-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, T4Q6yXtt147n/A1IHxSkgEcNyA05qZZmXUog0OrwmG4ouIrO/vi5xgrEbFhWiu6g hxEdkYBcnJZAKlvE5HM9wg== 0000018808-10-000004.txt : 20100216 0000018808-10-000004.hdr.sgml : 20100215 20100216171430 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000018808-10-000004 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100209 ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20100216 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100216 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000018808 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 030111290 STATE OF INCORPORATION: VT FISCAL YEAR END: 1227 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-08222 FILM NUMBER: 10609665 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 77 GROVE ST CITY: RUTLAND STATE: VT ZIP: 05701 BUSINESS PHONE: 802-773-2711 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 77 GROVE STREET CITY: RUTLAND STATE: VT ZIP: 05701 8-K 1 fm8k21610.htm CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2010 fm8k21610.htm
 
 

 

UNITED STATES
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 9, 2010
 
 
CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Vermont
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
1-8222
(Commission
File Number)
03-0111290
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

77 Grove Street, Rutland, Vermont               05701
(Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (800) 649-2877
 
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
¨   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
¨   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
¨   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
¨   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


 
 

 


Item 5.02.
Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

On February 9, 2010 the Board of Directors reviewed its leadership structure and the composition of the Board's standing Committees.  The purpose of the review was to remove "interim" from the titles of the Board's Chair, the Board's Lead Director, the Executive Committe Chair, and the Corporate Governance Committee Chair.  The Board also wished to add the Board's Lead Director as the fourth member of the Corporate Governance Committee.  Accordingly, the Board approved the following:
  1. Designation of Robert H. Young, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer to serve as the Chairman of the Board; and
  2. Designation of William R. Sayre, who is a non-employee director, to serve as the Lead Director in the Board's non-management Executive Sessions,
                    the Chairman of the Executive Committee, and as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee; and
  3. Designation of Douglas J. Wacek, who is also a non-employee director, to serve as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee.
                They will serve, in these leadership positions until the meeting of the Board of Directors following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are designated, whichever is earlier.

Item 5.03.
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

Articles of Association
 
        On May 5, 2009 the Board of Directors submitted for consideration by the stockholders an amendment to the Company's Articles of Association ("Articles") to provide for a decrease in the maximum size of the Board of Directors from 21 to 13 members.  The Articles currently provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than nine or more than 21 directors.  Our stockholders subsequently approved the amendment to the Articles by an affirmative vote of 85% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting.  On February 9, 2010, the Board of Directors approved the amendment to the Company's Articles consistent with the shareholder's vote.
 
By-laws
 
         On February 9, 2010, the Board of Directors also approved a corresponding amendment to the By-laws to decrease in the maximum size of the board of directors from 21 to 13 members consistent with the shareholder's vote.  A second amendment was approved to provide for more clarity regarding the issuance of uncertificated (electronic) shares.
 
         The foregoing descriptions of the Articles amendment and By-law amendments does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended Articles and Amended By-laws, filed as exhibits hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit Number
Description of Exhibit
 
3-2.1
Articles of Association of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, as amended, approved by Stockholders on May 5, 2009 and the Board of Directors on February 9, 2010.
 
99.2
By-laws of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, as amended February 9, 2010

 
 

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
   
By
  /s/ Dale A. Rocheleau                             
Dale A. Rocheleau
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
February 16, 2010
 



 
 

 

EX-3.2 3 ex3_2art.htm EXHIBIT 3-2.1 CVPS ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION ex3_2art.htm
 
 

 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT 3-2.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
SEVENTY SEVEN GROVE STREET
 
RUTLAND, VERMONT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Articles of Association
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended to _________________, 2010
 


 
 

 


Articles of Association
 
of the
 
CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
We, the Subscribers, hereby associate ourselves together as a corporation under the Laws of the State of Vermont, to be known by the name of
 
CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
for the purpose of doing in the State of Vermont and/or elsewhere any and all of the things herein set forth, viz:
 
 
1.   To acquire by construction, purchase or otherwise, and to maintain and operate any plant or property for the production, sale, storage and distribution of electric energy, gas, ice, water, heat or light, and to acquire by construction, purchase or otherwise, and/or to maintain and operate any other similar property or business, and specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to acquire, use and enjoy the properties, rights and franchises of existing public utilities, and to carry on the aforesaid business as a public utility in the State of Vermont and/or elsewhere.
 
 
 
As amended
June 13, 1974
2.   To guarantee (a) the payment of dividends on any shares of capital stock (other than the shares of this corporation) now or hereafter issued, (b) the payment as to principal and/ or interest of bonds, debentures, evidences of indebtedness or obligations issued by any firm, company, corporation, or public utility in which this corporation has an interest and / or (c) the performance of the terms of any contracts or obligations now or hereafter entered into in which this corporation has an interest.
 
 
3.   To purchase, sell and in general deal in and with electrical supplies, apparatus and merchandise of all kinds.
 
 
The principal office shall be located at Rutland, in the county of Rutland, in the State of Vermont.
 
The capital stock shall consist of 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value; 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value; 1,000,000 shares of Preference Stock, $l Par Value; 19,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $6 Par Value, which may be issued in part in fractions of a share.
 
As amended
July 20, 1984
 
As amended
Nov. 13, 1991
 
As amended
August 11, 1992
The particular character of the preferences of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, and the Preference Stock, $l Par Value, and the respective rights and restrictions and voting powers and restrictions and qualifications thereof, and of the Common Stock, shall be as follows:
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
As amended
August 11, 1992
1.   The shares of the said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall be of the par value of $100 each and may be issued, as the Board of Directors may determine, as Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, and in one or more other series designated "Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value,       % Dividend Series" (inserting in each case the amount of the dividend rate as determined by the Board of Directors for each series), provided only that the total number of shares of all series thereof at any time outstanding shall not exceed the then total authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value.  All shares of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, irrespective of series, shall constitute one and the same class of stock, shall be of equal rank and shall be identical in all respects except (1) as to the rate of dividends payable thereon, (2) the redemption price or prices thereof and any restrictions on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem them, (3) any provisions for a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase thereof, (4) the method of selecting shares to be redeemed for the sinking fund or otherwise, (5) the extent of their preference as to assets in the event of voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, (6) as to any conversion, participation or other special rights which may lawfully be provided for the particular series, and (7) the designation thereof.  The Board of Directors is expressly vested with the authority to establish, designate, fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of different series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, an d the number of shares of each such series to the extent not inconsistent herewith.  All shares of the same series shall be identical in all respects and each certificate representing Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall state the designation of the series in which the shares represented by such certificate are issued and the character of the preference of said shares.
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
2.   Holders of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding shall be entitled to receive, but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of any funds legally available for the declaration of dividends, dividends at the annual dividend rate per share fixed for the particular series, and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July and October in each year to shareholders of record on the respective dates not exceeding forty-five (45) days preceding any such dividend payment date fixed in advance for the purpose by the Board of Directors prior to the payment of each particular dividend.  Dividends on shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall be cumulative: (i) on shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, issued prior to the record date for the first dividend thereon, from the date of issue of such shares; and (ii) otherwise from the quarter-yearly dividend payment date next preceding the date of issue of such shares.  No dividend shall be declared on any series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, in respect of any quarter-yearly dividend period, unless there shall likewise be declared on all shares of all series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding, like proportionate dividends, ratably in proportion to the respective annual dividend rates fixed therefor, in respect of the same quarter-yearly dividend period, to the extent that such shares are entitled to receive dividends for such quarter-yearly dividend period.  The dividends on shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall be payable before any amount shall be paid or set apart for any sinking fund for the retirement of any series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, and before any dividend shall be paid or set apart for the junior stock (as define herein).  When all cumulative dividends on the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, of all series for all previous years shall have been declared and shall have become payable and the accrued quarterly installments for the current year shall have been declared, and when the corporation either shall have paid such cumulative dividends for the previous years and such accrued installments, or shall have set aside out of its surplus or net profits a sum sufficient for the payment thereof, then the corporation may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, pay or set apart an amount or amounts for any sinking fund for the retirement of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, of any series and, after all amounts required for any such sinking fund shall have been so paid or set apart, the Board of Directors may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, declare dividends on the junior stock payable then or thereafter out of any remaining surplus or net profits.  Accumulations of dividends on any shares of stock of any class shall not bear interest.
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
As amended
Dec. 4, 1974
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
3.   As used in these subdivisions 2 to 9, inclusive, (a) the expression "preferred stocks" shall mean the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, of all series and any other stock ranking on a parity with, or having a preference as to dividends or assets over, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value; (b) the expression "junior stock" shall mean the Common Stock and any other stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, as to dividends or assets; and (c) the expression "dividends accrued" shall mean the sum of amounts with respect to all shares of preferred stocks then outstanding, which as to each share shall be an amount computed at the dividend rate per annum fixed for the particular share from the date from which dividends on such share become cumulative to the date with reference to which the expression is used, less the aggregate of all dividends paid on such share, irrespective of whether such amount shall have been declared as dividends or they shall have exceeded any assets available for the payment thereof.
 
