2022-08-30 Loan Agreement - MIFLOAN AGREEMENT
MINNESOTA INVESTMENT FUND
THIS AGREEMENT (the "Loan Agreement") is made and entered into as of this 30 A day of
2022 by and between the City of Albertville at 5959 Main Ave NE; P.O. Box 9
Albert ille, MN 55301 (the "Lender") and Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC and AVAOP, LLC 7535
River Road NE Albertville, MN 55301 (the "Co -Borrowers");
Recitals
1. The Lender has applied to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED) for a Minnesota Investment Fund Grant (the "MIF Grant")
pursuant to an application (the "Grant Application") and received approval for the MIF
Grant; and
Grant Contract Agreement Number CDAP-21-0002-H-FY21 (the "Grant Contract
Agreement") between the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (the "State") and the Lender has been executed and requires that the
Borrower provide sufficient funds to complete financing and agree to loan terms with
the Lender regarding the MIF Grant; and
3. The parties hereto agree to incorporate into this Loan Agreement by reference the
Grant Application and Grant Contract Agreement; and
4. The work anticipated to be performed for the Borrower's Project is not geographically
dependent. It therefore could have been located at any number of locations either
within or outside of the State of Minnesota. The subsidy has been provided to enhance
the financial attractiveness and financial feasibility of locating or retaining the
Borrower's operations in the Jurisdiction, rather than at some other location.
5. Borrower and Lender wish to set forth the terms and conditions upon which Lender will
make the Loan to Borrower and for the repayment thereof.
NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Definitions
Section I.I. Definitions. In this Loan Agreement, unless a different meaning clearly appears from
the context:
"Bank" means Sterns Bank.
"Benefit Date" means the earlier of the date equipment financed through a Minnesota
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Investment Fund loan is fully operational or 3/1/2022.
"Benefit" is defined as one or more of the following non -mandated compensation items paid by
the Borrower on behalf of employees: health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement
program or profit-sharing.
"City" means the City of Albertville, Minnesota.
"County" means Wright County, Minnesota.
"Compliance Date" means the date that is two (2) years after the Benefit Date.
"Development Property" means the real property described in Exhibit A attached.
"Effective Date" means 04/28/2021.
"Expiration Date" means three months after the Compliance Date as defined in the Grant
Contract Agreement.
"Equipment" means the machinery & equipment purchased by the Borrower with the Loan
Proceeds and described in Exhibit B attached.
"Full -Time Equivalent (FTE)" is one or more people working a sum of 2,080 hours in a calendar
year, which includes paid time off.
"Grant Contract Agreement" means Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development Grant Contract Agreement # CDAP-21-0002-H-FY2021 and attached as Exhibit C.
"Initial Disbursement Date" means the date of the first disbursement of any Loan Proceeds by
the Lender to the Borrower.
"Jurisdiction" means within the corporate boundaries of the Lender.
"Loan" means the funds loaned by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to this Loan Agreement.
"Loan Documents" means this Loan Agreement, the Promissory Note, Security Agreement and
security filings, and Personal Guarantees from Casey Darkenwald, Michael Hoagberg and Brian
Nicholson
"Loan Proceeds" means the proceeds of the Loan disbursed to the Borrower pursuant to this
Loan Agreement.
"MIF Program" means the Minnesota Investment Fund, Minn. Stat. § 116J.8731 and Minn. Rules
Chapter 4300.
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"MIF Grant" means the award of funds by the State to the Lender pursuant to the Grant Contract
Agreement.
"New Jobs" means the new permanent, Full -Time Equivalent, non -contract, non -seasonal jobs
to be created by the Borrower.
"Other Project Funds" means all funds required to complete the Project as defined in the Grant
Application.
"Project" means a proposal to construct up to a 178,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing plant on 33
acres in Albertville. The project is expected to create 135 jobs within two (2) years at an
average cash wage of $27.84 per hour. The total project cost is $31,233,190.
"Promissory Note" means a legal document that represents the Borrower's promise to repay the
Loan per a given payment schedule, in substantially the form set forth by the State.
"State" means the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
"Termination Date" means the date of the final payment made by the Borrower to the Lender
under the terms of the Loan Agreement and Promissory Note (or the date that the Loan is
forgiven by the State).
ARTICLE 2
Loan, Use of Proceeds and Conditions of Repayment
Section 2.1. MIF Loan/Funds. The Lender agrees, on the terms and subject to the conditions
hereinafter set forth, to make a loan to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $450,000 for the purchase of equipment The obligation of the Borrower to repay the
Loan shall be evidenced by the Promissory Note. The Borrower's obligations under this Loan
Agreement are expressly contingent on the Lender's receipt of the MIF Grant from the State in
an amount adequate to make the Loan.
Section 2.2. Non-MIF (Other) Project Funds. The Borrower has secured a commitment for the
private financing necessary to complete the Project, in a form and under conditions satisfactory
to the Bank, Borrower and Lender.
(a) The Borrower shall commit not less than $6,272,640 of equity and not less than
$24,510,550 of other private financing for the completion of the Project.
(b) Other Project Funds described in the Grant Application must be used at the same
amount, for the same purposes and under the same terms, rates and conditions as specified
unless written consent is received from the State prior to expenditure.
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Section 2.3. Loan Terms. FORGIVABLE LOAN: The Loan shall be forgiven by the Lender and the
State upon satisfaction by the Borrower of the terms of this Loan Agreement. In the event the
Loan is not forgiven, the Loan shall be repayable as set forth in Section 8.2 of this Loan
Agreement. The Loan terms may not be modified without prior written approval from the State.
Section 2.4. Early Repayment. The Promissory Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any
time without penalty. A prepayment shall first be applied against any accrued interest, and then
against any outstanding and past due payments which are due and owing hereunder or under
the Loan Agreement, and then the remaining portion of such prepayment shall be applied against
the remaining outstanding and unpaid principal balance.
Section 2.5. Maintenance and Operation of the Project. As long as any portion of the Loan is
still outstanding, Borrower shall maintain and operate the Project and use the Loan Proceeds in
compliance with the terms of MIF, this Loan Agreement, and all applicable federal, state and local
laws, regulations and ordinances, including but not limited to all environmental laws and
regulations.
Article 3
Conditions of Lending
Section 3.1. Condition Precedent to Any Advance. The obligation of the Lender to close the Loan
and disburse the Loan Proceeds thereof to Borrower shall, subject to waiver by the State, be
subject to the condition precedent that the Lender shall have received on or before the date of
such closing the Promissory Note duly executed by the Borrower. The Borrower shall provide
identifying information for the equipment prior to disbursement of the Loan Proceeds in
accordance with Section 9.3 hereof.
Section 3.2. Further Conditions Precedent to Disbursement. The obligation of the Lender to
disburse the Loan Proceeds shall also be subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a) The Loan which is being made to the Borrower shall be consistent with the
provisions of MIF.
(b) No Event of Default hereunder or event which would constitute such an Event of
Default but for the requirement that notice be given or that a period of grace or time elapse,
shall have occurred and be continuing.
Section 3.3. Disbursement and Deposit of Loan Proceeds. Upon the execution of this Loan
Agreement and the satisfaction of all of the conditions specified in Article 6, the Lender shall
disburse the full Loan Proceeds to the Borrower.
Section 3.4. Termination. This Loan Agreement shall automatically terminate without any notice
to Borrower:
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(a) If no Loan Proceeds have been disbursed to the Borrower prior to the Expiration
Date; or
(b) If the Borrower fails to pay its debts as they become due, makes an assignment
for the benefit of its creditors, admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due,
files a petition under any chapter of the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any similar law, state or
federal, now or hereafter existing, becomes "insolvent" as that term is generally defined under
the Federal Bankruptcy Code, files an answer admitting insolvency or inability to pay its debts as
they become due in any involuntary bankruptcy case commenced against it, or fails to obtain a
dismissal of such case within sixty (60) days after its commencement or convert the case from
one chapter of the Federal Bankruptcy Code to another chapter, or is the subject of an order for
relief in such bankruptcy case, or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or has a custodian, trustee,
or receiver appointed for it, or has any court take jurisdiction of its property, or any part thereof,
in any proceeding for the purpose of reorganization, arrangement, dissolution, or liquidation,
and such custodian, trustee, or receiver is not discharged, or such jurisdiction is not relinquished,
vacated, or stayed within sixty (60) days of the appointment.
