, which constitutes a project for which
the Trust is permitted to make a loan to the Borrower pursuant to the Act, the
Regulations and the
Bond
Resolution, all or a portion of the Costs of which is financed or refinanced by
the Trust through the making of the Loan under this Loan Agreement and which may
be identified under either the Drinking Water or Clean Water Project Lists with
the Project Number specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto.
"Project Fund"
means the
Project Fund as defined in the Bond Resolution.
"Project Loan Account"
means
the project loan account established on behalf of the Borrower in the Project
Fund in accordance with the Bond Resolution to finance all or a portion of the
Costs of the Project.
"Regulations"
means the rules
and regulations, as applicable, now or hereafter promulgated under N.J.A.C.
7:22-3
et seq.
, 7:22-4
et seq.
, 7:22-5
et seq.
, 7:22-6
et seq.
, 7:22-7
et seq.
, 7:22-8
et seq.
, 7:22-9
et seq.
and 7:22-10
et seq.
, as the same may from
time to time be amended and supplemented.
"State"
means the State of New
Jersey.
"Trust"
means the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust, a public body corporate and politic with
corporate succession duly created and validly existing under and by virtue of
the Act.
"Trust Bond Loan Repayments"
means the repayments of the principal amount of the Loan plus the payment of any
premium associated with prepaying the principal amount of the Loan in accordance
with Section 3.07 hereof plus the Interest Portion.
"Trust Bonds"
means bonds
authorized by Section 2.03 of the Bond Resolution, together with any refunding
bonds authenticated, if applicable, and delivered pursuant to Section 2.04 of
the Bond Resolution, in each case issued in order to finance (i) the portion of
the Loan deposited in the Project Loan Account, (ii) the portion of the Loans
deposited in the balance of the Project Fund, (iii) any capitalized interest
related to such bonds, (iv) a portion of the costs of issuance related to such
bonds, and (v) that portion of the Debt Service Reserve Fund (to the extent the
Trust establishes a Debt Service Reserve Fund pursuant to the Bond Resolution),
if any, allocable to the Loan or Loans, as the case may be, a portion of which
includes the funding of reserve capacity, if applicable, for the Environmental
Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower or Borrowers, as the case may be, or
to refinance any or all of the above.
"Trustee"
means, initially,
The Bank of New York Mellon, the Trustee appointed by the Trust and its
successors as Trustee under the Bond Resolution, as provided in Article X of the
Bond Resolution.
(b) In
addition to the capitalized terms defined in subsection (a) of this Section
1.01, certain additional capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall,
unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to
such additional capitalized terms in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
(c) Except
as otherwise defined herein or where the context otherwise requires, words
importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa,
and words importing persons shall include firms, associations, corporations,
agencies and districts. Words importing one gender shall include the
other gender.
ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
SECTION
2.01. Representations of Borrower.
The Borrower
represents for the benefit of the Trust, the Trustee and the holders of the
Trust Bonds as follows:
(a)
Organization and
Authority
.
(i)
The
Borrower is a corporation duly created and validly existing under and pursuant
to the Constitution and statutes of the State, including the Business
Corporation Law.
(ii)
The
acting officers of the Borrower who are contemporaneously herewith performing or
have previously performed any action contemplated in this Loan Agreement either
are or, at the time any such action was performed, were the duly appointed or
elected officers of such Borrower empowered by applicable State law and, if
applicable, authorized by resolution of the Borrower to perform such
actions. To the extent any such action was performed by an officer no
longer the duly acting officer of such Borrower, all such actions previously
taken by such officer are still in full force and effect.
(iii)
The
Borrower has full legal right and authority and all necessary licenses and
permits required as of the date hereof to own, operate and maintain its
Environmental Infrastructure System, to carry on its activities relating
thereto, to execute, attest and deliver this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond, to authorize the authentication of the Borrower Bond, to sell the Borrower
Bond to the Trust, to undertake and complete the Project and to carry out and
consummate all transactions contemplated by this Loan
Agreement.
(iv)
The
proceedings of the Borrower's board of directors approving this Loan Agreement
and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of
this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the sale of the Borrower
Bond to the Trust, authorizing the authentication of the Borrower Bond on behalf
of the Borrower and authorizing the Borrower to undertake and complete the
Project, including, without limitation, the Borrower Bond Resolution
(collectively, the "Proceedings"), have been duly and lawfully adopted in
accordance with the Business Corporation Law and other applicable State law at a
meeting or meetings that were duly called and held in accordance with the
Borrower By-Laws and at which quorums were present and acting
throughout.
(v)
By
official action of the Borrower taken prior to or concurrent with the execution
and delivery hereof, including, without limitation, the Proceedings, the
Borrower has duly authorized, approved and consented to all necessary action to
be taken by the Borrower for: (A) the execution, attestation,
delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby; (B) the issuance of the
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Borrower
Bond and the sale thereof to the Trust upon the terms set forth herein;
(C) the approval of the inclusion, if such inclusion is deemed necessary
in the sole discretion of the Trust, in the Preliminary Official Statement
and the Official Statement of all statements and information relating to
the Borrower set forth in "APPENDIX B" thereto (the "Borrower Appendices")
and any amendment thereof or supplement thereto; and (D) the execution,
delivery and due performance of any and all other certificates, agreements
and instruments that may be required to be executed, delivered and
performed by the Borrower in order to carry out, give effect to and
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement,
including, without limitation, the designation of the Borrower Appendices
portion of the Preliminary Official Statement, if any, as "deemed final"
for the purposes and within the meaning of Rule 15c2-12 ("Rule 15c2-12")
of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or supplemented, including any
successor regulation or statute
thereto.
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(vi)
This Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond have each been duly authorized by the Borrower
and duly executed, attested and delivered by Authorized Officers of the
Borrower, and the Borrower Bond has been duly sold by the Borrower to the Trust,
duly authenticated by the trustee or paying agent, if applicable, under the
Borrower Bond Resolution and duly issued by the Borrower in accordance with the
terms of the Borrower Bond Resolution; and assuming that the Trust has all the
requisite power and authority to authorize, execute, attest and deliver, and has
duly authorized, executed, attested and delivered, this Loan Agreement, and
assuming further that this Loan Agreement is the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance with its
terms, each of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower
in accordance with its respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may
be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws or the application by a
court of legal or equitable principles affecting creditors' rights; and the
information contained under "Description of Loan" in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto
and made a part hereof is true and accurate in all respects.
(b)
Full
Disclosure
. There is no fact that the Borrower has not
disclosed to the Trust in writing on the Borrower's application for the Loan or
otherwise that materially adversely affects or (so far as the Borrower can now
foresee) that will materially adversely affect the properties, activities,
prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its
Environmental Infrastructure System, or the ability of the Borrower to make all
Loan Repayments and any other payments required under this Loan Agreement or
otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and
agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(c)
Pending
Litigation
. There are no proceedings pending or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower in any
court or before any governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal
that, if adversely determined, would materially adversely affect (i) the
undertaking or completion of the Project, (ii) the properties, activities,
prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its
Environmental
Infrastructure
System, (iii) the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments or any
other payments required under this Loan Agreement, (iv) the authorization,
execution, attestation or delivery of this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond,
(v) the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the Trust, (vi)
the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, or (vii) the Borrower's ability
otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and
agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, which proceedings
have not been previously disclosed in writing to the Trust either in the
Borrower's application for the Loan or otherwise.
(d)
Compliance with Existing
Laws and Agreements
. (i) The authorization, execution,
attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond by the
Borrower, (ii) the authentication of the Borrower Bond by the trustee or paying
agent under the Borrower Bond Resolution, as the case may be, and the sale of
the Borrower Bond to the Trust, (iii) the adoption of the Borrower Bond
Resolution, (iv) the observation and performance by the Borrower of its duties,
covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder and thereunder, (v) the
consummation of the transactions provided for in this Loan Agreement, the
Borrower Bond Resolution and the Borrower Bond, and (vi) the undertaking and
completion of the Project will not (A) other than the lien, charge or
encumbrance created hereby, by the Borrower Bond, by the Borrower Bond
Resolution and by any other outstanding debt obligations of the Borrower that
are at parity with the Borrower Bond as to lien on, and source and security for
payment thereon from, the revenues of the Borrower's Environmental
Infrastructure System, result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge
or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, (B)
result in any breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or (C)
constitute a default under, any existing resolution, outstanding debt or lease
obligation, trust agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement
or other instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower,
its Environmental Infrastructure System or any of its properties or assets may
be bound, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the
charter or other document pursuant to which the Borrower was established or any
laws, ordinances, injunctions, judgments, decrees, rules, regulations or
existing orders of any court or governmental or administrative agency, authority
or person to which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its
properties or operations is subject.
(e)
No
Defaults
. No event has occurred and no condition exists that,
upon the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale
thereof to the Trust, the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution or the
receipt of the amount of the Loan, would constitute an Event of Default
hereunder. The Borrower is not in violation of, and has not received
notice of any claimed violation of, any term of any agreement or other
instrument to which it is a party or by which it, its Environmental
Infrastructure System or its properties may be bound, which violation would
materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments, to pay all
other amounts due hereunder or otherwise to observe and perform its duties,
covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond.
(f)
Governmental
Consent
. The Borrower has obtained all permits and approvals
required to date by any governmental body or officer for the authorization,
execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond, for the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the Trust,
for the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, for the making, observance and
performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements
under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond and for the undertaking or
completion of the Project and the financing or refinancing thereof, including,
but not limited to, if required, the approval by the New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities (the "BPU") of the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to
the Trust, as required by Section 9a of the Act, and any other approvals
required therefor by the BPU; and the Borrower has complied with all applicable
provisions of law requiring any notification, declaration, filing or
registration with any governmental body or officer in connection with the
making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond or
with the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or
refinancing thereof. No consent, approval or authorization of, or
filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental body or officer
that has not been obtained is required on the part of the Borrower as a
condition to the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale
thereof to the Trust, the undertaking or completion of the Project or the
consummation of any transaction herein contemplated.
(g)
Compliance with
Law
. The Borrower:
(i)
is in
compliance with all laws, ordinances, governmental rules and regulations to
which it is subject, the failure to comply with which would materially adversely
affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake
or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan
Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System; and
(ii)
has
obtained all licenses, permits, franchises or other governmental authorizations
presently necessary for the ownership of its properties or for the conduct of
its activities that, if not obtained, would materially adversely affect (A) the
ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete
the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to
pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System.
(h)
Use of
Proceeds
. The Borrower will apply the proceeds of the Loan
from the Trust as described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof
(i) to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Borrower's Project;
and (ii) where applicable, to reimburse the Borrower for a portion of the Costs
of the Borrower's Project, which portion was paid or incurred in anticipation of
reimbursement by the Trust and is eligible for such reimbursement under and
pursuant to the Regulations, the Code and any other applicable
law. All of such costs constitute Costs for which the Trust is
authorized to make Loans to the Borrower pursuant to the Act and the
Regulations.
(i)
Official
Statement
. The descriptions and information set forth in the
Borrower Appendices, if any, contained in the Official Statement relating to the
Borrower, its operations and the transactions contemplated hereby, as of the
date of the Official Statement, were and, as of the date of delivery hereof, are
true and correct in all material respects, and did not and do not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact that is
necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(j)
Preliminary Official
Statement
. As of the date of the Preliminary Official
Statement, the descriptions and information set forth in the Borrower
Appendices, if any, contained in the Preliminary Official Statement relating to
the Borrower, its operations and the transactions contemplated hereby (i) were
"deemed final" by the Borrower for the purposes and within the meaning of Rule
15c2-12 and (ii) were true and correct in all material respects, and did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
SECTION 2.02. Particular
Covenants of Borrower.
(a)
Promise to
Pay
. The Borrower unconditionally and irrevocably promises, in
accordance with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond
Resolution, to make punctual payment of the principal and redemption premium, if
any, of the Loan and the Borrower Bond, the Interest on the Loan, the Interest
on the Borrower Bond and all other amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the
Borrower Bond according to their respective terms.
(b)
Performance Under Loan
Agreement; Rates
. The Borrower covenants and agrees (i) to
comply with all applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations in the
performance of this Loan Agreement; (ii) to maintain its Environmental
Infrastructure System in good repair and operating condition; (iii) to cooperate
with the Trust in the observance and performance of the respective duties,
covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower and the Trust under this
Loan Agreement; and (iv) to establish, levy and collect rents, rates and other
charges for the products and services provided by its Environmental
Infrastructure System, which rents, rates and other charges shall be at least
sufficient to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained in, and all
other provisions of, any bond resolution, trust indenture or other security
agreement, if any, relating to any bonds, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness issued or to be issued by the Borrower, including without
limitation rents, rates and other charges, together with other available moneys,
sufficient to pay the principal of and Interest on the Borrower Bond, plus all
other amounts due hereunder.
(c)
Borrower Bond; No Prior
Liens
. Except for (i) the Borrower Bond, (ii) any bonds or notes at
parity with the Borrower Bond and currently outstanding or issued on the date
hereof, (iii) any future bonds or notes of the Borrower issued under the
Borrower Bond Resolution at parity with the Borrower Bond, and (iv) any
Permitted Encumbrances (as defined in the Borrower Bond Resolution), the assets
of the Borrower that are subject to the Borrower Bond
Resolution
are and will be free and clear of any pledge, lien, charge or encumbrance
thereon or with respect thereto prior to, or of equal rank with, the Borrower
Bond, and all corporate or other action on the part of the Borrower to that end
has been and will be duly and validly taken.
(d)
Completion of Project and
Provision of Moneys Therefor
. The Borrower covenants and
agrees (i) to exercise its best efforts in accordance with prudent environmental
infrastructure utility practice to complete the Project and to accomplish such
completion on or before the estimated Project completion date set forth in
Exhibit G hereto and made a part hereof; (ii) to comply with the terms and
provisions contained in Exhibit G hereto; and (iii) to provide from its own
fiscal resources all moneys, in excess of the total amount of loan proceeds it
receives under the Loan and Fund Loan, required to complete the
Project.
(e) See
Section 2.02(e) as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, made a part hereof
and incorporated in this Section 2.02(e) by reference as if set forth in full
herein.
(f)
Exclusion of Interest from
Federal Gross Income and Compliance with Code
.
(i)
The
Borrower covenants and agrees that it shall not take any action or omit to take
any action that would result in the loss of the exclusion of the interest on any
Trust Bonds now or hereafter issued from gross income for purposes of federal
income taxation as that status is governed by Section 103(a) of the
Code.
(ii)
The
Borrower shall not directly or indirectly use or permit the use of any proceeds
of the Trust Bonds (or amounts replaced with such proceeds) or any other funds
or take any action or omit to take any action that would cause the Trust Bonds
(assuming solely for this purpose that the proceeds of the Trust Bonds loaned to
the Borrower represent all of the proceeds of the Trust Bonds) to be "arbitrage
bonds" within the meaning of Section 148(a) of the Code.
(iii)
The
Borrower shall not directly or indirectly use or permit the use of any proceeds
of the Trust Bonds to pay the principal of or the interest or redemption premium
on or any other amount in connection with the retirement or redemption of any
issue of state or local governmental obligations ("refinancing of
indebtedness"), unless the Borrower shall (A) establish to the satisfaction of
the Trust, prior to the issuance of the Trust Bonds, that such refinancing of
indebtedness will not adversely affect the exclusion from gross income for
federal income tax purposes of the interest on the Trust Bonds, and (B) provide
to the Trust an opinion of Bond Counsel to that effect in form and substance
satisfactory to the Trust.
(iv)
The
Borrower shall not directly or indirectly use or permit the use of any proceeds
of the Trust Bonds to reimburse the Borrower for an expenditure with respect to
Costs of the Borrower's Project paid by the Borrower prior to the issuance of
the Trust Bonds, unless (A) the allocation by the Borrower of the proceeds of
the Trust Bonds to reimburse such expenditure complies with the requirements of
Treasury Regulations §1.150-2 necessary to enable the reimbursement allocation
to be treated as an expenditure of the proceeds of the Trust Bonds for purposes
of applying Sections 103 and 141-150,
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inclusive,
of the Code, or (B) such proceeds of the Trust Bonds will be used for
refinancing of indebtedness that was used to pay Costs of the Borrower's
Project or to reimburse the Borrower for expenditures with respect to
Costs of the Borrower's Project paid by the Borrower prior to the issuance
of such indebtedness in accordance with a reimbursement allocation for
such expenditures that complies with the requirements of Treasury
Regulations §1.150-2.
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(v)
The
Borrower shall not directly or indirectly use or permit the use of any proceeds
of the Trust Bonds to pay any costs which are not Costs of the Borrower's
Project that constitute a "capital expenditure," within the meaning of Treasury
Regulations §1.150-1.
(vi)
The
Borrower shall not use the proceeds of the Trust Bonds (assuming solely for this
purpose that the proceeds of the Trust Bonds loaned to the Borrower represent
all of the proceeds of the Trust Bonds) in any manner that would cause the Trust
Bonds to be considered "federally guaranteed" within the meaning of Section
149(b) of the Code or "hedge bonds" within the meaning of Section 149(g) of the
Code.
(vii)
The Borrower
shall not issue any debt obligations that (A) are sold at substantially the same
time as the Trust Bonds and finance or refinance the Loan made to the Borrower,
(B) are sold pursuant to the same plan of financing as the Trust Bonds and
finance or refinance the Loan made to the Borrower, and (C) are reasonably
expected to be paid out of substantially the same source of funds as the Trust
Bonds and finance or refinance the Loan made to the Borrower.
(viii)
Neither
the Borrower nor any "related party" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations
§1.150-1) shall purchase Trust Bonds in an amount related to the amount of the
Loan.
(ix)
The
Borrower will not issue or permit to be issued obligations that will constitute
an "advance refunding" of the Borrower Bond within the meaning of Section
149(d)(5) of the Code without the express written consent of the Trust, which
consent may only be delivered by the Trust after the Trust has received notice
from the Borrower of such contemplated action no later than sixty (60) days
prior to any such contemplated action, and which consent is in the sole
discretion of the Trust.
(x)
See
Section 2.02(f)(x) as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, made a part
hereof and incorporated in this Section 2.02(f)(x) by reference as if set forth
in full herein.