As amended
Nov. 22, 1960
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
4.   The corporation, on the sole authority of its Board of Directors and by vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the members thereof, may redeem and retire at any time or from time to time the whole or any part of any series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding by paying in cash, in respect of each share redeemed, the par value thereof, together with all dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption, and in addition thereto (except as provided below) an amount equal to the premium to which such share would be entitled on said date as hereinafter provided in the event of the voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, and by mailing, postage prepaid, at least thirty (30) days and not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date fixed for said redemption, a notice specifying said redemption date to the holders of record of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, to be redeemed, at their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the corporation, provided, however, that the resolution of the Board of Directors fixing, among other things, the dividend rate for any particular series may provide for any one or more of the following: (i) restrictions or limitations on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem and retire shares of such series, (ii) a lesser premium or no premium for the redemption of shares of such series under circumstances therein specified, and (iii) the times for redemption and the number of shares required or permitted to be redeemed at such times. In case of the redemption of a part only of any series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding, the corporation shall select by lot (except as otherwise provided with respect to any particular series in the resolution of the Board of Directors fixing, among other things, the dividend rate for such series), or in such manner as the Board of Directors may determine, the shares so to be redeemed. If such notice of redemption shall have been so mailed, and if on or before the redemption date specified in such notice, all funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set aside by the corporation, separate and apart from its other funds, in trust for account of the holders of the shares so to be redeemed, so as to be and continue to be available therefor, then, on and after said redemption date, notwithstanding that any certificate for the shares of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, so called for redemption, shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the shares represented thereby shall no longer be deemed outstanding, the right to receive dividends thereon shall cease to accrue, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, so called for redemption shall forthwith cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive, out of the funds so set aside in trust, the amount payable on redemption thereof, but without interest, and thereupon such stock shall be deemed cancelled and retired, provided, however, that, if after mailing said notices as aforesaid and prior to the date of redemption specified in such notice, said funds shall be set aside by deposit in trust, for the account of the holders of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, to be redeemed, with a bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America, of the State of Vermont or of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, thereupon all shares of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, with respect to which such deposit shall have been made, shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall forthwith upon such deposit in trust cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive from such deposit the amount payable upon the redemption, but without interest; further, provided, however, that any funds so set aside by deposit in trust for the account of the holders of shares to be redeemed and remaining unclaimed by said holders for six years after the date of each such redemption shall, upon written request of the corporation therefor, be repaid by the bank or trust company acting as trustee to the corporation upon its written receipt, and such holders shall thereafter be entitled to look to the corporation and only to the corporation for payment of the amount payable upon redemption but without interest.
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
5.   In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, then, before any distribution shall be made to the holders of junior stock, the holders of each series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding shall be entitled to be paid in cash the par value thereof, together in each case with dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for payment of such distributive amounts, and in addition thereto, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up be voluntary, a premium as follows: for each share of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, $7.50 if the date so fixed is prior to January 1, 1950, and $5.50 if the date so fixed is on or after January 1, 1950, and for each share of each other series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, such amount shall be fixed for such series by resolution of the Board of Directors or an amendment of the Articles of Association adopted by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
No payments on account of such distributive amounts shall be made to the holders of any series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, unless there shall likewise be paid at the same time to the holders of each other series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding like proportionate distributive amounts, ratably, in proportion to the full distributive amounts to which they are respectively entitled.  After such payment to the holders of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, the remaining net assets of the corporation shall be paid or distributed to the holders of junior stock then outstanding according to their respective rights. Consolidation or merger of the corporation with any other corporation or corporations shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation within the meaning of this subdivision 5.
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
6.  Each share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote upon all questions voted upon at stockholders' meetings and, subject to the right of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, under paragraph (b) of this subdivision 6 and to the rights of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, under paragraph (b) of subdivision 10F, and to the rights of the Preference Stock, $1 Par Value, under paragraph (a) of subdivision 20F, at any election held at stockholders' meetings. The holders of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall have no right to vote upon any question or at any election, except as hereinafter specifically provided, or as may be required by the laws of the State of Vermont.
 
(a) If at any time dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall exceed an amount equivalent to two (2) full quarterly dividends on all shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding, then so long, and only so long, as dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall exceed said amount, each share of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall have the same voting power as belongs to a share of Common Stock, except that while the shares of preferred stocks are entitled to elect or participate in the election of a majority of the Board of Directors as provided in paragraph (b) of this subdivision 6, shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall not be entitled to participate with any junior stock in the election of the minority of such board.
 
(b) If dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall at any time and from time to time equal or exceed an amount equivalent to four (4) full quarterly dividends on all shares of all series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, at the time outstanding, then until all dividends in default on the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall have been paid, the holders of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, voting separately as one class, by plurality vote of a majority of the shares outstanding, shall be entitled to elect the smallest number of directors necessary to constitute a majority of the full Board of Directors as then last fixed by the stockholders, and the holders of junior stock entitled to vote shall be entitled to elect the remaining members of the Board of Directors. If and when all dividends then in default on the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall thereafter be paid (and such dividends shall be declared and paid out of any funds legally available therefor as soon as reasonably practicable), the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall thereupon be divested of such special right to elect any member of the Board of Directors, but subject always to the same provisions for the vesting of such special right in the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, in case of further like default or defaults. Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall prevent holders of any additional class of preferred stocks hereafter authorized from being given a right similar to that given to holders of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, by this paragraph (b), in which case holders of all classes of preferred stocks then having such rights shall vote as one class for the purposes of this paragraph (b).
 
(c) Whenever under the provisions hereof a change in the voting powers of the holders of preferred stocks and of the junior stock shall have occurred, the Board of Directors shall, within ten (10) days from the delivery to the Company at its principal office of a request therefor signed by any holder of any of the preferred stocks entitled to vote, or of junior stock entitled to vote, call a special meeting of the stockholders to be held, within thirty (30) days from the delivery of such request, for the purpose of electing directors.
 
(d) At all meetings of stockholders held for the purpose of electing directors, during such times as the holders of shares of the preferred stocks shall have the right to elect a majority of the directors, the presence in person or by proxy of the majority of the outstanding shares of the junior stock entitled to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum of such class for the election of directors, and the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the preferred stocks entitled to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum of such class for the election of directors; provided, however, that the absence of a quorum of the holders of either such class shall not prevent the election at any such meeting, or any adjournment thereof, of directors by the other such class if the necessary quorum of the holders of stock of such class is present in person or by proxy at such meeting; and provided further that, in the absence of a quorum of the holders of stock of either such class, a majority of those holders of the stock of such class who are present in person or by proxy shall have power to adjourn the election of the directors to be elected by such class from time to time without notice other than announcement at the meeting until the requisite amount of holders of such class shall be present in person or by proxy, but such adjournment shall not be made to a date beyond the date for the mailing of notice of the next annual meeting or special meeting in lieu thereof.
 
(e) Forthwith upon the election of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company by the holders of preferred stocks the terms of office of all persons who may be directors of the Company at the time shall terminate, whether or not the holders of junior stock entitled to vote shall then have elected the remaining members of the Board of Directors, and if the holders of junior stock entitled to vote shall not have elected the remaining members of the Board of Directors, then the directors so elected by the holders of preferred stocks shall constitute the Board of Directors pending such election of the remaining members by such holders of junior stock. Upon the reversion of the voting powers to their status prior to default in dividends on the preferred stocks, then forthwith upon the election of new directors by the holders of junior stock entitled to vote, the terms of office of the directors elected by the holders of preferred stock shall forthwith terminate.
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
As amended
August 11, 1992
 
As amended
Nov. 22, 1960
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
                                        
 
7.
 
 
                                        
 
 
Section 7
deleted in
its entirety by
amendment
dated
May 7, 1976
 
8.   So long as any shares of any series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, are outstanding, the corporation shall not, except upon the affirmative vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, then issued and outstanding:
 
(a) Authorize any shares of preferred stocks in addition to the one hundred thousand (100,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, initially authorized; or
 
(b) Issue any shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, other than the thirty-seven thousand eight hundred fifty-six (37,856) shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, initially issued, or any shares of any other preferred stocks, or any securities convertible into shares of preferred stocks, unless (1) such issue is for the purpose of the refunding of preferred stocks then outstanding or funded indebtedness theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation and is in an amount not in excess of the par or principal amount of the securities s o t o be refunded, or (2) the par value of its junior stock to be outstanding immediately after such issue, plus earned surplus, premium on junior stock and capital surplus arising from any reduction in the par or stated value of junior stock, shall be at least equal to the par value of its preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue, and the net income of the corporation available for dividends determined in accordance with sound accounting practice, for a period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months within the fifteen (15) calendar months immediately preceding the issuance of such additional stock or the contracting for the issuance and sale thereof, are at least two and one-half (2 1/2) times the annual dividend requirements on all preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue, and the net income of the corporation before fixed charges, which shall include interest and amortization of debt discount and expense, but after provision for Federal taxes, for said period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months is at least one and one-half (1 1/2) times an amount equal to all of such fixed charges for said period and the annual dividend requirements on the preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue; or
 
(c) Reduce below $3,280,554.37 the aggregate amount of capital represented by common stock on the books of the corporation, except that in any case where any State or Federal regulatory body having jurisdiction shall have required or permitted the corporation to reduce the book value of any of its assets, and in connection therewith, the amount of capital represented by common stock on the books of the corporation may be reduced below said amount by an amount or amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the amount of such reduction in book value of assets; or
 
(d) Make any change in the provisions relative to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, which would change the express terms and provisions of such stock in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof, provided that, in any event, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, shall be entitled to cumulative dividends at the rate or rates designated in the series then outstanding, and to the payment, in case of redemption, liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of affairs of the corporation, upon the terms and at the prices herein provided.
 
If the corporation has outstanding at any time shares without par value, then references in this subdivision 8 to par value shall refer, in the case of such shares without par value, to the minimum liquidating value of any shares of the preferred stocks and to that part of the consideration received for any junior stock which is established as capital.
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
As amended
June 23, 1954
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
8A.   So long as any Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, is outstanding, the right of the corporation, except as otherwise authorized by the vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, then issued and outstanding, voting as a single class, to pay or declare any dividends on its Common Stock (other than dividends payable in Common Stock) or to make any distribution on, or to purchase or otherwise acquire for value, any shares of its Common Stock (each and all of such actions being hereinafter referred to as "dividends on its Common Stock"), shall be subject to the following limitations:
 
(a) If the Common Stock Equity of the corporation (as hereinafter defined) at the end of the calendar month immediately preceding the date on which a dividend on its Common Stock is declared, reduced by the amount of such dividend, is less than 20% of Total Capitalization (as hereinafter defined), the corporation shall not declare dividends on its Common Stock in an amount which, together with all other dividends on its Common Stock declared within the year ending with and including the date of such dividend declaration, exceeds 50% of the Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock for the twelve consecutive calendar months immediately preceding the month in which such dividend is declared; and
 
(b) If the Common Stock Equity of the corporation at the end of the calendar month immediately preceding the date on which a dividend on its Common Stock is declared, reduced by the amount of such dividend, is less than 25% but 20% or more of Total Capitalization, the corporation shall not declare such dividend on its Common Stock in an amount which, together with all other dividends on its Common Stock declared within the year ending with and including the date of such dividend declaration, exceeds 75% of the Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock for the twelve consecutive calendar months immediately preceding the month in which such dividend is declared.
 