ARTICLE 4
Acknowledgments, Incorporation, Representations, and Warranties
Section 4.1. Acknowledgments/Incorporation.
(a) The Borrower acknowledges that the Lender, in order to obtain funds for part of the
Borrower's activities in connection with the Project, has applied for the MIF Grant to the State
under the Minnesota Investment Fund Program, Economic Development Division, and that the
Lender has entered into the Grant Contract Agreement with the State attached as Exhibit C,
setting forth the terms, conditions, and requirements of the MIF Grant. The Borrower further
acknowledges that it has made certain representations and statements in the Grant Application
concerning its activities relating to the Project, and that the Borrower is designated and
identified under the Grant Contract Agreement.
(b) Under the Grant Contract Agreement, the Lender has undertaken certain
obligations with respect to, and among other things, repayment to the State of the Loan
Proceeds in the event certain conditions are not met. A copy of the Grant Contract Agreement
and this Loan Agreement shall be on file in the offices of the Lender. In the event any provision
of this Loan Agreement relating to the Borrower's obligations hereunder is inconsistent with
the provisions of the Grant Contract Agreement relating to the Borrower's activities
thereunder, the provisions of the Grant Contract Agreement shall prevail.
(c) The Borrower acknowledges that nothing contained in the Grant Contract
Agreement or this Loan Agreement, nor any act of the State or the Lender, shall be deemed or
construed to create between the State and the Borrower (or, except as Borrower and Lender
between the Lender and the Borrower) any relationship, including but not limited to that of
third party beneficiary, principal and agent, limited or general partnership, or joint venture. As
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such, the Borrower agrees to hold the State harmless from any claim, demand, suit, action, or
other proceeding whatsoever by any person or entity whatsoever arising or purportedly arising
from this Loan Agreement, any events related to the Project or the Borrower's participation in
this Loan, or Borrower's activities on the Development Property.
Section 4.2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower warrants and represents, in
connection with the Loan and for the benefit of the State and the Lender, that:
(a) It is a Minnesota Limited Liability Company registered and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and is authorized to enter into this Loan Agreement
and perform any of the acts required herein.
(b) It has the legal authority and is duly authorized to operate the Project, to incur
the indebtedness of the Promissory Note and to perform its obligations under this Loan
Agreement, to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and it has taken
all actions necessary and incident to its execution and delivery of the Loan Documents.
(c) Its execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and its
incurrence of the Loan does not violate any provision of law or Borrower's corporate
documents.
(d) The Promissory Note was duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered,
and it constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable in
accordance with its terms. The Loan Documents to which it is a party, have been duly and
validly authorized, executed and delivered, and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms,
except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or
other law affecting creditor's rights, or the application of equitable principles generally.
(e) It is not in violation of any provisions of its organizational documents or of the
laws of local governments, State of Minnesota or U.S. Government, and there are no actions,
suits or proceedings pending, or to its knowledge threatened, before or by any judicial body or
governmental authority, against or effecting it, and it is not in default with respect to any order,
writ, injunction, decree, or demand of any court or any governmental authority which would
impair its ability to enter into this Loan Agreement or to perform any of the acts required of it
in the Loan Documents to which it is a party.
(f) Neither the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which it is a party,
nor compliance with any of the terms, conditions, requirements or provisions contained herein
or in such referenced documents, is prevented by, is a breach of, or will result in a breach of
any term, condition or provision of any agreement or document to which it is now a party or by
which it is bound.
(g) It will maintain adequate capital for the proper operation and administration of
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its duties under this Loan Agreement.
(h) It will comply with Minn. Stat. § 116J.8731 and Minn. Rules Chapter 4300 and all
of the terms, conditions, provisions and requirements, contained in the Loan Documents to
which it is a party.
(i) Representations, statements, and other matters provided by the Borrower
relating to those activities of the Project to be completed by the Borrower, which were
contained in the Grant Application, were true and complete in all material respects as of the
date of submission to the Lender and such representations, statements, and other matters are
true as of the date of this Loan Agreement and there are no adverse material changes in the
financial condition of the Borrower's business.
(j) The Borrower acknowledges that the State, in selecting the Lender as recipient
of the Grant, relied in material part upon the assured completion of the Project to be carried
out by the Borrower, and the Borrower warrants that said Project will be carried out as
promised.
(k) The Borrower warrants that to the best of its knowledge, it has obtained all
federal, state, and local governmental approvals, reviews, and permits required by law to be
obtained in connection with the Project and has undertaken and completed all actions
necessary for it to lawfully execute this Loan Agreement as binding upon it.
(1) The Borrower warrants that it shall keep and maintain books, records, and other
documents relating directly to the Other Project Funds, and that any duly authorized
representative of the State shall, at all reasonable times, have access to and the right to inspect,
copy, audit, and examine all such books, records, and other documents of the Borrower for
seven years after the termination of the Loan Agreement or until such time that the Lender and
the State have both determined that all issues, requirements, and close-out procedures relating
to or arising out of the Loan have been settled and completed, whichever is later.
(m) The Borrower warrants that no transfer of any or all of the Loan Proceeds by the
Lender to the Borrower shall be or be deemed an assignment of Loan Proceeds, and the
Borrower shall neither succeed to any rights, benefits, or advantages of the Lender under the
Grant Contract Agreement, nor attain any right, privileges, authorities, or interest in or under
the Grant Contract Agreement.
Section 4.3. Affirmative Covenants. Borrower further warrants and agrees that:
(a) It has sufficient funds to complete the purposes of the Project and sufficient
capacity to administer the Project.
(b) The Project will be performed in full compliance with all applicable federal, state
and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances, which include but are not limited to all
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applicable environmental laws, regulations and rules.
(c) Borrower agrees to submit reports required in Article 7 and Article 8.
ARTICLE 5
Events of Default and Rights and Remedies
Section 5.1. Events of Default. Any one or more of the following events shall be deemed and
shall constitute an "Event of Default":
(a) The interest or principal due under the Promissory Note, or any other payments
due and payable under this Loan Agreement or any other document referred to herein, are not
paid when due and such nonpayment is not remedied within ten (10) business days after
written notice thereof to the Borrower by the Lender;
(b) The Borrower is in breach of any of the requirements, terms, conditions,
covenants or other agreements in the Loan Documents and remains in breach in any material
respect for thirty (30) business days after written notice thereof to the Borrower by the Lender;
provided, however, that if such breach shall reasonably be incapable of being cured within such
thirty (30) business days after notice, and if the Borrower commences and diligently prosecutes
the appropriate steps to cure such breach, no default shall exist so long as the Borrower is
proceeding to cure such breach in a reasonable period of time;
(c) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower in the Loan Documents,
any other document referred to in such documents, or any financial statement, certificate, or
report furnished pursuant to this Loan Agreement, or any representation or warranty made
order to induce the Lender to close the Loan or disburse the Loan Proceeds, which proves to
have been untrue in any material respect or materially misleading as of the time such
representation or warranty was made;
(d) Borrower shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall be
dissolved, or shall commit an act of bankruptcy under the United States Bankruptcy Act (as now
or hereafter amended), or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become
due, or shall file a petition in bankruptcy, or shall become or be adjudicated as bankrupt or
insolvent, however defined, or shall file a petition seeking any reorganization, dissolution,
liquidation, arrangement, composition, readjustment or similar relief under any present or
future bankruptcy or insolvency statute, law or regulation, or shall file an answer admitting to
or not contesting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in such proceedings, or
shall not, within 60 days after the filing of such a petition against it, have the same dismissed or
vacated, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee, receiver or
liquidator of a material part of its properties, or shall not, within 60 days after the appointment
(without its consent or acquiescence) of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of any material part of
its properties, have such appointment vacated;
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(e) A court of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order, judgment or decree
approving a petition filed against Borrower seeking any reorganization, dissolution or similar
relief under any present or future federal, state or other statute, law or regulation relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors, or any trustee, receiver or liquidator of such
entity, shall be appointed without the consent or acquiescence of State;
(f) Borrower shall refuse to allow the State, at any reasonable time and upon prior
written notice, to inspect, audit, copy or abstract, any and all of its books, records, papers or
other documents relevant to the Borrower's use of the Loan Proceeds;
(g) Borrower shall refuse to allow the Minnesota Legislative Auditor or the State
Auditor for the State of Minnesota, at any reasonable time and upon prior written notice, to
inspect, audit, copy or abstract, any and all books referred to in Section 5.1(f);
(h) Borrower shall fail to provide annual reporting information as described herein.