(xi)
No "gross
proceeds" of the Trust Bonds held by the Borrower (other than amounts in a "bona
fide debt service fund") will be held in a "commingled fund" (as such terms are
defined in Treasury Regulations §1.148-1(b)).
(xii)
Based
upon all of the objective facts and circumstances in existence on the date of
issuance of the Trust Bonds used to finance the Project, (A) within six months
of
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the
date of issuance of the Trust Bonds used to finance the Project, the
Borrower will incur a substantial binding obligation to a third party to
expend on the Project at least five percent (5%) of the "net sale
proceeds" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.148-1) of the
Loan used to finance the Project (treating an obligation as not being
binding if it is subject to contingencies within the control of the
Borrower, the Trust or a "related party" (within the meaning of Treasury
Regulations §1.150-1)), (B) completion of the Project and the allocation
to expenditures of the "net sale proceeds" of the Loan used to finance the
Project will proceed with due diligence, and (C) all of the proceeds of
the Loan used to finance the Project (other than amounts deposited into
the Debt Service Reserve Fund
(to the extent the Trust
establishes a Debt Service Reserve Fund pursuant to the Bond Resolution)
allocable to that portion of the Loan used to finance reserve
capacity, if any) and investment earnings thereon will be spent prior to
the period ending three (3) years subsequent to the date of issuance of
the Trust Bonds used to finance the Project. Accordingly, the
proceeds of the Loan deposited in the Project Loan Account used to finance
the Project will be eligible for the 3-year arbitrage temporary period
since the expenditure test, time test and due diligence test, as set forth
in Treasury Regulations §1.148-2(e)(2), will be
satisfied.
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(xiii)
The
weighted average maturity of the Loan does not exceed 120% of the average
reasonably expected economic life of the Project financed or refinanced with the
Loan, determined in the same manner as under Section 147(b) of the
Code. Accordingly, the term of the Loan will not be longer than is
reasonably necessary for the governmental purposes of the Loan within the
meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.148-1(c)(4).
(xiv)
The
Borrower shall, within 30 days of date the Borrower concludes that no additional
proceeds of the Loan will be required to pay costs of the Project, provide to
the Trust a certificate of the Borrower evidencing such
conclusion.
For purposes of this subsection and
subsection (h) of this Section 2.02, quoted terms shall have the meanings given
thereto by Section 148 of the Code, including, particularly, Treasury
Regulations §§1.148-1 through 1.148-11, inclusive, as supplemented or amended,
to the extent applicable to the Trust Bonds, and any successor Treasury
Regulations applicable to the Trust Bonds.
(g)
Operation and Maintenance of
Environmental Infrastructure System
. The Borrower covenants
and agrees that it shall, in accordance with prudent environmental
infrastructure utility practice, (i) at all times operate the properties of its
Environmental Infrastructure System and any business in connection therewith in
an efficient manner, (ii) maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System in
good repair, working order and operating condition, and (iii) from time to time
make all necessary and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions,
betterments and improvements with respect to its Environmental Infrastructure
System so that at all times the business carried on in connection therewith
shall be properly and advantageously conducted.
(h)
Records and
Accounts
.
(i) The
Borrower shall keep accurate records and accounts for its Environmental
Infrastructure System (the "System Records") separate and distinct from its
other records and accounts (the "General Records"). Such System
Records shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant,
which may be part of the annual audit of the General Records of the
Borrower. Such System Records and General Records shall be made
available for inspection by the Trust at any reasonable time upon prior written
notice, and a copy of such annual audit(s) therefor, including all written
comments and recommendations of such accountant, shall be furnished to the Trust
within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year being so audited or, with the
consent of the Trust, such additional period as may be provided by
law.
(ii)
Within 30
days following receipt of any Loan proceeds, including without limitation the
“Allowance for Administrative Costs” or the “Allowance for Planning and Design”
set forth in Exhibit B hereto, the Borrower shall allocate such proceeds to an
expenditures in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation
§1.148-6(d) and transmit a copy of each such allocation to the
Trust. No portion of the Allowance for Administrative Costs will be
allocated to a cost other than a cost described in N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.11(a) 3, 4 or
6. No portion of the Allowance for Planning and Design will be
allocated to a cost other than a cost described N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.12, or other
costs of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System which are "capital
expenditures," within the meaning of Treasury Regulations
§1.150-1. The Borrower shall retain records of such allocations for
at least until the date that is three years after the scheduled maturity date of
the Trust Bonds. The Borrower shall make such records available to
the Trust within 15 days of any request by the Trust.
(iii)
Unless
otherwise advised in writing by the Trust, in furtherance of the covenant of the
Borrower contained in subsection (f) of this Section 2.02 not to cause the Trust
Bonds to be arbitrage bonds, the Borrower shall keep, or cause to be kept,
accurate records of each investment it makes in any "nonpurpose investment"
acquired with, or otherwise allocated to, "gross proceeds" of the Trust Bonds
not held by the Trustee and each "expenditure" it makes allocated to "gross
proceeds" of the Trust Bonds. Such records shall include the purchase
price, including any constructive "payments" (or in the case of a "payment"
constituting a deemed acquisition of a "nonpurpose investment" (e.g., a
"nonpurpose investment" first allocated to "gross proceeds" of the Trust Bonds
after it is actually acquired because it is deposited in a sinking fund for the
Trust Bonds)), the "fair market value" of the "nonpurpose investment" on the
date first allocated to the "gross proceeds" of the Trust Bonds, nominal
interest rate, dated date, maturity date, type of property, frequency of
periodic payments, period of compounding, yield to maturity, amount actually or
constructively received on disposition (or in the case of a "receipt"
constituting a deemed disposition of a "nonpurpose investment" (e.g., a
"nonpurpose investment" that ceases to be allocated to the "gross proceeds" of
the Trust Bonds because it is removed from a sinking fund for the Trust Bonds)),
the "fair market value" of the "nonpurpose investment" on the date it ceases to
be allocated to the "gross proceeds" of the Trust Bonds, the purchase date and
disposition date of the "nonpurpose investment" and evidence of the "fair market
value" of such property on the purchase date and disposition date (or deemed
purchase or disposition date) for each such "nonpurpose
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investment". The
purchase date, disposition date and the date of determination of "fair
market value" shall be the date on which a contract to purchase or sell
the "nonpurpose investment" becomes binding, i.e., the trade date rather
than the settlement date. For purposes of the calculation of
purchase price and disposition price, brokerage or selling commissions,
administrative expenses or similar expenses shall not increase the
purchase price of an item and shall not reduce the amount actually or
constructively received upon disposition of an item, except to the extent
such costs constitute "qualified administrative
costs".
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(iv)
Within
thirty (30) days of the last day of the fifth and each succeeding fifth "bond
year" (which, unless otherwise advised by the Trust, shall be the five-year
period ending on the date five years subsequent to the date immediately
preceding the date of issuance of the Trust Bonds and each succeeding fifth
"bond year") and within thirty (30) days of the date the last bond that is part
of the Trust Bonds is discharged (or on any other periodic basis requested in
writing by the Trust), the Borrower shall (A) calculate, or cause to be
calculated, the "rebate amount" as of the "computation date" or "final
computation date" attributable to any "nonpurpose investment" made by the
Borrower and (B) remit the following to the Trust: (1) an amount of
money that when added to the "future value" as of the "computation date" of any
previous payments made to the Trust on account of rebate equals the "rebate
amount", (2) the calculations supporting the "rebate amount" attributable to any
"nonpurpose investment" made by the Borrower allocated to "gross proceeds" of
the Trust Bonds, and (3) any other information requested by the Trust relating
to compliance with Section 148 of the Code (e.g., information related to any
"nonpurpose investment" of the Borrower for purposes of application of the
"universal cap").
(v) The
Borrower covenants and agrees that it will account for "gross proceeds" of the
Trust Bonds, investments allocable to the Trust Bonds and expenditures of "gross
proceeds" of the Trust Bonds in accordance with Treasury Regulations
§1.148-6. All allocations of "gross proceeds" of the Trust Bonds to
expenditures will be recorded on the books of the Borrower kept in connection
with the Trust Bonds no later than 18 months after the later of the date the
particular Costs of the Borrower's Project is paid or the date the portion of
the project financed by the Trust Bonds is placed in service. All
allocations of proceeds of the Trust Bonds to expenditures will be made no later
than the date that is 60 days after the fifth anniversary of the date the Trust
Bonds are issued or the date 60 days after the retirement of the Trust Bonds, if
earlier. Such records and accounts will include the particular Cost
paid, the date of the payment and the party to whom the payment was
made.
(vi) From
time to time as directed by the Trust, the Borrower shall provide to the Trust a
written report demonstrating compliance by the Borrower with the provisions of
Section 2.02(f) of this Loan Agreement, each such written report to be submitted
by the Borrower to the Trust in the form of a full and complete written response
to a questionnaire provided by the Trust to the Borrower. Each such
questionnaire shall be provided by the Trust to the Borrower not less than
fourteen (14) days prior to the date established by the Trust for receipt from
the Borrower of the full and complete written response to the
questionnaire.
(i)
Inspections;
Information
. The Borrower shall permit the Trust and the
Trustee and any party designated by any of such parties, at any and all
reasonable times during construction of the Project and thereafter upon prior
written notice, to examine, visit and inspect the property, if any, constituting
the Project and to inspect and make copies of any accounts, books and records,
including (without limitation) its records regarding receipts, disbursements,
contracts, investments and any other matters relating thereto and to its
financial standing, and shall supply such reports and information as the Trust
and the Trustee may reasonably require in connection therewith.
(j)
Insurance
. The
Borrower shall maintain or cause to be maintained, in force, insurance policies
with responsible insurers or self-insurance programs providing against risk of
direct physical loss, damage or destruction of its Environmental Infrastructure
System at least to the extent that similar insurance is usually carried by
utilities constructing, operating and maintaining Environmental Infrastructure
Facilities of the nature of the Borrower's Environmental Infrastructure System,
including liability coverage, all to the extent available at reasonable cost but
in no case less than will satisfy all applicable regulatory
requirements.
(k)
Costs of
Project
. The Borrower certifies that the building cost of the
Project, as listed in Exhibit B hereto and made a part hereof, is a reasonable
and accurate estimation thereof, and it will supply to the Trust a certificate
from a licensed professional engineer authorized to practice in the State
stating that such building cost is a reasonable and accurate estimation and that
the useful life of the Project exceeds the maturity date of the Borrower
Bond.
(l)
Delivery of
Documents
. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan
Agreement (as previously authorized, executed and attested) at the Loan Closing,
the Borrower will cause to be delivered to the Trust and the Trustee each of the
following items:
(i) an
opinion of the Borrower's bond counsel substantially in the form of Exhibit E
hereto; provided, however, that the Trust may permit portions of such opinion to
be rendered by general counsel to the Borrower and may permit variances in such
opinion from the form set forth in Exhibit E if, in the opinion of the Trust,
such variances are not to the material detriment of the interests of the holders
of the Trust Bonds;
(ii) counterparts
of this Loan Agreement as previously executed and attested by the parties
hereto;
(iii) copies
of those resolutions finally adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower
and requested by the Trust, including, without limitation, (A) the resolution of
the Borrower authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement, (B) the Borrower Bond Resolution, as amended and supplemented as of
the date of the Loan Closing, authorizing the execution, attestation,
authentication, sale and delivery of the Borrower Bond to the Trust, (C) the
resolution of the Borrower, if any, confirming the details of the sale of the
Borrower Bond to the Trust, (D) the resolution of the
Borrower,
if any,
declaring its official intent to reimburse expenditures for the Costs of the
Project from the proceeds of the Trust Bonds, each of said resolutions of the
Borrower being certified by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower as of the date
of the Loan Closing, (E) the resolution of the BPU approving the issuance by the
Borrower of the Borrower Bond to the Trust and setting forth any other approvals
required therefor by the BPU, if applicable, and (F) any other
Proceedings;
(iv) if
the Loan is being made to reimburse the Borrower for all or a portion of the
Costs of the Borrower's Project or to refinance indebtedness or reimburse the
Borrower for the repayment of indebtedness previously incurred by the Borrower
to finance all or a portion of the Costs of the Borrower's Project, an opinion
of Bond Counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trust, to the effect
that such reimbursement or refinancing will not adversely affect the exclusion
from gross income for federal income tax purposes of the interest on the Trust
Bonds; and
(v) the
certificates of insurance coverage as required pursuant to the terms of Section
3.06(d) hereof and such other certificates, documents, opinions and information
as the Trust may require in Exhibit F hereto, if
any.
(m)
Execution and Delivery of
Borrower Bond
. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan
Agreement at the Loan Closing, the Borrower shall also deliver to the Trust the
Borrower Bond, as previously executed, attested and, if applicable,
authenticated, upon the receipt of a written certification of the Trust that a
portion of the net proceeds of the Trust Bonds shall be deposited in the Project
Loan Account simultaneously with the delivery of the Borrower Bond.
(n)
Notice of Material Adverse
Change
. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Trust of any
material adverse change in the properties, activities, prospects or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System, or in the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments and
otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and
agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(o)
Continuing
Representations
. The representations of the Borrower contained
herein shall be true at the time of the execution of this Loan Agreement and at
all times during the term of this Loan Agreement.
(p)
Continuing Disclosure
Covenant
. To the extent that the Trust, in its sole
discretion, determines, at any time prior to the termination of the Loan Term,
that the Borrower is a material "obligated person", as the term "obligated
person" is defined in Rule 15c2-12, with materiality being determined by the
Trust pursuant to criteria established, from time to time, by the Trust in its
sole discretion and set forth in a bond resolution or official statement of the
Trust, the Borrower hereby covenants that it will authorize and provide to the
Trust, for inclusion in any preliminary official statement or official statement
of the Trust, all statements and information relating to the Borrower deemed
material by the Trust for the purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 as well as Rule
10b-5 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or
supplemented, including any successor regulation or statute thereto ("Rule
10b-5"),
including certificates and written representations of the Borrower evidencing
its compliance with Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5; and the Borrower hereby further
covenants that the Borrower shall execute and deliver the Continuing Disclosure
Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit H, with such
revisions thereto prior to execution and delivery thereof as the Trust shall
determine to be necessary, desirable or convenient, in its sole discretion, for
the purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 and the purposes and intent thereof, as
Rule 15c2-12, its purposes and intent may hereafter be interpreted from time to
time by the SEC or any court of competent jurisdiction; and pursuant to the
terms and provisions of the Continuing Disclosure Agreement, the Borrower shall
thereafter provide on-going disclosure with respect to all statements and
information relating to the Borrower in satisfaction of the requirements set
forth in Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5, including, without limitation, the
provision of certificates and written representations of the Borrower evidencing
its compliance with Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5.
(q)
Additional Covenants and
Requirements
. (i) No later than the Loan Closing and, if
necessary, in connection with the Trust's issuance of the Trust Bonds or the
making of the Loan, additional covenants and requirements have been included in
Exhibit F hereto and made a part hereof. Such covenants and
requirements may include, but need not be limited to, the maintenance of
specified levels of Environmental Infrastructure System rates, the issuance of
additional debt of the Borrower, the use by or on behalf of the Borrower of
certain proceeds of the Trust Bonds as such use relates to the exclusion from
gross income for federal income tax purposes of the interest on any Trust Bonds,
the transfer of revenues and receipts from the Borrower's Environmental
Infrastructure System, compliance with Rule 15c2-12, Rule 10b-5 and any other
applicable federal or State securities laws, and matters in connection with the
appointment of the Trustee under the Bond Resolution and any successors
thereto. The Borrower hereby agrees to observe and comply with each
such additional covenant and requirement, if any, included in Exhibit F
hereto. (ii) Additional defined terms, covenants, representations and
requirements have been included in
Schedule A
attached
hereto and made a part hereof. Such additional defined terms,
covenants, representations and requirements are incorporated in this Loan
Agreement by reference thereto as if set forth in full herein and the Borrower
hereby agrees to observe and comply with each such additional term, covenant,
representation and requirement included in
Schedule A
as if the
same were set forth in its entirety where reference thereto is made in this Loan
Agreement.
ARTICLE
III
LOAN
TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan
Term.
The Trust hereby agrees to make the Loan as described in
Exhibit A-2 hereof and to disburse proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in
accordance with Section 3.02 and Exhibit C hereof, and the Borrower hereby
agrees to borrow and accept the Loan from the Trust upon the terms set forth in
Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof; provided, however, that the
Trust shall be under no obligation to make the Loan if (a) at the Loan Closing,
the Borrower does not deliver to the Trust a Borrower Bond and such other
documents required under Section 2.02(l) hereof, or (b) an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing under the Bond Resolution or this Loan
Agreement. Although the Trust intends to disburse proceeds of the
Loan to the Borrower at the times and up to the amounts set forth in Exhibit C
to pay a portion of the Costs of the Project, due to unforeseen circumstances
there may not be a sufficient amount on deposit in the Project Fund on any date
to make the disbursement in such amount. Nevertheless, the Borrower
agrees that the amount actually deposited in the Project Loan Account at the
Loan Closing plus the Borrower's allocable share of (i) certain costs of
issuance and underwriter's discount for all Trust Bonds issued to finance the
Loan; (ii) capitalized interest during the Project construction period, if
applicable; and (iii) that portion of the Debt Service Reserve Fund (to the
extent the Trust establishes a Debt Service Reserve Fund pursuant to the Bond
Resolution) attributable to the cost of funding reserve capacity for the
Project, if applicable, shall constitute the initial principal amount of the
Loan (as the same may be adjusted downward in accordance with the definition
thereof), and neither the Trust nor the Trustee shall have any obligation
thereafter to loan any additional amounts to the Borrower.
The Borrower shall use the proceeds of
the Loan strictly in accordance with Section 2.01(h) hereof.
The payment obligations created under
this Loan Agreement and the obligations to pay the principal of the Borrower
Bond, Interest on the Borrower Bond and other amounts due under the Borrower
Bond are each direct, general, irrevocable and unconditional obligations of the
Borrower payable from any source legally available to the Borrower in accordance
with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond
Resolution.
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement
of Loan Proceeds.
(a) The Trustee, as the agent of the Trust,
shall disburse the amounts on deposit in the Project Loan Account to the
Borrower upon receipt of a requisition executed by an Authorized Officer of the
Borrower, and approved by the Trust, in a form meeting the requirements of
Section 5.02(3) of the Bond Resolution.
