Stonebridge Trustee Notices Combined File
Stonebridge Trustee Notices Combined File
Stonebridge Trustee Notices Combined File
UMB Bank, n.a. (the Trustee) is the successor trustee under that certain Trust Indenture
(the Indenture) dated as of September 21, 2007 between the Bank of the Ozarks, an Arkansas
banking corporation as original trustee and the Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin
County, Mississippi (the District). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture.
The amount of accrued interest due and payable on October 1, 2016 will not be made at
this time. Principal and interest remaining unpaid, including from prior periods, have not been
forgiven. Outstanding unpaid principal continues to bear interest.
If you have any questions regarding this notice you may contact the Trustee at the
following address:
Please note that the Trustee may conclude that a specific response to particular inquiries
from individual Holders is not consistent with equal and full dissemination of significant
information to all Holders. Holders should not rely on the Trustee as their sole source of
information. The Trustee makes no recommendations and gives no investment or legal advice to
the above matters or as to the Bonds generally.
UMB Bank, n.a. (the Trustee) is the successor trustee under that certain Trust Indenture (the
Indenture) dated as of September 21, 2007 between the Bank of the Ozarks, an Arkansas banking
corporation as original trustee and the Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin County,
Mississippi (the District). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
assigned to such terms in the Indenture.
Background
The Bonds were issued to finance a portion of the costs associated with the acquisition
and construction of certain capital infrastructure improvements made as part a residential and
commercial development project within the District (the Development) undertaken by Green
Hills Development Company, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company (the Developer).
The Bonds are limited obligations of the District and are secured by and payable solely from
Pledged Revenues, consisting principally of revenues received by the District from annual
special assessments levied and collected on land within the District for the purpose of paying the
Bonds (the Special Assessments).
Commencing in 2008, the District failed to pay debt service on the Bonds due to the
failure of the Developer, who originally owned all or substantially all of the property in the
District (the Developer Property), including the property on which Special Assessments had
been levied, to pay those Special Assessments when due. Real estate taxes and assessments
levied by other governmental entities on the Developer Property were also delinquent. Under
Mississippi law, the Special Assessments are a lien against the property to which they relate,
equal in priority to the lien for real estate taxes and other assessments, and senior in priority to all
other liens on and claims to the property, including mortgages. The Special Assessments are
collected by the Tax Collector along with taxes and assessments due other governmental entities,
and if the Special Assessments remain unpaid more than one year after they are due, the lien may
be enforced by the District.
Holders of Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin County, Mississippi Bonds
June 19, 2015
Page 2
As a result of the Developers failure to pay its tax bills relating to the Developer
Property, including the Special Assessments, the Developer Property was forfeited to the State of
Mississippi during 2009 and 2010 pursuant to procedures governed by Mississippi law. These
procedures provide that if any taxes or assessments remain delinquent past the time permitted by
law, the county sells the land for delinquent taxes. If no tax sale occurs the county places the
property on a list to be struck off to the State of Mississippi. The District took no steps to enforce
the lien of the Special Assessments against the Developer or the Developer Property, or
otherwise to prevent the loss of the Developer Property. The two year redemption period
provided by Mississippi law within which the Developer could redeem the Developer Property
by paying the delinquent taxes and Special Assessments expired during 2011 and 2012 and the
State now owns this property, free and clear of any claim or interest of the Developer.
Since its appointment, the Trustee has worked diligently to gather information concerning
the status of District, the Developer and the Development, and to explore potential avenues for
realizing value for holders of the Bonds following the forfeiture of the Developer Property. The
Trustee has also consulted extensively with Oppenheimer Rochester High Yield Municipal Fund,
the holder of approximately 75.2% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bonds
(the Majority Holder). Based upon its investigation, and after consultation with the Majority
Holder, the Trustee has sought approval from the Court (defined below) to recover the Developer
Property for the benefit of the Trust Estate. In addition, in order to protect this and other
property within the District for the benefit of Trust Estate, the Trustee proposes to enforce certain
remedies against the District and the Developer. Finally, in light of the anticipated costs of these
actions and the limited resources currently available in the Trust Estate, the Trustee proposes to
borrow money from the Majority Holder on behalf of the Trust Estate. The Trustee believes
these actions are essential if anything more than nominal value is to be realized by holders of the
Bonds.
The Trustee has formed three special purpose entities (the SPEs) for the purpose of
owning, managing, maintaining and disposing of the tax forfeited Developer Property proposed
to be acquired from the State. Subject to obtaining Court authority, the Trustee caused the SPEs
to submit applications to purchase a total of 106 specifically-identified parcels (the
Applications) comprising all of the Developer Property that has been struck off to the State.
The aggregate purchase price of the property proposed to be purchased in the Applications is
$862,780.00, which was determined per parcel based on States tiered pricing system. The
Trustee believes that recovery of the Developer Property as sought in the Applications is
necessary for the orderly and efficient disposition of this property, to maximize its value and to
preserve value for holders of the Bonds. If the Trustee is successful in acquiring the property as
contemplated by the Applications, the Trustee proposes to market and dispose of the property in
accordance with directions received from the Majority Holder pursuant to the Indenture.
