<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
---------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 1, 1996
American Casino Enterprises, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 0-10061 04-2709807
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.)
6243 Industrial Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (702) 896-8888
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
<PAGE> 2
Item 5. Other Events
On February 1, 1996, American Casino Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company")
entered into a settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") of an
administrative proceeding commenced against the Company by the National Indian
Gaming Commission (the "NIGC"). The Settlement Agreement resolves all issues
associated with the Notice of Violation and a Notice to Show Cause issued by
the NIGC against the Company on July 15, 1994.
The Notice of Violation alleged that the Company was engaged in the
management of the Table Mountain Rancheria Bingo and Casino (the "Casino"), a
gaming facility owned by the Table Mountain Band of Indians of the Table
Mountain Rancheria (the "Tribe") without an NIGC-approved management contract,
and that the Company was operating Class III gaming activities at the Casino
without an approved tribal-state compact. In the Notice to Show Cause, the NIGC
took the position that as a result of the foregoing alleged violations, the
Company's 1993 Consulting Agreement with the Tribe, as amended (the "1993
Agreement"), should be disapproved by the NIGC. The Company appealed from both
Notices, and the matters had been pending before a hearing officer within the
Department of the Interior.
Under the Settlement Agreement, the NIGC agreed to fully withdraw and
dismiss any and all charges, allegations and claims against the Company. In
turn, the Company agreed to terminate the 1993 Agreement and, without admitting
or denying the NIGC's allegations, pay a civil fine of $500,000.
In addition to the execution of the Settlement Agreement, on February
1, 1996, the Company entered into a termination agreement with the Tribe (the
"Termination Agreement") which terminated the 1993 Agreement and simultaneously
entered into a new consulting agreement (the "1996 Agreement"). Under the
conditions of the Termination Agreement, commencing February 1, 1996, the Tribe
is required to pay the Company 48 monthly installments of $350,000 in
consideration for termination of the 1993 Agreement. However, the Tribe is not
required to make payment for any month in which the net revenue of the Casino
does not equal or exceed $1 Million. The term of the Termination Agreement
shall be automatically extended by one month for each month that the Tribe is
not required to make a payment thereunder, for up to a maximum of 12 months.
The 1996 Agreement has a term of 27 months and requires the Company to
consult and provide technical assistance, training and advice to the Tribe
concerning all matters relating to the operation and business activities of the
Casino, including but not limited to, organization and administration, planning
and development, gaming activities, internal controls and accounting
procedures, cage operations, engineering and maintenance, housekeeping, human
resources, management information services,
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marketing and advertising, purchasing, surveillance, security, and food and
beverage operations. For its services under the 1996 Agreement, the Company
will receive minimum monthly payments of $90,000. The Tribe is also required to
pay the Company an additional $90,000 for each increment of $500,000, or
portion thereof, of Casino net revenue in excess of the first $1.5 Million of
net revenue from Casino operations. The Company believes that its revenues
derived from the 1996 Agreement and under the Termination Agreement will result
in revenues that are consistent with those currently produced under the 1993
Agreement, provided that the Casino's net revenues remain stable or increase
during the term of the 1996 Agreement.
As part of the overall settlement, the NIGC has reviewed the
Termination Agreement and the 1996 Agreement between the Company and the
Tribe and has advised both parties that these agreements are not "management
contracts" under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or the NIGC's regulations,
and, therefore, do not require approval of the NIGC chairman.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
99.1 Order of the United States Department of the Interior, dated
February 1, 1996.
99.2 Settlement Agreement, dated February 1, 1996, by and between the
Company and the NIGC.
99.3 Termination Agreement, dated February 1, 1996, by and between the
Company and the Tribe. Exhibit A to the Termination Agreement is set foth as
Exhibit 99.4 below, and Exhibit B to the Termination Agreement, the 1993
Agreement, is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB for the year ended July 31, 1994.
99.4 Consulting Agreement, dated February 1, 1996, by and between the
Company and the Tribe.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 1, 1996 AMERICAN CASINO ENTERPRISES, INC.
By: /s/ Ronald J. Tassinari
--------------------------------
Ronald J. Tassinari
President
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
[UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LETTERHEAD]
[SEAL]
February 1, 1996
IN THE MATTER OF : DOCKET NO. NIGC 94-2
:
American Casino Enterprises, Inc., : NOV-94-03
Respondent :
: Indian Gaming Regulatory Act,
: 25 U.S.C. Sections 2701, et seq.
:
: Indian Gaming Operations
: 25 CFR Parts 501-599
:
: Proceeding Dismissed
ORDER
On January 31, 1996, American Casino Enterprises, Inc., the National
Indian Gaming Commission, and the Table Mountain Rancheria notified me that
they had concluded a settlement agreement which resolves all issues in the
above proceeding. Accordingly, pursuant to 25 CFR 577.9(c)(2), the parties
requested that this proceeding be dismissed.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the parties for their
diligent efforts in resolving this matter among themselves. Considering the
distance between the parties at the beginning of their discussions, the
settlement represents a monumental effort by each person involved in the
negotiations. Each of them should be justifiably proud of this accomplishment.
Pursuant to the authority delegated to the Presiding Official under 25
CFR Part 577, this appeal from National Indian Gaming Commission Notice of
Violation No. NOV-94-3, dated July 15, 1994, issued to American Casino
Enterprises, Inc., is dismissed on the basis of the settlement reached by the
parties. Insofar as they may be before the Presiding Official, this dismissal
also relates to a July 15, 1994, Notice to Show Cause and an April 14, 1995,
Proposed Civil Fine Assessment relating to the allegations in NOV-94-3.