(i) The Borrower sells, conveys, transfers, encumbers, or otherwise disposes of all
or any part of the Development Property or the Equipment without the prior written approval
of the State and Lender;
0) The Borrower merges or consolidates with an entity that is not an affiliate of the
Borrower wherein the Borrower or such affiliate are not the surviving entity after such merger
or consolidation without the prior written consent of the Lender;
(k) There is a loss, theft, substantial damage, or destruction of all or any part of the
Development Property or the Equipment that is not remedied to the Lender's satisfaction
within sixty (60) business days after written notice thereof by the Lender to the Borrower; or
(1) The Borrower is in breach of the requirements of Article 7 and Article 8, the
Business Subsidy Agreement and Progress Reporting.
(m) The occurrence of any other act or event that is noncompliant under the MIF
Program.
Section 5.2. Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at any time
thereafter until such Event of Default is cured to the satisfaction of the Lender, the Lender may,
at its option, exercise any and all of the following rights and remedies (as well as any other rights
and remedies available to it):
(a) The Lender may, by notice in writing to the Borrower, refrain from disbursing
any of the Loan Proceeds; provided, however, the Lender may make such disbursements after
the occurrence of an Event of Default without thereby waiving its rights and remedies
hereunder, or waiving its right to make any additional disbursements.
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(b) The Lender may, by written notice to the Borrower, declare immediately due and
payable all principal and interest due under the Promissory Note, together with all other sums
payable under the Loan Documents and the same shall thereupon be immediately due and
payable without presentment or other demand, protest, notice of dishonor or any other notice
of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived.
(c) The Lender shall have the right, in addition to any other rights provided by law or
equity, to enforce its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents.
(d) The Lender shall have the right, in addition to any other rights provided by law or
equity, to initiate litigation for the breach of any term, condition, covenant, requirement or
provision contained in the Loan Documents, and to recover damages for such breach.
(e) The Lender shall have the right, in addition to any other rights provided by law or
equity, to apply to any court, state or federal, for specific performance of any term, condition,
covenant, requirement or provision contained in the Loan Documents; for an injunction against
any violation of any such term, condition, covenant, requirement and/or provision; or for such
other relief as may be appropriate, since the injury to the Lender arising from a default under
any of the terms, conditions, covenants requirements and/or provisions of the Loan
Documents, would be irreparable and the amount of damage would be difficult to ascertain.
Section 5.3. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the parties to this
Loan Agreement, whether provided by operation of law or by this Loan Agreement, shall be
cumulative, and the exercise by either party of any one or more of such remedies shall not be
construed to preclude or waive its right to exercise, at the same or different times, any of the
other such remedies for the same default or breach, or of any of its remedies for any other
default or breach by the other party.
No waiver made by either such party with respect to the performance, manner or time thereof,
of any obligation of the other party or any condition to its own obligation under this Loan
Agreement or any document referred to herein, shall be considered a waiver of any rights of the
party making the waiver with respect to the particular obligation of the other party or condition
to its own obligation beyond those expressly waived in writing and to the extent thereof, or a
waiver in any respect in regard to any other rights of the party making the waiver or any other
obligations of the other party. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right or remedy
shall be a waiver of such right or remedy, and no single or partial exercise by either party of any
right or remedy shall preclude other or further exercise thereof for the exercise of any other right
or remedy at any other time.
Section 5.4. Collection. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at any time thereafter
until such Event of Default is cured to the satisfaction of the Lender and State, Borrower agrees
to pay all costs and expenses of the Lender, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's
fees, in the collection of any of the obligations or the enforcement of any of the Lender's rights.
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If any notice of sale, disposition or other intended action by the Lender is required by law to be
given to Borrower, such notice shall be deemed reasonably and properly given if mailed to
Borrower at the address specified in Section 9.15(b), or at such other address of Borrower as may
be shown on the Lender's records, at least 15 days before such sale, disposition or other intended
action.
The Lender shall have the right at its option and without demand or notice, to declare all or any
part of the Loan immediately due and payable, and in addition to the rights and remedies
granted hereby, the Lender shall have all of the rights and remedies available under the
Uniform Commercial Code and any other applicable law.
Section 5.5. Assignment. If, prior to the Termination Date, the Borrower sells, conveys, transfers,
further mortgages or encumbers, or disposes of the Development Property, or any part thereof
or interest therein, or enters into an agreement to do any of the foregoing, the Borrower shall
immediately repay all amounts then outstanding on the Loan. This shall be in addition to any
other remedies at law or equity available to the Lender.
Section 5.6. Appointment for Foreclosure. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at
any time thereafter until such Event of Default is cured to the satisfaction of the Lender and State,
Borrower agrees that the Lender may appoint an individual or entity to handle the default
proceedings.
ARTICLE 6
Disbursement Provisions
Section 6.1. Payment Requisition Documentation. The Lender will disburse the loan funds upon
receipt and approval by the Lender and the State of the following documentation:
(a) This Loan Agreement, fully executed;
(b) Evidence of equity injection in the amount of $6,272,640;
(c) Promissory Note(s) from Stern Bank
(d) Invoices for items funded by the Loan and matching funds.
(e) The Promissory Note;
(f) The Security Agreement and evidence of security filings;
(g) The Personal Guarantee(s) from Casey Darkenwald, Michael Hoagberg and Brian
Nicholson
(h) The Borrower shall maintain insurance in adequate amounts covering loss or
damage to the collateral. Provide evidence that the Lender has been listed as loss
payee.
Upon receipt of such information, the Loan funds will be disbursed upon approval of the Lender
and the State up to a total disbursement amount of $450,000.
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Section 6.2. Other Documentation.
(a) Third party documentation of total project expenditures as outlined in the application
sources and uses will be required prior to the Compliance Date.
(b) Evidence that equipment or other items purchased with the Loan are in the
Jurisdiction must be provided on or prior to the Benefit Date.
Section 6.3. Review of Documents. The Borrower shall not be entitled to any disbursement of
Loan Proceeds until the Lender's legal counsel and the State have reviewed and approved this
Loan Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto.
Section 6.4. Adverse Changes. The Lender and the State will not authorize disbursement of funds
if there has been any adverse change in the Borrower's financial condition, organization,
operations or their ability to repay the project financing.
ARTICLE 7
Progress Reporting
Section 7.1. Progress Information. The Borrower shall provide to the Lender information for
incorporation into the Minnesota Investment Fund progress reports, as required by the State and
as needed by the Lender, to monitor the Project for compliance with State and Lender guidelines.
This information must be provided until the goals set forth in Section 8.1 have been met or until
the Compliance Date, whichever is later. At the discretion of the State or Lender additional
reporting may be required. This information must be submitted to the Lender no later than:
(a) January 15, 2022 for the period ending December 31, 2021;
(b) January 15, 2023 for the period ending December 31, 2022;
(c) January 15, 2024 for the period ending December 31, 2023;
(d) Fifteen days after the Compliance Date.
Section 7.2 Documentation to be provided to the Lender:
(a) Project status and the status of payments.
(b) Additional Leverage. The Borrower must provide to the Lender invoices, sworn
construction statements, and or any other information, with each progress report, to document
Other Project Funds in addition to the originally included project costs.
(c) Job Creation Documentation. The Borrower shall provide to the Lender
information on the hiring of each New Job on forms provided by the Lender. This information
must include:
(1) Permanent jobs created;
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(2) Job title of each New Job;
(3) Date of hire of each new employee;
(4) Hourly base wage paid;
(5) List of Benefits provided; and
(6) Hourly value of Benefits paid.
(d) Payroll Report. A formal payroll report verifying job information will be due as of
the Compliance Date.
ARTICLE 8
Business Subsidy Agreement and Reporting
Section 8.1. Business Subsidy Agreement. The provisions of this Section constitute the "Business
Subsidy Agreement" for purposes of the Minnesota Business Subsidy Act (Minn. Stat. § 116J.993
— § 116J.995 and its successor statute.)