In addition to the amounts to be paid to purchase the forfeited Developer Property, the
Trustee expects that it will incur fees and expenses relating to the SPEs ownership, preservation,
marketing and sale of the property. The Trustee also anticipates that it will incur professional
Holders of Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin County, Mississippi Bonds
June 19, 2015
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fees and other costs and expenses in connection with its pursuit of remedies against the District
and others. These costs are uncertain, but the Trustee anticipates they could be substantial. In
order to provide the funds necessary to purchase the forfeited Developer Property and pay the
anticipated costs of preserving, marketing and selling the property and protecting the interests of
holders of the Bonds as described above, the Trustee is requesting the Court to authorize it to
borrow up to $1,615,052.00 (the Default Funding) from the Majority Holder (the Loan
Transaction) pursuant to terms described in a certain form of Bondholder Funding Agreement
(the Funding Agreement).
Repayment of amounts advanced under the Funding Agreement will be made to the
Majority Holder from any (i) net proceeds received by the Trustee resulting from the SPEs
acquisition of the Developer Property that has been struck off to the State, including, but not
limited to, any amounts received by the Trustee as a result of the Districts receipt of funds
representing proceeds or recoveries of Special Assessments, and any net proceeds generated by
the SPEs disposition of the forfeited Developer Property; and (ii) monies representing advances
made by the Majority Holder under the Funding Agreement which remain on deposit with the
Trustee in the separate account to be established by the Trustee at such time as the Bonds are
redeemed or canceled in full. Monies under the forgoing subsections (i) and (ii) will be applied,
first, to the payment of any then-due fees and expenses of the Trustee to the extent not otherwise
paid, including fees and expenses of legal counsel, as approved by the Majority Holder; second,
to pay any other unpaid Default Expenditures as defined in the Funding Agreement; third, to
repay the Majority Holder the aggregate amount of Default Funding that has been provided to
the Trustee by the Majority Holder plus interest accrued on any outstanding amount of the
Default Funding that was advanced by the Majority Holder to the Trustee at the rate of 7.5%
simple interest per annum; and fourth, for payment of the Bonds.
The Trustee believes that the purchase of the forfeited Developer Property and the
orderly marketing and sale of this property for the benefit of the Trust Estate is essential if
holders of the Bonds are to have any appreciable recovery. The Trustee also believes that the
remedial and enforcement actions it contemplates are necessary to preserve, manage and
maintain the property and the District and to enforce the obligations of the District and others
under the Bond Documents. The Majority Holder agrees these actions are likely to produce the
best possible return in the circumstances for all holders of the Bonds. Accordingly, pursuant to
Section 10.06 of the Indenture, the Majority Holder directed the Trustee to establish the SPEs
and purchase the Developer Property pursuant to the terms of the Applications.
Holders of the Bonds have virtually no hope of a recovery without recovery of the
forfeited Developer Property. While Mississippi law is not clear, it appears that if a third party
were to buy the Developer Property it would do so free and clear past due Special Assessments.
Thus, without control of the property, the primary source of payment of payment would be lost
and the Trustee could only distribute the funds on hand.
In order to ensure that the Trustee has the requisite authority to enter into the Loan
Transaction and take the other actions described above, and to ensure that these actions are
consistent with and satisfy its duties under the Indenture, the Trustee has filed a petition
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June 19, 2015
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pursuant to Minn. Stat. 501B.16 (the Petition) in the District Court for Hennepin County,
Minnesota, Probate/Mental Health Division, the court which has jurisdiction over the Trustee
and the Trust Estate (the Court) seeking certain findings, instructions and orders of the Court.
A copy of the Trustees Petition is enclosed with this notice, 1 together with a copy of the Courts
order setting the hearing on the Petition. The Petition further explains the issues described in this
notice.
The Petition is scheduled for hearing at 2:00 P.M. on August 5, 2015, in Courtroom
C-400, Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55487.
Every holder of the Bonds will have the right to appear at the hearing, either with or
without counsel, to express his, her or its views of the issues raised in the Petition and to
participate in the hearing. Parties desiring to be heard with respect to the Petition and related
matters should consult with their own legal counsel as to the submission of responses to the
Petition and the advisability of attending the August 5, 2015 hearing.
Any objections to the relief requested in the Petition must be filed with the Court
and served on counsel for the Trustee at the address set forth at the end of the Petition, not
later than Friday, July 31, 2015.
If you have any questions regarding this notice you may contact the Trustee at the following
address:
Please note that the Trustee may conclude that a specific response to particular inquiries from
individual Holders is not consistent with equal and full dissemination of significant information to all
Holders. Holders should not rely on the Trustee as their sole source of information. The Trustee makes no
recommendations and gives no investment or legal advice to the above matters or as to the Bonds
generally.
1
Copies of the voluminous exhibits to the Petition have not been provided, although they are available
upon request to the Trustee.
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DISTRICT COURT
STATE OF MINNESOTA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN Other: Civil
Petitioner herein, UMB Bank, n.a., a national banking association and successor
in interest to Bank of the Ozarks (the "Prior Trustee"), having a corporate trust office at 120
South Sixth Street, Suite 1400, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, as trustee (the "Trustee") of the
above-described trust (the "Trust"), by and through its undersigned counsel, respectfully
I. BACKGROUND
1. Petitioner is the duly-appointed and acting trustee under that certain Trust
Indenture dated as of September 21, 2007, by and between the Stonebridge Public Improvement
District (the "District") and the Prior Trustee (the "Indenture"). A true and correct copy of the
2. By this Petition, the Trustee seeks certain findings, instructions and orders of this
Court relating to the Trustee's administration of the Trust created by the Indenture and the
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3. The District is a public improvement district organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Mississippi located in Rankin County, Mississippi. Pursuant to the
Indenture, the District authorized and issued its Special Assessment Bonds, Series 2007, in the
4. The District issued the Bonds to finance a portion of the costs associated with the
acquisition and construction of roadway improvements, water, sewer, drainage and water
retention lakes, landscaping, nature areas, green space and other capital infrastructure
improvements benefiting property situated within the boundaries of the District (the "Capital
Improvements"). Proceeds of the Bonds were also used to fund a debt service reserve for the
Bonds, to pay interest on the Bonds during construction of the Capital Improvements and to pay
project within the District (the "Development") undertaken by Green Hills Development
Company, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company (the "Developer"). Pursuant to a certain
Acquisition Agreement dated as of September 20, 2007 (the "Acquisition Agreement"), between
the District and the Developer, the Developer agreed to complete the Capital Improvements
according to approved plans and specifications and to convey them to the District, together with
the Developer's interests in the related real property, and the District agreed to pay the
reasonable costs incurred by the Developer in the acquisition, construction and preparation of the
Capital Improvements. A true and correct copy of the Acquisition Agreement is attached hereto
as Exhibit B.