/s/ Kathryn A. Lynn
---------------------------------
Kathryn A. Lynn
Presiding Official
12 OHA 66
<PAGE> 2
D 94-2
Distribution:
Glenn M. Feldman, Esq., Timothy F. Bolden, Esq., O'Connor, Cavanah,
Anderson, Westover, Killingworth & Beshears, One East Camelback
Road, Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012-1656
Alan R. Fedman, Esq., National Indian Gaming Commission, 1850 M Street,
N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5803
Howard L. Dickstein, Esq., Dickstein & Marin, 2001 P Street, Suite 100,
Sacramento, CA 95814
12 OHA 67
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
BEFORE THE NATIONAL
INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF: )
)
American Casino Enterprises, Inc.; ) Docket No. NIGC 94-2
Notice of Violation, No. NOV-94-03; )
Dated July 15, 1994 ) NOV-94-03
___________________________________________________)
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE> 2
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into and effective
this 1st day of February, 1996, by and between American Casino Enterprises,
Inc. ("ACES") and the National Indian Gaming Commission (the "Commission")
relating to the Commission enforcement action discussed herein.
RECITALS
1. On or about July 15, 1994, then Commission Chairman Anthony J.
Hope, filed a Notice of Violation, No. NOV-94-03, Docket No. NIGC 94-2, against
ACES relating to ACES' relationship with the Table Mountain Band of Indians of
the Table Mountain Rancheria (the "Tribe" or "Table Mountain") and its gaming
operation, the Table Mountain Rancheria Casino and Bingo (the "Table Mountain
Casino") (hereinafter referred to as the "Notice of Violation").
2. Simultaneously with the Notice of Violation, the Commission
filed a Notice to Show Cause relating to the allegations in the Notice of
Violation, as well as ACES' alleged relationship with the Cher-Ae Indian
Community of the Trinidad Rancheria and its gaming operation, the Cher-Ae
Heights Casino (hereinafter the "Notice to Show Cause").
3. On or about August 15, 1994, ACES filed a Notice of Appeal of
the Notice of Violation and a Response to the Notice to Show Cause, denying the
allegations contained therein.
4. On or about August 25, 1994, ACES filed a Supplemental
Statement to its Notice of Appeal of the Notice of Violation, further denying
the allegations therein.
<PAGE> 3
5. On or about April 14, 1995, the Commission filed a Proposed
Civil Fine Assessment relating to the allegations in the Notice of Violation
(hereinafter the "Proposed Civil Fine Assessment").
6. On or about May 11, 1995, ACES filed a Petition for Reduction
and/or Waiver of Proposed Civil Fine Assessment, denying the appropriateness of
any fine relating to the allegations therein and/or the allegations in the
Notice of Violation and Notice to Show Cause.
7. The Commission and ACES have agreed to execute this Agreement
and perform in accordance with its covenants and conditions in order to resolve
the Commission enforcement action relating to the above-referenced Notice of
Violation, Notice to Show Cause, Proposed Civil Fine Assessment and any and all
related claims, allegations or matters (collectively hereinafter referred to as
the "Commission Enforcement Action"). ACES enters into this Agreement without
admitting or denying the allegations contained in the Commission Enforcement
Action.
TERMS OF SETTLEMENT
THEREFORE, pursuant to and in consideration of the recitals, covenants
and conditions herein, the Commission and ACES hereby agree as follows:
8. ACES agrees upon execution of this Agreement to fully withdraw
from and vacate its current agreement with the Tribe, specifically that
Management Consulting Agreement dated March 29, 1993, relating to ACES' role
and involvement in the Table Mountain
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Casino (hereinafter the "current ACES/Table Mountain Agreement"). Further, on
or before the date of this Agreement, the representatives of ACES serving on
the Joint Management Committee of the Casino shall formally resign from that
Committee.
9. ACES agrees, upon execution of this Agreement, to provide
payment to the Commission of a civil fine in the amount of Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00), paid in furtherance of this Settlement
Agreement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by the Commission.
10. The Commission agrees, upon the execution of this Agreement,
to fully withdraw and dismiss any and all charges, allegations and claims
against ACES relating to the above Commission Enforcement Action, specifically
including those charges, allegations and claims included in or relating to the
Notice of Violation, Notice to Show Cause, and Proposed Civil Fine Assessment,
as well as all claims and allegations against ACES which in any manner arise
out of, involve, or relate, directly or indirectly, to the charges, allegations
and claims made by the Commission therein, whether asserted or not, whether
sounding in equity or in law.
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
11. ACES acknowledges that the current ACES/Table Mountain
Agreement contains language that could be interpreted to include management
responsibilities as defined under the IGRA and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission. ACES further acknowledges that under the
current ACES/Table Mountain Agreement
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it participated in the decisionmaking process at the Table Mountain Casino
through its participation on the former Joint Management Committee. ACES
further acknowledges that its action to terminate the current ACES/Table
Mountain Agreement and to enter into a consulting agreement and a termination
agreement was taken as a result of the Commission Enforcement Action.
12. The Commission acknowledges that the terms of this Agreement
represent the full settlement of the charges, claims, and allegations relating
to the above Commission Enforcement Action, specifically including those
relating to the Notice of Violation, Notice to Show Cause, and Proposed Civil
Fine Assessment, which the Commission, on behalf of the United States, has
determined as appropriate relating to the relationship between ACES and the
Tribe. The Commission further acknowledges that in its statutory capacity as
the federal agency charged with overseeing gaming activities on Indian lands,
no further sanctions beyond those contained herein will be imposed on ACES by
the Commission in connection with its relationship with the Tribe. The
Commission further agrees that it will not intervene in any private right of
action brought by any third party under the IGRA or 25 U.S.C. Section Section
81, 201 or 261-264 against ACES in connection with matters included in the
Commission Enforcement Action, or otherwise participate in any such action
except as it may be required to do so by order of a court of competent
jurisdiction.
13. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
Commission and ACES and supersedes all prior verbal or written
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agreements and understandings between the parties related to the subject matter
hereof. No warranties, representations, covenants, or agreements shall be
binding upon any party except as set forth herein. Any modification or waiver
of any term of this Agreement, including the modification or waiver of this
term, must be in writing and signed by both parties.
14. The Commission and ACES expressly agree and acknowledge that
time is of the essence in this Agreement. All warranties, representations,
covenants, and agreements made by the parties hereto in this Agreement shall
survive the execution of this Agreement. The recitals herein and above set
forth shall be considered a part of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their agents,
heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns.
15. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which, when executed, shall be an original and all of which together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
16. This Agreement, when executed, shall be submitted to the
Presiding Official for purposes of dismissing the appeal currently pending in
this matter.
17. This Agreement is entered into by the parties for the express
purpose of settling the Commission Enforcement Action. The specific terms,
provisions and conditions of this Settlement Agreement shall be deemed to have
been made for that purpose only and shall not be used for any other purpose,
and shall not be admissible in any other forum, except for the purpose of
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establishing the existence of a settlement of the Commission Enforcement
Action.
18. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, all
of which together shall be deemed to be a single instrument. A signature
produced by facsimile shall be deemed to be an original signature and shall be
effective and binding for purposes of this Agreement.
AMERICAN CASINO ENTERPRISES, INC.
/s/ Ron Tassinari
_____________________________________
By: Ron Tassinari, Its President
NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION
/s/ Harold Monteau
_____________________________________
By: Harold Monteau, Its Chairman
APPROVED and ACCEPTED: TABLE MOUNTAIN RANCHERIA
/s/ Vern Castro
_____________________________________
By: Vern Castro, Its Chairman
6
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.3
TERMINATION AGREEMENT
This Termination Agreement (the "Agreement"), is entered into and
effective this 1st day of February, 1996, by and between the Table Mountain
Rancheria, P. O. Box 410, Friant, California 93626, a federally recognized
Indian Tribe (hereafter "Table Mountain" or the "Band") and American Casino
Enterprises, Inc., 6243 Industrial Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, a Nevada
corporation (hereafter "ACES").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Band is a federally recognized Indian Tribe possessing
sovereign powers over the Table Mountain Rancheria in Fresno County, California;
WHEREAS, the Band desires to expedite the development of the economy of
the Table Mountain Rancheria in order to improve tribal self-government and
economic self-sufficiency, to enable the Band better to serve the social,
economic, educational and health needs of its members and to provide its members
with opportunities to improve their own economic circumstances without having to
work outside of the Rancheria community;
WHEREAS, the Band has established and is now operating and managing a
Tribal Gaming Enterprise as the best feasible means by which to accomplish the
Band's objectives as described in the preceding paragraph (hereafter the
"Enterprise");
WHEREAS, in furtherance of the above goals, the Band and ACES
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entered into a Management Consultant Contract dated March 27, 1993, for the term
of seven (7) years and under which ACES would receive a fee equal to thirty-five
percent (35%) of the net revenue of the Enterprise, in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit "A" (the "Management Consultant Contract");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Management Consultant Contract, ACES provided
the Band the technical assistance, advice, training and consulting services
required by the Band, while respecting the sovereign rights and authority of the
Band;
WHEREAS, the Band and ACES have now mutually agreed to terminate and
extinguish their mutual rights, duties, and obligations as described and found
in the Management Consultant Contract, and have agreed simultaneously to enter
into a Consulting Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit "B".
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions
contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. TERMINATION OF CURRENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AGREEMENT. The
Band and ACES hereby, and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, terminate and
extinguish the Management Consultant Contract, and the rights, duties, and
obligations of each as described and found in that contract.
2. WAIVER AND RELEASE. By and through this Agreement, the
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Band and ACES hereby waive, release and forever discharge each other from any
and all claims, actions, causes of action and/or liabilities arising under, or
in connection with, the Management Consultant Contract, as described more fully
in paragraph six (6) hereto.
3. TERMINATION PAYMENT.
A. In consideration of the termination and extinguishment of
the rights, duties, and obligations found in the Management Consultant Contract
and ACES' agreement to forego the benefits to which it would be entitled under
the Management Consulting Contract, the Band hereby agrees to pay to ACES an
amount not to exceed Sixteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars
($16,800,000.00). This sum shall be paid in installments of Three Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) per month, without interest, over the forty eight
(48) months following the execution of this Agreement; provided, however, that
no such payment shall be required of Tribe for any month in which the Net
Revenue of the Enterprise does not equal or exceed One Million Dollars
($1,000,000.00); and provided further that the term of this Agreement shall be
extended by one month for each month that the Tribe is not obligated to make the
termination payment under the foregoing proviso up to a maximum of twelve (12)
additional months. In no event, however, shall Tribe be obligated to make
payments under this Agreement that total more than Sixteen Million Eight Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($16,800,000.00) and under any
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circumstances, this Agreement shall expire and the Tribe's obligation to make
termination payments under this Agreement shall cease, at the end of the
sixtieth (60th) month following the execution of this Agreement.
B. The Band and ACES hereby expressly acknowledge that the
above payment represents a fair and reasonable Termination Payment by the Band
taking into account the continuing value to the Band of the services that had
been and were to be rendered by ACES under the Management Consulting Agreement;
the exclusive nature of the services that have been rendered by ACES to the
Band; and the revenues that would have been earned by ACES under the Management
Consulting Agreement.