(b) The
Trust and Trustee shall not be required to disburse any Loan proceeds to the
Borrower under this Loan Agreement, unless:
(i)
the
proceeds of the Trust Bonds shall be available for disbursement, as determined
solely by the Trust;
(ii) in
accordance with the Bond Act, and the Regulations, the Borrower shall have
timely applied for, shall have been awarded and, prior to or simultaneously with
the Loan Closing, shall have closed a Fund Loan for a portion of the Allowable
Costs (as defined in such Regulations) of the Project in an amount not in excess
of the amount of Allowable Costs of the Project financed by the Loan from the
Trust;
(iii) the
Borrower shall have on hand moneys to pay for the greater of (A) that portion of
the total Costs of the Project that is not eligible to be funded from the Fund
Loan or the Loan, or (B) that portion of the total Costs of the Project that
exceeds the actual amounts of the loan commitments made by the State and the
Trust, respectively, for the Fund Loan and the Loan; and
(iv) no
Event of Default nor any event that, with the passage of time or service of
notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing hereunder.
SECTION 3.03. Amounts
Payable.
(a) The Borrower shall repay the Loan in installments
payable to the Trustee as follows:
(i) the
principal of the Loan shall be repaid annually on the Principal Payment Dates,
in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and
made a part hereof, as the same may be amended or modified by any credits
applicable to the Borrower as set forth in the Bond Resolution;
(ii) the
Interest Portion described in clause (i) of the definition thereof shall be paid
semiannually on the Interest Payment Dates, in accordance with the schedule set
forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, as the same may be
amended or modified by any credits applicable to the Borrower as set forth in
the Bond Resolution; and
(iii) the
Interest Portion described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof shall be
paid upon the date of optional redemption or acceleration, as the case may be,
of the Trust Bonds allocable to any prepaid or accelerated Trust Bond Loan
Repayment.
The obligations of the Borrower under
the Borrower Bond shall be deemed to be amounts payable under this Section
3.03. Each Loan Repayment, whether satisfied through a direct payment
by the Borrower to the Trustee or (with respect to the Interest Portion) through
the use of Trust Bond proceeds and income thereon on deposit in the Interest
Account (as defined in the Bond Resolution) to pay interest on the Trust Bonds,
shall be deemed to be a credit against the corresponding obligation of the
Borrower under this Section 3.03 and shall fulfill the Borrower's obligation to
pay such amount hereunder and under the Borrower Bond. Each payment
made to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.03 shall be applied
first
to the Interest Portion
then due and payable,
second
to the principal of
the Loan then due and payable,
third
to the payment of the
Administrative Fee, and
finally
to the payment of any
late charges hereunder.
(b) The
Interest on the Loan described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof shall
(i) consist of a late charge for any Trust Bond Loan Repayment that is received
by the Trustee later than the tenth (10th) day following its due date and (ii)
be payable immediately thereafter in an amount equal to the greater of twelve
percent (12%) per annum or the Prime Rate plus one half of one percent per annum
on such late payment from its due date to the date it is actually paid;
provided, however, that the rate of Interest on the Loan, including, without
limitation, any late payment charges incurred hereunder, shall not exceed the
maximum interest rate permitted by law.
(c) The
Borrower shall receive, as a credit against its semiannual payment obligations
of the Interest Portion, the amounts certified by the Trust pursuant to Section
5.10 of the Bond Resolution. Such amounts shall represent the
Borrower's allocable share of the interest earnings on certain funds and
accounts established under the Bond Resolution, calculated in accordance with
Section 5.10 of the Bond Resolution.
(d) In
accordance with the provisions of the Bond Resolution, the Borrower shall
receive, as a credit against its Trust Bond Loan Repayments, the amounts set
forth in the certificate of the Trust filed with the Trustee pursuant to Section
5.02(4) of the Bond Resolution.
(e) The
Interest on the Loan described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof shall be
paid by the Borrower in the amount of one-half of the Administrative Fee, if
any, to the Trustee on each Interest Payment Date, commencing with the first
Interest Payment Date subsequent to the Loan Closing.
(f) The
Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Trust at the Loan Closing a “Security
Review Fee” in the amount necessary to reimburse the Trust for all of its costs
and expenses incurred in connection with reviewing the additional security
securing the Trust Loan as set forth in Exhibit F hereto, if any, including
without limitation the fees and expenses of any professional advisers hired by
the Trust in connection therewith.
SECTION 3.03A. Amounts on
Deposit in Project Loan Account after Completion of Project
Draws.
(a) If, on the date which is thirty (30) days following
the final date for which a disbursement of Loan proceeds is scheduled to be made
pursuant to Exhibit C hereto, any amounts remain on deposit in the Borrower’s
Project Loan Account, the Borrower must provide to the Trust and the Department
a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower (i) stating that the
Borrower has not yet completed the Project, (ii) stating that the Borrower
intends to complete the Project, (iii) setting forth the amount of remaining
Loan Proceeds required to complete the Project, and (iv) providing a revised
draw schedule, in a form similar to Exhibit C hereto and approved by the
Department.
(b) If,
on the date which is thirty (30) days following the final date for which a
disbursement of Loan proceeds is scheduled to be made pursuant to a revised draw
schedule certified to the Trust and the Department in accordance with Section
3.03A(a) hereof, any amounts remain on deposit in the Borrower’s Project Loan
Account, the Borrower must provide to the Trust and the Department a certificate
of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower (i) stating that the Borrower has not
yet completed the Project, (ii) stating that the Borrower intends
to
complete
the Project, (iii) setting forth the amount of remaining Loan Proceeds required
to complete the Project, and (iv) providing a revised draw schedule, in a form
similar to Exhibit C hereto and approved by the Department.
(c) If,
on the date which the Borrower has completed the Project, any amounts remain on
deposit in the Borrower’s Project Loan Account, the Borrower must within thirty
(30) days following such date provide to the Trust and the Department a
certificate (i) stating that the Project is complete and (ii) setting forth the
remaining costs, if any, of the Project for which a disbursement of Loan will be
required.
(d) If
the Borrower fails to provide the certificate described in paragraphs (a), (b)
or (c) of this Section 3.03A, when due, or if such certificate states that the
Borrower does not require all, or any portion, of the amount on deposit in the
Project Loan Account to complete the Project, such amounts on deposit in the
Project Loan Account which are not certified by an Authorized Officer of the
Borrower as being required to complete the Project (“Excess Project Funds”)
shall be applied as follows.
(i) If
Trust Bonds can be redeemed within sixty (60) days of the date the Borrower is
required to provide the certificate described in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of
this Section 3.03A, the Excess Project Funds shall be used by the Trust within
such sixty (60) day period to redeem Trust Bonds, including payment of any
pre-payment premium. The Trust Bonds shall be redeemed in inverse
order of their maturity. The amount of any maturity redeemed shall
not exceed the same proportion as the Loan bears to all Loans made from proceeds
of the Trust Bonds rounded down to whole denominations or any integral
multiple. The aggregate amount of Trust Bonds so redeemed shall not
be less than the amount of nonqualified bonds allocable to the Borrower under
Treasury Regulations §1.142-12. The Excess Project Funds used to
redeem Trust Bonds shall be applied by the Trust as a prepayment of the
Borrower’s Loan Repayments with respect to the redeemed bonds. Any
excess shall be held by Trust invested at a yield which does not exceed the
yield on the Trust Bonds.
(ii) If
Trust Bonds can not be redeemed within sixty (60) days of the date the Borrower
is required to provide the certificate described in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c)
of this Section 3.03A, the Trust shall, within such sixty (60) day period, (A)
deposit all of the Excess Project Funds in a defeasance escrow established to
defease Trust Bonds in inverse order of their maturity, in the same proportion
as the Loan bears to all Loans made from proceeds of the Trust Bonds, (B)
provide the notice to the Internal Revenue Service required pursuant to Treasury
Regulations §1.142-2(c)(2), or any successor income tax regulations, and (C)
apply the Excess Project Funds as a prepayment of the Borrower’s Loan Repayments
for the defeased Trust Bonds. The aggregate amount of Trust Bonds so
defeased shall not be less than the amount of nonqualified bonds allocable to
the Borrower under Treasury Regulations §1.142-12.
SECTION
3.04. Unconditional Obligations.
The obligation of
the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and all other payments required
hereunder and the obligation to perform and observe the other duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements on its part contained herein shall be absolute and
unconditional, and shall not be abated, rebated, set-off, reduced, abrogated,
terminated, waived, diminished, postponed or otherwise modified in any manner or
to any extent
whatsoever
while any Trust Bonds remain outstanding or any Loan Repayments remain unpaid,
for any reason, regardless of any contingency, act of God, event or cause
whatsoever, including (without limitation) any acts or circumstances that may
constitute failure of consideration, eviction or constructive eviction, the
taking by eminent domain or destruction of or damage to the Project or
Environmental Infrastructure System, commercial frustration of the purpose, any
change in the laws of the United States of America or of the State or any
political subdivision of either or in the rules or regulations of any
governmental authority, any failure of the Trust or the Trustee to perform and
observe any agreement, whether express or implied, or any duty, liability or
obligation arising out of or connected with the Project, this Loan Agreement or
the Bond Resolution, or any rights of set-off, recoupment, abatement or
counterclaim that the Borrower might otherwise have against the Trust, the
Trustee or any other party or parties; provided, however, that payments
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such rights. The
Borrower shall not be obligated to make any payments required to be made by any
other Borrowers under separate Loan Agreements or the Bond
Resolution.
The Borrower acknowledges that payment
of the Trust Bonds by the Trust, including payment from moneys drawn by the
Trustee from the Debt Service Reserve Fund (to the extent the Trust establishes
a Debt Service Reserve Fund pursuant to the Bond Resolution), does not
constitute payment of the amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond. If at any time the amount in the Debt Service Reserve Fund
shall be less than the Debt Service Reserve Requirement as the result of any
transfer of moneys from the Debt Service Reserve Fund to the Debt Service Fund
(as all such terms are defined in the Bond Resolution) as the result of a
failure by the Borrower to make any Trust Bond Loan Repayments required
hereunder, the Borrower agrees to replenish (i) such moneys so transferred and
(ii) any deficiency arising from losses incurred in making such transfer as the
result of the liquidation by the Trust of Investment Securities (as defined in
the Bond Resolution) acquired as an investment of moneys in the Debt Service
Reserve Fund, by making payments to the Trust in equal monthly installments for
the lesser of six (6) months or the remaining term of the Loan at an interest
rate to be determined by the Trust necessary to make up any loss caused by such
deficiency.
The Borrower acknowledges that payment
of the Trust Bonds from moneys that were originally received by the Trustee from
repayments by the Borrowers of loans made to the Borrowers by the State, acting
by and through the Department, pursuant to loan agreements dated as of November
1, 2008 by and between the Borrowers and the State, acting by and through the
Department, to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Environmental
Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrowers, and which moneys were upon such
receipt by the Trustee deposited in the Trust Bonds Security Account (as defined
in the Bond Resolution), does not constitute payment of the amounts due under
this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
SECTION 3.05. Loan
Agreement to Survive Bond Resolution and Trust Bonds.
The
Borrower acknowledges that its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements
hereunder shall survive the discharge of the Bond Resolution applicable to the
Trust Bonds and shall survive the payment of the principal and redemption
premium, if any, of and the interest on the Trust Bonds until the Borrower can
take no action or fail to take any action that could adversely affect the
exclusion from gross income of the interest on the Trust Bonds for purposes of
federal
income
taxation, at which time such duties, covenants, obligations and agreements
hereunder shall, except for those set forth in Sections 3.06(a) and (b) hereof,
terminate.
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer
of Warranties and Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower
acknowledges and agrees that (i) neither the Trust nor the Trustee makes any
warranty or representation, either express or implied, as to the value, design,
condition, merchantability or fitness for particular purpose or fitness for any
use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any portions
thereof or any other warranty or representation with respect thereto; (ii) in no
event shall the Trust or the Trustee or their respective agents be liable or
responsible for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages in
connection with or arising out of this Loan Agreement or the Project or the
existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the Environmental Infrastructure
System or the Project or any item or products or services provided for in this
Loan Agreement; and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower
shall indemnify and hold the Trust and the Trustee harmless against, and the
Borrower shall pay any and all, liability, loss, cost, damage, claim, judgment
or expense of any and all kinds or nature and however arising and imposed by
law, which the Trust and the Trustee may sustain, be subject to or be caused to
incur by reason of any claim, suit or action based upon personal injury, death
or damage to property, whether real, personal or mixed, or upon or arising out
of contracts entered into by the Borrower, the Borrower's ownership of the
Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project, or the acquisition,
construction or installation of the Project.
(b) It
is mutually agreed by the Borrower, the Trust and the Trustee that the Trust and
its officers, agents, servants or employees shall not be liable for, and shall
be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from, any action
performed under this Loan Agreement and any claim or suit of whatsoever nature,
except in the event of loss or damage resulting from their own negligence or
willful misconduct. It is further agreed that the Trustee and its
directors, officers, agents, servants or employees shall not be liable for, and
shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from, any
action performed pursuant to this Loan Agreement, except in the event of loss or
damage resulting from their own negligence or willful misconduct.
(c) The
Borrower and the Trust agree that all claims shall be subject to and governed by
the provisions of the New Jersey Contractual Liability Act, N.J.S.A. 59:13-1
et seq.
(except for
N.J.S.A. 59:13-9 thereof), although such Act by its express terms does not apply
to claims arising under contract with the Trust.
(d) In
connection with its obligation to provide the insurance required under Section
2.02(j) hereof: (i) the Borrower shall include, or cause to be
included, the Trust and its directors, employees and officers as additional
"named insureds" on (A) any certificate of liability insurance procured by the
Borrower (or other similar document evidencing the liability insurance coverage
procured by the Borrower) and (B) any certificate of liability insurance
procured by any contractor or subcontractor for the Project, and from the later
of the date of the Loan Closing or the date of the initiation of construction of
the Project until the date the Borrower receives the written certificate of
Project completion from the Trust, the Borrower shall maintain said liability
insurance covering the Trust and said directors, employees and officers in good
standing; and (ii) the Borrower shall include the Trust as an additional "named
insured" on any certificate of
insurance
providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction of the
Environmental Infrastructure System, and during the Loan Term the Borrower shall
maintain said insurance covering the Trust in good standing.
The Borrower shall provide the Trust
with a copy of each of any such original, supplemental, amendatory or reissued
certificates of insurance (or other similar documents evidencing the insurance
coverage) required pursuant to this Section 3.06(d).
SECTION 3.07. Option to
Prepay Loan Repayments.
The Borrower may prepay the Trust Bond
Loan Repayments, in whole or in part (but if in part, in the amount of $100,000
or any integral multiple thereof), upon prior written notice to the Trust and
the Trustee not less than ninety (90) days in addition to the number of days'
advance notice to the Trustee required for any optional redemption of the Trust
Bonds, and upon payment by the Borrower to the Trustee of amounts that, together
with investment earnings thereon, will be sufficient to pay the principal amount
of the Trust Bond Loan Repayments to be prepaid plus the Interest Portion
described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof on any such date of
redemption; provided, however, that, with respect to any prepayment other than
those required by Section 3.03A hereof, any such full or partial prepayment may
only be made (i) if the Borrower is not then in arrears on its Fund Loan, (ii)
if the Borrower is contemporaneously making a full or partial prepayment of the
Fund Loan such that, after the prepayment of the Loan and the Fund Loan, the
Trust, in its sole discretion, determines that the interests of the owners of
the Trust Bonds are not adversely affected by such prepayments, and (iii) upon
the prior written approval of the Trust. In addition, if at the time
of such prepayment the Trust Bonds may only be redeemed at the option of the
Trust upon payment of a premium, the Borrower shall add to its prepayment of
Trust Bond Loan Repayments an amount, as determined by the Trust, equal to such
premium allocable to the Trust Bonds to be redeemed as a result of the
Borrower's prepayment. Prepayments shall be applied first to the
Interest Portion that accrues on the portion of the Loan to be prepaid until
such prepayment date as described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof and
then to principal payments (including premium, if any) on the Loan in inverse
order of their maturity.
SECTION 3.08. Priority of
Loan and Fund Loan.
(a) The Borrower hereby agrees that, to
the extent allowed by law or the Borrower Bond Resolution, any Loan Repayments
then due and payable on the Loan shall be satisfied by the Trustee before any
loan repayments on the Borrower's Fund Loan shall be satisfied by the
Trustee. The Borrower agrees not to interfere with any such action by
the Trustee.
(b) The
Borrower hereby acknowledges that in the event the Borrower fails or is unable
to pay promptly to the Trust in full any Trust Bond Loan Repayments under this
Loan Agreement when due, then any (i) Administrative Fee paid hereunder, (ii)
late charges paid hereunder, and (iii) loan repayments paid by the Borrower on
its Fund Loan under the related loan agreement therefor, any of which payments
shall be received by the Trustee during the time of any such Trust Bond Loan
Repayment deficiency, shall be applied by the Trustee
first
to satisfy such Trust
Bond Loan Repayment deficiency as a credit against the obligations of the
Borrower to make payments of the Interest Portion under the Loan and the
Borrower Bond,
second
,
to the extent available, to make Trust Bond Loan Repayments of principal
hereunder and payments of principal under the Borrower Bond,
third
, to the extent
available, to pay the
Administrative
Fee,
fourth
, to the
extent available, to pay any late charges hereunder,
fifth
, to the extent
available, to satisfy the repayment of the Borrower's Fund Loan under its
related loan agreement therefor, and
finally
, to the extent
available, to satisfy the repayment of the administrative fee under any such
related loan agreement.
(c) The
Borrower hereby further acknowledges that any loan repayments paid by the
Borrower on its Fund Loan under the related loan agreement therefor shall be
applied according to the provisions of the Master Program Trust
Agreement.
SECTION 3.09. Approval of
the New Jersey State Treasurer.
The Borrower and the Trust
hereby acknowledge that prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing the New
Jersey State Treasurer, in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 9a of the
Act, issued the “Certificate of the New Jersey State Treasurer Regarding the
Approval of the Trust Loan and the Fund Loan” (the “Treasurer’s
Certificate”). Pursuant to the terms of the Treasurer’s Certificate,
the New Jersey State Treasurer approved the Loan and the terms and conditions
thereof as established by the provisions of this Loan Agreement.
ARTICLE
IV
ASSIGNMENT
OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
SECTION 4.01. Assignment
and Transfer by Trust.