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6. The Bonds are limited obligations of the District and are secured by and payable
solely from "Pledged Revenues" as defined in the Indenture. Pledged Revenues include (i) all
revenues received by the District from annual special assessments levied and collected on land
within the District for the purpose of paying the Bonds (the "Special Assessments"), including
amounts received from any foreclosure or other proceeding or process for the enforcement of
collection of such Special Assessments, (ii) any revenue received by or for the account of the
District from any "Qualified Guarantee" (as defined in the Indenture) or other credit
enhancement for the Bonds and (iii) all other moneys held by the Trustee in the funds and
accounts established under the Indenture (other than moneys in the Rebate Fund). The Bonds are
"Guaranty"), Ben 0. Turnage, the Chief Executive Officer and Manager of the Developer (the
"Guarantor"), guaranteed the full and prompt performance of the Developer's obligations to the
District under the Acquisition Agreement, up to a maximum of $3,500,000. A true and correct
agreement delivered as security for or in respect of the Bonds or the District's obligations to the
Trustee or holders of the Bonds under any of such documents are collectively referred to herein
of the Indenture, the Prior Trustee resigned as Trustee and pursuant to Section 11.13 of the
Indenture the holder of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds outstanding
appointed the Trustee as successor trustee effective November 9, 2014. As successor trustee
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under the Indenture, the Trustee has succeeded to all of the rights and interests of the Prior
Trustee under the Bond Documents. References to the "Trustee" herein are to the Trustee or the
10. Debt service on the Bonds is payable semi-annually, on October 1 and April 1 of
each year. Under Sections 10.02(a) and (b) of the Indenture, the District's failure to pay interest,
principal or any redemption amount on the Bonds when due and payable is an "Event of Default"
under the Indenture. In addition, pursuant to Section 10.02(c) of the Indenture, it is an Event of
Default "if the [District], for any reason, is rendered incapable of fulfilling its obligations under
this Indenture ...." Further, pursuant to Section 10.02(e) of the Indenture, the District's default
in the performance of any other covenant contained in the Indenture and the continuation of such
default for 60 days after written notice has been given by the Trustee to the District also
11. Section 9.03 of the Indenture requires the District to levy the Special Assessments
and certify them to the Rankin County Tax Collector (the "Tax Collector") for collection by the
Tax Collector and enforcement by the Tax Collector or the District as necessary to pay debt
service on the Bonds. Section 9.04 of the Indenture requires the District to collect or cause the
Special Assessments to be collected in accordance with Mississippi law, the Indenture and the
terms of any agreement between the District and the County. Section 9.24 of the Indenture
provides that the District "shall not do or omit to do, or suffer to be done or omit to be done, any
matter or thing whatsoever whereby the lien of the Bonds on the Pledged Revenues or any part
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12. Commencing in 2008, the District failed to pay debt service on the Bonds due to
the failure of the Developer, who originally owned all or a substantial majority of the property in
the District (the "Developer Property"), including the property on which Special Assessments
had been levied, to pay those Special Assessments when due.' Real estate taxes and assessments
levied by other governmental entities on the Developer Property were also delinquent. Under
Mississippi law, the Special Assessments are a lien against the property to which they relate,
equal in priority to the lien for real estate taxes and other assessments, and senior in priority to all
other liens on and claims to the property, including mortgages. The Special Assessments are
collected by the Tax Collector along with taxes and assessments due other governmental entities,
and if the Special Assessments remain unpaid more than one year after they are due, the lien may
13. As a result of the Developer's failure to pay its tax bills relating to the Developer
Property, including the Special Assessments, the Developer Property was struck off to the State
of Mississippi during 2009 and 2010 pursuant to procedures governed by Mississippi law.
Under Mississippi law, taxes and assessments, including the Special Assessments here, are due
and payable on February 1 in arrears (i.e., 2014 taxes/assessments are due February 1, 2015).
After February 1, they become delinquent. If any taxes or assessments remain delinquent as of
August 1 of the same year, the county sells the land for delinquent taxes on the last Monday of
August. The county additionally has the option to sell property for delinquent taxes on the first
Monday of April. Any purchaser of lands sold for taxes holds perfect title to the land sold for
taxes, but without the right of possession and subject to the right of redemption. Following a two
year redemption period, the purchaser's title ripens to perfect title with the immediate right to
I A small portion of the property subject to the Special Assessments was sold by the Developer and is now owned by
third parties. These owners continue to pay the Special Assessments on their properties, but the amount received is
relatively insignificant in comparison to the amount necessary to pay debt service on the Bonds when due.