4. CONTEMPORANEOUS EXECUTION OF CONSULTING AGREEMENT.
Contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement, and as a material element
of the consideration herein, the Band and ACES agree to enter into, execute and
be bound by the Consulting Agreement, dated and effective as of February 1,
1996, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5. AUTHORITY. Both the Band and ACES hereby represent and warrant
that they have full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to perform the obligations herein, and
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that the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the
obligations herein, have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary
entities or officials, including the ACES' Board of Directors, and the Band's
Tribal Council.
6. EXTENT OF WAIVER AND RELEASE. Consistent with the "Waiver
and Release" section of this Agreement in paragraph two (2) hereto, the Band and
ACES hereby acknowledge that each releases and forever discharges the other, and
their officials, shareholders, officers, directors, agents, employees,
successors and assigns, from any and all obligations and defaults, acts,
actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, disputes, rights, claims and
demands, at law or in equity (whether real or contingent, known or unknown),
that each has ever had, now has or may hereafter have, arising from or related
to the Management Consultant Contract or the actions or omissions of any of its
officials, officers, directors, agents, employees, successors and assigns which
are related, whether directly or indirectly, to that contract, whether such
actions or omissions were willful, wanton, intentional, negligent or otherwise.
7. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each of the parties hereto shall execute
and deliver all other instruments and take all other actions that the other
party hereto may reasonably request from time to time to effectuate the
transactions provided for herein.
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8. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given pursuant to this Agreement
shall be delivered by Express Mail or overnight courier service, addressed as
follows:
to the Band:
Vern Castro, Chairman
Table Mountain Rancheria
P.O. Box 410
Friant, CA 93626
and to Consultant at:
Ronald J. Tassinari, President
American Casino Enterprises, Inc.
6243 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, NV 89118
or to their designees.
9. WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY. The Band waives its sovereign
immunity from suit solely for purposes of enforcement of the terms of this
Agreement. This waiver is a limited waiver of immunity, and any damages which
may arise as a result of the Band's or its officially recognized
representatives' action shall be limited exclusively to the Band's interest in
revenues derived from the operation of the Enterprise. This limited waiver of
sovereign immunity is granted solely for purposes of implementing this Agreement
and shall be regarded as a limited waiver of sovereign immunity in any
subsequent court proceeding commenced for purposes of enforcing the terms of
this Agreement. Nothing contained in this limited waiver shall be construed to
confer any benefit, tangible or intangible, on any person or entity not a party
to this
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Agreement or as a waiver with respect to any such third person or entity.
10. NO LEASE OR POSSESSORY INTEREST. The parties to this
Agreement agree and expressly warrant that this Agreement is not a lease and
does not convey any present interest whatever in the building or property on
which the Band's Enterprise is located, or any proprietary or possessory
interest in the Enterprise itself. The Band maintains the sole proprietary and
possessory interest in the Enterprise. Moreover, the parties to this Agreement
further warrant and understand that this Agreement does not relate to the
management of the Enterprise; does not grant to Consultant the exclusive right
to operate the Enterprise; does not prohibit the Tribe from encumbering its
lands; and that the Agreement is not "relative to Indian lands" within the
meaning of 25 U.S.C. Section 81.
11. CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITIONS.
A. The parties represent that no payments have been made and
agree that no payment will be made to any elected member of the Band's tribal
government or relative of any elected member of the Band's tribal government for
the purpose of obtaining or maintaining this Agreement or any other privilege
for ACES. For purposes of this paragraph, "relative" means an individual who is
related to and lives in the immediate household of an elected member of the
Band's tribal government.
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B. No party in interest in ACES is an elected member of the
government of the Band, or a relative of said member as defined by the Secretary
of the Interior.
12. MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be modified only with the
formal written agreement of both parties.
13. SEVERABILITY. In the event any provision of this Agreement
is for any reason held to be illegal or unenforceable, such provision will be
severed or otherwise modified as may best preserve the intention of the parties
hereto, and the Agreement as so modified will remain in full force and effect.
14. RECITALS INCORPORATED. The recitals set forth above are a
material part of this Agreement, and are incorporated herein as if fully set
forth here.
15. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of the United States.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement is the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and it
is expressly understood that there are no oral, written or collateral agreements
between the parties or other parties with a financial interest in the subject
matter of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
TABLE MOUNTAIN RANCHERIA AMERICAN CASINO ENTERPRISES,
INC.
/s/ Vern Castro /s/ Ron Tassinari
- -------------------------- --------------------------
By Vern Castro By Ron Tassinari
Its Chairman Its President
9
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EXHIBIT 99.4
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Consulting Agreement is entered into and effective this 1st day of
February, 1996, by and between the Table Mountain Rancheria, P. O. Box 410,
Friant, California 93626, a federally recognized Indian Tribe (hereafter "Table
Mountain" or the "Band") and American Casino Enterprises, Inc., 6243 Industrial
Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, a Nevada corporation (hereafter "Consultant").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Band is a federally recognized Indian Tribe possessing
sovereign powers over the Table Mountain Rancheria in Fresno County, California;
and
WHEREAS, the Band desires to expedite the development of the economy of
the Table Mountain Rancheria in order to improve tribal self-government and
economic self-sufficiency, to enable the Band better to serve the social,
economic, educational and health needs of its members and to provide its members
with opportunities to improve their own economic circumstances without having to
work outside of the Rancheria community; and
WHEREAS, the Band has established and is now operating a Tribal Gaming
Enterprise as the best feasible means by which to accomplish the Band's
objectives as described in the preceding paragraph (hereafter the "Enterprise")
and
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WHEREAS, the Enterprise is managed by the Band through a Management
Committee appointed by the Band's governing body and comprised solely of members
of the Band; and
WHEREAS, the Band and the Management Committee require technical
assistance, advice, training and consulting services in connection with the
operation and business affairs of the Enterprise in order to maximize the
revenues and employment opportunities derived by the Band from the Enterprise;
and
WHEREAS, the Band has determined that Consultant can provide the
technical assistance, advice, training and consulting services required by the
Band while respecting the sovereign rights and authority of the Band; and
WHEREAS, the parties acknowledge and agree that under this Agreement,
Consultant shall not manage, direct, control or have a vote concerning any
aspect of the Enterprise, the management of which shall be exercised exclusively
by the Band.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
I. ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANT AND SCOPE OF CONSULTING SERVICES
A. ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANT
The Band has and shall continue to have the sole proprietary interest
in and management responsibility for the conduct of all gaming activities
conducted by the Enterprise. The Band is seeking technical assistance and
expertise in the operation of its gaming activities and hereby retains and
engages the Consultant to provide
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consulting services to the Band and the Enterprise, and to the
Enterprise's management and employees as specified herein.
