Anchorage Platting Board Appointment

Dear Clayton Walker, Jr.,

Congratulations!  Your reappointment for the Platting Board has been approved by the Assembly for another three years, extending to October 14, 2018.

Attached is the Assembly Memorandum No. AM 617-2015.

Thank you so much for your time, dedication and service!  You are greatly appreciated!

Sandy Johnson

Municipality of Anchorage — Clayton Walker, Jr.Current Planning

 

 

Contesting Alaska Deed of Trust Foreclosures

[Deed of Trust Foreclosure Sales

 

Many attorney’s knee jerk response is that deed of trust foreclosure sales don’t get set aside.  This certainly is the general rule.  However, Alaska has a long history of setting aside deed of trust foreclosure sales, even if they are only rare occasions.  Alaska is particularly troubling in that the statute provides for redemption rights only to the extent provided for in the deed of trust.  Because the statute does not require redemption rights the banks don’t allow any redemption rights.  Accordingly, the courts have allowed sales to be set aside.  Due process violation allegations have been made, but the Alaska Supreme Court has not reached the question by finding other reasons to allow the sales to be set aside.  Accordingly, the issue remains open whether a due process claim could be successful.  The following are excerpts taken from various pleadings and briefs filed in cases in Alaska.  Rather than waiting to provide a more cohesive analysis on the topic, I thought I’d make these resources generally available to those that might either use them as a launching point or to engage in debate on the issues.

Alaska Courts set aside Trustee Foreclosure Sales

“Equity Abhors a forfeiture and will seize upon slight circumstances to relieve a party therefrom.” Rosenberg v. Smidt, 727 P.2d 778, 783 (Alaska 1986) citing, Jameson v. Wurtz, 396 P.2d 68 (Alaska 1974).  The remedy of setting aside the sale will be applied in cases which reach unjust extremes.  Rosenberg v. Smidt, 727 P.2d 778, 783 (Alaska 1986) citing Semlek v. National Bank of Alaska, 458 P.2d 1003, 1006 (Alaska 1969).  If the bidders are allowed to claim the property after paying only a small fraction of the value of the property the matter has reached an unjust extreme.   See, e.g., Rosenberg v. Smidt, 727 P.2d 778 (Alaska 1986).

 

The Alaska Supreme Court has stated that

“. . .defects in the mechanics of the trustee’s exercise of the power to foreclose may render the foreclosure sale voidable.  Generally, mere inadequacy of price is not sufficient by itself to require the inadequacy of the sale price is (1) “so gross as to shock the conscience and raise a presumption of fraud or unfairness,” or (2) is coupled with other irregularities in the sale procedures, then invalidation of the sale may be justified.

Gross inadequacy is measured by reference to the fair market value of the property at the time of the sale.  Fair market value for these purposes has been defined as not the fair “forced sale” value of the real estate, but the price which would result from negotiation and mutual agreement, after ample time to find a purchaser, between a vendor who is willing, but not compelled to sell, and a purchaser who is willing to buy, but not compelled to take a particular piece of real estate.  Baskurt v. Beal, 101 P.2d 1041, 1044 (Alaska 2004).

 

Furthermore, “. . .a trustee has a duty to take reasonable steps to act impartially and in such a way as “not to sacrifice the debtor’s property.”  Id at 1046.

Alaska Deed of Trust Bidders Do Not Earn BFP Status when on Inquiry Notice of Defenses to Sale or they are Bad Faith Purchasers.

Alaska Stat. 34.90.030 grants bona fide purchasers at a foreclosure sale a conclusive presumption that the provisions for a non-judicial sale were performed if the trustee recites the factual specifics of their compliance with statutory requirements.  The Alaska Supreme Court has applied the statute in Rosenberg v. Smidt, 727 P.2d 778, 784 (Alaska 1986).  In Rosenberg the court stated that to qualify as a BPF the purchasers must be good faith purchasers for value and without notice of any defect.  Id.  Furthermore, a bad faith purchaser or one on inquiry notice does not become a BFP due to the recitations in the Trustee’s deed. Semlek v. National Bank of Alaska, 458 P.2d 1003 (Alaska 1969).

1) Foreclosure Purchaser Inquiry Notice may Defeat BFP Status: 

In addressing the quality of the bidder’s “notice,” the property owner only must show the bidders were on inquiry notice of potential defects in the sale to deprive the Bidders of BPF status.  Modrok v. Marshall, 523 P.2d 172 (Alaska 1974).