For the purposes of this subdivision 8A:
 
Total Capitalization shall be the sum of (a) the principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of the corporation represented by bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness maturing by their terms more than one year from the date of issue thereof, (b) the aggregate amount of par or stated capital represented by all issued and outstanding capital stock of all classes of the corporation having preference as to dividends or upon liquidation over its Common Stock and (c) the Common Stock Equity of the Corporation.
 
Common Stock Equity shall be the sum of the amount of par or stated capital represented by all issued and outstanding Common Stock, all premiums on capital stock of the corporation of all classes, and the surplus (including paid-in or capital surplus) of the corporation, less (i) unamortized debt discount and expense, unamortized extraordinary property losses and capital stock discount and expense set forth on the asset side of the balance sheet, and (ii) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount payable on involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation of all outstanding shares of the corporation having a preference as to dividends or upon liquidation over the Common Stock, over the aggregate amount of par or stated capital represented by such outstanding shares; provided that no deduction shall be made in the determination of Common Stock Equity for any of the amounts or items referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph, which are, at the time of the determination of the Common Stock Equity, being amortized or provided for by reserve.
 
The surplus accounts included in the computation of Common Stock Equity shall be adjusted to eliminate the amount, if any, by which Electric Plant Adjustments exceed reserves provided therefor, as then stated on the books of the corporation.
 
Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock for any period shall be the net income available for dividends on the Common Stock of the corporation for such period determined in accordance with such system of accounts as may be prescribed by the Vermont Public Service Commission or any successor regulatory commission or agency of the State of Vermont having the same or similar jurisdiction over accounts, or, in the absence thereof, in accordance with sound accounting practice.
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
9.   So long as any shares of any series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, are outstanding, the corporation shall not, except upon the affirmative vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of a majority of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, then issued and outstanding:
 
(a) Issue or assume (i) any bonds, notes, debentures or other securities representing indebtedness having original maturities of more than one year for purposes other than the refunding of outstanding debt securities theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation, if, immediately after such issue or assumption, the total principal amount of all debt securities of the corporation having original maturities of more than one year and then outstanding (including the securities then to be issued or assumed) would exceed 65 per centum (65%) of the Total Capitalization of the corporation, or (ii) any bonds, notes, debentures or other securities representing indebtedness having original maturities of one year or less for purposes other than the refunding of outstanding debt securities theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation or the redemption or other retirement of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if, immediately after such issue or assumption, the total principal amount of all indebtedness of the corporation having original maturities of one year or less and then outstanding (including the securities then to be issued) would exceed 20 per centum (20%) of the Total Capitalization of the corporation (for purposes of this clause (a), the term Total Capitalization shall have the meaning provided in subdivision 8A), or
 
(b) Merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation or corporations, unless such merger or consolidation, or the issuance and assumption of all securities to be issued or assumed in connection with any such merger or consolidation, shall have been ordered, approved, or permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or by any successor commission or any regulatory authority of the United States of America, having jurisdiction in the premises; provided that the provisions of this clause (b) shall not apply to a purchase or other acquisition by the corporation of franchises or assets of another corporation in any manner which does not involve a merger or consolidation.
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Oct. 17, 1944
 
9A.   In addition to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, there shall be a series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, designated as Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series. The shares of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, shall be subject to the terms and provisions of these Articles of Association relating to, and shall constitute a series of, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, as provided for in these Articles of Association. In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, and upon any redemption and retirement of the whole or any part of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, the premium fixed for the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, shall be $6.25 per share if the date fixed for payment of the distributive amounts as set forth in subdivision 5 of these Articles of Association relating to the capital stock is prior to July 1, 1960, thereafter, $2.50 per share if the date so fixed is on or after July 1, 1960, but prior to July 1, 1970, and $1.00 per share if the date so fixed is on or after July 1, 1970.
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
 
 
As amended
May 3, 1950
9B.   In addition to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, there shall be a series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, designated as Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series. The shares of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series, shall be subject to the terms and provisions of these Articles of Association relating to, and shall constitute a series of, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, as provided for in these Articles of Association. In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, and upon any redemption and retirement of the whole or any part of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series, the premium fixed for the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series, shall be $5.00 per share.
 
 
 
 
As amended
June 23, 1954
9C.   In addition to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series, there shall be a series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, designated as Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series. The shares of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series, shall be subject to the terms and provisions of these Articles of Association relating to, and shall constitute a series of, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, as provided for in these Articles of Association. In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, and upon any redemption and retirement of the whole or any part of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series, the premium fixed for the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series, shall be $5.00 per share; provided, however, the corporation may not exercise its option to redeem and retire the whole or any part of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series, prior to July 1, 1969, if such redemption is made by the application, directly or indirectly, of funds obtained as a part of any transaction involving (a) the incurring of indebtedness for borrowed money having an interest rate or an interest cost to the corporation (computed in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than 5.375% per annum or (b) the proceeds from the sale of any class of stock of the corporation other than Common Stock of the corporation.
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
June 1, 1959
                                        
 
9D.
 
                                        
 
Section 9D
relating to 13½%
Preferred Stock
deleted in its
entirety by
amendment dated
August 11, 1992
 
                                        
 
9E.
 
                                        
 
Section 9E
related to 12.75%
Preferred Stock
deleted in its
entirety by
amendment dated
August 11, 1992
 
                                        
 
9F.
 
                                        
Section 9F
related to 9.75%
Preferred Stock
deleted in its
entirety by
amendment dated
August 11, 1992
 
9G.   In addition to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.15% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.75% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 4.65% Dividend Series, and to the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 5.375% Dividend Series, there shall be a series of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, designated as Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, which shall be limited to 200,000 shares. The dividend rate on the Preferred Stock, $100 par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, is fixed at $8.30 per share per annum. The shares of said Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, shall be subject to the terms and provisions of the Corporation's Articles of Association relating to, and shall constitute a series of, the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, as provided for in the Corporation's Articles of Association.
 
(a) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or upon any redemption and retirement of the whole or any part of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, other than pursuant to clause (b) below, the premium fixed for the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, shall be the amount set forth below if the date fixed for redemption and retirement as set forth in subdivision 4 of the Corporation's Articles of Association or for payment of the distributive amounts as set forth in subdivision 5 of the Corporation's Articles of Association is during the 12 months period ended on and including January 1 in each year as follows:
 
 
As amended
Nov. 26, 1991
 
Year
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
thereafter
 
 
Premium
$8.300
  7.885
  7.470
  7.055
  6.640
  6.225
  5.810
  5.395
  4.980
  4.565
  4.150
  3.735
  3.320
  2.905
  2.490
  2.075
  1.660
  1.245
    .830
    .415
    .000
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions or any other provision in the Corporation's Articles of Association, prior to January 1, 1997, no shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series may be redeemed, directly or indirectly, by or in anticipation of the incurring of any debt or the issuance of any shares of stock other than junior stock if such debt has an interest cost to the Corporation (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than 8.30% per annum or such shares have a designated dividend rate (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than 8.30% per annum.
 
(b) The Corporation shall, on or before January 1, 1998 and on or before each January 1 thereafter (each such date being hereinafter referred to as a '(sinking fund payment date") set aside all funds necessary for the redemption of, and the Corporation shall on each such January 1 redeem, 10,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, or such lesser number of shares thereof as shall then be outstanding. The mandatory sinking fund shall be cumulative so that, if in any year the full number of shares required to be redeemed for such year (including any number of shares carried over from any preceding year) is not so redeemed for any reason, the deficiency shall be added to the requirements of the mandatory sinking fund for the next year. In addition, the Corporation shall have a non-cumulative option to redeem on each sinking fund payment date (but only upon the contemporaneous satisfaction of the mandatory sinking fund requirement due on said date) 10,000 additional shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series. The amount to be paid in respect of each share redeemed pursuant to this clause (b) shall be the par value thereof, together with all dividends accrued thereon to the redemption date, without any premium.
 
(c) At any time and so long as the Corporation is in arrears in any mandatory sinking fund payment required by the preceding clause (b), the Corporation shall not purchase or redeem any shares of any class of junior stock or declare or pay any cash dividends thereon or purchase or redeem any shares of any series of preferred stocks pursuant to mandatory provisions of any sinking or analogous funds relating to such series unless it shall purchase or redeem shares pursuant to mandatory requirements of sinking or analogous funds relating to all such series of preferred stocks in proportion to all mandatory sinking fund obligations then due or in arrears with respect to each such series.
 
(d) Redemptions shall be made in the manner and with the effect set forth in subdivision 4 of the Corporation's Articles of Association except as hereinafter provided with respect to the selection of shares to be redeemed. In case of the redemption of only a part of the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, the shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, to be redeemed from each registered holder shall be such pro rata portion (in whole shares, as nearly as practicable to the nearest share) of all the shares to be redeemed as the number of shares held of record by such holder bears to the total number of shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, at the time outstanding, with adjustments to the extent practicable to equalize for any prior disproportionate redemptions of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series; provided, however, that if at the time of any such selection of shares to be redeemed there shall be more than one registered holder of less than 1% of the total number of shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, at the time outstanding, all such registered holders shall be treated as a single registered holder for the purpose of such pro rata selection of shares to be redeemed, and the shares held by a11 such registered holders to be redeemed shall be selected by lot from the total number of shares held by all such registered holders.
 
(e) Any shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, 8.30% Dividend Series, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever shall be permanently retired and shall not thereafter be reissued as shares of said 8.30% Dividend Series and thereupon shall be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value.
 
RESOLVED:  That upon filing and endorsement pursuant to Title 11, Section 1863 of
                        the Vermont Statutes, the preceding resolution shall be inserted as a new
                        subdivision 9G of the Corporation's Articles of Association immediately
                        following subdivision 9F.
 
 
RESOLVED:  That the terms used in the second foregoing resolution, which are defined
                         in the Corporation's Articles of Association, shall have the same
                         definitions as given them in said Articles.
 