B. CONSULTING SERVICES
Consultant shall consult with and provide technical assistance,
training and advice to the Band, members of the Management Committee of the
Enterprise and to Enterprise employees and staff, in accordance with paragraph E
below, concerning all matters relating to the operation and business activities
of the Enterprise including but not limited to organization and administration,
planning and development, gaming activities, internal controls and accounting
procedures, cage operations, engineering and maintenance, housekeeping, human
resources, management information services, marketing and advertising,
purchasing, surveillance, security, and food and beverage operations, all as set
forth in more detail in Exhibit A, attached hereto.
C. EXPANSION OF GAMING FACILITIES
In the event that the Band acts to expand the Enterprise or to add
additional gaming facilities during the term of this Agreement, Consultant will
provide the above-described consulting services with respect to any new or
expanded gaming facilities developed by the Band during the term of this
Agreement.
D. COOPERATIVE EFFORTS
Both parties to this Agreement shall exercise their best efforts to
fully cooperate with each other in the performance of the services to be
rendered hereunder, provided, however, that it
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shall be within the sole discretion of the Band to determine whether or not to
act upon or implement the technical assistance, consultation or advice provided
by Consultant.
E. SERVICES PROVIDED AT DIRECTION OF BAND
The determination as to what specific consulting services
[identified in Exhibit A] shall be provided by Consultant, and the format in
which the Consultant's reports or recommendations are to be provided shall be
determined exclusively by the Band, and the consulting services provided
hereunder shall be performed by Consultant in accordance with and under such
tribal direction.
1. The Consultant has provided the Band with a list of
areas (Exhibit A) in which it is prepared to provide consulting
services. The Consultant will update this list as necessary during
the term of this Agreement.
2. The Band shall, from time to time and after consultation
with the Consultant, identify and issue consulting assignments for specific
tasks to be performed by the Consultant.
3. The Consultant will perform in accordance with the terms of
this agreement in order to accomplish the consulting assignments issued by the
Band. Consultant will report to Band on all work performed under each consulting
assignment.
4. Payment under this Agreement shall be conditioned upon
compliance by the Consultant with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
The Band's Management Committee shall review the work performed by the
Consultant on a monthly basis, but the decision to adopt, approve or implement
any proposal, suggestion or
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recommendation made by Consultant shall rest exclusively with the Band.
II. NO MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED
The parties expressly acknowledge that this is a Consulting Agreement
and that Consultant shall not engage in any management activities or perform any
management services with respect to the Enterprise or any future gaming
facilities of the Band. It is expressly agreed that neither Consultant nor any
of its officers, directors or employees shall serve on the Management Committee
of the Enterprise or have any vote in the deliberations of the Management
Committee.
III. TERM OF AGREEMENT
A. TERM
This Agreement shall have a term which commences on the Effective Date,
as defined below, and which continues for a period of twenty-seven (27) months
thereafter, unless sooner terminated under Section III.B or Section VII.
B. EARLY TERMINATION AND BUY OUT BY BAND
At any time after the first full year of this Agreement, the Band,
in its sole discretion, may serve notice on Consultant of its intention to
terminate this Agreement under this Section III.B. Such notice of early
termination shall be effective nine (9) months after its receipt by Consultant,
and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect during that nine (9)
month notice period.
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After the nine (9) month notice period, Consultant shall have no further
obligations to the Band under this Agreement including those under Section IV;
provided, however, that the Band shall be obligated to make termination payments
to Consultant in the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000.00) per month
for each and every month remaining under the initial twenty-seven (27) month
term of this Agreement.
C. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Agreement shall be effective on the date that it is executed on
behalf of both parties.
IV. EXCLUSIVITY
Consultant agrees that during the term of this Agreement, it will not
provide consulting services to any other Indian Tribe or Band engaged in gaming
activities located within one hundred fifty (150) miles of the Table Mountain
Rancheria without the prior written approval of the Band.
V. CONFIDENTIALITY
The parties agree that they will not disclose the financial terms of
this Agreement to third parties unless such disclosure is required by federal,
state or tribal law or regulation, provided, however, that nothing contained
herein shall be deemed to prohibit Consultant from making public disclosures
required by law as a publicly held corporation. Consultant further agrees that
it will not disclose to third parties business and financial information of
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a confidential nature concerning the Enterprise that it learns in the course of
carrying out its duties under this Agreement, including, but not limited to,
information concerning revenues, numbers of patrons, expenses, financial plans,
or budgets. Upon written request of one party, the requirements of this Section
may be waived by the other party in writing, such waiver to be conditioned on
whatever terms are included in the written waiver.