(a) The Borrower hereby expressly
acknowledges that, other than the provisions of Section 2.02(d)(ii) hereof, the
Trust's right, title and interest in, to and under this Loan Agreement and the
Borrower Bond have been assigned to the Trustee as security for the Trust Bonds
as provided in the Bond Resolution, and that if any Event of Default shall
occur, the Trustee or any Bond Insurer (as such term may be defined in the Bond
Resolution), if applicable, pursuant to the Bond Resolution, shall be entitled
to act hereunder in the place and stead of the Trust. The Borrower
hereby acknowledges the requirements of the Bond Resolution applicable to the
Trust Bonds and consents to such assignment and appointment. This
Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, including, without limitation, the right
to receive payments required to be made by the Borrower hereunder and to compel
or otherwise enforce observance and performance by the Borrower of its other
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder, may be further
transferred, assigned and reassigned in whole or in part to one or more
assignees or subassignees by the Trustee at any time subsequent to their
execution without the necessity of obtaining the consent of, but after giving
prior written notice to, the Borrower.
The Trust shall retain the right to
compel or otherwise enforce observance and performance by the Borrower of its
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under Section 2.02(d)(ii) hereof;
provided, however, that in no event shall the Trust have the right to accelerate
the Borrower Bond in connection with the enforcement of Section 2.02(d)(ii)
hereof.
(b) The
Borrower hereby approves and consents to any assignment or transfer of this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond that the Trust deems to be necessary in
connection with any refunding of the Trust Bonds or the issuance of additional
bonds under the Bond Resolution or otherwise, all in connection with the pooled
loan program of the Trust.
SECTION 4.02. Assignment
by Borrower.
Neither this Loan Agreement nor the Borrower Bond
may be assigned by the Borrower for any reason, unless the following conditions
shall be satisfied: (i) the Trust and the Trustee shall have approved
said assignment in writing; (ii) the assignee shall have expressly assumed in
writing the full and faithful observance and performance of the Borrower's
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and, to
the extent permitted under applicable law, the Borrower Bond; (iii) immediately
after such assignment, the assignee shall not be in default in the observance or
performance of any duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower
under this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond; and (iv) the Trust shall have
received an opinion of Bond Counsel to the effect that such assignment will not
adversely affect the security of the holders of the Trust Bonds or the exclusion
of the interest on the Trust Bonds from gross income for purposes of federal
income taxation under Section 103(a) of the Code.
ARTICLE
V
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 5.01. Events of
Default.
If any of the following events occur, it is hereby
defined as and declared to be and to constitute an "Event of
Default":
(a) failure
by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any Trust Bond Loan Repayment
required to be paid hereunder when due, which failure shall continue for a
period of fifteen (15) days;
(b) failure
by the Borrower to make, or cause to be made, any required payments of
principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on any bonds, notes or other
obligations of the Borrower issued under the Borrower Bond Resolution (other
than the Loan and the Borrower Bond) or otherwise secured by all or a portion of
the property pledged under the Borrower Bond Resolution, after giving effect to
the applicable grace period;
(c) failure
by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, the Administrative Fee or any late
charges incurred hereunder or any portion thereof when due or to observe and
perform any duty, covenant, obligation or agreement on its part to be observed
or performed under this Loan Agreement, other than as referred to in subsection
(a) of this Section 5.01 or other than the obligations of the Borrower contained
in Section 2.02(d)(ii) hereof and in Exhibit F hereto, which failure shall
continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice, specifying such
failure and requesting that it be remedied, is given to the Borrower by the
Trustee, unless the Trustee shall agree in writing to an extension of such time
prior to its expiration; provided, however, that if the failure stated in such
notice is correctable but cannot be corrected within the applicable period, the
Trustee may not unreasonably withhold its consent to an extension of such time
up to 120 days from the delivery of the written notice referred to above if
corrective action is instituted by the Borrower within the applicable period and
diligently pursued until the Event of Default is corrected;
(d) any
representation made by or on behalf of the Borrower contained in this Loan
Agreement, or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or with reference
to this Loan Agreement or the Loan, is false or misleading in any material
respect;
(e) a
petition is filed by or against the Borrower under any federal or state
bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law in effect on the date of this
Loan Agreement or thereafter enacted, unless in the case of any such petition
filed against the Borrower such petition shall be dismissed within thirty (30)
days after such filing and such dismissal shall be final and not subject to
appeal; or the Borrower shall become insolvent or bankrupt or shall make an
assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or a custodian (including, without
limitation, a receiver, liquidator or trustee) of the Borrower or any of its
property shall be appointed by court order or take possession of the Borrower or
its property or assets if such order remains in effect or such possession
continues for more than thirty (30) days;
(f) the
Borrower shall generally fail to pay its debts as such debts become due;
and
(g) failure
of the Borrower to observe or perform such additional duties, covenants,
obligations, agreements or conditions as are required by the Trust and specified
in Exhibit F attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION 5.02. Notice of
Default.
The Borrower shall give the Trustee and the Trust
prompt telephonic notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to
in Section 5.01(d) or (e) hereof and of the occurrence of any other event or
condition that constitutes an Event of Default at such time as any senior
administrative or financial officer of the Borrower becomes aware of the
existence thereof.
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on
Default.
Whenever an Event of Default referred to in Section
5.01 hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower acknowledges the
rights of the Trustee and of any Bond Insurer to direct any and all remedies in
accordance with the terms of the Bond Resolution, and the Borrower also
acknowledges that the Trust shall have the right to take, or to direct the
Trustee to take, any action permitted or required pursuant to the Bond
Resolution and to take whatever other action at law or in equity may appear
necessary or desirable to collect the amounts then due and thereafter to become
due hereunder or to enforce the observance and performance of any duty,
covenant, obligation or agreement of the Borrower hereunder.
In addition, if an Event of Default
referred to in Section 5.01(a) hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the
Trust shall, to the extent allowed by applicable law and to the extent and in
the manner set forth in the Bond Resolution, have the right to declare, or to
direct the Trustee to declare, all Loan Repayments and all other amounts due
hereunder (including, without limitation, payments under the Borrower Bond)
together with the prepayment premium, if any, calculated pursuant to Section
3.07 hereof to be immediately due and payable, and upon notice to the Borrower
the same shall become due and payable without further notice or
demand.
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys'
Fees and Other Expenses.
The Borrower shall on demand pay to
the Trust or the Trustee the reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other
reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonably allocated
costs of in-house counsel and legal staff) incurred by either of them in the
collection of Trust Bond Loan Repayments or any other sum due hereunder or in
the enforcement of the observation or performance of any other duties,
covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower upon an Event of
Default.
SECTION 5.05. Application
of Moneys.
Any moneys collected by the Trust or the Trustee
pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof shall be applied (a)
first
to pay any attorneys'
fees or other fees and expenses owed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04
hereof, (b)
second
, to
the extent available, to pay the Interest Portion then due and payable, (c)
third
, to the extent
available, to pay the principal due and payable on the Loan, (d)
fourth
, to the extent
available, to pay the Administrative Fee, any late charges incurred hereunder or
any other amounts due and payable under this Loan Agreement, and (e)
fifth
, to the extent
available, to pay the Interest Portion and the principal on the Loan and other
amounts payable hereunder as such amounts become due and
payable.
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy
Exclusive; Waiver; Notice.
No remedy herein conferred upon or
reserved to the Trust or the Trustee is intended to be exclusive, and every such
remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given
under this Loan Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in
equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right, remedy or power
accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right, remedy or power
or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but any such right, remedy or
power may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed
expedient. In order to entitle the Trust or the Trustee to exercise
any remedy reserved to it in this Article V, it shall not be necessary to give
any notice other than such notice as may be required in this Article
V.
SECTION 5.07. Retention of
Trust's Rights.
Notwithstanding any assignment or transfer of this Loan
Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof or of the Bond Resolution, or
anything else to the contrary contained herein, the Trust shall have the right
upon the occurrence of an Event of Default to take any action, including
(without limitation) bringing an action against the Borrower at law or in
equity, as the Trust may, in its discretion, deem necessary to enforce the
obligations of the Borrower to the Trust pursuant to Section 5.03
hereof.
ARTICLE
VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION
6.01. Notices.
All notices, certificates or other
communications hereunder shall be sufficiently given and shall be deemed given
when hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
to the Borrower at the address specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made
a part hereof and to the Trust and the Trustee at the following
addresses:
(a) Trust:
New Jersey Environmental
Infrastructure Trust
P.O. Box 440
Trenton, New
Jersey 08625
Attention: Executive
Director
(b) Trustee:
The Bank of New York
Mellon
385 Rifle Camp Road
West Paterson, New
Jersey 07424
Attention: Corporate Trust
Department
Any of the foregoing parties may
designate any further or different addresses to which subsequent notices,
certificates or other communications shall be sent by notice in writing given to
the others.
SECTION 6.02. Binding
Effect.
This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the Trust and the Borrower and their respective successors
and assigns.
SECTION
6.03. Severability.
In the event any provision of
this Loan Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court
of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate, render
unenforceable or otherwise affect any other provision hereof.
SECTION 6.04. Amendments,
Supplements and Modifications.
Except as otherwise provided in
this Section 6.04, this Loan Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or
modified without the prior written consent of the Trust and the Borrower and
without the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in Section 11.12 of the
Bond Resolution. Notwithstanding the conditions set forth in Section
11.12 of the Bond Resolution, (i) Section 2.02(p) hereof may be amended,
supplemented or modified upon the written consent of the Trust and the Borrower
and without the consent of the Trustee, any Bond Insurer or any holders of the
Trust Bonds, and (ii) Exhibit H hereto may be amended, supplemented or modified
prior to the execution and delivery thereof as the Trust, in its sole
discretion, shall determine to be necessary, desirable or convenient for the
purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 and the purpose and intent thereof as Rule
15c2-12, its purpose and intent may hereafter be interpreted from time to time
by the SEC or any
court of
competent jurisdiction, and such amendment, supplement or modification shall not
require the consent of the Borrower, the Trustee, any Bond Insurer or any
holders of the Trust Bonds.
SECTION 6.05. Execution in
Counterparts.
This Loan Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 6.06. Applicable
Law and Regulations.
This Loan Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State, including the Act and
the Regulations, which Regulations are, by this reference thereto, incorporated
herein as part of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.07. Consents and
Approvals.
Whenever the written consent or approval of the
Trust shall be required under the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such
consent or approval may only be given by the Trust unless otherwise provided by
law or by rules, regulations or resolutions of the Trust or unless expressly
delegated to the Trustee and except as otherwise provided in Section 6.09
hereof.
SECTION
6.08. Captions.
The captions or headings in this
Loan Agreement are for convenience only and shall not in any way define, limit
or describe the scope or intent of any provisions or sections of this Loan
Agreement.
SECTION 6.09. Benefit of
Loan Agreement; Compliance with Bond Resolution.
This Loan
Agreement is executed, among other reasons, to induce the purchase of the Trust
Bonds. Accordingly, all duties, covenants, obligations and agreements
of the Borrower herein contained are hereby declared to be for the benefit of
and are enforceable by the Trust, the holders of the Trust Bonds and the
Trustee. The Borrower covenants and agrees to observe and comply
with, and to enable the Trust to observe and comply with, all duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements contained in the Bond Resolution.
SECTION 6.10. Further
Assurances.
The Borrower shall, at the request of the Trust,
authorize, execute, attest, acknowledge and deliver such further resolutions,
conveyances, transfers, assurances, financing statements and other instruments
as may be necessary or desirable for better assuring, conveying, granting,
assigning and confirming the rights, security interests and agreements granted
or intended to be granted by this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Trust
and the Borrower have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed, sealed and
delivered as of the date first above written.
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NEW
JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL
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INFRASTRUCTURE
TRUST
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[SEAL]
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By:
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/s/
Robert A. Briant, Sr.
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ATTEST:
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Robert
A. Briant, Sr.
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Chairman
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/s/
Gerald T. Keenan
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Gerald
T. Keenan
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Secretary
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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[SEAL]
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By:
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/s/
A. Bruce O’Connor
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ATTEST:
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A.
Bruce O’Connor
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VP
& Chief Financial Officer
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/s/
Kenneth J. Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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VP,
Secretary & Treasurer
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SCHEDULE
A
Certain Additional Loan
Agreement Provisions
In addition to the terms defined in
subsection (a) of Section 1.01 of this Loan Agreement, certain additional
capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly
requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to such additional capitalized
terms in this Schedule A.
Additional
Definitions
:
“Borrower”
means Middlesex
Water Company, a corporation duly created and validly existing under the laws of
the State of New Jersey.
“Bond Resolution”
means the
“Environmental Infrastructure Trust Bond Resolution, Series 2008A”, as adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Trust on or about September 16, 2008,
authorizing the issuance of the Trust Bonds, and all further amendments and
supplements thereto adopted in accordance with the provisions
thereof.
“Borrower Bond Resolution”
means the indenture of the Borrower entitled “INDENTURE OF MORTGAGE” dated as of
April 1, 1927, as amended and supplemented from time to time, in particular by a
indenture detailing the terms of the Borrower Bond, dated as of November 1, 2008
and entitled “THIRTY-SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE”, pursuant to which the
Borrower Bond has been issued.
“Interest Payment Dates”
means
February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2009.
“Loan”
means the loan made by
the Trust to the Borrower to finance or refinance a portion of the Cost of the
Project pursuant to this Loan Agreement. For all purposes of this
Loan Agreement, the amount of the Loan at any time shall be the initial
aggregate principal amount of the Borrower Bond (which amount equals the amount
actually deposited in the Project Loan Account at the Loan Closing plus the
Borrower's allocable share of certain costs of issuance and underwriter's
discount for all Trust Bonds issued to finance the Loan), less any amount of
such principal amount that has been repaid by the Borrower under this Loan
Agreement and less any adjustment made pursuant to the provisions of the Bond
Resolution, including, without limitation, Section 5.02(4) thereof, N.J.A.C.
7:22-4.26 and the appropriations act of the State Legislature authorizing the
expenditure of Trust Bond proceeds to finance a portion of the Cost of the
Project.
“Principal Payment Dates”
means August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2010.
SECTION
2.02(e)
Disposition of Environmental
Infrastructure System
. The Borrower shall not permit the
disposition of all or substantially all of its Environmental Infrastructure
System, directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, by means of sale,
lease, abandonment, sale of stock, statutory merger or otherwise (collectively,
a "Disposition"), except on ninety (90) days' prior written notice to the Trust,
and, in any event, shall not permit a Disposition unless the following
conditions are met: (i) the Borrower shall, in accordance with
Section 4.02 hereof, assign this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond and its
rights and interests hereunder and thereunder to the purchaser or lessee of the
Environmental Infrastructure System, and such purchaser or lessee shall assume
all duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower under this
Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond; and (ii) the Trust shall by appropriate
action determine, in its sole discretion, that such sale, lease, abandonment or
other disposition will not adversely affect (A) the Trust's ability to meet its
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under the Bond Resolution, (B) the
value of this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond as security for the payment of
Trust Bonds and the interest thereon, or (C) the excludability from gross income
for federal income tax purposes of the interest on Trust Bonds then outstanding
or that could be issued in the future.
SECTION
2.02(f)(x)
The
Borrower will not have a reserve or replacement fund (within the meaning of
Section 148(d)(1) of the Code) allocable to the Borrower Bond evidencing the
Loan.
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
A-1
1)
Name and
Address of Local Unit:
Middlesex
Water Company
1500
Ronson Road
Iselin,
New Jersey 08830-0452
Attention:
Ronald F. Williams P.E. Vice President - Operations
2)
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Description
of the Project
:
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The
proposed project will involve cleaning/relining and spot replacement of water
mains, hydrants, service lines, and valves. Approximately forty five
thousand feet of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20-inch diameter water mains will be
relined. The project will occur in the City of South Amboy, and
Woodbridge Township.
3)
Description
of the Water Supply System:
The
Middlesex Water Company is an investor-owned water utility that provides water
service to retail customers primarily in eastern Middlesex
County. Water services are now furnished to approximately 58,000
retail customers located in an area of approximately 55 square miles of New
Jersey in Woodbridge Township, the Boroughs of Metuchen and Carteret, portions
of Edison Township and the Borough of South Plainfield and the City of South
Amboy in Middlesex County, and a portion of the Township of Clark in Union
County.
The
Middlesex Water Company obtains water from both surface and groundwater sources;
however, the principal source of supply is the Delaware and Raritan Canal, owned
by the State of New Jersey and operated as a water resource by the New Jersey
Water Supply Authority.
EXHIBIT
A-2
Description of
Loan
See
Exhibit A-2 to Specimen Borrower Bond (Exhibit D hereto)
EXHIBIT
B
Basis for Determination of
Allowable Project Costs
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
B
Basis for the Determination
of Allowable Costs
The
determination of the costs allowable for assistance from the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program is presented below.
Cost
Classification
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Application
Amount
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Allowable
Costs
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1. Administrative
Expenses
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$
89,100
|
$
89,100
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2. Other
Costs
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0
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0
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3. Engineering
Fees
|
160,000
|
160,000
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4. Building
Costs
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2,970,000
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2,970,000
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5. Contingencies
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148,500
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148,500
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6. Allowance
for Planning and design
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132,400
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132,400
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7. Sub-total
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3,500,000
|
3,500,000
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8. DEP
Fee
|
|
70,000
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9. Total
Project Costs
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$3,570,000
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As a
result of the review by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,
various line items may have been revised resulting in a change of the allowable
costs for this project. The basis for the determination of the allowable costs
is as follows:
1.
Administrative
Expenses
The total
amount requested on the application was $89,100. The amount requested
is for water main cleaning/relining. The allowable administrative
expenses are authorized to be three percent of the allowable building costs.
Therefore, the total amount for this line item is $2,970,000 x 0.03 =
$89,100.
Allowable
Administrative Expenses are
$89,100
.
3.
Engineering
Fees
The
amount requested for this line item on the application was
$160,000.
This
amount is for engineering services for this project and the full amount
is
allowable.
Allowable
Engineering Fees are
$160,000
.
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
4.
Building
Costs
The total
amount requested for this line item was $2,970,000. The allowable cost analysis
(as per N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.8) has determined that the entire amount requested for
this line item is allowable. Therefore, the Allowable Cost Ratio (ACR) is one
(1.0). In addition the project does not provide any reserve capacity. Therefore,
the Reserve Capacity Cost Ratio (RCCR) is one (1.0). Thus, the entire requested
amount is allowable.