 
10A.   The shares of the said Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall be of the par value of $25 each, shall rank on a parity as to dividends and assets with the shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, and may be issued, as the Board of Directors may determine, in one or more series designated "Preferred Stock, $      Dividend Series, $25 Par Value" or "Preferred Stock,       % Dividend Series, $25 Par Value" (inserting in each case the amount of the dividend rate as determined by the Board of Directors for each series). All shares of said Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, irrespective of series, shall constitute one and the same class of stock, shall be of equal rank and shall be identical in all respects except as to (1) the rate of dividends payable thereon, (2) the redemption price or prices thereof and any restriction on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem them, (3) any provisions for a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase thereof, (4) the method of selecting shares to be redeemed for the sinking fund or otherwise, (5) the extent of their preference as to assets in the event of voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, (6) any conversion, participation or other special rights which may lawfully be provided for the particular series, and (7) the designation thereof. The Board of Directors is expressly vested with the authority to establish, designate, fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of different series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, and the number of shares of each such series, to the extent not inconsistent herewith. All shares of the same series shall be identical in all respects and each certificate representing Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall state the designation of the series in which the shares represented by such certificate are amended issued and the character of the preference of said shares.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10B.   Holders of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding shall be entitled to receive, but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of any funds legally available for the declaration of dividends, dividends at the annual dividend rate per share fixed for the particular series, and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July and October in each year to shareholders of record on the respective dates not exceeding forty-five (45) days preceding any such dividend payment date fixed in advance for the purpose by the Board of Directors prior to the payment of each particular dividend. Dividends on shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall be cumulative: (i) on shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, issued prior to the record date for the first dividend thereon, from the date of issue of such shares; and (ii) otherwise from the quarter-yearly dividend payment date next preceding the date of issue of such shares. No dividend shall be declared on any series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, in respect of any quarter-yearly dividend period, unless there shall likewise be declared on all shares of all series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding, like proportionate dividends, ratably, in proportion to the respective annual dividend rates fixed therefor, in respect of the same quarter-yearly dividend period, to the extent that such shares are entitled to receive dividends for such quarter-yearly dividend period. The dividends on shares of all series of preferred stocks shall be payable before any amount shall be paid or set apart for any sinking fund for the retirement of any series of preferred stocks and before any dividend shall be paid or set apart for the junior stock. When all cumulative dividends on the preferred stocks of all series for all previous years shall have been declared and shall have become payable and the accrued quarterly installments for the current year shall have been declared, and when the corporation either shall have paid such cumulative dividends for the previous years and such accrued installments, or shall have set aside out of its surplus or net profits a sum sufficient for the payment thereof, then the corporation may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, pay or set apart an amount or amounts for any sinking fund for the retirement of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, of any series and, after all amounts required for any such sinking fund shall have been so paid or set apart, the Board of Directors may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, declare dividends on the junior stock payable then or thereafter out of any remaining surplus or net profits. Accumulations of dividends on any shares of stock of any class shall not bear interest.
 
 
10C.   As used in these subdivisions 10A to 10I, inclusive, the expressions (a) "preferred stocks," (b) "junior stock." and (c) "dividends accrued" shall have the meanings provided in subdivision 3 hereof.
 
 
10D.   The corporation, on the sole authority of its Board of Directors and by vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the members thereof, may redeem and retire at any time or from time to time the whole or any part of any series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding by paying in cash, in respect of each share redeemed, the par value thereof, together with all dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption, and in addition thereto an amount equal to such premium as shall be fixed with respect to such series in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series, and by mailing, postage prepaid, at least thirty (30) days and not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date fixed for said redemption. a notice specifying said redemption date to the holders of record of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, to be redeemed, at their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the corporation; provided, however, that the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series may provide for any one or more of the following: (i) restrictions or limitations on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem and retire shares of such series, (ii) a lesser premium or no premium for the redemption of shares of such series under circumstances therein specified. (iii) the times for redemption and the number of shares required or permitted to be redeemed at such times, and (iv) if and so long as a mandatory sinking fund payment, if any, for such series shall be in arrears, restrictions or limitations on the exercise by the corporation of its right to purchase or redeem shares of any junior stock or to purchase or redeem any shares of any series of preferred stocks pursuant to mandatory provisions of any sinking fund relating thereto. In case of the redemption of a part only of any series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding, the corporation shall select by lot (except as otherwise provided with respect to any particular series in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series), or in such manner as the Board of Directors may determine, the shares so to be redeemed. If such notice of redemption shall have been so mailed, and if on or before the redemption date specified in such notice, all funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set aside by the corporation, separate and apart from its other funds, in trust for account of the holders of the shares so to be redeemed, so as to be and continue to be available therefor, then, on and after said redemption date, notwithstanding that any certificate for the shares of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, so called for redemption, shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the shares represented thereby shall no longer be deemed outstanding, the right to receive dividends thereon shall cease to accrue, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, so called for redemption shall forthwith cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive, out of the funds so set aside in trust, the amount payable on redemption thereof, but without interest, and thereupon such stock shall be deemed cancelled and retired, provided, however, that, if after mailing said notices as aforesaid and prior to the date of redemption specified in such notice, said funds shall be set aside by deposit in trust, for the account of the holders of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, to be redeemed, with a bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America, of the state of Vermont or of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, thereupon all shares of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, with respect to which such deposit shall have been made, shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall forthwith upon such deposit in trust cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive from such deposit the amount payable upon the redemption, but without interest; further provided, however, that any funds so set aside by deposit in trust for the account of the holders of shares to be redeemed and remaining unclaimed by said holders for six years after the date of each such redemption shall, upon written request of the corporation therefor, be repaid by the bank or trust company acting as trustee to the corporation upon its written receipt, and such holders shall thereafter be entitled to look to the corporation and only to the corporation for payment of the amount payable upon redemption but without interest.
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10E.   In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, then, before any distribution shall be made to the holders of junior stock, the holders of each series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding shall be entitled to be paid in cash the par value thereof, together in each case with dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for payment of such distributive amounts, and in addition thereto, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up be voluntary, such premium as shall have been fixed for such series by the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series.
 
No payments on account of such distributive amounts shall be made to the holders of any series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, unless there shall likewise be paid at the same time to the holders of each other series of the Preferred Stock. $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding like proportionate distributive amounts, ratably, in proportion to the full distributive amounts to which they are respectively entitled. After payment to the holders of the preferred stocks at the time outstanding of the full distribution amounts to which they are respectively entitled, the remaining net assets of the corporation shall be paid or distributed to the holders of junior stock then outstanding according to their respective rights. Consolidation or merger of the corporation with any other corporation or corporations shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation within the meaning of this subdivision 10E.
 
 
10F.   The holders of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall have no right to vote upon any question or at any election, except as hereinafter specifically provided, or as may be required by the laws of the State of Vermont.
 
(a) If at any time dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall exceed an amount equivalent to two (2) full quarterly dividends on all shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding, then so long, and only so long, as dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall exceed said amount, each share of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall have the same voting power as belongs to a share of Common Stock, except that while the shares of preferred stocks are entitled to elect or participate in the election of a majority of the Board of Directors as provided in paragraph (b) of this subdivision 10F and of subdivision 6, shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall not be entitled to participate with any junior stock in the election of the minority of such Board.
 
(b) If dividends accrued on the outstanding Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall at any time and from time to time equal or exceed an amount equivalent to amended four (4) full quarterly dividends on all shares of all series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, at the time outstanding, then until all dividends in default on the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall have been paid, the holders of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, voting separately as one class or voting with holders of one or more other classes of preferred stocks separately as one class if such holders have a right to participate in the election of a majority of the Board of Directors pursuant to this paragraph and paragraph (b) of subdivision 6, by plurality vote of a majority of the shares outstanding, shall be entitled to elect the smallest number of directors necessary to constitute a majority of the full Board of Directors as then last fixed by the stockholders, and the holders of junior stock entitled to vote shall be entitled to elect the remaining members of the Board of Directors. If and when all dividends then in default on the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall thereafter be paid (and such dividends shall be declared and paid out of any funds legally available therefor as soon as reasonably practicable), the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall thereupon be divested of such special right to elect any member of the Board of Directors, but subject always to the same provisions for the vesting of such special right in the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, in case of further like default or defaults. Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall prevent holders of any additional class of preferred stocks hereafter authorized from being given a right similar to that given to holders of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, by this paragraph (b), in which case holders of all classes of preferred stocks then having such rights shall vote as one class for the purposes of this paragraph (b).
 
         (c) Each share of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall have one vote per share except that it shall have one-quarter (1/4) vote per share when voting pursuant to clause (b) of this subdivision 10F.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10G.   So long as any shares of any series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, are outstanding, the corporation shall not, except upon the affirmative vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, then issued and outstanding:
 
(a) Authorize any shares of preferred stocks in addition to the five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, and one million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value; or
 
(b) Issue any shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, or any shares of any other preferred stocks, or any securities convertible into shares of preferred stocks, unless (1) such issue is for the purpose of the refunding of preferred stocks then outstanding or funded indebtedness theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation and is in an amount not in excess of the par or principal amount of the securities so to be refunded, or (2) the par value of its junior stock to be outstanding immediately after such issue, plus earned surplus, premium on junior stock and capital surplus arising from any reduction in the par or stated value of junior stock, shall be at least equal to the par value of its preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue, and the net income of the corporation available for dividends determined in accordance with sound accounting practice, for a period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months within the fifteen (15) calendar months immediately preceding the issuance of such additional stock or the contracting for the issuance and sale thereof, are at least two and one-half (2 1/2) times the annual dividend requirements on all preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue, and the net income of the corporation before fixed charges, which shall include interest and amortization of debt discount and expense, but after provision for Federal taxes, for said period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months is at least one and one-half (1 1/2) times an amount equal to all of such fixed charges for said period and the annual dividend requirements on the preferred stocks to be outstanding immediately after such issue; or
 
(c) Reduce below $3,280,554.37 the aggregate amount of capital represented by Common Stock on the books of the corporation, except that in any case where any State or Federal regulatory body having jurisdiction shall have required or permitted the corporation to reduce the book value of any of its assets, and in connection therewith, the amount of capital represented by Common Stock on the books of the corporation may be reduced below said amount by an amount or amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the amount of such reduction in book value of assets; or
 
(d) Make any change in the provisions relative to the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, which would change the express terms and provisions of such stock in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof; provided that, in any event, the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, shall be entitled to cumulative dividends at the rate or rates designated in the series then outstanding, and to the payment, in case of redemption, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of affairs of the corporation, upon the terms and at the prices herein provided.
 