(a) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of Minnesota's
Business Subsidy Act apply to this Loan Agreement, as Borrower is receiving government
assistance under the terms of this Loan Agreement.
(1) The subsidy provided to the Borrower includes the $450,000 loan made
hereunder which will be used for the purchase of equipment.
(2) The public purposes and goals of the subsidy are to increase Borrower's
net jobs in the City and encourage economic development.
(3) The goals for the subsidy are to create jobs that pay a livable wage, per
Section 8.1(b) of this Loan Agreement.
(4) If the goals are not satisfied, the Borrower shall make payment to the
Lender as required in Section 8.2 of this Loan Agreement.
(5) The subsidy is needed because the Project cost is economically infeasible
without the Loan.
(6) The Borrower must continue operations in the Jurisdiction for at least five
years following the Benefit Date.
(7) The Borrower does not have a parent corporation.
(8) In addition to the assistance provided under this Loan Agreement, the
Borrower has received or expects to receive as part of this Project, the following
financial assistance from other "grantors" as defined in the Business Subsidy Act:
the project is considered and qualified for $175,000 JCF funds.
(b) On the Compliance Date, the Borrower shall have:
(1) Maintained zero ( 0 ) permanent, non -contract, non -seasonal FTE jobs;
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(2) Created at least one hundred thirty-five (135) New Jobs at the
Development Property with each job noted once within "wage brackets"
as stated below:
a. Four (4) New Jobs must pay a base cash wage of at least $16.83 per
hour (exclusive of Benefits); The Borrower is entitled to forgivable Loan
Proceeds in the amount of $2,177 for each jobs created in this wage
bracket,
b. Twenty three (23) New Jobs must pay a base cash wage of at least
$18.00 per hour (exclusive of Benefits); The Borrower is entitled to
forgivable Loan Proceeds in the amount of $2,830 for each jobs created
in this wage bracket,;
c. One hundred eight (108) New Jobs must pay a base cash wage of at
least $21.00 per hour (exclusive of Benefits); The Borrower is entitled
to forgivable Loan Proceeds in the amount of $3,483 for each jobs
created in this wage bracket,
(3) Any job created between the Effective Date and the Compliance Date shall
pay at least $14.01 per hour, including Benefits.
(4) New Jobs created on or after the Effective Date that meet the criteria
outlined in 8.1(b)(2) will count toward the Borrower's job creation goal.
Section 8.2. Default on Business Subsidy Act Requirements.
(a) If the Borrower fails to meet the job creation goal and wage level commitment set
forth in Section 8.1(b) above on the Compliance Date, the Lender may, after holding a public
hearing, extend the Compliance Date for one year, after approval from the State. If no extension
occurs, or if after the extension, the Borrower fails to meet the job creation goal and wage
commitment, the Borrower will be required to repay to the Lender a pro rata share of the Loan
principal plus interest as calculated in Section 8.2 (b) at an accelerated rate, based upon the
difference between the wage bracket values defined in Section 8.1(b)(2) above and the wage
bracket value of actual jobs created. Forgivable loan proceeds will be subject to collection first;
once the forgivable funds are exhausted, repayable loan proceeds will be subject to accelerated
repayment.
(b) In an Event of Default occurring as a result of a breach by the Borrower of any
provision of Section 8.1 of this Loan Agreement, the Borrower agrees to repay the principal
amount as calculated in Section 8.2(a) hereof plus interest set at the greater of three percent
(3%) or the implicit price deflator for government consumption expenditures and gross
investment for state and local governments prepared by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the
United States Department of Commerce for the 12-month period ending March 315t of the
previous year
(c) Interest required in Section 8.2 (b) shall commence to accrue as of the Initial
Rev. March 2021 14
Disbursement Date;
(d) Nothing in this Section 8.2 shall be construed to limit the Lender's rights or
remedies under any other provision of this Loan Agreement, and the provisions of Section 8.2
are in addition to any other such right or remedy the Lender may have available.
(e) The Borrower shall provide to the Lender information regarding job and wage
goals and results for two years after the Benefit Date or until the goals are met, whichever is
later. This reporting requirement will expire if the goals are met on the Compliance Date. If the
goals are not met, the Borrower must continue to provide information on the Loan until the Loan
is repaid. The information must be filed on the Non-JOBZ Minnesota Business Assistance form as
found on the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development website and shall
include the following:
(1) the type, public purpose, and amount of subsidies and type of district, if the
subsidy is tax increment financing;
(2) the hourly wage of each job created with separate bands of wages;
(3) the sum of the hourly wages and cost of health insurance provided by the
employer with separate bands of wages;
(4) the date the job and wage goals will be reached;
(S) a statement of goals identified in the subsidy agreement and an update on
achievement of those goals;
(6) the location of the recipient prior to receiving the business subsidy;
(7) the number of employees who ceased to be employed by the recipient when
the recipient relocated to become eligible for the business subsidy;
(8) why the recipient did not complete the project outlined in the subsidy
agreement at their previous location, if the recipient was previously located at
another site in Minnesota;
(9) the name and address of the parent corporation of the recipient, if any;
(10) a list of all financial assistance by all grantors for the project; and
(11) other information the Commissioner of the MN Dept. of Employment and
Economic Development may request.
(f) This information must be provided to the Lender no later than March 1 of each
year for the previous year. If the Borrower does not submit the report, the Lender shall mail the
Borrower a warning within one week of the required filing date. If, after 14 days of the
postmarked date of the warning, the Borrower fails to provide a report, the Borrower must pay
to the Lender a penalty of $100 for each subsequent day until the report is filed. The maximum
penalty shall not exceed $1,000.
ARTICLE 9
Other Conditions
Section 9.1. Project Time Frame. The time frame outlined in the Grant Application and Grant
Rev. March 2021 15
Contract Agreement pertaining to the Project shall be met by the Borrower.
Section 9.2. Promissory Note. The Borrower shall execute a Promissory Note in substantially
the form set forth by the State.
Section 9.3. Collateral. The Borrower shall furnish the Lender description of collateral.
Section 9.4. Annual Financial Statements. For the term of the Loan, upon request of the Lender,
the Borrower shall submit the most recent annual financial statement prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. The annual financial statements shall include a
profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow, notes and an opinion from
the accountants of such statements acceptable to the Lender.
Section 9.5. Discrimination on Account of Race, Creed, or Color. The provisions of Minn. Stat.
§ 181.59 and any successor statutes, which relate to civil rights and discrimination, shall be
considered a part of this Loan Agreement as though wholly set forth herein and the Borrower
shall comply with each such provision throughout the term of this Loan Agreement.
Section 9.6 Affirmative Action. The Borrower is encouraged to prepare and implement an
affirmative action plan for the employment of minority persons, women, and the qualified
disabled.
Section 9.7. Job Listing Agreement_ (Minn. Stat. § Section 116L.66 and any successor statutes).
When the Loan is for $200,000 or more, the Borrower shall enter into a Job Listing Agreement
with the local CareerForce Center, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Section 9.8. Prevailing Wage. If the Borrower is awarded $500,000 or more of Loan Proceeds
and the Loan is used for construction, installation (including equipment), remodeling and or
repairs, the Borrower shall fully and completely comply with all applicable prevailing wage
requirements contained in Minn. Stat. § 116J.871 and § 177.42, subd. 6.
(a) Documentation. The Borrower shall maintain or ensure access to all documentation
necessary to establish that the required prevailing wage was paid and shall allow the
Lender, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry and the State
reasonable access to such data.
(b) Penalty. It is a misdemeanor for the Borrower, who has certified that prevailing
wages will be paid to laborers and mechanics to subsequently fail to paythe prevailing wage.
Each day a violation of this subdivision continues is a separate offense.
Rev March 2021 16
Section 9.9. Surety Deposits Required for Construction Contracts_ If the Loan is used for
construction, and the Borrower is hiring, contracting, or having a contract with a nonresidential
person or foreign corporation to perform construction work, the Borrower must comply with
Minnesota Statutes 290.9705, as amended, by deducting and withholding eight percent of
cumulative calendar year payments to the contractor which exceeds $50,000.