Allowable
Building Costs are
$2,970,000.
5.
Contingencies
The total
amount requested on the application was $148,500. The allowable amount for this
line item is five percent of the allowable building costs. Therefore, the total
allowable cost for this line item is $2,970,000 x 0.05 = $148,500.
Allowable Contingencies are
$148,500
.
6.
Allowance
for Planning and Design
The total
amount requested for this line item was $132,400. The allowable
amount for this line item based on an allowable building cost
is: $250,000+ ($2,970,000 - $1,000,000) x 0.12= $486,400. However,
the applicant has requested $132,400 for this line item.
Allowance
for Planning and Design for this project is
$132,400
.
7.
Sub-total
The
subtotal for project costs applied for is 3,500,000. The actual cost was
adjusted to $3,500,000.
Therefore,
the Sub-total is $
3,500,000.
8.
DEP
Fee
DEP Fee = $3,500,000 x 2%
=
$
70,000
|
This
item represents the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee imposed by
DEP as a portion of the cost of the project of the
borrower. This DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee is a
portion of the cost of the project that has been incurred for engineering
and environmental services provided by DEP
for
|
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
the
borrower in connection with, and as a condition precedent to, the inclusion
of
the
project of the borrower in the 2008 Financing Program of the
Trust. As a portion of the cost of the borrower’s project that
represents a condition precedent to the inclusion of the borrower’s project in
the 2008 Financing Program of the
Trust,
the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee represents a program expense of
the 2008 Financing Program of the Trust and will be financed for the borrower as
part of the Trust loan made by the Trust to the borrower from the proceeds of
the Trust bonds, the Trust shall direct the trustee for the Trust bonds to
transfer to DEP from the Project Fund the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination
Fee allocable to the borrower. The DEP’s authority to assess a Loan
Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee was established pursuant to P.L. 2002, c.34
approved on July 1, 2002.
The total project costs are
$3,570,000
I. Disbursement to Borrower
is:
$3,500,000.
Fund Share is
$1,750,000.
Trust Share is
$1,750,000.
II. Disbursement to DEP is
$70,000.
EXHIBIT
C
Estimated Disbursement
Schedule
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
C
The
following is a schedule of the estimated disbursements for this loan.
Disbursements to the project sponsor for any given month shall not exceed the
amounts indicated below plus any undisbursed amount from the previous
months.
Year
|
Month
|
|
Fund
Share
Borrower
Disbursement
|
|
|
Trust
Share
Borrower
Disbursement
|
|
|
Trust
Share
DEP
Disbursement
|
|
|
Total
|
|
2008
|
November
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
November
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
January
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
February
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
March
|
|
|
262,500
|
|
|
|
262,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
525,000
|
|
|
April
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
May
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
June
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
July
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
August
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
September
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
|
October
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,570,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*This is
the DEP loan origination fee. No action is required on the part of
the borrower.
The trust
will make a single transfer to DEP, through the Trust’s Trustee, on behalf of
all of the Borrowers in 2008 Financing Program.
Page 1 of 1
EXHIBIT
D
Specimen Borrower
Bond
EXHIBIT
E
Opinions of Borrower's Bond
and General Counsels
EXHIBIT
F
Additional Covenants and
Requirements
None.
EXHIBIT
G
General
Administrative Requirements for the
State Environmental
Infrastructure Financing Program
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
G
General Administrative and
Special Requirements
The
following General Administrative Requirements are applicable to this
Loan. The listing of these requirements does not limit, or otherwise
alter, the project sponsor’s obligations under the Federal Safe Drinking Water
Act, the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, the State rules under
N.J.A.C.
7:22, the
Fund and Trust Loan Agreements, or the Special Requirements. The
Special Requirements specific to this project are found in this Exhibit after
the listing of General Administrative Requirements.
1.
Operation and Maintenance
Manual (O&M Manual)
During
construction (i.e., prior to initiation of operation), the project sponsor shall
certify to the Trust, in the case of a Trust Loan, and to the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (Department), in the case of a Fund Loan,
that a final Plan of Operation, and an O&M Manual have been developed for
the project.
2.
Project
Performance
The
project sponsor shall comply with the project performance provisions of
N.J.A.C.
7:22-3.30
and 7:22-4.30. As a minimum, unless further specified, the project
performance standards shall consist of
N.J.A.C.
7.10-11,
“Standards for Construction of Public Community Systems”.
3.
Flood
Insurance
The
project sponsor shall acquire or have the construction contractor acquire, as
appropriate flood insurance made available under the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968, as amended. Insurance coverage shall begin with the
period of construction and continue for the entire useful life of the
facility. The insurance shall be in an amount at least equal to the
allowable improvements or the maximum limit of coverage made available to the
project sponsor under the National Flood Insurance Act, whichever is
less. The project sponsor must comply with this requirement prior to
the release of the initial payment for construction work.
Page 1 of 3
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
|
The
project sponsor shall have an annual financial audit performed if the
project sponsor expended $500,000 or more in State and/or Federal
financial assistance during the project sponsor’s fiscal year. The audit
shall be performed in accordance with the Single Audit Act, Federal OMB
Circular No. A-133, and State Policy OMB Circular 04-04-OMB. Copies of all
audit reports must be submitted to the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection, Office of Audit, P.O. Box 402, Trenton, New
Jersey 08625.
|
If the
project sponsor expended less than $500,000 in State and/or Federal financial
assistance within their fiscal year, but expend $100,000 or more in State and/or
Federal financial assistance within their fiscal year, the project sponsor shall
have either a financial statement audit performed in accordance with Government
Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) or a program-specific audit performed in
accordance with the Act, Amendments, OMB Circular No. A-133 Revised and State
policy.
Program-specific
audits in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133 Revised can be elected when a
project sponsor expends Federal or State financial assistance under only one
Federal or State program and the Federal or State program's laws, regulations,
or grant agreements do not require a financial statement audit of the
grantee."
4.
|
Socially
and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals Utilization
Plan
|
The
project sponsor shall ensure that the contractor provides a Socially and
Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SED) Utilization Plan in accordance with
N.J.A.C.
7:22-9.1 et seq. which outlines the entire contract work, each significant
segment of the contract on which SEDs will or may participate and a description
of how SEDs will be contracted. This plan shall be submitted no later
than 30 days after the contract award.
Page 2 of 3
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
Project
Schedule:
The
project sponsor unit shall expeditiously initiate and complete the project in
accordance with the project schedule, which was submitted as part of the loan
application and is repeated below. Failure to promptly initiate and
complete the project may result in the imposition of sanctions under
N.J.A.C.
7:22-3.40
through 3.44 and N.J.A.C. 7:22-4.40 through 4.44. In
addition, failure to promptly award all sub agreement(s) for building the
project within 12 months of the date of this loan may result in limitation of
allowable costs as provided by
N.J.A.C.
7:22-5.4(d)
5.This limitation on allowable costs incurred under contracts awarded after 12
months from the date of this loan are unallowable unless a special extension has
been granted by the Department, in the case of a Fund Loan, and the Trust, in
the case of a Trust Loan.
EVENT
|
DATE
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
December
19, 2008
|
BID
RECEIPT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
January
20, 2009
|
|
|
AWARD:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
February
20, 2009
|
|
|
ISSUANCE OF NOTICE TO
PROCCED:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
March
27, 2009
|
|
|
COMPLETION OF
CONSTRUCTION:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2009
|
|
|
INITATION OF
OPERATION:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2009
|
|
|
CERTIFICATION OF
PROJECT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2010
|
|
|
Page 3 of
3
EXHIBIT
H
Form of Continuing
Disclosure Agreement
H-1
Exhibit
10.35
LOAN
AGREEMENT
BY
AND BETWEEN
THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
ACTING
BY AND THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,
AND
MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
DATED
AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2008
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
Page
|
ARTICLE
I
|
|
|
DEFINITIONS
|
|
|
SECTION
1.01. Definitions
|
2
|
|
|
ARTICLE
II
|
|
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
|
|
|
SECTION
2.01. Representations of Borrower
|
6
|
SECTION
2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower
|
9
|
|
|
ARTICLE
III
|
|
|
LOAN
TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
|
|
|
SECTION
3.01. Loan; Loan Term
|
14
|
SECTION
3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds
|
14
|
SECTION
3.03. Amounts Payable
|
15
|
SECTION
3.03A.
A
mounts on Deposit in Project Loan
Account after Completion of Project Draws
|
16
|
SECTION
3.04. Unconditional Obligations
|
16
|
SECTION
3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Loan
|
17
|
SECTION
3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and
Indemnification
|
17
|
SECTION
3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments
|
18
|
SECTION
3.08. Priority of Loan and Trust Loan
|
18
|
SECTION
3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State
Treasurer
|
19
|
|
|
ARTICLE
IV
|
|
|
ASSIGNMENT
OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
|
|
|
SECTION
4.01. Assignment and Transfer by State
|
20
|
SECTION
4.02. Assignment by Borrower
|
20
|
|
|
ARTICLE
V
|
|
|
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
|
|
|
SECTION
5.01. Events of Default
|
21
|
SECTION
5.02. Notice of Default
|
22
|
SECTION
5.03. Remedies on Default
|
22
|
SECTION
5.04. Attorneys' Fees and Other Expenses
|
22
|
-i-
SECTION
5.05. Application of Moneys
|
22
|
SECTION
5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice
|
22
|
SECTION
5.07. Retention of State's Rights
|
23
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VI
|
|
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
|
SECTION
6.01. Notices
|
24
|
SECTION
6.02. Binding Effect
|
24
|
SECTION
6.03. Severability
|
24
|
SECTION
6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications
|
24
|
SECTION
6.05. Execution in Counterparts
|
25
|
SECTION
6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations
|
25
|
SECTION
6.07. Consents and Approvals
|
25
|
SECTION
6.08. Captions
|
25
|
SECTION
6.09. Further Assurances
|
25
|
|
|
SCHEDULE
A
|
Certain
Additional Loan Agreement Provisions
|
S-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
A
|
(1)
Description of Project and Environmental Infrastructure
System
|
A-1-1
|
|
(2)
Description of Loan
|
A-2-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
B
|
Basis
for Determination of Allowable Project Costs
|
B-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
C
|
Estimated
Disbursement Schedule
|
C-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
D
|
Specimen
Borrower Bond
|
D-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
E
|
Opinions
of Borrower's Bond and General Counsels
|
E-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
F
|
Additional
Covenants and Requirements
|
F-1
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT
G
|
General
Administrative Requirements for the State
|
|
|
Environmental
Infrastructure Financing Program
|
G-1
|
-ii-
NEW
JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT,
made and
entered into as of November 1, 2008, by and between THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
acting by and through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and
the Borrower (capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall have, unless
the context otherwise requires, the meanings ascribed thereto in Section 1.01
hereof);
WITNESSETH
THAT:
WHEREAS,
the Borrower has, in
accordance with the Regulations, made timely application to the State for a Loan
to finance a portion of the Cost of the Project;
WHEREAS,
the State has
approved the Borrower's application for a Loan from Federal Funds, if and when
received by and available to the State, and moneys from repayments of loans
previously made from such Federal Funds, in the amount of the loan commitment
set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof to finance a
portion of the Cost of the Project;
WHEREAS,
the New Jersey State
Legislature has approved an appropriations act that authorizes an expenditure of
said proceeds, Federal Funds or related moneys to finance a portion of the Cost
of the Project;
WHEREAS,
the Borrower, in
accordance with the Business Corporation Law and all other applicable law, will
issue a Borrower Bond to the State evidencing said Loan at the Loan Closing;
and
WHEREAS,
in accordance with
the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Act, P.L. 1985, c. 334, as
amended, and the Regulations, the Borrower has been awarded a Trust Loan for a
portion of the Cost of the Project plus, if applicable to the Borrower,
capitalized interest on the Trust Loan, certain costs of issuance and bond
insurance premium related thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE,
for and in
consideration of the award of the Loan by the State, the Borrower agrees to
complete the Project and to perform under this Loan Agreement in accordance with
the conditions, covenants and procedures set forth herein and attached hereto as
part hereof, as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION
1.01. Definitions
. The following terms as used in
this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have
the following meanings:
"Administrative Fee"
means an
annual fee of up to one percent (1.0%) of the initial principal amount of the
Loan or such lesser amount, if any, as may be authorized by any act of the New
Jersey State Legislature and as the State may approve from time to
time.
"Authorized Officer"
means, in
the case of the Borrower, any person or persons authorized pursuant to a
resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower to perform any act or
execute any document relating to the Loan, the Borrower Bond or this Loan
Agreement.
"Borrower"
means the
corporation that is a party to and is described in Schedule A to this Loan
Agreement, and its successors and assigns.
"Borrower Bond"
means the
general obligation bond, note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness
authorized, executed, attested and delivered by the Borrower to the State and
authenticated, if applicable, on behalf of the Borrower to evidence the Loan, a
specimen of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D and made a part
hereof.
"Borrowers"
means any other
Local Government Unit or Private Entity (as such terms are defined in the
Regulations) authorized to construct, operate and maintain Environmental
Infrastructure Facilities that have entered into Loan Agreements with the State
pursuant to which the State will make Loans to such recipients from Federal
Funds.
"Business Corporation Law"
means the "New Jersey Business Corporation Act", constituting Chapter 263 of the
Pamphlet Laws of 1968 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 14A:1-1
et seq.
), as the same may
from time to time be amended and supplemented.
"Code"
means the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may from time to time be amended and
supplemented, including any regulations promulgated thereunder, any successor
code thereto and any administrative or judicial interpretations
thereof.
"Cost"
means those costs that
are eligible, reasonable, necessary, allocable to the Project and permitted by
generally accepted accounting principles, including Allowances and Building
Costs (as defined in the Regulations), as shall be determined on a
project-specific basis in accordance with the Regulations as set forth in
Exhibit B hereto, as the same may be amended by subsequent eligible costs as
evidenced by a certificate of an authorized officer of the State.
“Department”
means the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
"Environmental Infrastructure
Facilities"
means Water Supply Facilities (as such term is defined in the
Regulations).
"Environmental Infrastructure
System"
means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the
Borrower, including the Project, described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and
made a part hereof for which the Borrower is borrowing the Loan under this Loan
Agreement.
"Event of Default"
means any
occurrence or event specified in Section 5.01 hereof.
“Excess Project Funds”
shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03A hereof.
"Federal Funds"
means those
funds awarded to the State pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251
et seq.
) or the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §300f
et seq.
), as the same may
from time to time be amended and supplemented.
"Loan"
means the loan made by
the State to the Borrower to finance or refinance a portion of the Cost of the
Project pursuant to this Loan Agreement. For all purposes of this
Loan Agreement, the principal amount of the Loan at any time shall be the amount
of the loan commitment set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part
hereof (such amount being also specified as the initial aggregate principal
amount of the Borrower Bond) less any amount of such principal amount that has
been repaid by the Borrower under this Loan Agreement and less any adjustment
made for low bid or final building costs pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C.
7:22-3.26 and the appropriations act of the New Jersey State Legislature
authorizing the expenditure of moneys to finance a portion of the Cost of the
Project.
"Loan Agreement"
means this
Loan Agreement, including the Exhibits attached hereto, as it may be
supplemented, modified or amended from time to time in accordance with the terms
hereof.
"Loan Agreements"
means any
other loan agreements entered into by and between the State and one or more of
the Borrowers pursuant to which the State will make Loans to such Borrowers from
Federal Funds.
"Loan Closing"
means the date
upon which the Borrower shall deliver its Borrower Bond, as previously
authorized, executed, attested and, if applicable, authenticated, to the
State.
"Loan Repayments"
means the
sum of (i) the repayments of the principal amount of the Loan payable by the
Borrower pursuant to Section 3.03(a) of this Loan Agreement and (ii) any late
charges incurred hereunder, but shall not include the Administrative
Fee.
"Loan Term"
means the term of
this Loan Agreement provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof and in Exhibit A-2
attached hereto and made a part hereof.
"Loans"
means the loans made
by the State to the Borrowers under the Loan Agreements from Federal
Funds.
"Master Program Trust
Agreement"
means that certain Master Program Trust Agreement, dated as of
November 1, 1995, by and among the Trust, the State, United
States
Trust
Company of New York, as Master Program Trustee thereunder, The Bank of New York
(NJ), in several capacities thereunder, and First Fidelity Bank, N.A.
(predecessor to Wachovia Bank, National Association), in several capacities
thereunder, as supplemented by that certain Agreement of Resignation of Outgoing
Master Program Trustee, Appointment of Successor Master Program Trustee and
Acceptance Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2001, by and among United States
Trust Company of New York, as Outgoing Master Program Trustee, State Street Bank
and Trust Company, N.A. (predecessor to U.S. Bank Trust National Association),
as Successor Master Program Trustee, and the Trust, as the same may be amended
and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Prime Rate"
means the
prevailing commercial interest rate announced by the Trustee from time to time
in the State as its prime lending rate.
"Project"
means the
Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower described in Exhibit A-1
attached hereto and made a part hereof, which constitutes a project for which
the State is permitted to make a loan to the Borrower pursuant to the
Regulations, all or a portion of the Cost of which is financed or refinanced by
the State through the making of the Loan under this Loan Agreement and which may
be identified under either the Drinking Water or Clean Water Project Lists with
the Project Number specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto.
"Regulations"
means the rules
and regulations, as applicable, now or hereafter promulgated under N.J.A.C.
7:22-3
et seq.
, 7:22-4
et seq.
, 7:22-5
et seq.
, 7:22-9
et seq.
and 7:22-10
et seq.
, as the same may from
time to time be amended and supplemented.
"State"
means the State of New
Jersey, acting, unless otherwise specifically indicated, by and through the
Department, and its successors and assigns.
"Trust"
means the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust, a public body corporate and politic with
corporate succession duly created and validly existing under and by virtue of
P.L. 1985, c. 334, as amended (N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1
et seq.
).
"Trust Loan"
means the loan
made to the Borrower by the Trust pursuant to the Trust Loan
Agreement.
"Trust Loan Agreement"
means
the loan agreement by and between the Borrower and the Trust dated as of
November 1, 2008 to finance or refinance a portion of the Cost of the
Project.
"Trustee"
means, initially,
The Bank of New York Mellon, the Trustee appointed by the Trust and its
successors as Trustee under the Bond Resolution, as provided in Article X of the
Bond Resolution.