VI. COMPENSATION OF CONSULTANT
In consideration of the satisfactory performance of the consulting
services as described herein, Consultant shall receive from the Band, on a
monthly basis during the term of this Agreement, compensation payable as
follows:
A. BASE CONSULTING FEE
Consultant shall receive a Base Consulting Fee of Ninety Thousand
Dollars ($90,000.00) per month. The Base Consulting Fee shall be paid to the
Consultant by the fifth (5th) day of the following month.
B. ADDITIONAL CONSULTING FEE
In addition to the Base Consulting Fee, Consultant shall be paid an
Additional Consulting Fee in any month in which the Net Revenue of the
Enterprise (before the payment of any Consulting Fees) exceeds One Million Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00). The Additional Consulting Fee shall be
Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000.00) for each increment of Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000.00) of Net Revenue, or any portion
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thereof, above One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) for
that month.
Any Additional Consulting Fee payable under this Agreement shall be
paid to Consultant by the twentieth (20th) day of the following month.
C. NO PERCENTAGE FEES
Nothing contained herein shall authorize or permit the calculation of
any Consulting Fee based upon a percentage of gross or net revenue of the
Enterprise.
D. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
For purposes of this Section VI, Net Revenue of the Enterprise
shall be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
but shall not include any Consulting Fees paid or payable under this Agreement.
VII. TERMINATION
A. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
1. Either party may terminate this Agreement for the
following causes:
(a) Committing or knowingly allowing to be
committed any act of theft or embezzlement; however, theft or embezzlement by an
officer or employee of Consultant without Consultant's knowledge shall not be
cause for termination of this Agreement, as long as Consultant repays to the
Enterprise all sums which said officer or employee may have stolen, or
embezzled, as soon as Consultant becomes aware of facts from which a reasonable
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person would conclude that such acts occurred.
(b) Committing or allowing to be committed any
material breach of the Agreement. A material breach of this Agreement shall be a
failure of either party to perform any duty or obligation required of a party
under this Agreement.
(c) A material breach of any of Consultant's
representations that adversely affects its ability to carry out its
responsibilities under this Agreement.
2. Neither party may terminate this Agreement on grounds of
material breach unless it has provided written notice to the other party of its
intention to declare a default and to terminate this Agreement, and the
defaulting party fails to cure or take substantial steps to cure the default
within twenty (20) days of receipt of such notice. The discontinuance or
correction of the material breach shall constitute a cure thereof.
3. In the event of termination on account of Consultant's
breach, all undistributed Enterprise funds to which Consultant otherwise would
be entitled under this Agreement shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow
account for an initial period of 120 days; if Consultant acts within that time
to invoke its remedies under Section VII.B of this Agreement, such funds shall
remain in that account until the dispute has been resolved.
4. If Consultant fails to invoke its remedies under
Section VII.B of this Agreement within 120 days after termination
on account of its breach, the funds in said account shall be
released to the Band at the end of that period. Otherwise, the
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funds shall remain in the account until the dispute has been finally resolved or
adjudicated, at which time the funds and accrued interest will be released to
the prevailing party. In addition, if the dispute is resolved in favor of the
Band, the Band shall be paid all the sums owed to it by Consultant as of the
date of termination.
B. REMEDIES FOR BREACH
1. Consultant shall in good faith attempt to resolve any
grievances, complaints or disputes that are brought to its attention by the
Management Committee. The Management Committee will also notify Consultant in
writing of any serious problems with Consultant's performance at Consultant's
address of record. Within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice, unless the
problem has been resolved, Consultant shall meet and confer in good faith with
the Management Committee to determine what remedial action, if any, is
necessary.
2. Subject to the limitations set forth in subsection 1,
either party to this Agreement may seek appropriate relief in a United States
District Court, unless the parties agree to an alternative forum, for the breach
of the Agreement by the other party. In the event that the United States
District Court determines that it cannot exercise jurisdiction over such a
claim, then and only then may the parties seek relief in the appropriate
California state court. The limitations on remedies for breach are as follows:
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(a) The only breaches by the Band for which an
action may be brought hereunder by Consultant shall be the failure to pay
compensation when and in amounts due, and the premature termination of this
Agreement without good cause unless authorized under Section III.B.
(b) The Band's limited waiver of its sovereign
immunity hereunder extends only to a direct action by Consultant for money
damages, specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or declaratory relief for
the Band's breach of this Agreement by Consultant.
(c) The Band's maximum liability for money
damages for breach of this Agreement shall not exceed an amount equal to what
Consultant reasonably could be expected to have earned as compensation between
the date of the Band's breach and the remainder of the term of this Agreement.
(d) The only assets or income of the Band which
may be subject to levy and execution in the event that a judgment is entered
against the Band for its breach of this Agreement shall be the revenues of the
Enterprise during the term of this Agreement which but for the Band's breach,
would have been paid to Consultant as compensation during the remainder of the
term of this Agreement had it not been breached.
VIII. NOTICE
Any notice required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
delivered by Express Mail or overnight courier service,
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addressed as follows:
to the Band:
Vern Castro, Chairman
Table Mountain Rancheria
P.O. Box 410
Friant, CA 93626
and to Consultant at:
Ronald J. Tassinari, President
American Casino Enterprises, Inc.
6243 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, NV 89118
or to their designees.
IX. COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING
Consultant and the Band hereby specifically warrant and represent t
o each other that neither shall act in any manner which would cause this
Agreement to be altered, amended, modified, canceled, or terminated (except
for cause) without the consent of the other.
X. WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
The Band waives its sovereign immunity from suit solely for purposes of
enforcement of the terms of this Agreement. This waiver is a limited waiver of
immunity, and any damages which may arise as a result of the Band's or its
officially recognized representatives' action shall be limited exclusively to
the Band's interest in revenues derived from the operation of the Enterprise as
set forth in Section VII.B.2(c) and (d). This limited waiver
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of sovereign immunity is granted solely for purposes of implementing this
Agreement and shall be regarded as a limited waiver of sovereign immunity in any
subsequent court proceeding commenced for purposes of enforcing the terms of
this Agreement. Nothing contained in this limited waiver shall be construed to
confer any benefit, tangible or intangible, on any person or entity not a party
to this Agreement or as a waiver with respect to any such third person or
entity.
XI. ASSIGNMENT, SUBCONTRACTS AND REPRESENTATIONS
A. Consultant shall not assign or subcontract any of its obligations
under this Agreement without the Band's written consent, provided that
Consultant may assign this contract unilaterally to a wholly owned subsidiary of
Consultant as long as said subsidiary does not involve any change in principals,
directors, partners or ownership.
B. The Band and Consultant further warrant and represent that they
shall take all actions necessary to insure that this Agreement shall remain in
good standing at all times and will fully cooperate with each other in achieving
the goals of this Agreement.
C. Consultant further specifically warrants that no officer, director,
or employee of Consultant, presently is charged with or has been convicted of
any crime involving theft, fraud, misrepresentation, embezzlement or other acts
of dishonesty, and that no person convicted of any such act knowingly will be
allowed to become an officer, director or employee of Consultant.
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XII. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE
Each party warrants to the other that it has full authority to execute
this Agreement and will, upon written request by the other party, provide
satisfactory written evidence thereof.
XIII. NO LEASE OR POSSESSORY INTEREST
The parties to this Agreement agree and expressly warrant that this
Agreement is not a lease and does not convey any present interest whatever in
the building or property on which the Band's Enterprise is located, or any
proprietary or possessory interest in the Enterprise itself. The Band maintains
the sole proprietary and possessory interest in the Enterprise. Moreover, the
parties to this Agreement further warrant and understand that this Agreement is
for consulting services only and does not relate to the management of the
Enterprise; does not grant to Consultant the exclusive right to operate the
Enterprise; does not prohibit the Band from encumbering its lands; and that the
Agreement is not "relative to Indian lands" within the meaning of 25 U.S.C.
Section 81.
XIV. CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITIONS
A. The parties represent that no payments have been made and agree that
no payment will be made to any elected member of the Band's tribal government or
relative of any elected member of the Band's tribal government for the purpose
of obtaining or maintaining this Agreement or any other privilege for the
Consultant. For purposes of this paragraph, "relative" means an
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individual who is related to and lives in the immediate household of an elected
member of the Band's tribal government.
B. No party in interest in Consultant is an elected member of the
government of the Band, or a relative of said member as defined by the Secretary
of the Interior.
XV. MODIFICATION
This Agreement may be modified only with the formal written agreement
of both parties.
XVI. SEVERABILITY
In the event any provision of this Agreement is for any reason held to
be illegal or unenforceable, such provision will be severed or otherwise
modified as may best preserve the intention of the parties hereto, and the
Agreement as so modified will remain in full force and effect.
XVII. RECITALS INCORPORATED
The recitals set forth above are a material part of this Agreement, and
are incorporated herein as if fully set forth here.
XVIII. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the United States.
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XIX. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties with respect
to the subject matter of this Agreement and it is expressly understood that
there are no oral, written or collateral agreements between the parties or other
parties with a financial interest in the subject matter of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
effective on this 1st day of February, 1996.
TABLE MOUNTAIN RANCHERIA AMERICAN CASINO ENTERPRISES,
INC.
/s/ Vern Castro /s/ Ronald J. Tassinari
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
By VERN CASTRO, Chairman By RONALD J. TASSINARI,
President
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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF CONSULTING SERVICES
GENERAL CASINO OPERATIONS
1. Organization including organization chart defining reporting lines.
2. General operating policies.
3. Access to sensitive areas.
4. Key controls.
5. Internal audit.
6. Human resources.
7. Housekeeping operations.
8. Management information systems.
9. Engineering and maintenance.
10. Job descriptions and employee training seminars.
11. Internal control procedures for all aspects of gaming to conform with
applicable requirements.
12. Physical controls.
13. Recording income of all departments.
14. Recording and auditing of promotional allowances.
15. Auditing income of all departments.
16. Data processing control procedures
17. Forms control and use.
18. Design and implementation of payroll preparation and reporting.
19. Design and implementation of accounts payable systems.
20. Procedures for reconciliation and analysis of all bank accounts.
21. Procedures for collection and analysis of accounts receivable.
22. Design and implementation of all revenue recording procedures.
23. Preparation and maintenance of a general ledger.
24. Procedures for analysis and scheduling of general ledger accounts.
25. Preparation of cash analysis report weekly.
26. Preparation of forecast of cash needs monthly.
27. Preparation of monthly financial statements with analysis of any
accounts designated by management.
28. Design of procedures for safeguarding of all enterprise assets.
29. Preparation of all federal, state and county tax returns.
30. Design of all related accounting forms.
31. Development of audit procedures for all accounting functions.
32. Analysis of all appropriate insurance coverages.
33. Analysis and review of all accounting equipment design and use.
34. Annual budget preparation and an ongoing analysis as to whether the
operations are meeting budget expectations.
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CARDROOM
1. Purchasing of equipment and supplies.
2. Developing new cardroom games which comply with class II operations
standards.
3. Presenting a professional image to the public.
4. Scheduling of employees.
5. Introduction and operation of tournaments.
6. Operations of other casinos.
7. Casino layout.
8. Gaming incentives for players.
9. Alerting casino management of undesirable persons.
10. Dealing precision.
11. Seeking new clientele.
12. Possible problems in other departments that could affect cardroom
operations.