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possession. If no tax sale occurs the county places the property on a list to be struck off to the
State of Mississippi. The State does not pay property taxes or assessments while it holds the
property. Assessments and taxes continue to accrue to the assessed owner of the property at the
time of sale during the period of redemption, although the State does not seem to have a
procedure for recognizing the amount of the accrued assessments as part of any eventual parcel
sale. The District took no steps to enforce the lien of the Special Assessments against the
Developer or the Developer Property, or otherwise to prevent the loss of the Developer Property.
The two year redemption period provided by Mississippi law within which the Developer could
redeem the Developer Property by paying the delinquent taxes and Special Assessments expired
during 2011 and 2012 and the State now owns this property, free and clear of any claim or
14. In April 2010, after the unsuccessful tax sale of a portion of the Developer
Property such that the Developer Property had been struck to the State, but before the redemption
period had run, the Prior Trustee commenced suit against the District, the Developer and a party
claiming a mortgage in state court in Rankin County, Mississippi seeking judicial foreclosure of
the lien of the Special Assessments and appointment of a receiver. Among other things, the
complaint alleged that the Developer had defaulted in the payment of Special Assessments due,
and that the District lacked the number of directors required by statute and accordingly was
unable to transact business. The complaint requested that the court appoint a special
commissioner for purpose of conducting a foreclosure sale of the property subject to the lien of
the delinquent Special Assessments, and a receiver to operate and manage the District, collect the
Special Assessments and otherwise to marshal, collect and protect the District's property under
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15. The Trustee understands that this litigation has not been resolved and remains
16. The District's payment defaults, covenant breaches and the other events described
above, including the forfeiture of the Developer Property, constitute Events of Default under
Sections 10.02(a), (b), (c) and (e) of the Indenture. The Trustee has not been able to determine
whether the Prior Trustee gave any required written notice of the defaults under the covenants
described in paragraph 11 above to the District. However, to the extent written notice of such
defaults was not previously given by the Prior Trustee, the Prior Trustee's complaint and other
pleadings in the litigation constitute such notice. Each of these defaults remains uncured and,
given the forfeiture of the Developer Property, each is incurable. The Trustee submits that no
17. Since its appointment the Trustee has worked diligently to gather information
concerning the status of District, the Developer and the Development, and to explore potential
avenues for realizing value for holders of the Bonds following the forfeiture of the Developer
Property. The Trustee has also consulted extensively with Oppenheimer Rochester High Yield
Municipal Fund, the holder of approximately 75.2% of the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the Bonds (the "Majority Holder"). Based upon its investigation, and after
consultation with the Majority Holder, the Trustee proposes to take certain actions, subject to this
Court's approval and at the direction of the Majority Holder, to recover the Developer Property
for the benefit of the Trust Estate (as defined below). In addition, in order to protect this and
2
Based on its review of the court's docket, the Trustee understands that the District moved to dismiss the Prior
Trustee's complaint. The Trustee does not believe this motion has been heard or decided. The Developer answered
the complaint and asserted defenses while acknowledging that it had failed to pay Special Assessments. The
mortgagee answered and asserted defenses and counterclaims.
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other property within the District for the benefit of Trust Estate, the Trustee proposes to enforce
certain remedies against the District, the Developer and the Guarantor. Finally, in light of the
anticipated costs of these actions and the limited resources currently available in the Trust Estate,
the Trustee proposes to borrow money from the Majority Holder on behalf of the Trust Estate in
order to provide the funds necessary to pursue these actions. The Trustee believes these actions
are essential if anything more than nominal value is to be realized by holders of the Bonds.
Thus, the Trustee believes these actions are in the best interests of all holders of the Bonds.
18. In Mississippi, tax-forfeited lands may be purchased from the State by making
an "Application for Purchase of Tax Forfeited Property" to the Public Lands Division of the
Office of Secretary of State. The State has established a baseline tiered pricing system for
selling such property, which generally provides for a purchase price of: (i) if the property is sold
within three (3) years from expiration of the right of redemption, 50% of the fair market value as
determined by the State; (ii) if the property is sold after three (3) years from expiration of the
right of redemption, 10% of the fair market value, plus all reimbursable taxes and fees,
maintenance costs, and assessments; and (iii) if the property is sold more than six (6) years from
separate application must be made for each parcel, the proposed purchase price must be based on
the State's tiered pricing system, and the purchase price as set by the State must be paid in full
19. At the direction of the Majority Holder, the Trustee established three special
purpose entities (the "SPEs") for the purpose of owning, managing, maintaining and disposing of
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the tax forfeited Developer Property proposed to be acquired from the State.3 On April 8, 2015,
the Trustee caused the SPEs to submit applications to purchase a total of 106 specifically-
identified parcels (the "Applications") comprising all of the Developer Property that has been
struck off to the State. The aggregate purchase price of the property proposed to be purchased in
the Applications is $862,780.00, which was determined per parcel based on State's tiered pricing
system. The Applications are contingent upon the entry of this Court's order authorizing the
Trustee to acquire the property pursuant to the Applications and granting the other relief
requested herein. A true and correct copy of a representative Application is attached hereto as
Exhibit D.4
20. The Trustee believes that recovery of the Developer Property as sought in the
Applications is necessary for the orderly and efficient disposition of this property, to maximize
its value and to preserve value for holders of the Bonds. If the Trustee is successful in acquiring
the property as contemplated by the Applications, the Trustee proposes to market and dispose of
the property in accordance with directions received from the Majority Holder pursuant to the
Indenture.