(b) In
addition to the capitalized terms defined in subsection (a) of this Section
1.01, certain additional capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall,
unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to
such additional capitalized terms in
Schedule A
attached
hereto and made a part hereof.
(c) Except
as otherwise defined herein or where the context otherwise requires, words
importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa,
and words importing persons shall include firms, associations, corporations,
agencies and districts. Words importing one gender shall include the
other gender.
ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
SECTION
2.01. Representations of Borrower
. The Borrower
represents for the benefit of the State as follows:
(a)
Organization and
Authority
.
(i) The
Borrower is a corporation duly created and validly existing under and pursuant
to the Constitution and statutes of the State, including the Business
Corporation Law.
(ii) The
acting officers of the Borrower who are contemporaneously herewith performing or
have previously performed any action contemplated in this Loan Agreement either
are or, at the time any such action was performed, were the duly appointed or
elected officers of such Borrower empowered by applicable New Jersey law and, if
applicable, authorized by resolution of the Borrower to perform such
actions. To the extent any such action was performed by an officer no
longer the duly acting officer of such Borrower, all such actions previously
taken by such officer are still in full force and effect.
(iii) The
Borrower has full legal right and authority and all necessary licenses and
permits required as of the date hereof to own, operate and maintain its
Environmental Infrastructure System, to carry on its activities relating
thereto, to execute, attest and deliver this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond, to authorize the authentication of the Borrower Bond, to sell the Borrower
Bond to the State, to undertake and complete the Project and to carry out and
consummate all transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(iv) The
proceedings of the Borrower's board of directors approving this Loan Agreement
and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of
this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the sale of the Borrower
Bond to the State, authorizing the authentication of the Borrower Bond on behalf
of the Borrower and authorizing the Borrower to undertake and complete the
Project, including, without limitation, the Borrower Bond Resolution
(collectively, the "Proceedings"), have been duly and lawfully adopted in
accordance with the Business Corporation Law and other applicable New Jersey law
at a meeting or meetings that were duly called and held in accordance with the
Borrower By-Laws and at which quorums were present and acting
throughout.
(v) By
official action of the Borrower taken prior to or concurrent with the execution
and delivery hereof, including, without limitation, the Proceedings, the
Borrower has duly authorized, approved and consented to all necessary action to
be taken by the Borrower for: (A) the execution, attestation,
delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby; (B) the issuance of the
Borrower
Bond and the sale thereof to the State upon the terms set forth herein; and (C)
the execution, delivery and due performance of any and all other certificates,
agreements and instruments that may be required to be executed, delivered and
performed by the Borrower in order to carry out, give effect to and consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(vi) This
Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond have each been duly authorized by the
Borrower and duly executed, attested and delivered by Authorized Officers of the
Borrower, and the Borrower Bond has been duly sold by the Borrower to the State,
duly authenticated by the trustee or paying agent, if applicable, under the
Borrower Bond Resolution and duly issued by the Borrower in accordance with the
terms of the Borrower Bond Resolution; and assuming that the State has all the
requisite power and authority to authorize, execute, attest and deliver, and has
duly authorized, executed, attested and delivered, this Loan Agreement, and
assuming further that this Loan Agreement is the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the State, enforceable against the State in accordance with its
terms, each of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower
in accordance with its respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may
be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws or the application by a
court of legal or equitable principles affecting creditors' rights; and the
information contained under "Description of Loan" in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto
and made a part hereof is true and accurate in all respects.
(b)
Full
Disclosure
. There is no fact that the Borrower has not
disclosed to the State in writing on the Borrower's application for the Loan or
otherwise that materially adversely affects or (so far as the Borrower can now
foresee) that will materially adversely affect the properties, activities,
prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its
Environmental Infrastructure System, or the ability of the Borrower to make all
Loan Repayments or otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond.
(c)
Pending
Litigation
. There are no proceedings pending or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower in any
court or before any governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal
that, if adversely determined, would materially adversely affect (i) the
undertaking or completion of the Project, (ii) the properties, activities,
prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its
Environmental Infrastructure System, (iii) the ability of the Borrower to make
all Loan Repayments, (iv) the authorization, execution, attestation or delivery
of this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond, (v) the issuance of the Borrower
Bond and the sale thereof to the State, (vi) the adoption of the Borrower Bond
Resolution, or (vii) the Borrower's ability otherwise to observe and perform its
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the
Borrower Bond, which proceedings have not been previously disclosed in writing
to the State either in the Borrower's application for the Loan or
otherwise.
(d)
Compliance with Existing
Laws and Agreements
. (i) The authorization, execution,
attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond by
the
Borrower,
(ii) the authentication of the Borrower Bond by the trustee or paying agent
under the Borrower Bond Resolution, as the case may be, and the sale of the
Borrower Bond to the State, (iii) the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution,
(iv) the observation and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements hereunder and thereunder, (v) the consummation of the
transactions provided for in this Loan Agreement, the Borrower Bond Resolution
and the Borrower Bond, and (vi) the undertaking and completion of the Project
will not (A) other than the lien, charge or encumbrance created hereby, by the
Borrower Bond, by the Borrower Bond Resolution and by any other outstanding debt
obligations of the Borrower that are at parity with the Borrower Bond as to lien
on, and source and security for payment thereon from, the revenues of the
Borrower's Environmental Infrastructure System, result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of
the Borrower pursuant to, (B) result in any breach of any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of, or (C) constitute a default under, any existing
resolution, outstanding debt or lease obligation, trust agreement, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other instrument to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure
System or any of its properties or assets may be bound, nor will such action
result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or other document
pursuant to which the Borrower was established or any laws, ordinances,
injunctions, judgments, decrees, rules, regulations or existing orders of any
court or governmental or administrative agency, authority or person to which the
Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its properties or
operations is subject.
(e)
No
Defaults
. No event has occurred and no condition exists that,
upon the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale
thereof to the State, the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution or the
receipt of the amount of the Loan, would constitute an Event of Default
hereunder. The Borrower is not in violation of, and has not received
notice of any claimed violation of, any term of any agreement or other
instrument to which it is a party or by which it, its Environmental
Infrastructure System or its properties may be bound, which violation would
materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments, to pay all
other amounts due hereunder or otherwise to observe and perform its duties,
covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond.
(f)
Governmental
Consent
. The Borrower has obtained all permits and approvals
required to date by any governmental body or officer for the authorization,
execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond, for the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State,
for the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, for the making, observance and
performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements
under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond and for the undertaking or
completion of the Project and the financing or refinancing thereof, including,
but not limited to, if required, the approval by the New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities (the "BPU") of the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to
the State and any other approvals required therefor by the BPU; and the Borrower
has complied with all applicable provisions of law requiring any notification,
declaration, filing or registration with any governmental body or officer in
connection with the making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its
duties,
covenants,
obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond or
with the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or
refinancing thereof. No consent, approval or authorization of, or
filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental body or officer
that has not been obtained is required on the part of the Borrower as a
condition to the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale
thereof to the State, the undertaking or completion of the Project or the
consummation of any transaction herein contemplated.
(g)
Compliance with
Law
. The Borrower:
(i) is
in compliance with all laws, ordinances, governmental rules and regulations to
which it is subject, the failure to comply with which would materially adversely
affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake
or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan
Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System; and
(ii) has
obtained all licenses, permits, franchises or other governmental authorizations
presently necessary for the ownership of its properties or for the conduct of
its activities that, if not obtained, would materially adversely affect (A) the
ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete
the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to
pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System.
(h)
Use of
Proceeds
. The Borrower will apply the proceeds of the Loan
from the State as described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof
(i) to finance or refinance a portion of the Cost of the Borrower's Project; and
(ii) where applicable, to reimburse the Borrower for a portion of the Cost of
the Borrower's Project, which portion was paid or incurred in anticipation of
reimbursement by the State and is eligible for such reimbursement under and
pursuant to the Regulations, the Code and any other applicable
law. All of such costs constitute Costs for which the State is
authorized to make Loans to the Borrower pursuant to the
Regulations.
SECTION 2.02. Particular
Covenants of Borrower
.
(a)
Promise to
Pay
. The Borrower unconditionally promises, in accordance with
the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution, to make
punctual payment of the principal of the Loan and the Borrower Bond and all
other amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond according to
their respective terms.
(b)
Performance Under Loan
Agreement; Rates
. The Borrower covenants and agrees (i) to
comply with all applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations in the
performance of this Loan Agreement; (ii) to maintain its Environmental
Infrastructure System in good repair and operating condition; (iii) to cooperate
with the State in the observance and performance of
the
respective duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower and the
State under this Loan Agreement; and (iv) to establish, levy and collect rents,
rates and other charges for the products and services provided by its
Environmental Infrastructure System, which rents, rates and other charges shall
be at least sufficient to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained
in, and all other provisions of, any bond resolution, trust indenture or other
security agreement, if any, relating to any bonds, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness issued or to be issued by the Borrower, including without
limitation rents, rates and other charges, together with other available moneys,
sufficient to pay the principal of and Interest on the Borrower Bond, plus all
other amounts due hereunder.
(c)
Revenue Obligation; No Prior
Pledges
. The Borrower shall not be required to make payments
under this Loan Agreement except from the revenues of its Environmental
Infrastructure System and from such other funds of such Environmental
Infrastructure System legally available therefor and from any other sources
pledged to such payment pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section
2.02. In no event shall the Borrower be required to make payments
under this Loan Agreement from any revenues or receipts not derived from its
Environmental Infrastructure System or pledged pursuant to subsection (a) of
this Section 2.02. Except for (i) loan repayments required with
respect to the Trust Loan, (ii) the debt service on any future bonds or notes of
the Borrower issued at parity with the Borrower Bond under the Borrower Bond
Resolution, and (iii) the debt service on any bonds, notes or evidences of
indebtedness of the Borrower at parity with the Borrower Bond under the Borrower
Bond Resolution and currently outstanding or issued on the date hereof, the
revenues derived by the Borrower from its Environmental Infrastructure System,
after the payment of all costs of operating and maintaining the Environmental
Infrastructure System, are and will be free and clear of any pledge, lien,
charge or encumbrance thereon or with respect thereto prior to, or of equal rank
with, the obligation of the Borrower to make Loan Repayments under this Loan
Agreement and the Borrower Bond, and all corporate or other action on the part
of the Borrower to that end has been and will be duly and validly
taken.
(d)
Completion of Project and
Provision of Moneys Therefor
. The Borrower covenants and
agrees (i) to exercise its best efforts in accordance with prudent environmental
infrastructure utility practice to complete the Project and to accomplish such
completion on or before the estimated Project completion date set forth in
Exhibit G hereto and made a part hereof; (ii) to comply with the terms and
provisions contained in Exhibit G hereto; and (iii) to provide from its own
fiscal resources all moneys, in excess of the total amount of loan proceeds it
receives under the Loan and Trust Loan, required to complete the
Project.
(e) See
Section 2.02(e) as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, made a part hereof
and incorporated in this Section 2.02(e) by reference as if set forth in full
herein.
(f) Reserved.
(g)
Operation and Maintenance of
Environmental Infrastructure System
. The Borrower covenants
and agrees that it shall, in accordance with prudent environmental
infrastructure utility practice, (i) at all times operate the properties of its
Environmental Infrastructure System and any business in connection therewith in
an efficient manner, (ii)
maintain
its Environmental Infrastructure System in good repair, working order and
operating condition, and (iii) from time to time make all necessary and proper
repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements with
respect to its Environmental Infrastructure System so that at all times the
business carried on in connection therewith shall be properly and advantageously
conducted.
(h)
Records and
Accounts
. The Borrower shall keep accurate records and
accounts for its Environmental Infrastructure System (the "System Records")
separate and distinct from its other records and accounts (the "General
Records"). Such System Records shall be audited annually by an
independent certified public accountant, which may be part of the annual audit
of the General Records of the Borrower. Such System Records and
General Records shall be made available for inspection by the State at any
reasonable time upon prior written notice, and a copy of such annual audit(s)
therefor, including all written comments and recommendations of such accountant,
shall be furnished to the State within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year
being so audited or, with the consent of the State, such additional period as
may be provided by law.
(ii) Within
30 days following receipt of any Loan proceeds, including without limitation the
“Allowance for Administrative Costs” or the “Allowance for Planning and Design”
set forth in Exhibit B hereto, the Borrower shall allocate such proceeds to an
expenditures in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation
§1.148-6(d) and transmit a copy of each such allocation to the
State. No portion of the Allowance for Administrative Costs will be
allocated to a cost other than a cost described in N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.11(a) 3, 4 or
6. No portion of the Allowance for Planning and Design will be
allocated to a cost other than a cost described N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.12, or other
costs of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System which are "capital
expenditures," within the meaning of Treasury Regulations
§1.150-1. The Borrower shall retain records of such allocations for
at least until the date that is three years after the scheduled maturity date of
the Loan. The Borrower shall make such records available to the State
within 15 days of any request by the State.
(i)
Inspections;
Information
. The Borrower shall permit the State and any party
designated by the State, at any and all reasonable times during construction of
the Project and thereafter upon prior written notice, to examine, visit and
inspect the property, if any, constituting the Project and to inspect and make
copies of any accounts, books and records, including (without limitation) its
records regarding receipts, disbursements, contracts, investments and any other
matters relating thereto and to its financial standing, and shall supply such
reports and information as the State may reasonably require in connection
therewith.
(j)
Insurance
. The
Borrower shall maintain or cause to be maintained, in force, insurance policies
with responsible insurers or self-insurance programs providing against risk of
direct physical loss, damage or destruction of its Environmental Infrastructure
System at least to the extent that similar insurance is usually carried by
utilities constructing, operating and maintaining Environmental Infrastructure
Facilities of the nature of the Borrower's Environmental Infrastructure System,
including liability coverage, all to the extent available at reasonable cost but
in no case less than will satisfy all applicable regulatory
requirements.
(k)
Cost of
Project
. The Borrower certifies that the building cost of the
Project, as listed in Exhibit B hereto and made a part hereof, is a reasonable
and accurate estimation thereof, and it will supply to the State a certificate
from a licensed professional engineer authorized to practice in the State
stating that such building cost is a reasonable and accurate estimation and that
the useful life of the Project exceeds the maturity date of the Borrower
Bond.
(l)
Delivery of
Documents
. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan
Agreement (as previously authorized, executed and attested) at the Loan Closing,
the Borrower will cause to be delivered to the State each of the following
items:
(i) an
opinion of the Borrower's bond counsel substantially in the form of Exhibit E
hereto; provided, however, that the State may permit portions of such opinion to
be rendered by general counsel to the Borrower and may permit variances in such
opinion from the form set forth in Exhibit E if such variances are acceptable to
the State;
(ii) counterparts
of this Loan Agreement as previously executed and attested by the parties
hereto;
(iii) copies
of those resolutions finally adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower
and requested by the State, including, without limitation, (A) the resolution of
the Borrower authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan
Agreement, (B) the Borrower Bond Resolution, as amended and supplemented as of
the date of the Loan Closing, authorizing the execution, attestation,
authentication, sale and delivery of the Borrower Bond to the State, (C) the
resolution of the Borrower confirming the details of the sale of the Borrower
Bond to the State, each of said resolutions of the Borrower being certified by
an Authorized Officer of the Borrower as of the date of the Loan Closing, (D)
the resolution of the BPU approving the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower
Bond to the State and setting forth any other approvals required therefor by the
BPU, if applicable, and (E) any other Proceedings; and
(iv) the
certificates of insurance coverage as required pursuant to the terms of Section
3.06(c) hereof and such other certificates, documents, opinions and information
as the State may require in Exhibit F hereto, if any.
(m)
Execution and Delivery of
Borrower Bond
. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan
Agreement at the Loan Closing, the Borrower shall also deliver to the State the
Borrower Bond, as previously executed, attested and, if applicable,
authenticated.
(n)
Notice of Material Adverse
Change
. The Borrower shall promptly notify the State of any
material adverse change in the properties, activities, prospects or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure
System, or in the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments and
otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and
agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(o)
Continuing
Representations
. The representations of the Borrower contained
herein shall be true at the time of the execution of this Loan Agreement and at
all times during the term of this Loan Agreement.
(p)
Additional Covenants and
Requirements
. (i) No later than the Loan Closing and, if
necessary, in connection with the making of the Loan, additional covenants and
requirements have been included in Exhibit F hereto and made a part
hereof. Such covenants and requirements may include, but need not be
limited to, the maintenance of specified levels of Environmental Infrastructure
System rates, the issuance of additional debt of the Borrower and the transfer
of revenues and receipts from the Borrower's Environmental Infrastructure
System. The Borrower agrees to observe and comply with each such
additional covenant and requirement, if any, included in Exhibit F
hereto. (ii) Additional defined terms, covenants, representations and
requirements have been included in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part
hereof. Such additional defined terms, covenants, representations and
requirements are incorporated in this Loan Agreement by reference thereto as if
set forth in full herein and the Borrower hereby agrees to observe and comply
with each such additional term, covenant, representation and requirement
included in Schedule A as if the same were set forth in its entirety where
reference thereto is made in this Loan Agreement.
ARTICLE
III
LOAN
TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan
Term
. The State hereby agrees to make the Loan as described in
Exhibit A-2 hereof and to disburse proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in
accordance with Section 3.02 and Exhibit C hereof, and the Borrower hereby
agrees to borrow and accept the Loan from the State upon the terms set forth in
Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof; provided, however, that the
State shall be under no obligation to make the Loan if (a) at the Loan Closing,
the Borrower does not deliver to the State a Borrower Bond and such other
documents required under Section 2.02(l) hereof, or (b) an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing under this Loan Agreement. Although the
State intends to disburse proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower at the times and
up to the amounts set forth in Exhibit C to pay a portion of the Cost of the
Project, due to unforeseen circumstances there may not be sufficient Federal
Funds on deposit on any date to make the disbursement in such
amount. Nevertheless, the Borrower agrees that the aggregate
principal amount set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereto shall constitute the initial
principal amount of the Loan (as the same may be adjusted downward in accordance
with the definition thereof), and the State shall have no obligation thereafter
to loan any additional amounts to the Borrower.
The Borrower shall have no legal or
equitable interest in the Federal Funds received by and available to the State
or in moneys from repayments of loans previously made from Federal Funds by the
State.