If the corporation has outstanding at any time shares without par value, then references in this subdivision 10G to par value shall refer, in the case of such shares without par value, to the minimum liquidating value of any shares of the preferred stocks and to that part of the consideration received for any junior stock which is established as capital.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10H.   So long as any Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, is outstanding, the right of the corporation, except as otherwise authorized by the vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, then issued and outstanding, voting as a single class, to pay or declare any dividends on its Common Stock (other than dividends payable in Common Stock) or to make any distribution on, or to purchase or otherwise acquire for value, any shares of its Common Stock (each and all of such actions being hereinafter referred to as "dividends on its Common Stock"), shall be subject to the following limitations:
 
(a) If the Common Stock Equity of the corporation (as hereinafter defined) at the end of the calendar month immediately preceding the date on which a dividend on its Common Stock is declared, reduced by the amount of such dividend, is less than 20% of Total Capitalization (as hereinafter defined), the corporation shall not declare dividends on its Common Stock in an amount which, together with all other dividends on its Common Stock declared within the year ending with and including the date of such dividend declaration, exceeds 50% of the Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock for the twelve (12) consecutive calendar months immediately preceding the month in which such dividend is declared; and
 
(b) If the Common Stock Equity of the corporation at the end of the calendar month immediately preceding the date on which a dividend on its Common Stock is declared, reduced by the amount of such dividend, is less than 25% but 20% or more of Total Capitalization, the corporation shall not declare such dividend on its Common Stock in an amount which, together with all other dividends on its Common Stock declared within the year ending with and including the date of such dividend declaration, exceeds 75% of the Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock for the twelve (12) consecutive calendar months immediately preceding the month in which such dividend is declared.
 
For the purposes of this subdivision 10H, the expressions ''Total Capitalization," "Common Stock Equity," and " Net Income Available for Dividends on Common Stock" shall have the meanings provided in subdivision 8A hereof.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10I.   So long as any shares of any series of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, are outstanding, the corporation shall not, except upon the affirmative vote at a meeting called for that purpose of the holders of a majority of the shares of all series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, then issued and outstanding:
 
(a) Issue or assume (i) any bonds, notes, debentures or other securities representing indebtedness having original maturities of more than one year for purposes other than the refunding of outstanding debt securities theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation, if, immediately after such issue or assumption, the total principal amount of all secured and debt securities of the corporation having original maturities of more than one year and then outstanding (including the securities then to be issued or assumed) would exceed 65 per centum (65%) of the Total Capitalization the corporation, or (ii) any bonds, notes, debentures or other securities representing indebtedness having original maturities of one year or less for purposes other than the refunding of outstanding debt securities theretofore issued or assumed by the corporation or the redemption or other retirement of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if, immediately after such issue or assumption, the total principal amount of all indebtedness of the corporation having original maturities of one year or less and then outstanding (including the securities then to be issued) would exceed 20 per centum (20%) of the Total Capitalization of the corporation (for purposes of this clause (a), the term Total Capitalization shall have the meaning provided in subdivision 8A, or
 
(b) Merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation or corporations, unless such merger or consolidation, or the issuance and assumption of all securities to be issued or assumed in connection with any such merger or consolidation, shall have been ordered, approved, or permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or by any successor commission or any regulatory authority of the United States of America, having jurisdiction in the premises; provided that the provisions of this clause (b) shall not apply to a purchase or other acquisition by the corporation of franchises or assets of another corporation in any manner which does not involve a merger or consolidation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
10J.   There shall be a series of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, designated as Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, 9.00% Dividend Series. The shares of said Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, 9.00% Dividend Series, shall be subject to the terms and provisions of these Articles of Association relating to, and shall consititute a series of, the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, as provided for in these Articles of Association.
 
(a) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, or upon any redemption and retirement of the whole or any part of the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, 9.00% Dividend Series, the premium fixed for the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, 9.00% Dividend Series, shall be the amount set forth below if the date fixed for redemption and retirement as set forth in subdivision 10D of these Articles of Association or for the payment of the distributive amounts as set forth in subdivision 10E of these Articles of Association is during the 12 months period ended on and including December 31 in each year as follows:
 
 
 
As amended
Nov. 9, 1976
 
Year
1976 to 1981, inclusive
 
1982 to 1986, inclusive
 
1987 to 1991, inclusive
 
thereafter
 
 
Premium
$27.25
 
  26.55
 
  25.90
 
  25.25
 
 
 
 
As amended
Nov. 9, 1976
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, no shares of Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, 9.00% Dividend Series, may be redeemed at the option of the corporation prior to January 1, 1981, directly or indirectly, from the proceeds of or in anticipation of any refunding operation involving the sale of any class of preferred stock or of any junior stock (other than Common Stock) having a dividend cost to the corporation (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practices) of less than 9.00% per annum, or the sale of Common Stock or any other class of stock having no fixed dividend rate, or involving the incurring of debt having an interest cost to the corporation (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practices) of less than 9.00% per annum, nor unless the corporation shall include in the notice of redemption a certificate to the effect that the foregoing conditions have been met.
 
 
                              
 
11-20.
 
                              
 
Sections 11
through 20
related to Second
Preferred Stock,
$50 Par Value,
5.44% Convertible
Series A, deleted in
their entirety by
amendment dated
August 11, 1992
 
20A.   The shares of the said Preference Stock shall be of the par value of $1 each and may be issued, as the Board of Directors may determine, in one or more series designated "Preference Stock, $       Dividend Series" (inserting in each case the amount of the dividend rate as determined by the Board of Directors for each series). All shares of said Preference Stock, irrespective of series, shall constitute one and the same class of stock, shall be of equal rank and shall be identical in all respects except as to (1) the rate of dividends payable thereon, (2) the redemption price or prices thereof and any restriction on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem them, (3) any provisions for a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase thereof, (4) the method of selecting shares to be redeemed for the sinking fund or otherwise, (5) the extent of their preference as to assets in the event of voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, (6) any conversion, participation or other special rights which may lawfully be provided for the particular series, and (7) the designation thereof. The Board of Directors is expressly vested with the authority to establish, designate, fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of different series of the Preference Stock and the number of shares of each such series, to the extent not inconsistent herewith; provided, however, that, immediately after the issuance of any shares of Preference Stock proposed to be issued by the Board of Directors, the maximum aggregate amount to be received by the holders of all shares of Preference Stock then outstanding upon any involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, shall not exceed $25,000,000. All shares of the same series shall be identical in all respects and each certificate representing Preference Stock shall state the designation of the series in which the shares represented by such certificate are issued and the character of the preference of said shares.
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
20B.   Subject to the rights of all senior stock (as defined in subdivision 20C), holders of the Preference Stock at the time outstanding shall be entitled to receive, but only amended when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of any funds legally available for the declaration of dividends, dividends at the annual dividend rate per share fixed for the particular series, and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July and October in each year to shareholders of record on the respective dates not exceeding forty-five (45) days preceding any such dividend payment date fixed in advance for the purpose by the Board of Directors prior to the payment of each particular dividend. Dividends on shares of Preference Stock shall be cumulative: (i) on shares of Preference Stock issued prior to the record date for the first dividend thereon, from the date of issue of such shares; and (ii) otherwise from the quarter-yearly dividend payment date next preceding the date of issue of such shares. No dividend shall be declared on any series of the Preference Stock, in respect of any quarter-yearly dividend period, unless there shall likewise be declared on all shares of all series of Preference Stock, at the time outstanding, like proportionate dividends, ratably, in proportion to the respective annual dividend rates fixed therefor, in respect of the same quarter-yearly dividend period, to the extent that such shares are entitled to receive dividends for such quarter-yearly dividend period. The dividends on shares of all series of Preference Stock shall be payable before any amount shall be paid or set apart for any sinking fund for the retirement of any series of Preference Stock and before any dividend shall be paid or set apart for the junior stock (as defined herein). When all cumulative dividends on the Preference Stock of all series for all previous years shall have been declared and shall have become payable and the accrued quarterly installments for the current year shall have been declared, and when the corporation either shall have paid such cumulative dividends for the previous years and such accrued installments, or shall have set aside out of its surplus or net profits a sum sufficient for the payment thereof, then the corporation may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, pay or set apart an amount or amounts for any sinking fund for the retirement of Preference Stock of any series and, after all amounts required for any such sinking fund shall have been so paid or set apart, the Board of Directors may forthwith, without waiting for the expiration of the current year, declare dividends on the junior stock payable then or thereafter out of any remaining surplus or net profits. Accumulations of dividends on any shares of stock of any class shall not bear interest.
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
20C.   As used in these subdivisions 20A to 20F, inclusive, (a) the expression "senior stock" shall mean the Preferred Stock, $100 Par Value, and the Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value, of all series, and any other stock having a preference as to dividends or assets over the Preference Stock, (b) the expression "preferred stocks" shall mean the Preference stock of all series and any other stock ranking on a parity with, or having a preference over, the Preference Stock as to dividends or assets; (c) the expression "junior stock" shall mean the Common Stock and any other stock ranking junior to the Preference Stock as to dividends or assets; and (d) the expression "dividends accrued" shall have the meaning provided in subdivision 3 hereof.
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
As amended
Nov. 13, 1991
 