“It is a settled rule of property that circumstances, which suggest outstanding equities in third parties, impose a duty upon the purchaser’s to make a reasonable investigation into the existence of a claim.  Given suspicious facts, the status of bona fide purchaser turns upon whether there was a prudent inquiry into their import.”  Modrok v. Marshall, 523 P.2d 172 at 174 (Alaska 1974).

 

Facts that put bidder on inquiry notice of Defects of sale include:

 

1)                  Insufficiency of the Sale Price in comparison to the fair market value of the property sold;

2)                  Absence of the Owner at the Sale along with insufficient Trustee recitation of facts regarding the owners actual notice of the sale date.

 

When the owner is absent from the sale and the trustee’s deed fails to recite factual details in the deed then a bidder is on inquiry notice and is deprived of BFP status.  The court explained that requiring factual recitals tends to assure the requirements of law concerning mailing and delivery are complied with.  In the present case the trustee’s deed identifies the notice of sale which contained a specific sale date which was different than the actual sale date.  The trustee’ deed is completely silent on why the sale was continued or whether any factual steps were taken to apprise the owner of the new sale date.  This lack of any facts addressing this absence of notice to the Owner placed the Bidders on inquiry notice and deprived them of their BFP status.

2) Bad Faith Purchaser Conduct Defeats BFP Status:

A bad faith purchaser or one on inquiry notice does not become a BFP due to the recitations in the Trustee’s deed. Semlek v. National Bank of Alaska, 458 P.2d 1003 (Alaska 1969).  The Plaintiff’s following conduct caused their conduct to be bad faith:

1)            They created a collusive buying group to chill the sale and lower the auction price.

2)            They failed to address make sufficient inquiry into the items in which they were on inquiry notice;

3)            They failed to notify the owner of the sale so that she could timely object to the sale during the free statutory sale cancellation procedure.

Bidders had a duty to not chill the sale and take deliberate steps to lower the auction sale price.  .” Cf. McHugh v. Church, 583 P.2d 210, 214 (Alaska 1978).  The trustee must take “reasonable appropriate steps to avoid sacrifice of the debtor’s property and his interest.  Id.  “The trustee under a deed of trust generally regarded as owing a fiduciary duty to both the trustor and the beneficiary and is required to perform his duties impartially.   McHugh v. Church, 583 P.2d 210, 214 (Alaska 1978).  The trustee must take “reasonable appropriate steps to avoid sacrifice of the debtor’s property and his interest.  Id.  The Bidders were on notice that the borrowers were occupying the house before bidding on the property.

3)                  Possible factual Allegations

  1. The Bidders were the only bidders present at the sale.
  2. The Bidders created a collusive group to prevent competitive bidding at the sale thereby defeating the objective and purpose of a public sale.
  3. The Deed of Trustee attempted sale fails to comply with the Alaska Statutory requirements.
  4. The Bidder’s failed to promptly notify the Owners of the sale until after the lapse of A.S. 34.20.080(g) trustee rescission thereby intentionally depriving the Owner or Seller  the opportunity to correct any sale deficiencies.
  5. The Bidders were on notice that the deed of trust itself did not include redemption rights.
  6. The U.S. Constitutional Rights of due process which include notice and opportunity to be heard as guaranteed under the 14th Amendment was a matter of public record.
  7. The Alaska Constitution Article 1, Section 7 which affords due process rights to Alaska citizens was a matter of public record.
  8. The lender and Trustee breached the duty to seasonably advise the obligor on request of the amount in default.  Hagberg v. Alaska Nat’l Bank, 585 P.2d 559 (Alaska 1978).
  9. The lender and Trustee converted the owner’s right of reinstatement or satisfaction of the debt by breaching its duty to seasonably advising her of the cure amount or the redemption amount.  Young v. Embley, 143 P3d 936 (Alaska 2006).
  10. The Deed of Trust Trustee and lender have a duty to timely communicate the reinstatement and satisfaction amount; and, to be reasonably willing and able to accept a reinstatement or satisfaction from the debtor.   Nystrom v. Buckhorn Homes, 778 P.2d 1115; Alaska 1989).
  11. Perhaps the lender and trustee also have a duty to inspect the property, the tax rolls and consider the fair market value of the premises to fulfill its obligation to not forfeit the owner’s equity in the property.  This duty arises under the trustee’s  duty to act impartially to the trustor and beneficiary of the trust by informing the beneficiary of the continued sale date but failing to announce the continuance to the trustor.  These rights arise from the duty to not to sacrifice the debtor’s property for an insufficient amount.  McHugh v. Church, 583 P.2d 210  (Alaska 1978).  I propose the lender and Trustee also has a  duty to notify the trustor of the sale results within the trustee’s ten day timeline to rescind the sale thereby not sacrifice the owner’s equitable rights of redemption.