The Borrower shall use the proceeds of
the Loan strictly in accordance with Section 2.01(h) hereof.
The payment obligations created under
this Loan Agreement and the obligations to pay the principal of and other
amounts due under the Borrower Bond are each direct, general, irrevocable and
unconditional obligations of the Borrower payable from any source legally
available to the Borrower in accordance with the terms of and to the extent
provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution.
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement
of Loan Proceeds
. (a) The State shall disburse Federal Funds
earmarked for the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with the terms
hereof. Before each and every disbursement of the proceeds of the
Loan by the State to the Borrower, the Borrower shall in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the Regulations submit to the State a requisition
executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower.
(b) The
State shall not be under any obligation to disburse any Loan proceeds to the
Borrower under this Loan Agreement, unless:
(i) the
Loan Closing shall have occurred on the date established therefor by the
State;
(ii) there
shall be Federal Funds available from time to time to fund the Loan, as
determined solely by the State;
(iii) in
accordance with the "New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Act", P.L.
1985, c. 334, as amended (N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1
et seq.
), and the
Regulations, the Borrower shall have timely applied for, shall have been awarded
and, prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing, shall have closed a Trust
Loan for a portion of the Allowable Costs (as defined in such Regulations) of
the Project in an amount not in excess of the amount of Allowable Costs of the
Project financed by the Loan from the State, plus the amount of: (i)
capitalized interest during the Project construction period, if any, (ii) the
cost of funding reserve capacity for the Project, if any, as well as that
portion of the Debt Service Reserve Fund (as defined in the Trust Loan
Agreement) (to the extent the Trust establishes a Debt Service Reserve Fund
pursuant to the Bond Resolution) attributable to the cost of funding such
reserve capacity for the Project, and (iii) certain issuance expenses related
thereto, including, if applicable, a municipal bond insurance policy
premium;
(iv) the
Borrower shall have on hand moneys to pay for the greater of (A) that portion of
the total cost of the Project that is not eligible to be funded from the Loan or
the Trust Loan, or (B) that portion of the total cost of the Project that
exceeds the actual amounts of the loan commitments made by the State and the
Trust, respectively, for the Loan and the Trust Loan; and
(v) no
Event of Default nor any event that, with the passage of time or service of
notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing hereunder.
SECTION 3.03. Amounts
Payable
. (a) The Borrower shall repay the Loan at
zero-interest in principal installments payable to the Trustee semiannually on
the Principal Payment Dates, in accordance with the schedule set forth in
Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, as the same may be amended
or modified by the State, in particular, without limitation, to make any
adjustments to the amount of the Loan in accordance with the definition thereof;
provided, however, that the amount of any reduction in the principal amount of
the Loan pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:22-3.26 shall be credited to the principal
payments set forth in Exhibit A-2 in inverse order of their
maturity. The obligations of the Borrower under the Borrower Bond
shall be deemed to be amounts payable under this Section 3.03. Each
payment made to the Trustee pursuant to the Borrower Bond shall be deemed to be
a credit against the corresponding obligation of the Borrower under this Section
3.03, and any such payment made to the Trustee shall fulfill the Borrower's
obligation to pay such amount hereunder and under the Borrower
Bond. Each payment made to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.03
shall be applied to the principal of the Loan.
(b) In
addition to the principal payments on the Loan required by subsection (a) of
this Section 3.03, the Borrower shall pay a late charge for any such payment
that is received by the Trustee later than the tenth (10th) day following its
due date in an amount equal to the greater of twelve percent (12%) per annum or
the Prime Rate plus one half of one percent per annum on
such late
payment from its due date to the date actually paid; provided, however, that
such late charge payable on the Loan shall not be in excess of the maximum
interest rate permitted by law.
(c) In
addition to the Loan Repayments payable under subsections (a) and (b) of this
Section 3.03, the Borrower shall pay one-half of the Administrative Fee, if any,
to the Trustee semiannually on each Principal Payment Date, commencing with the
first Principal Payment Date subsequent to the Loan Closing.
SECTION 3.03A. Amounts on
Deposit in Project Loan Account after Completion of Project
Draws.
(a) If, on the date which is one hundred eighty (180)
days following the final date for which a disbursement of Loan proceeds is
scheduled to be made pursuant to Exhibit C hereto, any amounts remain on deposit
in the Borrower’s Project Loan Account, the Borrower must provide to the Trust
and the Department a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower (i)
stating that the Borrower has not yet completed the Project, (ii) stating that
the Borrower intends to complete the Project, (iii) setting forth the amount of
remaining Loan Proceeds required to complete the Project, and (iv) providing a
revised draw schedule, in a form similar to Exhibit C hereto and approved by the
Department.
(b) If,
on the date which is one hundred eighty (180) days following the final date for
which a disbursement of Loan proceeds is scheduled to be made pursuant to a
revised draw schedule certified to the Trust and the Department in accordance
with Section 3.03A(a) hereof, any amounts remain on deposit in the Borrower’s
Project Loan Account, the Borrower must provide to the Trust and the Department
a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower (i) stating that the
Borrower has not yet completed the Project, (ii) stating that the Borrower
intends to complete the Project, (iii) setting forth the amount of remaining
Loan Proceeds required to complete the Project, and (iv) providing a revised
draw schedule, in a form similar to Exhibit C hereto and approved by the
Department.
(c) If
the Borrower fails to provide the certificate described in paragraphs (a) or (b)
of this Section 3.03A, when due, or if such certificate states that the Borrower
does not require all or any portion of the amount on deposit in the Project Loan
Account to complete the Project, such amounts on deposit in the Project Loan
Account which are not certified by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower as
being required to complete the Project (“Excess Project Funds”) shall be applied
by the State as a prepayment of the Borrower’s Loan Repayments, and shall be
applied to the principal payments (including premium, if any) on the Loan in
inverse order of their maturity.
SECTION
3.04. Unconditional Obligations
. The obligation of
the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and all other payments required
hereunder and the obligation to perform and observe the other duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements on its part contained herein shall be absolute and
unconditional, and shall not be abated, rebated, set-off, reduced, abrogated,
terminated, waived, diminished, postponed or otherwise modified in any manner or
to any extent whatsoever while any Loan Repayments remain unpaid, for any
reason, regardless of any contingency, act of God, event or cause whatsoever,
including (without limitation) any acts or circumstances that may constitute
failure of consideration, eviction or constructive eviction, the taking by
eminent domain or destruction of or damage to the Project or
Environmental
Infrastructure
System, commercial frustration of the purpose, any change in the laws of the
United States of America or of the State or any political subdivision of either
or in the rules or regulations of any governmental authority, any failure of the
State to perform and observe any agreement, whether express or implied, or any
duty, liability or obligation arising out of or connected with the Project or
this Loan Agreement, or any rights of set-off, recoupment, abatement or
counterclaim that the Borrower might otherwise have against the State, the
Trustee or any other party or parties; provided, however, that payments
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such rights. The
Borrower shall not be obligated to make any payments required to be made by any
other Borrowers under separate Loan Agreements.
SECTION 3.05. Loan
Agreement to Survive Loan.
The Borrower acknowledges that its
duties, covenants, obligations and agreements set forth in Sections 3.06(a) and
(b) hereof shall survive the payment in full of the Loan.
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer
of Warranties and Indemnification
. (a) The Borrower
acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the State does not make any
warranty or representation, either express or implied, as to the value, design,
condition, merchantability or fitness for particular purpose or fitness for any
use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any portions
thereof or any other warranty or representation with respect thereto; (ii) in no
event shall the State or its agents be liable or responsible for any incidental,
indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of
this Loan Agreement or the Project or the existence, furnishing, functioning or
use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any item or
products or services provided for in this Loan Agreement; and (iii) to the
fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold the State
harmless against, and the Borrower shall pay any and all, liability, loss, cost,
damage, claim, judgment or expense of any and all kinds or nature and however
arising and imposed by law, which the State may sustain, be subject to or be
caused to incur by reason of any claim, suit or action based upon personal
injury, death or damage to property, whether real, personal or mixed, or upon or
arising out of contracts entered into by the Borrower, the Borrower's ownership
of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project, or the acquisition,
construction or installation of the Project.
(b) It
is mutually agreed by the Borrower and the State that the State and its
commissioners, officers, agents, servants or employees shall not be liable for,
and shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from,
any action performed under this Loan Agreement and any claim or suit of
whatsoever nature, except in the event of loss or damage resulting from their
own negligence or willful misconduct.
(c) In
connection with its obligation to provide the insurance required under Section
2.02(j) hereof: (i) the Borrower shall include, or cause to be
included, the State and its employees and officers as additional "named
insureds" on (A) any certificate of liability insurance procured by the Borrower
(or other similar document evidencing the liability insurance coverage procured
by the Borrower) and (B) any certificate of liability insurance procured by any
contractor or subcontractor for the Project, and from the later of the date of
the Loan Closing or the date of the initiation of construction of the Project
until the date the Borrower receives the written certificate of Project
completion from the State, the Borrower shall maintain said liability insurance
covering the State and said employees and officers in good standing; and (ii)
the
Borrower
shall include the State as an additional "named insured" on any certificate of
insurance providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction
of the Environmental Infrastructure System, and during the Loan Term the
Borrower shall maintain said insurance covering the State in good
standing.
The Borrower shall provide the State
with a copy of each of any such original, supplemental, amendatory or reissued
certificates of insurance (or other similar documents evidencing the insurance
coverage) required pursuant to this Section 3.06(c).
SECTION 3.07. Option to
Prepay Loan Repayments.
The Borrower may prepay the Loan
Repayments, in whole or in part, upon not less than ninety (90) days' prior
written notice to the State; provided, however, that, with respect to any
prepayment other than those required by Section 3.03A hereof, any such full or
partial prepayment may only be made (i) if the Borrower is not then in arrears
on its Trust Loan, (ii) if the Borrower is contemporaneously making a full or
partial prepayment of the Trust Loan such that, after the prepayment of the Loan
and the Trust Loan, the Trust gives its consent required under Section 3.07(iii)
of the Trust Loan Agreement, and (iii) upon the prior written approval of the
State. Prepayments shall be applied to the principal payments on the
portion of the Loan to be prepaid in inverse order of their
maturity.
SECTION 3.08. Priority of
Loan and Trust Loan
. (a) The Borrower hereby agrees that, to
the extent allowed by law, including, without limitation, the appropriations act
of the New Jersey State Legislature authorizing the expenditure of Trust bond
proceeds to finance a portion of the Cost of the Project, or the Borrower Bond
Resolution, any loan repayments then due and payable on the Borrower's Trust
Loan, including, without limitation, any administrative fees and any late
payment charges then due and payable under the Trust Loan Agreement, shall be
satisfied by the Trustee before any Loan Repayments then due and payable
hereunder on the Loan shall be satisfied by the Trustee. The Borrower
agrees not to interfere with any such action by the Trustee.
(b) The
Borrower hereby acknowledges that in the event the Borrower fails or is unable
to pay promptly to the Trust in full any loan repayments on the Trust Loan, then
any Loan Repayments paid by the Borrower on the Loan under this Loan Agreement
and received by the Trustee during the time of any such loan repayment
deficiency under the Trust Loan Agreement shall be applied by the Trustee
first
to satisfy such Trust
Loan Agreement loan repayment deficiency as a credit against the obligations of
the Borrower to make loan repayments of that portion of interest under the Trust
Loan Agreement that is allocable to the interest payable on the Trust Bonds (as
defined in the Trust Loan Agreement) and to make payments of that portion of
interest under the bond or note issued by the Borrower to the Trust that is
allocable to the interest payable on the Trust Bonds,
second
, to the extent
available, to make loan repayments of principal under the Trust Loan Agreement
and payments of principal on the bond or note issued by the Borrower to the
Trust pursuant to the Trust Loan Agreement,
third
, to the extent
available, to the payment of the administrative fee payable under the Trust Loan
Agreement and to make payments of that portion of interest under the bond or
note issued by the Borrower to the Trust that is allocable to the administrative
fee payable under the Trust Loan Agreement,
fourth
, to the extent
available, to the payment of late charges payable under the Trust Loan Agreement
and to make payments of that portion of interest under the bond or note issued
by the Borrower to the
Trust
that is allocable to the late charges payable under the Trust Loan Agreement,
and
finally
, to the
extent available, to make Loan Repayments on the Loan.
(c) The
Borrower hereby further acknowledges that any Loan Repayments paid by the
Borrower on the Loan under this Loan Agreement shall be applied according to the
provisions of the Master Program Trust Agreement.
SECTION 3.09. Approval of
the New Jersey State Treasurer.
The Borrower and the State
hereby acknowledge that prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing the New
Jersey State Treasurer, in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 9a of the
Act, issued the “Certificate of the New Jersey State Treasurer Regarding the
Approval of the Trust Loan and the Fund Loan” (the “Treasurer’s
Certificate”). Pursuant to the terms of the Treasurer’s Certificate,
the New Jersey State Treasurer approved the Loan and the terms and conditions
thereof as established by the provisions of this Loan Agreement.
ARTICLE
IV
ASSIGNMENT
OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
SECTION 4.01. Assignment
and Transfer by State
. The Borrower hereby approves and
consents to any assignment or transfer of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond that the State deems to be necessary in connection with the environmental
infrastructure loan program of the State under the Regulations.
SECTION 4.02. Assignment
by Borrower
. Neither this Loan Agreement nor the Borrower Bond
may be assigned by the Borrower for any reason, unless the following conditions
shall be satisfied: (i) the State shall have approved said assignment
in writing; (ii) the assignee shall have expressly assumed in writing the full
and faithful observance and performance of the Borrower's duties, covenants,
obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and, to the extent
permitted under applicable law, the Borrower Bond; and (iii) immediately after
such assignment, the assignee shall not be in default in the observance or
performance of any duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower
under this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond.
ARTICLE
V
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 5.01. Events of
Default
. If any of the following events occur, it is hereby
defined as and declared to be and to constitute an "Event of
Default":
(a) failure
by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any Loan Repayment required to be
paid hereunder when due, which failure shall continue for a period of fifteen
(15) days;
(b) failure
by the Borrower to make, or cause to be made, any required payments of
principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on any bonds, notes or other
obligations of the Borrower issued under the Borrower Bond Resolution (other
than the Loan and the Borrower Bond) or otherwise secured by all or a portion of
the property pledged under the Borrower Bond Resolution, after giving effect to
the applicable grace period;
(c) failure
by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any late charges incurred hereunder
or any portion thereof when due or to observe and perform any duty, covenant,
obligation or agreement on its part to be observed or performed under this Loan
Agreement, other than as referred to in subsection (a) of this Section 5.01 or
other than the obligations of the Borrower contained in Section 2.02(d)(ii)
hereof and in Exhibit F hereto, which failure shall continue for a period of
thirty (30) days after written notice, specifying such failure and requesting
that it be remedied, is given to the Borrower by the State, unless the State
shall agree in writing to an extension of such time prior to its expiration;
provided, however, that if the failure stated in such notice is correctable but
cannot be corrected within the applicable period, the State may not unreasonably
withhold its consent to an extension of such time up to 120 days from the
delivery of the written notice referred to above if corrective action is
instituted by the Borrower within the applicable period and diligently pursued
until the Event of Default is corrected;
(d) any
representation made by or on behalf of the Borrower contained in this Loan
Agreement, or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or with reference
to this Loan Agreement or the Loan, is false or misleading in any material
respect;
(e) a
petition is filed by or against the Borrower under any federal or state
bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law in effect on the date of this
Loan Agreement or thereafter enacted, unless in the case of any such petition
filed against the Borrower such petition shall be dismissed within thirty (30)
days after such filing and such dismissal shall be final and not subject to
appeal; or the Borrower shall become insolvent or bankrupt or shall make an
assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or a custodian (including, without
limitation, a receiver, liquidator or trustee) of the Borrower or any of its
property shall be appointed by court order or take possession of the Borrower or
its property or assets if such order remains in effect or such possession
continues for more than thirty (30) days;
(f) the
Borrower shall generally fail to pay its debts as such debts become due;
and
(g) failure
of the Borrower to observe or perform such additional duties, covenants,
obligations, agreements or conditions as are required by the State and specified
in Exhibit F attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION 5.02. Notice of
Default
. The Borrower shall give the State prompt telephonic
notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01(d)
or (e) hereof and of the occurrence of any other event or condition that
constitutes an Event of Default at such time as any senior administrative or
financial officer of the Borrower becomes aware of the existence
thereof.
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on
Default
. Whenever an Event of Default referred to in Section
5.01 hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the State shall have the
right to take whatever action at law or in equity may appear necessary or
desirable to collect the amounts then due and thereafter to become due hereunder
or to enforce the observance and performance of any duty, covenant, obligation
or agreement of the Borrower hereunder.
In addition, if an Event of Default
referred to in Section 5.01(a) hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the
State shall, to the extent allowed by applicable law, have the right to declare
all Loan Repayments and all other amounts due hereunder (including, without
limitation, payments under the Borrower Bond) to be immediately due and payable,
and upon notice to the Borrower the same shall become due and payable without
further notice or demand.
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys'
Fees and Other Expenses
. The Borrower shall on demand pay to
the State the reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other reasonable
expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonably allocated costs of
in-house counsel and legal staff) incurred by the State in the collection of
Loan Repayments or any other sum due hereunder or in the enforcement of the
observation or performance of any other duties, covenants, obligations or
agreements of the Borrower upon an Event of Default.
SECTION 5.05. Application
of Moneys
. Any moneys collected by the State pursuant to
Section 5.03 hereof shall be applied (a)
first
to pay any attorneys'
fees or other fees and expenses owed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04
hereof, (b)
second
, to
the extent available, to pay principal due and payable on the Loan (to the
extent permitted by Section 3.08(b) hereof, (c)
third
, to the extent
available, to pay any other amounts due and payable hereunder, and (d)
fourth
, to the extent
available, to pay principal on the Loan and other amounts payable hereunder as
such amounts become due and payable.
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy
Exclusive; Waiver; Notice
. No remedy herein conferred upon or
reserved to the State is intended to be exclusive, and every such remedy shall
be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this
Loan Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. No
delay or omission to exercise any right, remedy or power accruing upon any Event
of Default shall impair any such right, remedy or power or shall be construed to
be a waiver thereof, but any such right, remedy or power may be exercised from
time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient. In order to
entitle the State to exercise any remedy reserved to it in this Article V, it
shall not be necessary to give any notice other than such notice as may be
required in this Article V.