13. Analyzing daily, weekly and other periodic recaps.
GAMING DEPARTMENT
1. Gaming department staffing.
2. Gaming supervisors job description.
3. Gaming tech/mechanic job description.
4. Gaming change runners job description.
5. Gaming department procedure manual.
6. Gaming supervisors incident log.
7. Gaming tech/mechanic incident log.
8. Gaming change runners memo book.
9. Gaming department employee files.
10. Gaming department pay structure.
11. Gaming department staff counseling and progressive discipline policy.
12. Gaming department attendance policy.
13. Gaming change runners variance policy.
14. Gaming department staff scheduling
15. Layout of work areas.
16. Asset safeguard procedures.
17. Gaming change runners accountabilities.
CAGE - SOFT AND HARD COUNT
1. Casino cage - design, size and layout.
2. Poker cage - design size and layout.
3. Soft count - design, size and layout.
4. Satellite cages - size and layout.
5. Casino cage staff.
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6. Soft count staff (hard count if it applies).
7. Surveillance cameras.
8. Cage money handling equipment.
9. Soft count money handling equipment.
10. Exchanges with satellite cages.
11. Supervisors job description.
12. Main bank job description.
13. Cashiers job description
14. Casino cage procedure manual.
15. Cashiers memo book.
16. Supervisors daily incident log.
17. Main bank opening and closing.
18. Handling of the daily bank deposit.
19. Casino cage employee files.
20. Casino cage pay structure.
21. Casino cage staff counseling and progressive discipline policy.
22. Casino cage attendance policy.
23. Casino cage variance policy.
24. Casino cage staff scheduling.
25. Casino cage inventory forms.
26. Casino cage revenue summary
27. Casino cage accountability reporting.
28. Imprest banks in satellite cages.
29. Individual cashiers banks in casino cage.
SURVEILLANCE DEPARTMENT
1. Camera layout in casino, video, cage, soft count and kitchen areas.
2. Layout of surveillance room.
3. General surveillance procedures and key objectives.
4. Daily shift operations.
5. I.O.U. procedures.
6. Procedure violations and reporting.
7. Incident investigation.
8. The drop.
9. Multiplexer playback.
10. Money transfers.
11. Confidential information.
12. Close watch procedures.
13. Power outage procedures.
14. All cage operations and soft count.
15. Armed robbery response.
SECURITY DEPARTMENT
1. Security coverage requirements.
2. Scheduling number of officers needed to supply coverage.
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3. General security procedures and policies.
4. Power failure policy.
5. Customer escort policy.
6. Radio usage procedures.
7. Found property procedures.
8. Incident report procedures.
9. Tower coverage.
10. Gaming floor security measures
11. Special security requirements including:
A. Front doors.
B. Time clocks.
C. Employee entrance.
D. Parking lots.
E. Cage and vault.
12. Use of security mobile unit.
13. Use of roaming officers.
14. Shuttle van procedures.
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
1. Contacts at radio, television, outdoor advertising, newspaper,
magazine, and airport display companies.
2. Schedules and budgets for each medium, including duration and detail
of contracts with all of the above.
3. Direction, tone and quality of advertising and marketing programs.
4. Interviewing advertising agencies with strong gaming backgrounds.
5. Guiding the agency's creative output with respect to gaming Casino
advertising.
6. Specific concept and production for television and radio commercials.
7. Developing event calendars and strategies for implementing them.
8. Developing outdoor advertising, newspaper, television, and radio
campaigns.
9. Developing concepts for special events and promotions.
10. Photo shoots for all creative designs for outdoor, magazine, newspaper
& display.
11. Marketing ideas within the casino to increase gaming activity.
12. Strategy for public relations and community relations.
13. Development of marketing and advertising budgets.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATION
I. Kitchen Design and Planning
A. Space Planning
B. Equipment Analysis
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II. Management Information Systems
A. Computer Applications.
1. Sales-Analysis
2. Purchasing
3. Inventory
4. Food Production
5. Recipe Costing
6. Production Scheduling
7. Labor Cost
8. Back Office/Accounting
9. Point-of-Sale
III. Food-Cost Control
A. Food Purchasing
1. Purchasing Methods.
2. Contract Purchasing.
3. Purchase Size Determination.
4. Standard Specifications.
5. Forecasting Food Needs
6. Procedures.
B. Receiving.
1. Receiving Procedures.
2. Effective Reporting.
C. Food Storage Management, Issuing, and Inventory Control
1. Storage Evaluation
a. Dry
b. Refrigerated
c. Frozen
2. Issuing
3. Inventory Controls
D. Preparation and Portion Controls
1. Forecasting
2. Portion control.
E. Beverage Control
1. General Beverage Control Practices.
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IV. Menu Planning and Control.
A. Menu Pricing Factors.
B. Menu Pricing Methods.
C. Labor & Energy Cost Calculations.
D. Measuring Menu and Menu Specials Effectiveness.
E. Menu Profitability and Popularity Comparisons.
V. Labor
A. Labor Costs.
1. Actual Labor Costs.
2. Productivity.
3. Cost-Solving Approaches.
4. Management.
B. Analyzing Labor Costs.
1. Determine Work Production Standards.
2. Percentage of Sales.
3. Payroll Analyses.
C. Staffing and Scheduling.
1. Staffing.
2. Scheduling and Schedule Patterns.
VI. Review Financial Controls and Analysis
A. Internal Controls.
B. Food-Cost Accounting
C. Budgetary Controls
D. Acquisition of New Equipment.
E. Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis (Break-Even Analysis).
6