This condition may be waived if (1) the contractor gives the commissioner a cash surety or a
bond, secured by an insurance company licensed by Minnesota, conditioned that the contractor
will comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter and chapter 297A, or (2) the contractor
has done construction work in Minnesota at any time during the three calendar years prior to
entering the contract and has fully complied with all provisions of this chapter and chapter 297A
for the three prior years.
Section 9.10. Publicity and Endorsement
(a) Publicity. Any publicity regarding the subject matter of this Loan Agreement must
identify the State as the sponsoring agency. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes
notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, research, reports, signs, and similar public
notices prepared by or for the Borrower individually or jointly with others, or any subcontractors,
with respect to the MIF Program, publications, or services provided resulting from this Grant
Contract Agreement.
(b) Endorsement. The Lender and the Borrower must not claim that the State endorses
its products or services.
Section 9.11. Workers Compensation Insurance. The Borrower has obtained workers
compensation insurance as required by Minn. Stat. § Section 176.181, subd. 2. The Borrower's
workers compensation insurance information is as follows:
(a) Company Name: The Builders Group
(b) Policy Number: 01-0002243-2022
(c) Local Agent: Kraus Anderson - Sorel Johnson
Section 9.12. Effect on Other Agreements. Nothing in this Loan Agreement shall be construed
to modify any term of any other agreement to which the Lender and the Borrower are parties.
Section 9.13. Release and Indemnification Covenants. Except for any breach of the
representations and warranties of the Lender or the negligence or other wrongful act or omission
of the following named parties, the Borrower agrees to protect and defend the Lender and the
governing body members, officers, agents, servants, and employees thereof, now and forever,
and further agrees to hold the aforesaid harmless from any claim, demand, suit, action, or other
Rev. March 2021 17
proceeding whatsoever by any person or entity whatsoever arising or purportedly arising from
the acquisition, construction, installation, ownership, maintenance, and operation of the Project
and the Borrower's activities on the Development Property.
Section 9.14. Modifications. This Loan Agreement may be modified solely through written
amendments hereto executed by the Borrower and the lender and approved by the State.
Section 9.15. Notices and Demands. Any notice, demand, or other communication under this
Loan Agreement by either party to the other shall be sufficiently given or delivered only if it is
dispatched by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or delivered
personally:
(a) as to the Lender: City of Albertville
ATTN: Adam Nafstad, City Administrator
5959 Main Ave NE; P.O. Box 9
Albertville, MN 55301
(b) as to the Borrower- Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC and AVAOP, LLC
ATTN: Casey Darkenwald, CEO/President
7535 River Road NE
Albertville, MN 55301
or at such other address with respect to any party as that party may, from time to time, designate
in writing and forward to the others as provided in this Section 9.15(b).
Section 9.16 Conflict of Interests; Representatives Not Individually Liable.
(a) No employee, officer or agent of the Lender shall participate in the
administration of a contract supported by this loan if a conflict of interest, real or apparent,
would be involved. No employee, officer or agent of the Lender may obtain a financial interest
in any agreement with respect to the Loan. No employee, officer, or agent of the Lender shall
be personally liable to the Borrower or any successor in interest in the event of any default or
breach by the Lender or for any amount that may become due to the Borrower or on any
obligation or term of this Loan Agreement.
(b) To the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no member, officer, or employee of the
Lender, or its officers, employees, designees, or agents, no consultant, member of the governing
body of the Lender, and no other public official of the Lender, who exercises or has exercised any
functions or responsibilities with respect to the Project during his or her tenure shall have any
Rev. March 2021 18
interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or subcontract, or the proceeds thereof, for work to
be performed in connection with the Project or in any activity, or benefit there from, which is
part of the Project.
Section 9.17. Binding Effect. The covenants and agreements in this Loan Agreement shall bind
and benefit the heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns of the parties to this
Loan Agreement.
Section 9.18. Provisions Not Merged With Deed. None of the provisions of this Loan Agreement
are intended to or shall be merged by reason of any deed transferring any interest in the
Development Property and any such deed shall not be deemed to affect or impair the provisions
and covenants of this Loan Agreement.
Section 9.19. Titles of Articles and Sections. Any titles of the several parts, Articles, and Sections
of this Loan Agreement are inserted only for convenience of reference and shall be disregarded
in construing or interpreting any of its provisions.
Section 9.20. Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 9.21. Choice of Law and Venue. This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to its conflict of
laws provisions. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of this Loan Agreement shall
be heard in the state of Minnesota, and all parties to this Loan Agreement waive any objection
to the jurisdiction of these courts, whether based on convenience or otherwise.
Section 9.22. Waiver. The failure or delay of any party to take any action or assert any right or
remedy, or the partial exercise by any party of any right or remedy shall not be deemed to be a
waiver of such action, right, or remedy if the circumstances creating such action, right, or remedy
continue or repeat.
Section 9.23. Entire Agreement. This Loan Agreement, with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its subject matter and it supersedes all prior
contemporaneous agreements, representations, and understandings of the parties pertaining to
the subject matter of this Loan Agreement.
Section 9.24. Separability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Loan Agreement and each
related document shall be interpreted so that it is valid under applicable law. If any provision of
this Loan Agreement or any related document is to any extent found invalid by a court or other
governmental entity of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be ineffective only to the
extent of such invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining
provisions of this Loan Agreement or any other related document.
Section 9.25. Immunity. Nothing in this Loan Agreement shall be construed as a waiver by the
Rev. March 2021 19
Lender of any immunities, defenses, or other limitations on liability to which the Lender is entitled
by law, including but not limited to the maximum monetary limits on liability established by Minn.
Stat. § Chapter 466.
Rev. March 2021 20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lender has caused this Loan Agreement to be duly executed
in its name and behalf and the Borrower has caused this Loan Agreement to be duly executed
in its name and behalf as of the date first above written.
Lender Name: City of Albertville
By
Its {L
By
Its �d p
Co -Borrowers Name: Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC and AVAOP, LLC
By 6"mwvA4.
CEO
By &La.n, %k,m
Its Vice President
Rev. March 2021 21
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of Development Property
Lot 1, Block 1, AVA Addition, Wright County, Minnesota.
Rev. March 2021 22
EXHIBIT B
Equipment List
Bridge Crane and (3) Runway (10) 3-ton Bridge Cranes and (3) Runways systems (rotating lights
and safety horns included)
Rev. March 2021 23
EXHIBIT C
Grant Contract Agreement
Rev. March 2021 24
STATE OF MINNESOTA
GRANT CONTRACT AGREEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Minnesota Investment Fund Grant Contract Agreement
Grant Number: CDAP-21-0002-H-FY2021
Grant Amount: $450,000
Grantee: City of Albertville
Borrower: Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC
This grant contract agreement is between the State of Minnesota, acting through the Department of
Employment and Economic Development, Economic Development Division, 332 Minnesota St., Suite E200, St.
Paul, MN 55101("STATE") and City of Albertville 5959 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301 "GRANTEE").
Recitals
1. Under Minn. Stat. §116J.993 and 116J.994 which established the guidelines for providing business
subsidies, and 116J.8731, which established the Minnesota Investment Fund, the State is
empowered to enter into this grant contract agreement.
2. The State is in need of local government to administer financial assistance to eligible projects in
accordance with Minn. Stat. § 11618731 Minnesota Investment Fund; Minnesota Rules Chapter
4300; and policies and procedures developed by the State.
3. The work anticipated to be performed for the Borrower's Project is not geographically dependent.
It therefore could have been located at any number of locations either within or outside of the
State of Minnesota. The subsidy has been provided to enhance the financial attractiveness and
financial feasibility of locating or retaining the Borrower's operations in the Jurisdiction, rather
than at some other location.
4. The Grantee represents that it is duly qualified and agrees to perform all services described in
this grant contract agreement to the satisfaction of the State.
5. The Grantee and State are entering into this grant contract agreement for public purposes that
include the creation or retention of jobs that pay quality wages, the enhancement of economic
growth in the State of Minnesota and the expansion of the tax base of the local community where
the business will locate or expand.
Defined Terms
Defined terms. As used in this grant contract agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set out respectively after such term (the meanings to be equally applicable to both the
singular and plural forms of the terms defined), unless the context specifically indicates
otherwise:
Rev. July 29, 2020
1
"Application" means the Grantee's application to the State for a Minnesota Investment Fund
award for the purpose of providing a loan to Advanced Volumetric Alliance, LLC ("BORROWER").