21. In addition, in order to protect and maximize the value of the Developer Property
and the remaining property of the District and the Development, the Trustee also intends to seek
the appointment of a receiver for the District and to pursue such other remedies as the Majority
Holder directs to preserve, manage and maintain the property and enforce the obligations of the
District and others under the Bond Documents. The Trustee intends to pursue such remedies
3The Trustee formed three entities in order to comply with certain restrictions under Mississippi law concerning the
quantity of land that can be purchased from the State in a single year.
The Applications are voluminous but the Trustee will provide copies of all Applications upon request.
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against the District, the Developer and/or the Guarantor in the pending litigation commenced by
Property, the Trustee expects that it will incur fees and expenses relating to the SPEs' ownership,
preservation, marketing and sale of the property. The Trustee also anticipates that it will incur
professional fees and other costs and expenses in connection with its pursuit of remedies against
the District and others. These costs are uncertain, but the Trustee anticipates they could be
substantial.
23. As of May 29, 2015, the Trustee holds the following amounts in the funds and
24. In order to provide the funds necessary to purchase the forfeited Developer
Property and pay the anticipated costs of preserving, marketing and selling the property and
protecting the interests of holders of the Bonds as described above, the Trustee proposes, subject
to the entry of an order of this Court authorizing the transaction, to borrow up to $1,615,052 (the
"Default Funding") from the Majority Holder (the "Loan Transaction") pursuant to terms
described in that certain Bondholder Funding Agreement (the "Funding Agreement"), the form
25. Under the Loan Transaction, the Majority Holder will advance a portion of the
Default Funding to the Trustee, in an initial amount not to exceed $500,000, in order to fund the
expenditures set forth on Exhibit A to the Funding Agreement (the "Initial Default
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Expenditures"). The Initial Default Expenditures include amounts necessary to fund the
purchase price to acquire the tax forfeited Developer Property (defined in the Funding
Agreement as the "Tax Forfeited Properties"), including legal fees, closing costs, Trustee fees
and other associated costs and fees associated with the acquisition of this property. In addition to
the Initial Default Expenditures, the Trustee may request and the Majority Holder may advance
additional sums under the Funding Agreement as necessary for the Trustee, acting through the
SPEs, to own, manage, maintain, and dispose of the tax forfeited property for the benefit of all
26. Repayment of amounts advanced under the Funding Agreement will be made to
the Majority Holder from any (i) net proceeds received by the Trustee resulting from the SPEs'
acquisition of the Tax Forfeited Properties, including, but not limited to, any amounts received
by the Trustee as a result of the District's receipt of funds representing proceeds or recoveries of
Special Assessments, and any net proceeds generated by the SPEs' disposition of the Tax
Forfeited Property; and (ii) monies representing advances made by the Majority Holder under the
Funding Agreement which remain on deposit with the Trustee in the separate account to be
established by the Trustee (the "Default Funding Account") at such time as the Bonds are
redeemed or canceled in full. Monies under the forgoing subsections (i) and (ii) will be applied,
first, to the payment of any then-due fees and expenses of the Trustee to the extent not otherwise
paid, including fees and expenses of legal counsel, as approved by the Majority Holder; second,
to pay any other unpaid Default Expenditures as defined in the Funding Agreement; third, to
repay the Majority Holder the aggregate amount of Default Funding that has been provided to
the Trustee by the Majority Holder plus interest accrued on any outstanding amount of the
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Default Funding that was advanced by the Majority Holder to the Trustee at the rate of 7.5%
simple interest per annum; and fourth, for payment of the Bonds.
27. The Trustee believes the Indenture and applicable law authorize it to take the
remedial and enforcement actions described above, including the purchase of the forfeited
Developer Property, and to enter into the Loan Transaction for the purpose of securing the funds
necessary to protect holders of the Bonds. Section 10.04 of the Indenture provides,
If any Event of Default with respect to the Bonds has occurred and is continuing,
the Trustee, in its discretion may, [and] upon the written request of the Holders of
not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Bonds and receipt of indemnity to its satisfaction shall, in its own name:
(c) by action or suit in equity require the Issuer to account as if it were the
trustee of an express trust for the Holders of the Bonds;
(d) by action or suit in equity enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful
or in violation of the rights of the Holders of the Bonds; and
(e) by other proceeding in law or equity, exercise all rights and remedies
provided for by any other document or instrument securing such Bonds.
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28. After an event of default has occurred, the Trustee's "primary responsibility is to
the maintenance and preservation of the bondholders' security. The trustee should initiate any
action that seems appropriate or necessary for the protection of the security." Robert L. Landau,
Corporate Trust Administration and Management, 226 (4th ed. 1992). Although the Indenture
does not expressly authorize the Trustee to purchase the Developer Property or borrow money as
contemplated here, "a court may find implied powers or responsibilities or, in a particular
situation, may authorize the trustee to perform acts it would otherwise have no power to
perform." Id. at 185. Where, as is the case here, the actions proposed to be taken are essential to
protect holders of the Bonds and the Trust Estate lacks the resources to pursue them, the
Trustee's purchase of the Developer Property and entry into the Loan Transaction should be
considered to be authorized as necessary actions in furtherance of its most important powers and
29. The Trustee believes that the purchase of the forfeited Developer Property and the
orderly marketing and sale of this property for the benefit of the Trust Estate are essential if
holders of the Bonds are to have any appreciable recovery. The Trustee also believes that the
remedial and enforcement actions it contemplates are necessary to preserve, manage and
maintain the property and the District and to enforce the obligations of the District and others
under the Bond Documents. The Majority Holder agrees these actions are likely to produce the
best possible return in the circumstances for all holders of the Bonds. Accordingly, pursuant to
Section 10.06 of the Indenture, the Majority Holder directed the Trustee to establish the SPEs
and purchase the Developer Property pursuant to the terms of the Applications.