Alaska Contractor’s Outlook with Government Shut Down

Government Shut Down Affects Contractors
http://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/10111702255

How will the government shut down affect Alaska contractors?

Considering all the moving parts and implications of the government shutdown what should Alaska contractors focus on now.  In short, brace yourself, what is happening now is not a one-off situation; this is  ground-zero for the foreseeable future.

Sequestration happened in March.  During that time federal job losses averaged 9,000 per month, or 72,000 jobs lost. We anticipate that federal payroll decline will escalate.

We expect continued:

1. Reduction in new contracts;
2. Changes in administration contract administration on existing contracts;
3. Changes in procurement type;
4. Increase in Bid Protest activity; and
5. Increase in CDA Claims activity

Cost and need will drive new contracts. The government will likely focus on existing programs over long-term projects. On vehicle usage, conservatism should be anticipated as the rule; the Fed has lots of flexibility for greater restrictions – so dot the I’s and cross the T’s.  You can expect a frequent use legacy indefinite in quantity contracts  (IDIQ) and a desire to lock contractors in to  Firm Fixed Price contracts.

Alaska Contractors can expect the government to offload risk to the contractor community.  Alaska Contractors will need to  manage this increased risk.  Alaska Contractors should approach opportunities with a focus on discipline and rigorous risk evaluation. Fully-funded contracts and phases should be safe; forward phases and contract options are  at risk and should be re-negotiated as soon as possible.

The same applies to your IDIQ task-orders.  The funded task or delivery orders should be safe.   Those that are not are at risk. You should determine 1) whether your contract relates to a sequestration exempt program; 2) whether it is impacted by any new congressional budget, 3) whether it is fully or incrementally funded, 4) when the agency anticipates exercise of options or issuance of task orders, and 5) what changes are planned.

With scarce contract opportunities; we expect an impact on Bid Protests and CDA Claims. The GAO shutdown creates doubt that protests will trigger an automatic stay.   If the GAO protests fails to stop disputed contracts, you may reconsider rolling the dice in more expensive litigation at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. However, if you decide to engage the GAO; the Agency has issued guidance to federal contractors about how bid protests and related filings will be handled during this period.

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ALASKA COMMERCIAL LEASE DEFINITIONS PRIMER

Alaska Commercial Lease Definitions
Commercial Space in Alaska

COMMERCIAL LEASE DEFINITIONS PRIMER

 Commercial leases contain terms that many people don’t know and definitions would help them.  Some commercial leases are the subject of complex, lengthy, and intense negotiations.  To be proficient at such negotiations, one must be familiar with certain basic concepts and be able to anticipate and protect one’s client from problems that may occur during the term of the lease.  This post addresses definitiions of some of the principal legal and financial terms applicable to commercial leases.  The most important legal and financial terms in commercial leases include the following:

Rent, including base rent, percentage rent, increases in rent, taxes, and operating expenses, and rent abatement;

  •             Renewals or extensions of the lease;
  •             Security deposits;
  •             Promotional funds;
  •             Uplift allowances;
  •             The condition of the premises;
  •             Lease term;
  •             Options to terminate;
  •             Options to purchase;
  •             Casualty and condemnation;
  •             Maintenance and repairs;
  •             Indemnities;
  •             Defaults (landlord as well as tenant);
  •             Attorneys’ fees;
  •             Guaranties of lease;
  •             Assignment and subleasing;
  •             Americans with Disabilities Act provisions;
  •             Entry by landlord;
  •             Environmental issues;
  •             Anticompetition clauses;
  •             Landlord limitation of liability;
  •             Substitution of premises;
  •             Mandatory remodeling;
  •             Rights to lease adjacent space;
  •             Landlord’s lien; and

Rules and regulations of landlord

  Continue reading “ALASKA COMMERCIAL LEASE DEFINITIONS PRIMER”

Expansive Business Attorney Views from Wolverine Peak

Anchorage Small Business Attorney
Does your business attorney have an expansive view of your business?