"Benefit Date" means the date equipment financed through a Minnesota investment Fund loan is
fully operational as defined in Section 1.2 of the Term of Agreement on page two of this grant
contract agreement.
"Compliance Date" is the date two years from the Benefit Date at which job creation and wage
goals by the Borrower must be completed.
"Full -Time Equivalent (FTE)" is one or more people working a sum of 2,080 hours in a calendar
year.
"Loan Agreement" is a document between the Grantee and Borrower defining the terms and
conditions of the Loan.
1. Term of Grant Contract Agreement
1.1 Effective Dote. March 31, 2021 or the date the State obtains all required signatures under
Minn. Stat. 4 16B.98 Subd. 5, whichever is later. Per Minn. Stat.§16B.98, Subd. 5, the Grantee
must not begin work until this grant contract agreement is fully executed and the State's
Authorized Representative has notified the Grantee that work may commence. Per Minn.
Stat. § 16B.99 Subd. 7, no payments will be made to the Grantee until this grant contract
agreement is fully executed.
1.2 Benefit Date. 03/02/2022
1.3 Compliance Date: 03/01/2024 (two years after Benefit Date)
1.4 Expiratlon Date. 06/30/2024 (three months after Compliance Date)
1.5 Survival of Terms. The following clauses survive the expiration or cancellation of this grant
contract agreement: 8. Liability, 9. State Audits; l0. Government Data Practices;12. Publicity
and Endorsement;13, Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Venue;15. Data Disclosure; and Exhibit
A 4. Repayments.
2. Grantee's Duties
The Grantee, who is not a State employee, will:
2.1 Perform the duties specified in Exhibit A which is attached and incorporated into this grant
contract agreement.
2.2 Include in any contract and sub -grant, including the Loan Agreement with the Borrower, in
addition to provisions that define a sound and complete agreement, such provisions that
require contractors, sub -grantees and the Borrower to comply with applicable state and
federal laws.
2.3 Job Usting Agreements. Minn. Stat. § 116L.66, subd.1, requires a business or private enterprise
to list any vacant or new positions with the state CareerForce Center if it receives more than
$200,000 a year in grants from the State. If applicable, the business or private enterprise shall
list any jab vacancy in its personnel complement with CareerForce at www.careerforcemn.com
as soon as it occurs.
Rev. July 29, 2020
2
2.4 Ensure that all contractors and subcontractors performing work covered by this Grant are paid
for their work that is satisfactorily completed. The Grantee's sole obligation pursuant to this
provision relates to contractors or subcontractors directly hired by the Grantee, such as the
City's municipal advisor. The Grantee has no obligation or duty under this Section 2.4 relating
to contractors or subcontractors hired directly or performing work on behalf of the Borrower.
2.5 Grantee shall make all reasonable efforts to collect and shall bear all costs associated with
monitoring, servicing, reporting, and enforcing the terms of the Loan Agreement.
2.6 Comply with required grants management policies and procedures set forth through Minn.
Stat. § 16B.97, Subd. 4 (a) (1).
3. Time
The Grantee must comply with all of the time requirements described in this grant contract
agreement. In the performance of this Grant, time is of the essence.
4. Consideration of payment
4.1 Consideration. The State will pay the Grantee under this grant contract agreement as follows:
a) Compensation. The Grantee will be reimbursed according to the approved Budget
contained in Exhibit B, which is attached and incorporated into this grant contract
agreement.
b) Travel Expenses. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses actually and
necessarily incurred by the Grantee as a result of this grant contract agreement will
not exceed $0.00; provided that the Grantee will be reimbursed for travel and
subsistence expenses in the same manner and in no greater amount than provided in
the current "Commissioner's Plan" promulgated by the Commissioner of Minnesota
Management and Budget (MMB). The Grantee will not be reimbursed for travel and
subsistence expenses incurred outside Minnesota unless it has received the State's
prior written approval for out of state travel. Minnesota will be considered the home
state for determining whether travel is out of state.
c) Total Obligation. The total obligation of the State for all compensation and
reimbursement to the Grantee under this grant contract agreement will not exceed
$450,000.
4.2 Payment Request. The State will disburse funds to the Grantee pursuant to this grant contract
agreement, based upon payment requests submitted by the Grantee and reviewed and
approved by the State. All funds must be disbursed within a twelve-month period of the Initial
Disbursement Date with a maximum of three disbursements. Payment requests must be
accompanied by supporting invoices that relate to the activities in the approved budget and
the documentation detailed in Section 4.4 of this grant contract agreement. The State will
provide payment request forms.
If the Grantee has received invoices from the Borrower for expenditures made after Effective
Date of this grant contract agreement but before the Grant is closed or until all funds are
disbursed, whichever is earlier, the Grantee shall submit those invoices to the State for review
and approval no later than 25 days after the end date of the state fiscal year of June 30th. To
ensure that all funds are drawn down by the expiration date of the grant contract agreement,
Rev. July 29, 2020
3
all Grantee payment requests must be received by the State at least 30 days prior to the
Expiration Date.
4.3 Contracting and Bidding Requlrements. Per Minn. Stat. § 471.345, grantees that are
municipalities as defined in Subd.1 must follow the law.
For projects that Include construction work of $25,000 or more, prevailing wage rules apply
per Minn. Stat. §§ 177.41 through 177.44 consequently, the bid request must state the project
is subject to prevailing wage. These rules require that the wages of laborers and workers should
be comparable to wages paid for similar work in the community as a whole.
The provisions of this Section 4.3 shall apply only to contracts for supplies, materials,
equipment or the rental thereof, or the construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of real
or personal property entered into directly by the Grantee. This Section is not applicable to
contracts for supplies, materials, equipment contracts for supplies, materials, equipment or
the rental thereof, or the construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of real or personal
property entered into by the Borrower.
The grantee must not contract with vendors who are suspended or debarred in MN:
httg'./Iwww.rnmd.admin state mn usldebargedre2or asp
4.4 Documentation. The following information must be submitted and approved by the State
before funds will be released:
a) loan Documents. Minnesota Investment Fund Loan Agreement. If funds are drawn
prior to the Compliance Date a promissory note, personal guarantees, collateral, and
evidence of security filings will be required.
b) tender Documents. Documentation that participating lenders and or equity injections
have closed on their financing:
1) Promissory note(s) for $24,510,550 from Sterns Bank
2) Evidence of equity injection in the amount of $6,272,640
c) Invoices. Invoices or other documentation as approved by DEED Loan Officer for
$450,000 MIF reimbursement costs and $$450,000 in matching costs. Third party
verification of additional leverage costs for project expenses identified in Exhibit B in
the amount of $30,333,190 will be required prior to the Compliance Date.
d) Eligible Costs. Eligible costs include the costs identified in Exhibit B ofthisgrant contract
agreement that are incurred during the contract period for equipment or real estate in
the corporate boundaries of the Grantee.
S. Conditions of Payment.
All services provided by the Grantee under this grant contract agreement must be performed to
the State's satisfaction, as determined at the sole discretion of the State's Authorized
Representative and in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances,
rules, and regulations. The Grantee will not receive payment for work found by the State to be
unsatisfactory or performed in violation of federal, state or local law.
The State will not authorize disbursement of funds if there has been any adverse change in the
Borrower's financial condition, organization, operations, or their ability to repay the project
financing. Funds must be disbursed to the Borrower within 21 days of receipt of MIF money.
6. Authorized Representative.
Rev. July 29, 2020
4
The State's Authorized Representative is Muhubo Malin, Loan Officer, la National Bank Building,
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200, St. Paul, MN 55101, 651-259-7426,
Muhubo.malin@state.mn.us, or his/her successor, and has the responsibility to monitor the
Grantee's performance and the authority to accept the services provided under this grant
contract agreement. If the services are satisfactory, the State's Authorized Representative will
certify acceptance on each payment request form submitted for payment.
The Grantee's Authorized Representative (Staff Contact) is Adam Nafstad, City Administrator, 5959
Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN 55301, anafstad ci.albertville.mn.us , (763) 497-3384 x100, or his/her
successor. If the Grantee's Authorized Representative changes at any time during this grant contract
agreement, the Grantee must immediately notify the State.