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purchase the Developer Property and undertake the remedial and enforcement actions necessary
to protect the interests of holders of the Bonds. The Trust Estate lacks the funds necessary to
pursue these actions. Accordingly, the Trustee believes that the borrowings contemplated under
the Loan Transaction for the purpose of purchasing the Developer Property, paying the fees and
expenses of holding, maintaining, marketing and disposing of the property and paying the fees
and expenses of pursuing the proposed remedial and enforcement actions is in the best interests
31. Holders of the Bonds have virtually no hope of a recovery here without recovery
of the forfeited Developer Property. Apart from any liability of the Guarantor under the
Guaranty (whose prospects for collection are uncertain), there is no personal liability for the
District's obligations under the Bonds, and all recourse is through the property. While
Mississippi law is not clear, it appears that if a third party were to buy the Developer Property it
would do so free and clear past due Special Assessments. Thus, without control of the property,
the primary source of payment of payment would be lost and the Trustee could only distribute
the funds on hand. With the property and control of the District through a receiver, however,
there is the possibility of a recovery. The Trustee could sell the recovered property outright to a
developer and distribute those proceeds. Alternatively, the District, acting through the receiver,
could reassess the property and provide a form of "seller financing" that would enhance the
prospects for sales of the property. The District has taken no action to adjust or modify the
amount of the Special Assessments and so they have remained at 2007 levels. If a receiver is
appointed and the District functions properly, the District could appropriately assess the land and
the Trustee could sell it in lots subject to the Special Assessments, or sell the property while
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maintaining the Special Assessments in some form, thereby permitting a purchaser to pay less
cash and pass on the acquisition costs of the property to its end buyers. These options, while
uncertain, provide the only real opportunity for recovery by holders of the Bonds.
32. Minn. Stat. 501B.21 authorizes this Court to make an order it considers
appropriate upon hearing a petition filed under 501B.16. Such an order is final as to all matters
determined by the Court and binding in rem upon the trust estate created pursuant to the
Indenture (the "Trust Estate") and upon the interests of all beneficiaries, vested or contingent,
WHEREFORE, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 501 B.16, the Trustee respectfully requests that
this Court make and enter its order designating the time and place at which parties in interest
may be heard upon the matters set forth in this Petition, specifying the form and manner of
service of notice of the hearing, and that at such designated time and place the Court undertake to
represent all parties in interest who are unascertained or whose identity is unknown to petitioner
pursuant to Minn. Stat. 501B.19, and make and enter its further order as follows:
1. Declaring that Events of Default exist under the Indenture due to the District's
failure to pay interest, principal and redemptions amounts on the Bonds when due, its covenant
defaults and the other events described herein, including the forfeiture of the Developer Property;
and the submission by the SPEs of the Applications to purchase the Developer Property, and
authorizing the SPEs to purchase the Developer Property according to the terms of the
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3. Authorizing the Trustee and the SPEs to take such actions as may be necessary or
appropriate to purchase, own, maintain, market and sell the property purchased pursuant to the
Applications, including the payment of reasonable and necessary costs and expenses, in
4. Authorizing the Trustee to seek the appointment of a receiver for the District and
to pursue such other remedies, either in the pending action commenced by the Prior Trustee or
otherwise, to preserve, manage and maintain the property purchased pursuant to the Applications
and to enforce the obligations of the District, Developer, Guarantor and others under the Bond
Documents;
5. Approving the Loan Transaction, and authorizing, approving and confirming the
Trustee's execution and delivery of the Funding Agreement and such other documents or
agreements as are necessary or appropriate to consummate and implement the Loan Transaction;
6. Authorizing the Trustee to pay from funds borrowed pursuant to the Loan
Transaction or from funds in any of the funds and accounts held by the Trustee under the
Indenture (other than the Rebate Fund), the Trustee's or the SPEs' reasonable fees, costs and
expenses in connection with the actions described above, including its reasonable fees and
expenses and those of its professionals, in accordance with Section 11.04 of the Indenture;
7. Insofar as any of the foregoing actions have been taken prior to entry of the
Court's order on this Petition, authorizing, approving and confirming such actions;
8. Declaring that the Trustee's past and proposed actions in the administration of the
Trust and the Trust Estate as described herein are consistent with the terms of the Indenture and
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9. Granting such other relief as the Court determines lawful, just and proper.
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STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) ss.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
Gordon Gendler, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is Senior Vice President
of UMB BANK, N. A., the petitioner in the foregoing petition; that he has read said petition and
knows the contents thereof; that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the
statements therein contained are true.
Notary Public
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DISTRICT COURT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
Other: Civil
successor trustee (the Trustee) of the above-captioned trust (the Trust), having filed
its Petition for an Order Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 501B.16 in the Administration of a
IT IS ORDERED that:
1. A hearing upon the Petition will be held before a referee of the District
Room C-400 of the Courts Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 5, 2015, at 2:00
one time in Finance and Commerce, at least twenty (20) days before the date of the
hearing.
3. The Trustee is further directed to mail copies of this Order and the Petition
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(exclusive of the exhibits), to all registered holders of the Bonds (as defined in the
Petition) by first class mail, postage pre-paid, at the address of each such holder as shown
in the bond register maintained by the Trustee, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the
hearing date. To the extent that any of the Bonds are held through Depository Trust
Company or another indirect securities holding system (the Indirect Holding Systems),
mailing of this Order and the Petition (exclusive of exhibits) to such Indirect Holding
Systems at least fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing date shall be sufficient.