As amended
August 11, 1992
20D.   The corporation, on the sole authority of its Board of Directors and by vote of a majority of the members thereof, may redeem and retire at any time or from time to time the whole or any part of any series of the Preference Stock at the time amended outstanding by paying in cash, in respect of each share redeemed, the par value thereof, together with all dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption, and in addition thereto an amount equal to such premium as shall be fixed with respect to such series in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series, and by mailing, postage prepaid, at least thirty (30) days and not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date fixed for said redemption, a notice specifying said redemption date to the holders of record of the Preference Stock to be redeemed, at their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the corporation; provided, however, that the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series may provide for any one or more of the following: (i) restrictions or limitations on the exercise by the corporation of its right to redeem and retire shares of such series, (ii) a lesser premium or no premium for the redemption of shares of such series under circumstances therein specified, (iii) the times for redemption and the number of shares required or permitted to be redeemed at such times, and (iv) if and so long as a mandatory sinking fund payment, if any, for such series shall be in arrears, restrictions or limitations on the exercise by the corporation of its right to purchase or redeem shares of any junior stock. In case of the redemption of a part only of any series of the Preference Stock at the time outstanding, the corporation shall select by lot (except as otherwise provided with respect to any particular series in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series), or in such manner as the Board of Directors may determine, the shares s o t o be redeemed. If such notice of redemption shall have been so mailed, and if on or before the redemption date specified in such notice, all funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set aside by the corporation, separate and apart from its other funds, in trust for account of the holders of the shares s o t o be redeemed, so as to be and continue to be available therefor, then, on and after said redemption date, notwithstanding that any certificate for the shares of the Preference Stock so called for redemption, shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the shares represented thereby shall no longer be deemed outstanding, the right to receive dividends thereon shall cease to accrue, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preference Stock so called for redemption shall forthwith cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive, out of the funds so set aside in trust, the amount payable on redemption thereof, but without interest, and thereupon such stock shall be deemed cancelled and retired; provided, however, that, if after mailing said notices as aforesaid and prior to the date of redemption specified in such notice, said funds shall be set aside by deposit in trust, for the account of the holders of the Preference Stock to be redeemed, with a bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America, of the State of Vermont or of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, thereupon all shares of the Preference Stock with respect to which such deposit shall have been made, shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights with respect to such shares of Preference Stock shall forthwith upon such deposit in trust cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive from such deposit the amount payable upon the redemption, but without interest; further provided however, that any funds so set aside by deposit in trust for the account of the holders of shares to be redeemed and remaining unclaimed by said holders for six years after the date of each such redemption shall, upon written request of the corporation therefor, be repaid by the bank or trust company acting as trustee to the corporation upon its written receipt, and such amended holders shall thereafter be entitled to look to the corporation and only to the corporation for payment of the amount payable upon redemption but without interest.
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
20E.   Subject to the rights of all senior stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, then, before any distribution shall be made to the holders of junior stock, the holders of each series of the Preference Stock at the time outstanding shall be entitled to be paid in cash the amount fixed and determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series, together in each case with dividends accrued thereon to the date fixed for payment of such distributive amounts, and in addition thereto, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up be voluntary, such premium, if any, as shall have been fixed for such series by the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such series.
 
No payments on account of such distributive amounts shall be made to the holders of any series of the Preference Stock, unless there shall likewise be paid at the same time to the holders of each other series of the Preference Stock, at the time outstanding like proportionate distributive amounts, ratably, in proportion to the full distributive amounts to which they are respectively entitled. After payment to the holders of Preference Stock, the remaining net assets of the corporation shall be paid or distributed to the holders of junior stock then outstanding according to their respective rights. Consolidation or merger of the corporation with any other corporation or corporations shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation within the meaning of this subdivision 20E.
 
 
20F.   The holders of Preference Stock shall have no right to be represented at or to receive notice of meetings of the stockholders of the corporation or to vote upon any question or at any election, except as hereinafter specifically provided, or as may be required by the laws of the State of Vermont.
 
(a) If dividends accrued on the outstanding Preference Stock shall at any time and from time to time equal or exceed an amount equivalent to six (6) full quarterly dividends on all shares of all series of the Preference Stock at the time outstanding, then until all dividends in default on the Preference Stock shall have been paid, the holders of Preference Stock shall have the right to be represented at and to receive notice of any meeting of the stockholders of the corporation held for the purpose of electing directors, and voting separately as one class, by plurality vote of a majority of the shares outstanding, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors, the remaining members of the Board of Directors to be elected by the holders of the senior stock and junior stock or any other class of stock entitled to vote therefor in accordance with their respective rights. If and when all dividends then in default on the Preference Stock shall thereafter be paid (and such dividends shall be declared and paid out of any funds legally available therefor as soon as reasonably practicable), the Preference Stock shall thereupon be divested of such special right to elect any member of the Board of Directors, but subject always to the same provisions for the vesting of such special right in the Preference Stock in case of further like default or defaults. Nothing in this paragraph (a) shall prevent holders of any additional class or preferred stocks hereafter authorized from being given a right similar to that given to holders of Preference Stock by this paragraph (a). Each share of Preference Stock shall have one vote per share.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As amended
Sept. 25, 1975
 
21. The following provisions shall govern the classification, election, appointment and removal of directors.
 
(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) below, the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 9 or more than 13 persons, the exact number to be fixed from time to time in the manner set forth in the By-laws. The Directors (other than those elected under any other provision of these Articles) shall be classified, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. Upon their initial election, the members of the first class shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders after their election, the members of the second class shall hold office for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders after their election, and the members of the third class shall hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders after their election.
 
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) below, any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors. Any Director elected in accordance with this provision shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of Directors in which the vacancy occurred and until such Director's successor shall have been elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of authorized Directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.
 
(c) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (e) of subdivision 6, a Director may be removed from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of the Common Stock and of any other class of stock then being expressly entitled to vote with the Common Stock on the question.
 
(d) Nothing contained in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this subdivision 21 shall be deemed to alter, amend or repeal the provisions of the paragraph (b) of subdivision 6, paragraph (b) of subdivision 10F, paragraph (b) of subdivision 17, or paragraph (a) of subdivision 20F, each of which confers, under the circumstances described therein, on the holders of the classes of stock referred to therein, the right to vote in the election of directors. During any period in which such rights may be exercised, the provision or provisions conferring such rights shall prevail over any provision of this subdivision 21 inconsistent therewith.
 
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles of Association, of the By-Laws of the Company, or of law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of the Common Stock and of any other class of stock then being expressly entitled to vote in the election of Directors shall be required (i) to alter, amend or repeal this subdivision 21 or any provision thereof, or (ii) to alter, amend or repeal Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of Article V of the By-laws of the Company.
 
As added
February 27, 1987
 
As amended
February 9, 2010
22.   Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, these Articles of Association may be amended from time to time at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, the call for which shall set forth the substance of the proposed amendment, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote or, if more than one class of stock is then entitled to vote, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of each class of the outstanding stock so entitled to vote.
As amended
May 19, 1948


Dated at City of Rutland, in the County of Rutland, this 19th day of January, A.D. 1929.
 
Subscribers
 
W. H. Lawson
 
Bert L. Stafford
 
Edwin W. Lawrence
Post Officer Address
 
Rutland, Vermont
 
Rutland, Vermont
 
Rutland, Vermont


 
 

 













I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Articles of Association of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, as amended, as filed and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State of Vermont, the last amendment having been filed                                    , 19             .
 
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, this                         day of                                   A.D. 19               .
 
 
                                                                          
                              Secretary


 
 

 












STATE OF VERMONT
 
Office of Secretary of State
 
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Articles of Association of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, as amended, as filed and recorded in the office, the last amendment having been filed                                    , 19             .
 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal, at Montpelier, this                         day of                                    A.D. 19               .
 
 
                                                                          
                   Secretary of State



 
 

 

EX-99.2 BYLAWS 4 ex99_2bylaws.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 CVPS BY-LAWS ex99_2bylaws.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 99.2

BY-LAWS
 
OF
 
CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
 
 
ARTICLE I.
 
Articles of Agreement; Offices
 
Section 1.  These By-laws shall be subject to the Articles of Association, and all references in these By-laws to the Articles of Association shall be construed to mean the Articles of Association of the Corporation as from time to time amended.
 
Section 2.  The Corporation shall maintain its principal office in Rutland, Vermont, and may maintain offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint.
 
ARTICLE II.
 
Seal
 
The corporate seal shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the words and figures: "Seal Vermont 1929".
 
ARTICLE III.
 
Capital Stock and Transfers
 
Section 1.  The amount and classes of capital stock that may be issued by the Corporation, and the designations, preferences, rights, privileges, voting powers, restrictions, and qualifications of each class thereof, shall be as set forth in the Articles of Association, as the same shall at any time be duly recorded in the office of the Secretary of State of Vermont in original or amended form.
 
Section 2.  The Corporation's stock may be certificated or uncertificated, as provided under Vermont law, and shall be entered onto the books of the Corporation and registered as they are issued.  Upon written request, each holder of fully paid stock may be entitled to a certificate or certificates of stock as provided by law and in a form approved by the Board of Directors.  If uncertificated shares are issued, the Corporation shall send each holder of such shares a written statement containing the information required by law.
 
Section 3.  Shares of stock may be transferred by the owner by a proper endorsement upon the back of the certificate or by a separate instrument of assignment, and the assignee, upon producing, and surrendering the former certificate so transferred or the certificate accompanied by such instrument, shall be entitled to a new certificate if no liens upon the stock against the former owner have been attached.  The delivery of a properly executed stock certificate to a bona fide purchaser or pledgee for value to sell, assign and transfer the same, signed by the owner of the certificate, shall be a sufficient delivery to transfer the title against all persons except the Company; but no such transfer shall affect the right of the Company to treat the stockholder of record as the stockholder in fact until the old certificate is surrendered and a new certificate is issued to the person entitled thereto.  Except as hereinafter provided, or as may be required by law or by the order of a court in appropriate proceedings, shares of stock shall be transferred on the books of the Company only upon the proper assignment and surrender of the certificates issued therefor.  If an outstanding certificate of stock shall be lost, destroyed or stolen, the holder thereof may have a replacement certificate issued upon such terms as the Directors may prescribe.
 
Section 4.  If default shall be made in the prompt payment when due of any sum payable to the Company upon any subscription for stock of the Company, and if such default shall continue for a period of twenty days, then all right under the subscription in and to the stock subscribed for shall, upon the expiration of such period, cease and determine and become and be forfeited to the Company; provided that if at the expiration of such twenty day period such right shall belong to the estate of a decedent, it may be forfeited only by resolution of the Board of Directors declaring forfeiture.
 
ARTICLE IV.
 
Meetings of Stockholders
 
Section 1.  All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at the place designated in the call therefor. The annual meeting shall be held on the first Tuesday of May in each year, if not a legal holiday, and if a legal holiday, then on the next succeeding business day, at the time designated in the call, for the election of Directors, and the transaction of such other business as may come before it.
 
Section 2.  Special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the President or the Secretary upon written request of stockholders holding not less than one-tenth of all the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.  In case an annual meeting shall be omitted through inadvertence or otherwise, the business of such meeting may be transacted at a special meeting duly called for the purpose.
 
Section 3.  Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the President or the Secretary, to each registered holder entitled to vote at such meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the registered holder at the address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Company, with postage on it prepaid.  The notice provisions of Article XIV, Section 1 of these By-laws shall apply to notices given under this Section 3.
 
Section 4.  Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Association, a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders.  If a quorum is present, the action on a matter (other than the election of directors) is approved if the votes cast in favor of the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by classes is required by law, by these By-laws or by the Articles of Association.  A majority vote of whatever stock shall be represented, even if less than a quorum, shall be sufficient (a) to adjourn from time to time until a quorum is present or (b) to adjourn sine die.
 