7. Assignment, Amendments, Waiver, and Grant Contract Agreement Complete
7.1 Assignment. The Grantee shall neither assign nor transfer any rights or obligations under this
grant contract agreement without the prior written consent of the State, approved by the
same parties who executed and approved this grant contract agreement, or their successors
In office.
7.2 Amendments. Any amendment to this grant contract agreement must be in writing and will
not be effective until it has been executed and approved by the same parties who executed
and approved the original grant contract agreement, or their successors in office.
7.3 Waiver. If the State falls to enforce any provision of this grant contract agreement, that
failure does not waive the provision or the State's right to enforce it.
7.4 Grant Contract Agreement Complete. This grant contract agreement contains all
negotiations and agreements between the State and the Grantee. No other understanding
regarding this grant contract agreement, whether written or oral, may be used to bind either
party. Where provisions of the Application are inconsistent with the other provisions of this
grant contract agreement, the other provisions of this grant contract agreement will take
precedence over the provisions of the Application.
8. Liability
The Grantee must indemnify, save, and hold the State, its agents, and employees harmless from
any claims or causes of action, including attorney's fees incurred by the State, arising from the
performance of this grant contract agreement by the Grantee or the Grantee's agents or
employees. This clause will not be construed to bar any legal remedies the Grantee may have for
the State's failure to fulfill its obligations under this grant contract agreement
9. State Audit
Under Minn. Stat. § 168.98, Subd.B, the Grantee's books, records, documents, and accounting
procedures and practices of the Grantee or other party relevant to this grant contract agreement
or transaction are subject to examination by the State and/or the State Auditor or Legislative
Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of seven (7) years from the end of this grant contract
agreement, receipt and approval of all final reports, last payment, or the required period of time
to satisfy all state and program retention requirements, whichever is later.
10. Government Data Practices
Rev. July 29, 2020
5
10.1 Government Data Practices. The Grantee and State must comply with the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, as it applies to all data provided by the
State under this grant contract agreement, and as it applies to all data created, collected,
received, stored, used, maintained, or disseminated by the Grantee under this grant contract
agreement. The civil remedies of Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data referred
to in this clause by either the Grantee or the State. If the Grantee receives a request to release
the data referred to in this Clause, the Grantee must immediately notify the State. The State
Will give the Grantee instructions concerning the release of the data to the requesting party
before the data is released. The Grantee's response to the request shall comply with
applicable law.
10.2 Intellectual Property Representations. The Grantee represents and warrants that Grantee's
intellectual property used in the performance of this Grant does not and will not infringe upon
any intellectual property rights of other persons or entities. Notwithstanding Clause 8, the
Grantee will indemnify, defend, to the extent permitted by the Attorney General; and hold
harmless the State, at the Grantee's expense, from any action or claim brought against the
State to the extent that it is based on a claim that all or part of the Grantee's intellectual
property used in the performance of this Grant infringe upon the intellectual property rights
of others. The Grantee will be responsible for payment of any and all such claims, demands,
obligations, liabilities, costs, and damages, including but not limited to, attorney fees. If such
a claim or action arises, or in the Grantee's or the State's opinion is likely to arise, the Grantee
must, at the State's discretion, either procure for the State the right or license to use the
intellectual property rights at issue or replace or modify the allegedly infringing intellectual
property as necessary and appropriate to obviate the infringement claim. This remedy of the
State will be in addition to and not exclusive of other remedies provided by law.
11. Workers' Compensation
The Grantee certifies that it is in compliance with Minn. Stat. § 176.181, subd. 2, pertaining to
workers' compensation insurance coverage. The Grantee's employees and agents will not be
considered State employees. Any claims that may arise under the Minnesota Workers'
Compensation Act on behalf of these employees and any claims made by any third party as a
consequence of any act or omission on the part of these employees are in no way the State's
obligation or responsibility.
12. Publicity and Endorsement
12.1 Publicity. Any publicity regarding the subject matter of this grant contract agreement must
identify the State as a sponsoring agency. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes
notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, research, reports, signs, and similar public
notices prepared by or for the Grantee individually or jointly with others, or any
subcontractors, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from
this grant contract agreement. All projects primarily funded by state grant appropriation must
publicly credit the State of Minnesota, including on the grantee's website when practicable.
12.2 Endorsement The Grantee and the Borrower must not claim that the State endorses its
products or services.
13. Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue
Minnesota law, without regard to its choice -of -law provisions, governs this grant contract
agreement. Venue for all legal proceedings out of this grant contract agreement, or its breach,
Rev. July 29, 2020
11
must be in the appropriate state or federal court with competent jurisdiction In Ramsey County,
Minnesota.
14. Termination
14.1 Termination by the State. The State may immediately terminate this grant contract
agreement with or without cause, upon 30 days' written notice to the Grantee. Upon
termination, the Grantee will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro-rata basis for
approved costs incurred.
14.2 Termination for Cause. The State may immediately terminate this grant contract agreement
if the State finds that there has been a failure to comply with the provisions of the grant
contract agreement, legal documents required for disbursement have not been executed
within 90 days of execution of this grant contract agreement, that reasonable progress has
not been made or that the purposes for which the funds were granted have not been or will
not be fulfilled. The State may take action to protect the interests of the State of Minnesota,
including the refusal to distribute additional funds and requiring the return of all or part of
the funds already disbursed.
14.3 Termination for insufficient Funding, The State may immediately terminate this grant
contract agreement if:
a) It does not obtain funding from the Minnesota Legislature;
b) Or, if funding cannot be continued at a level sufficient to allow for the payment of the
services covered here. Termination must be by written or electronic notice to the
Grantee. The State is not obligated to pay for any services that are provided after notice
and effective date of termination. However, the Grantee will be entitled to payment
determined on a pro-rata basis, for services satisfactorily performed to the extent that
funds are available. The State will not be assessed any penalty if the contract is
terminated because of the decision of the Minnesota Legislature, orotherfunding source,
not to appropriate funds. The State must provide the Grantee notice of lack of funding
within a reasonable time of the State's receiving that notice.
15. Data Disclosure
Under Minn. Stat. § 270C.65, subd. 3, and other applicable law, the Grantee consents to disclosure
of its social security number, federal employer tax identification number, and/or Minnesota tax
identification number, already provided to the State, to federal and state agencies and state
personnel involved with the payment of state obligations. These identification numbers may be
used in the enforcement of federal and state tax laws which could result in action requiring the
Grantee to file state tax returns and pay delinquent state tax liabilities, if any.
Other Provisions
16. Conflict of Interest
The State will take steps to prevent individual and organizational conflicts of interest in reference
to Grantees per Minn. Stat. § 168.98 and Department of Administration, Office of Grants
Management, Policy Number 08-01 Conflict of Interest Policy for State Grant -Making. When a
conflict of interest concerning State grant -making is suspected, disclosed, or discovered,
transparency shall be the guiding principle in addressing it.
Rev. July 29, 2020
7
In cases where a potential or actual individual or organizational conflict of interest is suspected,
disclosed, or discovered by the Grantee throughout the life of the grant contract agreement, they
must immediately notify the State for appropriate action steps to be taken, as defined above.
The Grantee must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure agreement and attach it to their
proposal.
17. Successors and Assignees
This grant contract agreement shall be binding upon any successors or assignees of the parties.
18. Minnesota Business Subsidy Law
This grant contract agreement must comply with the Minnesota Business Subsidy Law, Minn. Stat.
§§ 116J.993-116J.995 as applicable.
Rev. July 29, 2020
8
1. STATE ENCUMBRANCE VERIFICATION
Individual certifies that funds have been encumbered
as required by Minn. Stat §§ 16A.15.
Signed: A&;P C
Date: 4/21/21
192698 PR 60970 PO 3000431330
SWIFT Contract/PO No(s)
3. STATE AGENCY
By: /,;- o
(with delegated authority)
Title: - -pepuV QWw1g.io er �•
Date:April 7g., 2021
2. GRANTEE
The Grantee certifies that the appropriate person(s) have
executed the grant contract agreement on behalf of the Grantee as
required by applicable articles, bylaws, resolutions, or
ordinances.