SECTION 5.07. Retention of
State's Rights
. Notwithstanding any assignment or transfer of
this Loan Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, or anything else to the
contrary contained herein, the State shall have the right upon the occurrence of
an Event of Default to take any action, including (without limitation) bringing
an action against the Borrower at law or in equity, as the State may, in its
discretion, deem necessary to enforce the obligations of the Borrower to the
State pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof.
ARTICLE
VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION
6.01. Notices
. All notices, certificates or other
communications hereunder shall be sufficiently given and shall be deemed given
when hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
to the Borrower at the address specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made
a part hereof and to the State and the Trustee at the following
addresses:
(a) State:
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection
Municipal Finance and Construction
Element
401 East State Street – 3rd
Floor
Trenton, New
Jersey 08625-0425
Attention: Assistant
Director
New Jersey Department of the
Treasury
Office of Public Finance
State Street Square – 5th
Floor
Trenton, New
Jersey 08625-0002
Attention: Director
(b) Trustee:
The Bank of New York
Mellon
385 Rifle Camp Road
West Paterson, New
Jersey 07424
Attention: Corporate Trust
Department
Any of the foregoing parties may
designate any further or different addresses to which subsequent notices,
certificates or other communications shall be sent by notice in writing given to
the others.
SECTION 6.02. Binding
Effect
. This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
shall be binding upon the State and the Borrower and their respective successors
and assigns.
SECTION
6.03. Severability
. In the event any provision of
this Loan Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court
of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate, render
unenforceable or otherwise affect any other provision hereof.
SECTION 6.04. Amendments,
Supplements and Modifications
. This Loan Agreement may not be
amended, supplemented or modified without the prior written consent of the State
and the Borrower.
SECTION 6.05. Execution in
Counterparts
. This Loan Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 6.06. Applicable
Law and Regulations
. This Loan Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State, including the
Regulations, which Regulations are, by this reference thereto, incorporated
herein as part of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.07. Consents and
Approvals
. Whenever the written consent or approval of the
State shall be required under the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such
consent or approval may only be given by the State.
SECTION
6.08. Captions
. The captions or headings in this
Loan Agreement are for convenience only and shall not in any way define, limit
or describe the scope or intent of any provisions or sections of this Loan
Agreement.
SECTION 6.09. Further
Assurances
. The Borrower shall, at the request of the State,
authorize, execute, attest, acknowledge and deliver such further resolutions,
conveyances, transfers, assurances, financing statements and other instruments
as may be necessary or desirable for better assuring, conveying, granting,
assigning and confirming the rights, security interests and agreements granted
or intended to be granted by this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the State
and the Borrower have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed, sealed and
delivered as of the date first above written.
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THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
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ACTING
BY AND THROUGH THE
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NEW
JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
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[SEAL]
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By:
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/s/
Lisa P. Jackson
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ATTEST:
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Lisa
P. Jackson
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Commissioner,
Department of
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Environmental
Protection
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/s/
Stanley V. Cach, Jr. P.E., P.P.
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Stanley
V. Cach, Jr. P.E., P.P.
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Assistant
Director,
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Municipal
Finance and Construction Element,
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Department
of Environmental Protection
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MIDDLESEX
WATER COMPANY
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[SEAL]
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By:
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/s/
A. Bruce O’Connor
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ATTEST:
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A.
Bruce O’Connor
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VP
& Chief Financial Officer
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/s/
Kenneth J. Quinn
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Kenneth
J. Quinn
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VP,
Secretary & Treasurer
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[Signature
Page]
SCHEDULE
A
Certain Additional Loan
Agreement Provisions
In addition to the terms defined in
subsection (a) of Section 1.01 of this Loan Agreement, certain additional
capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly
requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to such additional capitalized
terms in this Schedule A.
Additional
Definitions
:
“Borrower”
means Middlesex
Water Company, a corporation duly created and validly existing under the laws of
the State of New Jersey.
“Borrower Bond Resolution”
means the indenture of the Borrower entitled “INDENTURE OF MORTGAGE” dated as of
April 1, 1927, as amended and supplemented from time to time, in particular by a
indenture detailing the terms of the Borrower Bond, dated as of November 1, 2008
and entitled “THIRTY-SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE”, pursuant to which the
Borrower Bond has been issued.
“Principal Payment Dates”
means February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1,
2009.
SECTION
2.02(e)
:
Disposition of Environmental
Infrastructure System
. The Borrower shall not permit the
disposition of all or substantially all of its Environmental Infrastructure
System, directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, by means of sale,
lease, abandonment, sale of stock, statutory merger or otherwise (collectively,
a "Disposition"), except on ninety (90) days' prior written notice to the State,
and, in any event, shall not permit a Disposition unless the Borrower shall, in
accordance with Section 4.02 hereof, assign this Loan Agreement and the Borrower
Bond and its rights and interests hereunder and thereunder to the purchaser or
lessee of the Environmental Infrastructure System, and such purchaser or lessee
shall assume all duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower
under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
A-1
1)
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Name
and Address of Local Unit:
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Middlesex
Water Company
1500
Ronson Road
Iselin,
New Jersey 08830-0452
Attention:
Ronald F. Williams P.E. Vice President - Operations
2)
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Description
of the Project
:
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The
proposed project will involve cleaning/relining and spot replacement of water
mains, hydrants, service lines, and valves. Approximately forty five
thousand feet of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20-inch diameter water mains will be
relined. The project will occur in the City of South Amboy, and
Woodbridge Township.
3)
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Description
of the Water Supply System:
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The
Middlesex Water Company is an investor-owned water utility that provides
water service to retail customers primarily in eastern Middlesex
County. Water services are now furnished to approximately
58,000 retail customers located in an area of approximately 55 square
miles of New Jersey in Woodbridge Township, the Boroughs of Metuchen and
Carteret, portions of Edison Township and the Borough of South Plainfield
and the City of South Amboy in Middlesex County, and a portion of the
Township of Clark in Union County.
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The
Middlesex Water Company obtains water from both surface and groundwater
sources; however, the principal source of supply is the Delaware and
Raritan Canal, owned by the State of New Jersey and operated as a water
resource by the New Jersey Water Supply
Authority.
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EXHIBIT
A-2
Description of
Loan
See
Exhibit A-2 to Specimen Borrower Bond (Exhibit D hereto)
EXHIBIT
B
Basis for Determination of
Allowable Project Costs
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
B
Basis for the Determination
of Allowable Costs
The
determination of the costs allowable for assistance from the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program is presented below.
Cost
Classification
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Application
Amount
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Allowable
Costs
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1. Administrative
Expenses
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$
89,100
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$
89,100
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2. Other
Costs
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0
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0
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3. Engineering
Fees
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160,000
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160,000
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4. Building
Costs
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2,970,000
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2,970,000
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5. Contingencies
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148,500
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148,500
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6. Allowance
for Planning and design
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132,400
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132,400
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7. Sub-total
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3,500,000
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3,500,000
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8. DEP
Fee
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70,000
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9. Total
Project Costs
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$3,570,000
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As a
result of the review by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,
various line items may have been revised resulting in a change of the allowable
costs for this project. The basis for the determination of the allowable costs
is as follows:
1.
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Administrative
Expenses
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The total
amount requested on the application was $89,100. The amount requested
is for water main cleaning/relining. The allowable administrative
expenses are authorized to be three percent of the allowable building costs.
Therefore, the total amount for this line item is $2,970,000 x 0.03 =
$89,100.
Allowable
Administrative Expenses are
$89,100
.
The
amount requested for this line item on the application was
$160,000.
This
amount is for engineering services for this project and the full amount
is
allowable.
Allowable
Engineering Fees are
$160,000
.
Page 1 of
3
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
The total
amount requested for this line item was $2,970,000. The allowable cost analysis
(as per N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.8) has determined that the entire amount requested for
this line item is allowable. Therefore, the Allowable Cost Ratio (ACR) is one
(1.0). In addition the project does not provide any reserve capacity. Therefore,
the Reserve Capacity Cost Ratio (RCCR) is one (1.0). Thus, the entire requested
amount is allowable.
Allowable
Building Costs are
$2,970,000.
The total
amount requested on the application was $148,500. The allowable amount for this
line item is five percent of the allowable building costs. Therefore, the total
allowable cost for this line item is $2,970,000 x 0.05 = $148,500.
Allowable Contingencies are
$148,500
.
6.
Allowance
for Planning and Design
The total
amount requested for this line item was $132,400. The allowable
amount for this line item based on an allowable building cost
is: $250,000+ ($2,970,000 - $1,000,000) x 0.12= $486,400. However,
the applicant has requested $132,400 for this line item.
Allowance
for Planning and Design for this project is
$132,400
.
7.
Sub-total
The
subtotal for project costs applied for is 3,500,000. The actual cost was
adjusted to $3,500,000.
Therefore,
the Sub-total is $
3,500,000.
8.
DEP
Fee
DEP Fee = $3,500,000 x 2%
=
$
70,000
|
This
item represents the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee imposed by
DEP as a portion of the cost of the project of the
borrower. This DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee is a
portion of the cost of the project that has been incurred for engineering
and environmental services provided by DEP
for
|
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
the
borrower in connection with, and as a condition precedent to, the inclusion of
the project of the borrower in the 2008 Financing Program of the
Trust. As a portion of the cost of the borrower’s project that
represents a condition precedent to the inclusion of the borrower’s project in
the 2008 Financing Program of the Trust, the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan
Origination Fee represents a program expense of the 2008 Financing Program of
the Trust and will be financed for the borrower as part of the Trust loan made
by the Trust to the borrower from the proceeds of the Trust bonds, the Trust
shall direct the trustee for the Trust bonds to transfer to DEP from the Project
Fund the DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee allocable to the
borrower. The DEP’s authority to assess a Loan Surcharge or Loan
Origination Fee was established pursuant to P.L. 2002, c.34 approved on July 1,
2002.
The total project costs are
$3,570,000
I. Disbursement to Borrower
is:
$3,500,000.
Fund Share is
$1,750,000.
Trust Share is
$1,750,000.
II. Disbursement to DEP is
$70,000.
Page 3 of
3
EXHIBIT
C
Estimated Disbursement
Schedule
C-1
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
C
The
following is a schedule of the estimated disbursements for this loan.
Disbursements to the project sponsor for any given month shall not exceed the
amounts indicated below plus any undisbursed amount from the previous
months.
Year
|
Month
|
|
Fund
Share
Borrower
Disbursement
|
|
|
Trust
Share
Borrower
Disbursement
|
|
|
Trust
Share
DEP
Disbursement
|
|
|
Total
|
|
2008
|
November
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
November
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
January
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
February
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
March
|
|
|
262,500
|
|
|
|
262,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
525,000
|
|
|
April
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
May
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
June
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
July
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
August
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
September
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
|
October
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
*70,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,570,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*This is
the DEP loan origination fee. No action is required on the part of
the borrower.
The trust
will make a single transfer to DEP, through the Trust’s Trustee, on behalf of
all of the Borrowers in 2008 Financing Program.
Page 1 of
1
EXHIBIT
D
Specimen Borrower
Bond
D-1
EXHIBIT
E
Opinions of Borrower's Bond
and General Counsels
E-1
EXHIBIT
F
Additional Covenants and
Requirements
None.
F-1
EXHIBIT
G
General
Administrative Requirements for the
State Environmental
Infrastructure Financing Program
G-1
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
EXHIBIT
G
General Administrative and
Special Requirements
The
following General Administrative Requirements are applicable to this
Loan. The listing of these requirements does not limit, or otherwise
alter, the project sponsor’s obligations under the Federal Safe Drinking Water
Act, the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, the State rules under
N.J.A.C.
7:22, the
Fund and Trust Loan Agreements, or the Special Requirements. The
Special Requirements specific to this project are found in this Exhibit after
the listing of General Administrative Requirements.
1.
Operation and Maintenance
Manual (O&M Manual)
During
construction (i.e., prior to initiation of operation), the project sponsor shall
certify to the Trust, in the case of a Trust Loan, and to the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (Department), in the case of a Fund Loan,
that a final Plan of Operation, and an O&M Manual have been developed for
the project.
2.
Project
Performance
The
project sponsor shall comply with the project performance provisions of
N.J.A.C.
7:22-3.30
and 7:22-4.30. As a minimum, unless further specified, the project
performance standards shall consist of
N.J.A.C.
7.10-11,
“Standards for Construction of Public Community Systems”.
3.
Flood
Insurance
The
project sponsor shall acquire or have the construction contractor acquire, as
appropriate flood insurance made available under the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968, as amended. Insurance coverage shall begin with the
period of construction and continue for the entire useful life of the
facility. The insurance shall be in an amount at least equal to the
allowable improvements or the maximum limit of coverage made available to the
project sponsor under the National Flood Insurance Act, whichever is
less. The project sponsor must comply with this requirement prior to
the release of the initial payment for construction work.
Page 1 of
3
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
The
project sponsor shall have an annual financial audit performed if the project
sponsor expended $500,000 or more in State and/or Federal financial assistance
during the project sponsor’s fiscal year. The audit shall be performed in
accordance with the Single Audit Act, Federal OMB Circular No. A-133, and State
Policy OMB Circular 04-04-OMB. Copies of all audit reports must be submitted to
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Audit, P.O. Box
402, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.
If the
project sponsor expended less than $500,000 in State and/or Federal financial
assistance within their fiscal year, but expend $100,000 or more in State and/or
Federal financial assistance within their fiscal year, the project sponsor shall
have either a financial statement audit performed in accordance with Government
Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) or a program-specific audit performed in
accordance with the Act, Amendments, OMB Circular No. A-133 Revised and State
policy.
Program-specific
audits in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133 Revised can be elected when a
project sponsor expends Federal or State financial assistance under only one
Federal or State program and the Federal or State program's laws, regulations,
or grant agreements do not require a financial statement audit of the
grantee."
4.
|
Socially
and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals Utilization
Plan
|
The
project sponsor shall ensure that the contractor provides a Socially and
Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SED) Utilization Plan in accordance with
N.J.A.C.
7:22-9.1 et seq. which outlines the entire contract work, each significant
segment of the contract on which SEDs will or may participate and a description
of how SEDs will be contracted. This plan shall be submitted no later
than 30 days after the contract award.
Page 2 of
3
Middlesex
Water Company
1225001-011
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
Project
Schedule:
The
project sponsor unit shall expeditiously initiate and complete the project in
accordance with the project schedule, which was submitted as part of the loan
application and is repeated below. Failure to promptly initiate and
complete the project may result in the imposition of sanctions under
N.J.A.C.
7:22-3.40
through 3.44 and N.J.A.C. 7:22-4.40 through 4.44. In
addition, failure to promptly award all sub agreement(s) for building the
project within 12 months of the date of this loan may result in limitation of
allowable costs as provided by
N.J.A.C.
7:22-5.4(d)
5.This limitation on allowable costs incurred under contracts awarded after 12
months from the date of this loan are unallowable unless a special extension has
been granted by the Department, in the case of a Fund Loan, and the Trust, in
the case of a Trust Loan.
EVENT
|
DATE
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
December
19, 2008
|
BID
RECEIPT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
January
20, 2009
|
|
|
AWARD:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
February
20, 2009
|
|
|
ISSUANCE OF NOTICE TO
PROCCED:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
March
27, 2009
|
|
|
COMPLETION OF
CONSTRUCTION:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2009
|
|
|
INITATION OF
OPERATION:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2009
|
|
|
CERTIFICATION OF
PROJECT:
|
|
|
|
Clean
and Line Water Mains
|
October
27, 2010
|
|
|
Page 3 of
3
Exhibit
21
Middlesex
Water Company
Subsidiaries
|
Jurisdiction
of
|
|
Organization
|
|
|
Tidewater
Utilities, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
Tidewater
Environmental Services, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
Pinelands
Water Company
|
New
Jersey
|
Pinelands
Wastewater Company
|
New
Jersey
|
Utility
Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc.
|
New
Jersey
|
Utility
Service Affiliates, Inc.
|
New
Jersey
|
Exhibit
23.1
Consent
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 33-11717) and Form
S-8 (No. 333-156269) of Middlesex Water Company of our reports dated March 13,
2009, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form
10-K.
/s/ Beard Miller Company LLP
Beard
Miller Company LLP
Reading,
Pennsylvania
March 13,
2009
Exhibit 31
SECTION
302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14
AND
15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Dennis
W. Doll, certify that:
|
1.
|
I
have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Middlesex Water
Company;
|
|
2.
|
Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
|
|
3.
|
Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
|
|
4.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange At Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and
have;
|
|
a)
|
Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
|
|
b)
|
Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
|
|
c)
|
Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
|
|
d)
|
Disclosed
in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
|
|
5.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent
function):
|
|
a)
|
All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information;
and
|
|
b)
|
Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
|
/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
Dennis W.
Doll
Chief
Executive Officer
Date: March
13, 2009
Exhibit
31.1
SECTION
302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14
AND
15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, A.
Bruce O’Connor, certify that:
|
1.
|
I
have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Middlesex Water
Company;
|
|
2.
|
Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
|
|
3.
|
Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
|
|
4.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange At Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and
have;
|
|
a.
|
Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
|
|
b.
|
Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
|
|
c.
|
Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
|
|
d.
|
Disclosed
in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
|
|
5.
|
The
registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent
function):
|
|
a.
|
All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information;
and
|
|
b.
|
Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
|
/s/ A. Bruce
O’Connor
A. Bruce
O’Connor
Chief
Financial Officer
Date: March
13, 2009
Exhibit
32
SECTION
906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350
I, Dennis
W. Doll, hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the periodic report
being filed herewith containing financial statements fully complies with the
requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)) and that information contained in said periodic
report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of Middlesex Water Company for the period covered by said
periodic report.
|
/s/ Dennis W.
Doll
|
|
Dennis
W. Doll
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
Date: March
13, 2009
A signed
original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to
Middlesex Water Company and will be retained by Middlesex Water Company and
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.
Exhibit
32.1
SECTION
906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350
I, A.
Bruce O’Connor, hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the periodic
report being filed herewith containing financial statements fully complies with
the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)) and that information contained in said
periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of Middlesex Water Company for the period
covered by said periodic report.
|
/s/ A. Bruce
O’Connor
|
|
A.
Bruce O’Connor
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
Date: March
13, 2009
A signed
original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to
Middlesex Water Company and will be retained by Middlesex Water Company and
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.