Section 5.  At all stockholders' meetings, holders of record of stock then having voting power shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by them, respectively, upon any question or at any election, and such vote may, in all cases, be given by proxy, duly authorized in writing or submitted by electronic transmission by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact.  But no proxy dated more than eleven months before the meeting, which shall be named therein, shall be accepted; and no proxy shall be valid after the final adjournment of such meeting.
 
Section 6.  Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and proposals of business to be transacted by the shareholders may be made at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders only a) pursuant to Corporation's notice with respect to such meeting, b) by or at the discretion of the Board of Directors or c) by any shareholder of the Corporation who was a shareholder of record on the Record Date set with respect to such meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the notice procedures as set forth in this Article IV.  For nominations or proposals for any other business to be properly brought before an annual or special meeting by a shareholder pursuant to clause (c) above, the shareholder must give timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary the Corporation, such business must be a proper matter for the shareholder action under the Vermont Business Corporation Act, and a proper matter for consideration at such meeting under the Articles of Association and these By-laws.  To be timely, a shareholder's notice shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy statement to the shareholders in connection with the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than thirty (30) days, or delayed by more than sixty (60) days, from such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.  For purposes of this Section 6, "Public Announcement" shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, or comparable national news service.
 
Such shareholder's notice shall be set forth (a) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a thorough description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such shareholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (c) as to the shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such shareholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner and (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such shareholder and such beneficial owner.
 
Notwithstanding anything in the first paragraph of this Section 6 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least eighty (80) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, a shareholder's notice required by paragraph one (1) of this Section 6 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
 
ARTICLE V.
 
Directors
 
Section 1.  The property and business of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors, each of whom must be a stockholder.  The Directors shall be elected by ballot by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present, except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Association or in these By-laws.
 
No person shall be eligible for election or re-election as a Director after his/her seventieth birthday, and the term of any Director which extends beyond his/her seventieth birthday shall expire on the date of the annual meeting of the Company next following his/her seventieth birthday.
 
A majority of the Directors shall at all times be persons who are not employees of the Corporation.  The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to the election of Directors by the holders of preferred stock when, in accordance with the Articles of Association, they shall be entitled to elect the smallest number of Directors necessary to constitute a majority of the full Board of Directors.
 
Section 2.  Subject to the provisions of Section 5 below, the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 9 nor more than 13 persons, the exact number to be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.  Such exact number may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and of any other class of stock then being expressly entitled to vote with the common stock on the question.  The Directors shall be classified, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible.  Upon their initial election, the members of the first class shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders after their election, the members of the second class shall hold office for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders after their election, and the members of the third class shall hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders after their election.
 
Section 3.  Subject to the provisions of Section 5 below, any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors.  Any Director elected in accordance with this provision shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of Directors in which the vacancy occurred and until such Director's successor shall have been elected and qualified.  No decrease in the number of authorized Directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.
 
Section 4.  Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (e) of subdivision 6 of the Articles of Association, a Director may be removed from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and of any other class of stock then being expressly entitled to vote with the common stock on the question.
 
Section 5.  Nothing contained in Sections 2 through 4 of this Article V shall be deemed to alter, amend or repeal the provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision 6, paragraph (b) of subdivision 10F, or paragraph (a) of subdivision 20F, of the Articles of Association each of which confers, under the circumstances described therein, on the holders of the classes of stock referred to therein, the right to vote in the election of Directors.  During any period in which such rights may be exercised, the provision or provisions conferring such rights shall prevail over any provision of these By-laws inconsistent therewith.
 
Section 6.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, of the Articles of Association or of law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and of any other class of stock then being expressly entitled to vote with the common stock in the election of Directors shall be required to alter, amend or repeal Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of this Article V.
 
Section 7.  The Board of Directors may hold its meetings and may have one or more offices, and may keep the books of the Corporation (except such records and books as by laws of Vermont are required to be kept within the State) within or outside of Vermont, at such places as it may from time to time determine.  In addition to the powers and authorities by these By-laws expressly conferred upon them, the Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the Corporation, and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, by the Articles of Association or by these By-laws required to be exercised or done by the incorporators or stockholders.
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Section 8.
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ARTICLE VI.
 
Meetings of the Board
 
Section 1.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place and time as may be designated from time to time by the Board; and such meetings, and a regular meeting immediately following and at the same place as each annual meeting of the stockholders, may be held without notice.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, or by any two Directors, upon two days' notice to each Director, either personally or by mail, telegram, e-mail, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, or other legally recognized method; and they may be held at any time without call or formal notice, provided all the Directors are present or waive notice thereof in writing.
 
Section 2.  A majority of the number of Directors fixed in accordance with the By-laws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a greater number is required by the Articles of Association.  The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Articles of Association.
 
Section 3.  Directors who are not also officers or regular employees of the Company may receive compensation for their services as such or as a member of any committee of the Board of Directors, as well as fixed sums and expenses for attendance at Directors' or committee meetings, in such amounts as may be provided from time to time by the Board of Directors, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
 
Section 4.  Directors and members of the Executive Committee and any other committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting in such a manner shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
 
Section 5.  Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all directors consent in writing prior to such action.  Such written consent or consent shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.
 
ARTICLE VII.
 
Officers
 
Section 1.  In each year there shall be elected by the Board of Directors, and if practicable, at its first meeting after the annual election of Directors, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Controller; and the Board may provide for and elect a Chairperson, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers and prescribe such duties for them as in its judgment may, from time to time, be required to conduct the business of the Company.  One of said Vice Presidents may be designated Executive Vice President.  Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary.  All officers shall hold their respective offices for the term of one year, and until their successors, willing to serve, shall have been elected and, in the case of the Secretary, qualified, unless sooner removed; but they, and any of them, may be removed from their respective offices at the pleasure of the Board.  Vacancies arising in any office from any cause shall be filled by the Board of Directors; and the persons chosen to fill vacancies shall serve for the balance of the unexpired term and until their successors shall have been elected.
 
Section 2.  A Chairperson elected pursuant to Section 1 of this Article VII shall advise with and make his/her counsel available to the other officers of the Company and shall have such other powers and duties as may at any time be prescribed by these By-laws and by the Board of Directors.  He/She shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee.
 
The Chairperson and the President shall be members of the Executive Committee (if such Executive Committee is designated by the Board of Directors) and each of them, in his/her discretion, may attend any meeting of any committee of the Board, whether or not he/she is a member of such committee.
 
Section 3.  The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have charge of the business and affairs of the Company, including the power to appoint and to remove and to discharge any and all agents and employees of the Company not elected or appointed directly by the Board of Directors, and such other powers and duties as may at any time be prescribed by these By-laws and by the Board of Directors.
 
Section 4.  The Vice President or Vice Presidents, if there shall be more than one, shall have such powers and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the President, but any powers and duties prescribed by the President shall not be inconsistent with any theretofore prescribed by the Board of Directors.  In case the President, from absence or any other cause, shall be unable at any time to attend to the duties of the office of President requiring attention, or in case of his/her death, resignation or removal from office, the powers and duties of the President shall, except as the Board of Directors may otherwise provide, temporarily devolve upon the Executive Vice President if one shall have been designated and is able to serve, or in case of the latter's inability, upon the Vice President designated by the Board of Directors and able to serve and shall be exercised by such Vice President as acting President during such inability of the President, or until the vacancy in the office of President shall be filled.  In case of the absence, disability, death, resignation or removal from office of both the President and such Vice President, the Board of Directors shall elect one of its members to exercise the powers and duties of the President during such absence or disability, or until the vacancy in one of said offices shall be filled.
 
Section 5.  The Secretary shall reside in the State of Vermont and shall have the duties prescribed by law and such other duties as the By-laws or the Board of Directors may prescribe.
 
Section 6.  The Treasurer shall have charge of, and be responsible for the custody and, jointly with the Controller, the receipt and disbursement of the funds of the Corporation, and shall deposit its funds in the name of the Company, in such banks, trust companies, or safe deposit vaults as the Board of Directors may direct.  The Treasurer shall have the custody of such books and papers as in the practical business operations of the Company shall naturally belong in the office or custody of the Treasurer, or as shall be placed in his/her custody by the Board of Directors, by the Executive Committee, or by the President. The Treasurer shall also have charge of the safekeeping of all stocks, bonds, mortgages, and other securities belonging to the Company, but such stocks, bonds, mortgages, and other securities shall be deposited for safekeeping in a safe deposit vault to be approved by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, in a box or boxes, access to which shall be had as may be provided by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.  The Treasurer shall have such other powers and duties as are commonly incident to the office of Treasurer, or as may be prescribed.  The Treasurer may be required to give bond to the Company for the faithful discharge of duties in such form and to such amount and with such sureties as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
 
Section 7.  The Controller shall have charge of, and be responsible for the collection, and jointly with the Treasurer, the receipt and disbursement of the funds of the Corporation. The Controller shall maintain adequate records of all assets, liabilities, and transactions of the Company; shall see that adequate audits thereof are currently and regularly made and, in conjunction with other officers and department heads, shall initiate and enforce methods and procedures whereby the business of the Company shall be conducted with maximum safety, efficiency and economy.  The Controller shall have the custody of such books, receipted vouchers, and other books and papers as in the practical business operations of the Company shall naturally belong in the office or the custody of the Controller, or as shall be placed in his/her custody by the Board of Directors, by the Executive Commit­tee, or by the President.  The Controller shall have such other powers and duties as are commonly incidental to the office of Controller, or as may be prescribed. The Controller may be required to give bond to the Company for the faithful discharge of duties in such form and to such amount and with such sureties as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
 
Section 8.  Assistant Secretaries or Treasurers, when elected, shall assist the Secretary or Treasurer, as the case may be, in the performance of the respective duties assigned to such principal officers; and the powers and duties of any such principal officer, shall, except as otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, temporarily devolve upon his/her assistant in case of the absence, disability, death, resignation or removal from office of such principal officer.  They shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time.
 
ARTICLE VIII.
 