Title: s, Ir
Date:
1 WER
Distribution:
Agency
Grantee
State's Authorized Representative — Photo Copy
Rev. July 29, 2020
EXHIBIT A
GRANTEE DUTIES
The Grantee, who is not a State employee, will,
1. Administer the project in accordance with the requirements of the Minnesota Investment Fund
Program, Minn. Stat. § 116J.8731; Minn. Rules, Chapter 4300; and policies and procedures
developed by the State.
2. Enter into a Loan Agreement with the Borrower $450,000, ("LOAN") and assure the following
conditions are Included in such Loan Agreement:
2.1 Conditions
a) Loan Term: 5 Years
b) Interest Rate: 0.00%
c) Collateral: Equipment
d) The personal guarantees of Casey Darkenwald, Brian Nicholson, and Michael Mergens are
required.
2.2 Job Creation and Wages
a) As of the project award date, the Borrower identified Zero (0) full time equivalent (FTE)
base jobs that must be maintained through the Compliance Date March 01, 2024. If
necessary base job number will be amended following the Effective Date to account for
fluctuation during contract processing periods.
b) The Borrower will create an additional One Hundred Thirty Five (135) permanent non-
contract FTE jobs between the Effective Date and the Compliance Date. Each job created
may be included in only one "wage bracket" as stated below:
(i) Four (4) paying at least $16.83 per hour in cash wages, exclusive of Benefits. The
Borrower is entitled to forgivable loan proceeds in the amount of $2,177 for each
jobs created in this wage bracket,
(ii) Twenty Three (23) paying at least $18 per hour in cash wages, exclusive of Benefits.
The Borrower is entitled to forgivable loan proceeds in the amount of $2,830 for
each jobs created in this wage bracket,
(Ili) One Hundred eight (108) paying at least $18 per hour in cash wages, exclusive of
Benefits. The Borrower is entitled to forgivable loan proceeds in the amount of
$3,483 per for each jobs created in this wage bracket,
c) All jobs created through the Compliance Date must pay at least $14.01 per hour, including
Benefits, on the Compliance Date. Benefits are defined as one or more of the following:
health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement program and profit sharing paid by
the Borrower.
d) If the Borrower fails to meet the job creation and wage goal level commitments on the
Compliance Date, the Grantee may, after approval by the State and after holding a public
hearing, extend the Compliance Date for one year. If the Borrower fails to meet the job
creation goal and wage level commitment by the revised Compliance Date, the award
Rev. July 29, 2020
10
amount shall be reduced proportionally on a per job basis, and the Borrower will be
required to repay the Grantee all or a proportional share of the Loan funds on an
accelerated term. If the Borrower is required to repay a proportional share, the amount
shall be determined based upon the "wage bracket" values defined in Section 2.1(b). The
Grantee will then also be required to return to the State all or a proportional share of the
Loan funds. The interest rate on the "accelerated" portion of the loan shall increase as
defined in the Promissory Note.
e) In the event that no jobs are created by the Borrower by the revised Compliance Date, or
all jobs created do not meet the commitment noted in 2.2 (c), the Grantee will be required
to return all loan funds to the State on an accelerated basis.
2.3 Payment of Prevailing Wages to Contractors
Minn. Stat. § 116.1,871 applies if a business receives $500,000 or more in State loan funds and
the State funds are used for construction, installation (including equipment), remodeling and
repairs.
2.4 Loan Forgiveness
If the job creation goals and wage level commitments detailed in Sections 2.2 in Exhibit A of
this Agreement are met on the Compliance Date, the Loan will be forgiven.
3. Require the Grantee's attorney to review the loan agreement, promissory note, security
agreement, mortgage, guaranty: and/or other documents, if any, considered necessary to secure
the loan to ensure they are valid, binding and enforceable.
4. If applicable, retain 40% of each principal and interest payment made by the Borrower, up to
$100,000. Repay to the State 60% of each principal and interest payment made by the Borrower
until the Grantee has received $100,000 in repayments. Once the Grantee has received $100,000
in repayments, the Grantee will repay the State 100% of every payment on the loan until paid in
full. In the event the loan is not paid in full or job and wage goals in Section 2.2 are not met,
principal and interest the Grantee retains will be reduced proportionally and returned to the State.
S. For any portion of the loan which is repayable under the Loan Agreement or which becomes
repayable pursuant to Section 2.2(d) or (e) of this Exhibit A, the Grantee shall make all reasonable
effort, in consultation with the State, to collect the repayable portion of the loan. if, after all
reasonable effort has been made to collect, the Borrower continues to owe any repayable portion
of the loan, the Grantee will have no obligation to repay the loan to the State from the Grantee's
own funds, notwithstanding any funds owing under Section 4 of this Exhibit A. The Grantee shall
continue to be obligated to remit to the State any loan funds that may be recovered from the
Borrower in the future.
6. The Grantee will establish and maintain a revolving loan fund (RLF) consistent with Minn. Stat. §
116J.8731 Minnesota Investment Fund; Minnesota Rules Chapter 4300, and policies and
procedures developed by the State and the State RLF Guidelines published by DEED. The Grantee
must retain financial control and decision making authority regarding the use of repayments from
the loan. Upon approval by the State, the Grantee may loan or grant money from its RLF to a
regional development commission, or other regional entity, or statewide community capital fund
to capitalize or to provide the local match required for capitalization of a regional or statewide RLF.
Rev. July 29, 2020
11
7. Reporting
a) Minnesota Investment Fund Annual Progress Reports
1) Submit to the State annual progress reports on forms provided by the State until the
project goals have been met or until the Compliance Date, whichever is later. These
reports must be submitted January 251h of each year for the period ending December
31, for as long as the project remains open. A final Progress Report is required within
25 days of the Compliance Date.
(a) January 25, 2022; for the period ending December 31, 2021;
(b) January 25, 2023; for the period ending December 31, 2022;
(c) January 25, 2024; for the period ending December 31, 2023;
(d) Twenty-five days after the Compliance Date.
2) Funds will not be disbursed on any Grant with past due progress reports per OGM
Policy 08-09.
3) The final report must be submitted no later than 25 days after the Compliance Date.
4) The State, at its discretion, may require the submittal of additional progress reports.
5) Information required in these reports may include, but is not limited to the following:
c Permanent jobs created a Hourly base wage o Date of hire
o Job titles # Hourly value of benefits 0 Benefits provided
• Project expenditures s Status of project v Status of payments
9 Payroll Report
b) Minnesota Business Assistance Form (MBAF) Reports
1) Submit to the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, Office of
Economic Analysis, no later than April 11 of each year until the project goals have been
met, but not less than two years.
8. Keep financial records, including properly executed contracts, invoices, receipts, vouchers, and
other documents sufficient to evidence in proper detail the nature and propriety of the
expenditures made pursuant to this grant contract agreement. Accounting methods must be in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
9. Complete the project in accordance with the approved budget within the time frames specified in
this grant contract agreement.
10. Promptly notify the State of any proposed material change in the scope of the project, budget or
completion date, which must be approved by the State, prior to implementation.
11. Have on file the necessary documentations to show that all project funds have been used for the
items stated in the application.
Rev. July 29, 2020
12
Exhibit B
Approved Budget
Rev. July 29, 2020
13
citriX I RightSignature
SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Reference Number
8 B 8EA242-E7B6-4773-98CF-0 FA31A8FEA3 D
Transaction 'type
Signature Request
Sent At
08/23/2022 11:45 EDT
Executed At
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Identity Method
email
Distribution Method
email
Signed Checksum
213ae8218adc586el712679028dllcl98067bb4981a6f6a5cfbf020ba5fc2b18
Signer Sequencing
Disabled
Document Passcode
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SIGNERS
SIGNER
Name
Casey Darkenwald
Email
casey@darkenwaldcorp.com
Components
1
Name
Brian Nicholson
Email
bnicholson@headwatersdevelopment.com
Components
1
AUDITS
E-SIGNATURE
oa .o
REFERENCE NUMBER
8B8EA242-E7B6-4773-98CF-OFA31AB FEA3 D
a
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Document Name
State Mif Loan Agreement Ava Loan 8-10-22 We Updated
Filename
state mif loan agreement ava_loan 8-30-22 wc_updated.pdf
Pages
24 pages
Content Type
application/pdf
File Size
462 KB
Original Checksum
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