4. The Trustee is further directed to mail copies of this Order and the Petition
(exclusive of exhibits) by first class to any other holders of the Bonds who have provided
5. Upon mailing this Order and the Petition to the parties listed herein, and
publishing this Order as described above, the Trustee shall file affidavits of mailing and
publication attesting to the mailed and published notice given and such affidavits shall
constitute evidence of notice satisfying the requirements of Minn. Stat. 501B.16 and
501B.18.
6. Parties in interest may object to the Petition, or any of the relief being
sought therein, by filing a written objection setting forth their positions regarding the
issues presented by the Petition, and serving all counsel then of record in the matter, no
later than five (5) days before the hearing date set forth above.
them and on file in the office of the Court Administrator for information regarding the
Prepared by:
Stephen F. Grinnell
Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A.
500 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Telephone: (612) 632-3070
Facsimile: (612) 632-4070
GP:4027457 v1
Notice to Bondholders dated 2011
This Notice is given to the Registered Holders of the above-referenced Bonds by the
Trustee, Bank of the Ozarks.
On November 1, 2011, Credit Union Liquidity Services, LLC fik/a Texans Commercial
Capital, LLC ("'CULS") flied a complaint for judicial foreclosure and other relief in the
Chancery Court of Rankin County, Mississippi, Cause No: 72,240. The named
defendants are the Trustee, StoneBridge Public Improvement District (the "District"),
Green Hills Development, LLC ("Green Hills"), the Rankin County Board of
Supervisors, the Rankin County Tax Collector, the Rankin County Tax Assessor, the
RankinCounty Chancery Clerk ("Rankin County") and the Mississippi Secretaryof State
("Complaint"). The Complaint seeks, inter alia, to declare that the District was not
properly formed and had no authority to issue the special assessments against the
property within the District or to issue the Bonds which are to be paid by the special
assessments. The Complaint seeks to foreclose on a deed of trust executed by Green
Hills on the property within the District in favor of CULS and declare that CULS owns
the property free and clear of the special assessments.
On December 12, 2011, the Trustee filed its motion to dismiss the Complaint. The
motion asserts the District was properly formed as a matter of law, and in any event,
CULS's claims are barred by the legal doctrines of lack of standing, res]udicata and
collateral estoppel. Presently, the District and the Rankin County have also joined the
Trustee's motion to dismiss. No hearing has been set on the motion. If you would like a
copy of the Complaint and motion to dismiss or if you have any questions concerning the
litigation, please contact the Trustee's counsel, C. Joyce Hall or Jim F. Spencer, Jr., (601)
965-1900, Watkins & Eager PLLC, Post Office Box 650, Jackson,MS 39205-0650.
By:
Sheila Mayden, Seni<r v e Presiaem
Bank of the Ozarksi as rustee
Li
Notice to Bondholders dated December 14, 2010
This Notice is given to the Registered Holders of the above-referenced Bonds by the
Trustee, Bank of the Ozarks.
The purpose of this Notice is to update the Registered Holders on the status of the
Chancery Court action filed by the Trustee upon the direction of a majority of the
Registered Holders against the Stonebridge PID, the landowner that failed to pay its
Special Assessments in 2008, Green Hills Development Company, and the lienholder,
Credit Union Liquidity Services, LLC ("CULS"). The lawsuit seeks to enforce the lien
of the Special Assessments on the property. All parties filed answers to the Complaint.
The PID filed a Motion to Dismiss the action againstit. The Trustee filed its opposition
to the Motion to Dismiss. Before the Chancellor set the hearing date on the Motion to
Dismiss, CULS filed an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding against Green Hills. This
filing resulted in an automatic stay of the Trustee's Chancery Court action against Green
Hills. Green Hills has opposed the bankruptcyfiling. The Trustee filed a Motion to Lift
the Stay of the bankruptcy proceeding so that it could proceed in its Chancery Court
action against Green Hills. The bankruptcyjudge postponed his ruling on the Trustee's
Motion to Lift Stay until he rules on whether Green Hills should be in bankruptcy.The
hearing date on their issue is January 6, 2011. Therefore, the Trustee's action against
Green Hills to foreclose on the property due to its failure to pay the 2008 Special
Assessmentsis stayed until the bankruptcyjudge rules on whether Green Hills should be
a debtor in the bankruptcy.
If you have any questions concerning the litigation, please feel free to contact the
Trustee's counsel, Jim Spencer or Joyce Hall at 601-965-1900, Watldns & Eager PLLC,
Jackson, MS.
By:
Sheila Mayden, Senior President
Bank of the Ozarks as
Notice to Bondholders datedApril 1, 2010
This Notice is given to the Registered Holders of the above-referenced bonds by the
Trustee, Bank of the Ozarks.
One or more Events of Default have occurred and are continuing with respect to the
Bonds. The Issuer does not have a functioning board of directors and the Special
Assessments have not been fully collected due to a failure of certain property owners to
pay same. A majority of the holders of the Bonds has directed the Trustee pursuant to
Section 10.04 of the Indenture to take action at law or in equity to enforce the lien on the
District Lands and to collect the Special Assessments. Pursuant to Section 10.04 of the
Indenture, the Trustee herein seeks indemnity from the Registered Owners for all costs
and expenses of the Trustee in pursuing this action. By your signature below, you hereby
consent to indemnify the Trustee for all costs and expenses incurred by the Trustee to
pursue this action, including but not limited to attorneys' fees and costs and the
appointment of a receiver on behalf of the Issuer.