Executive Committee
 
Section 1.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the Board, designate from their number an Executive Committee of such number, not less than three, as the Board may fix from time to time.  The Executive Committee may make its own rules of procedure and shall meet where and as provided by such rules, or by resolution of the Board of Directors.  A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  During the intervals between the meetings of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee shall have all the powers of the Board in management of the business and affairs of the Company except as may otherwise be provided by law, including power to authorize the seal of the Company to be affixed to all papers which may require it, and, by majority vote of all its members, exercise any and all such powers in such manner as such Committee shall deem best for the interest of the Company, in all cases in which specific directions shall not have been given by the Board of Directors, and in which the vote of a quorum of the full Board of Directors is not required by law, the Articles of Association, or by these By-laws.
 
Section 2.  The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.  The Board of Directors shall have power to rescind any vote or resolution of the Executive Committee, but no such recision shall have retroactive effect.
 
ARTICLE IX.
 
Inspection of Books
 
All records, accounts, and papers of the Corporation shall be open to the inspection of every stockholder at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes; and, subject to such rights of inspection as may be afforded the stockholders by law, the Directors may make such reasonable regulations relative to such inspection, and take such action to prevent an inspection of corporate books or papers for illegitimate purposes as may be consistent with law.
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ARTICLE X.
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ARTICLE XI.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
 
Section 1.  Permissive Indemnification.  To the extent legally permissible, the Company may indemnify any of its Directors, officers and employees who, as a result of such position, was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any contemplated, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal against expenses, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding.  The term Expenses, as used in this Article, includes reasonable attorney's fees, damages, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and costs including the costs of investigation and defense.  Such indemnification against Expenses shall be payable only if (a) the Director, officer or employee acted in good faith, (b) the Director reasonably believed:  (A) in the case of conduct in the Director's official capacity with the Company, that the Director's conduct was in its best interests; and (B) in all other cases, that the Director's conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (c) with respect to any proceeding brought by a governmental entity, the Director had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, and the Director is not finally found to have engaged in a reckless or intentional unlawful act. Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise provided by law, the Company may not indemnify any Director, officer, or employee for any Expenses in any action by or in right of the Company in which such individual is adjudged liable to the Company.
 
Any indemnification under this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Company only upon a determination that indemnification of the Director, officer or employee is proper because he or she has acted in good faith in conformance with the applicable standard of conduct as set forth herein.  Such determination shall be made (a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding or (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, by majority vote of a committee duly designated by the Board of Directors (in which designation Directors who are parties to the action, suit or proceeding may participate), consisting solely of two or more Directors not at the time parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (c) by written opinion of special legal counsel:  (A) selected by the Board of Directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in clause (a) or (b); or (B) if a quorum of the Board of Directors cannot be obtained under clause (a) and a committee cannot be designated under clause (b), selected by majority vote of the full Board of Directors (in which selection Directors who are parties to the action, suit or proceeding may participate); or (d) by the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under the control of Directors who are at the time parties to the action, suit or proceeding may not be voted on the determination.
 
Authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of Expenses shall be made in the same manner provided above as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if the determination is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of Expenses shall be made by those entitled under clause (c) above to select such counsel.
 
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith in conformance with the applicable standard of conduct as set forth above.
 
Section 2.  Mandatory Indemnification.  To the extent that a Director, officer or employee of the Company has been wholly successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, proceeding, claim, issue, or matter referred to in Section 1 of this Article, he or she shall be indemnified to the extent legally permissible against Expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
 
Section 3.  Right To Rely On Corporate Information.  In discharging his or her duty, any Director, when acting in good faith in conformance with the applicable standard of conduct as set forth above, may rely upon information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by:  (a) one or more officers or employees of the Company whom the Director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; (b) legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the Director reasonably believes are within the person's professional or expert competence; or (c) a committee of the Board of Directors of which the Director is not a member if the Director reasonably believes the committee merits confidence.
 
Section 4.  Advance Payment of Expenses.  Expenses incurred by a Director, officer or employee in connection with any of the matters with respect to which indemnification may be sought pursuant hereto may be paid from time to time by the Company in advance of the final disposition of any such matter if the following conditions are met:  (a)  the Director furnishes the Company written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct described in Section 1 of this Article; (b) the Director furnishes the Company a written undertaking, executed personally or on the Director's behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that the Director did not meet the standard of conduct; and (c) a determination is made that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under this subchapter.
 
Determinations and authorizations of payments under this Section 4 shall be made in the manner specified in Section 1 of this Article.
 
The Board of Directors may authorize counsel (which may be either Company counsel or outside counsel) to represent such individual in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Company is a party to such action, suit or proceeding.
 
Section 5.  Procedure For Indemnification.  Subject to compliance with any applicable procedures in Sections 1 or 4, as the case may be, any indemnification of a Director, officer or employee of the Company or advance of Expenses to such an individual under the terms of this Article shall be made promptly.  If the Company unreasonably denies a written request for indemnity or the advance payment of Expenses, either in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made promptly, the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article shall be enforceable by such individual in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Such individual's costs and expenses including reasonable attorney's fees incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Company.
 
Section 6.  Non-Exclusivity of Indemnification Rights.  The right of indemnification hereby provided shall not be deemed exclusive of or otherwise affect any other rights to which any individual seeking indemnification may be entitled by law, or under any agreement, vote of stockholders or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
 
Section 7.  Other Organizations.  The indemnification provisions of this Article shall extend to any Director, officer or employee who serves at the Company's request as director, officer or trustee of another organization, including, without limitation, an employee benefit plan, in which the Company has or had an interest as a stockholder, creditor, sponsor or otherwise.  The right to rely on corporate information conferred in Section 3 of this Article shall also extend to the records, books of accounts and reports of any such other organization of which the individual serves as director, officer or trustee.
 
Section 8.  Survival.  The foregoing indemnification provisions shall be deemed to be a contract between the Company and each individual who serves in any capacity as a Director, officer or employee of the Company at any time while these provisions are in effect.  Except as may otherwise be required as a result of changes in the law governing indemnification of officers, directors and employees of Vermont corporations, any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions shall not affect any right or obligation then existing and such "contract rights" may not be modified retroactively without the consent of such Director, officer or employee.
 
ARTICLE XII.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Section 1.  The funds of the Company shall be deposited to its credit in such banks or trust companies as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, designate, and shall be drawn out only for the purposes of the Company and only upon checks or drafts signed in such manner as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors in accordance with the power vested in them by these By-laws.
 
Section 2.  No debts shall be contracted, except for current expenses, unless authorized by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
 
Section 3.  All dividends shall be payable at such time as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.  Before payment of any dividend or making any distribution of profits, there shall be set aside, out of the surplus or net profits of the Corporation such sum or sums as the Board of Directors, from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors think conducive to the interest of the Corporation.
 
Section 4.  The first fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the period commencing September 1, 1929 and ending December 31, 1930, and thereafter each calendar year, commencing with the year 1931, shall be the fiscal year of the Corporation.
 
ARTICLE XIII.
 
Amendment
 
Except as set forth in subdivision 21 of the Company's Articles of Association and in Article V of these By-laws, these By-laws may be altered, amended or repealed at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose, of which the notice shall specify the subject matter of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal or the sections to be affected thereby, by vote of the stockholders, or if there shall be two or more classes or series of stock entitled to vote on the question, by vote of each such class or series.  These By-laws may also be altered, amended or repealed by vote of the majority of the number of Directors fixed in accordance with the By-laws at a meeting called for that purpose of which the notice shall specify the subject matter of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal or the sections to be affected thereby, except that the Directors shall not take any action which provides for indemnification of Directors or affects the powers of Directors or officers to contract with the Company, nor any action to amend this Article XIII, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of Article V,  and except that the Directors shall not take any action unless permitted by law.  Except as set forth in subdivision 21 of the Company's Articles of Association and in Article V of these By-laws, any By-Law so altered, amended or repealed by the Directors may be further altered or amended or reinstated by the stockholder in the above manner.
 
ARTICLE XIV.
 
Notices
 
Section 1.  Whenever, under the provisions of the Articles of Association or of the By-laws of the Corporation or the statues of the State or Vermont, notice is required to be given to a shareholder, to director or to an officer, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, unless expressly stated so to be.  Any notice so required (other than notice by publication) may be given in writing by depositing the same in United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the shareholder, director or officer, at his, or her, address as the same appears on the records of the Corporation, and the time and when the same is mailed shall be deemed to be the time of the giving of such notice.  Any such notice required to be given to shareholders may also be given in the form of electronic transmission consented to by the shareholder.  Such notice shall be deemed to be given: 1) if by facsimile, when directed to a number at which the shareholder has consented to receive notice; 2) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the shareholder has consented to receive notice; 3) if by posting on electronic network together with separate notice to shareholder of specific posting, upon the later of such posting and the giving of such separate notice, and 4) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed by the shareholder.
 
Section 2.  Any shareholder, director, or officer may, and in writing or electronic transmission, waive the giving and the mailing of any notice required to be given or mailed either by and under the statutes of the State of Vermont or by an under the By-laws.
 
ARTICLE XV.
 
Emergency By-laws
 
The Emergency By-laws may be adopted upon (a) the declaration of a civil defense emergency by the President of the United States or by concurrent resolution of the Congress of United States pursuant to Title 50, Appendix, Section 2291 of United States Code, or any amendment thereof, or (b) upon a proclamation of a civil defense emergency by the Governor of the State of Vermont which relates to attack or eminent attack on United States or any of its possessions.  Such Emergency By-laws, or any amendments to these By-laws adopted during such emergency, shall cease to be effective and shall be suspended upon any proclamation by the President of United States, or the passage by the Congress of a concurrent resolution, or any declaration by the Governor of Vermont that such civil defense emergency no longer exists.
 
Section 1.  During any such emergency, any meeting of the Board of Directors may be called by any officer of the Corporation or by any director.  Notice shall be given by such person or by any officer of the Corporation.  The notice shall specify the place of the meeting. The notice shall also specify the time of the meeting.  Notice may be given only to such directors as may be feasible to reach at the time and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication or radio.  If given by mail, messenger, telephone, or telegraph, the notice shall be addressed to the director at his residence or business address, or such other place that the person giving the notice shall deem most suitable.  Notice shall be similarly given, to the extent feasible in the judgment of the person giving the notice, to the other directors.  Notice shall be given at least two days before the meeting, if feasible in the judgment of the person giving the notice, and otherwise on any shorter time he or she made deem necessary.
 
Section 2.  The Board of Directors, during any such emergency may, effective in the emergency, change the main office or designate several alternative main offices, or regional offices or authorize the officers to do so.




 
 
 

 

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