The Funds remainingunder the Indentureare not sufficient to make the April 1 Interest
Payment due Registered Holders and pursue the action as directed by the majority
bondholders, therefore, this is also a Material Event Notice that the April 1 Interest
Payment will not be made.
By:
Maine"
Title:
CustodialParticipantNumber:
Mailing- JIM F.SPWCWJR
P.0. Box 650 Attorneys and ConnseIms at Law Direct Dial: (601) 965-1976
Jlckson, Mississippi 39205 ~ & k m g e r . c o m
e r r . 189s
Telephone: (601) %5-1900
hesimile: (601) 965-1901
February 24,20 10
Counsel
District
Because of this default, and in accordance with Section 10.04 of the Trust Indenture, the
holder of the majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds on this series
has directed the Trustee to take any and all actions, rights and remedies at law or in equity that are
available to it to enforce the lien on the district land and collect the special assessments for the
benefit of the Bondholders. The Trustee intends to comply with this direction.
Should you have any questions concerning this, please feel fiee to contact me.
Sincerely,
.-
Watkins 6r Eager PLLC - The Emporium Building . 400 East Capitol Street - Jackson, Mississippi 39201
~'
LJMB Bank, n.a.(the "Trustee") is the successor trustee under that certain Trust Indenture
(the "Indenture") dated as of September 21, 2007 between the Bank of the Ozarks, an Arkansas
banking corporation as original trustee and the Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin
County, Mississippi (the "District"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture.
Holders of the Bonds are directed to the Notice to Holders dated June 19, 2015 posted to
the EMMA website by the Trustee informing holders of the filing of a petition by the Trustee
pursuant to Minn. Stat. SO1B.16 (the "Petition") in the District Court for Hennepin County,
Minnesota, Probate/Mental Health Division, the court which has jurisdiction over the Trustee
and the Trust Estate (the "Court") seeking certain findings, instructions and orders ofthe Court.
A hearing was held by the Court on August 5, 2015. The Court granted the relief sought
by the Trustee in the Petition. A copy ofthe Order granting such relief is attached to this Notice.
The Trustee intends to proceed according to the Order.
If you have any questions regarding this notice you may contact the Trustee at the
following address:
Please note that the Trustee may conclude that a specific response to particular inquiries
from
Holders of Stonebridge Public Improvement District, Rankin County, Mississippi Bonds
August 11, 2015
Page 2
individual Holders is not consistent with equal and full dissemination of significant information
to all Holders. Holders should not rely on the Trustee as their sole source of information. The
Trustee makes no recommendations and gives no investment or legal advice to the above matters
or as to the Bonds generally.
DISTRICT COURT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN DIVISION
Other: Civil
The petition (the "Petition") of 1.TMB Banlc, n.a., as successor trustee (the
"Trustee") of the above-entitled trust (the "Trust"), for an order pursuant to Minn. Stat.
SOlB.l6 instructing the Trustee in the administration of the Trust, came before the
Court on August 5, 2015 pursuant to the Court's Order for Hearing dated June 9, 2015.
Appearances were as noted on the record. Based on the proceedings had on said date, the
Petition, the evidence received in support of the Petition, the record made and all of the
files herein, and the Court having determined that due and proper notice ofthe hearing on
the Petition was given in accordance with the Court's Order for Hearing dated June 9,
2015,
IT IS HEREBY ORDEREDl:
1. That Events of Default exist under the Indenture due to the District's
failure to pay interest, principal and redemption amounts on the Bonds when due, its
covenant defaults and the other events described in the Petition, including the forfeiture
`capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given them in the
Petition.
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2. That the Trustee's establishment of the SPEs and the submission by the
SPEs of the Applications to purchase the Developer Property, and authorizing the SPEs
to purchase the Developer Property according to the terms of the Applications, as the
3. That the Trustee and the SPEs are each authorized to take such actions as
maybe necessary or appropriate to purchase, own, maintain, market and sell the property
necessary costs and expenses, in accordance with directions from the Majority Holder;
4. That the Trustee is authorized to seek the appointment of a receiver for the
District and to pursue such other remedies it determines maybe appropriate, either in the
pending action commenced by the Prior Trustee or otherwise, to preserve, manage and
maintain the property purchased pursuant to the Applications and to enforce the
obligations of the District, Developer, Guarantor and others under the Bond Documents;
5. That the Loan Transaction is approved, and the Trustee's execution and
delivery of the Funding Agreement and such other documents or agreements as are
6. That the Trustee is authorized to pay from funds borrowed pursuant to the
Loan Transaction or from funds in any of the funds and accounts held by the Trustee
under the Indenture (other than the Rebate Fund), the Trustee's or the SPEs' reasonable
fees, costs and expenses in connection with the actions described above, including its
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reasonable fees and expenses and those of its professionals, in accordance with Section
7, That insofar as any of the foregoing actions have been taken prior to entry
ofthe Court's order on the Petition, such actions are authorized, approved and confirmed;
That the Trustee's past and proposed actions in the administration of the
Trust and the Trust Estate as described in the Petition are consistent with the terms of the
Indenture and the Trustee's duties and obligations to holders ofthe Bonds; and
That the Trustee shall not be subject to the continuing supervision of the
Court for the purposes of Minn. Stat. SO1B.23 or General Rule ofPractice 417.02.