It’s good to get out and take in the views on a sunny day.  From Wolverine Peak across the Chugach Range.  Lots of people were out for the adventure.  I wound up meeting with a judge, a former board member and client at various points along the hike.

Expansive Business Attorney Views from Wolverine Peak

Anchorage Small Business Attorney
Does your business attorney have an expansive view of your business?

It’s good to get out and take in the views on a sunny day.  From Wolverine Peak across the Chugach Range.  Lots of people were out for the adventure.  I wound up meeting with a judge, a former board member and client at various points along the hike.

Bike to Work Anchorage 2013

May 17, 2013Anchorage Bike to Work

Anchorage Bike to Work Day is a local celebration of the national event initiated in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists. Each May, the event provides a stimulus to get bodies and bicycles in shape for a season of riding. Teams are organized among coworkers and other social groups for education and mutual support. Team registration has quadrupled since 2007; more than 3,800 cyclists were counted at key intersections in May of 2012.

Continue reading “Bike to Work Anchorage 2013”

Alaska Attorney Headed to Annual ABA Conference

ABA Conference on Construction Law
Clayton Walker, Jr.

PRESS RELEASE

Who:  Clayton Walker, Jr. of Alaska Law Offices, Inc., 240 E. Tudor Ste. 230, Anchorage, AK 99503  907-375-9277.

What:  The American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on the Construction  Annual Meeting:  Themed: Surfing the Next Wave: The Future of Construction Law.

When April 25-27

Where:  DanaPoint, Calif.

Why:  Building the Best Construction Lawyers.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on the Construction Industry will hold its annual meeting, entitled “Surfing the Next Wave: The Future of Construction Law and Practice,” April 25-27 in Dana Point, Calif. The event will focus on technological advances for construction projects; the future of government regulation for preference programs and workforce issues; the future of construction insurance, bonding, and construction law practice; and the globalization of construction alternative dispute resolution.

 

 

  • THE LEGAL ISSUES ARISING FROM FUTURE ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

The construction industry is finally focusing on its lack of productivity and efficiencies compared to other industries and is looking to advanced technology to change the paradigm. This session looks at the potential roles of emerging super hi-technology in construction, including robotics, modular construction, new contracting and administration techniques, and some key legal issues that may arise with the use of these new and emerging construction concepts, methods and materials.

 

  • PREFERENCE PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC PROJECTS: WILL THIS TREND CONTINUE?

This session is an opportunity to learn about future trends in federal, state and local government procurement, and particularly the expansion of programs to involve disadvantaged, small and local, disabled veteran-owned, minority-owned, and women-owned contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, to require use of U.S. and local products and services (Buy America, ARRA and state/local initiatives) to protect particular industry sectors (anti-bid shopping laws), and to provide greater access to bonding

  •  THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE AND BONDING

What is the future of construction insurance and bonding and the law that governs them? Will domestic and international underwriting standards, coverages, and policy language begin to merge? Will there continue to be coverage for construction defects? Will subcontractor default insurance continue to make inroads into the surety market and will law governing it develop? Will legislatures eliminate the statutory requirements for bonds?

 

  • THE CONSTRUCTION LAWYER’S TECHNOLOGY TOOLBOX

(Presented in conjunction with the ABA Law Practice Management Section)

The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct now state that a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, “including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” This session showcases both hardware and software beneficial to a construction lawyer’s practice, while both in and out of the office. These new practice management tools have the potential to enhance client service many-fold, and are likely integral to the new paradigm that is “practicing construction law” in the 21st Century.

 

  • LEGAL SERVICES ARISING FROM NEW PROCUREMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES

New technologies are revolutionizing the way projects are bid, negotiated, memorialized, and managed. This session examines the legal services that will likely be spawned by future advances in procurement and back office project management, such as internet-based procurement, reverse online auctions, on-line real time simultaneous contract drafting and

 

  • FORECASTING CHANGE IN CONSTRUCTION LAW PRACTICE — IDENTIFYING THE TRENDS AND TOOLS FOR THRIVING IN A CHANGING MARKETPLACE

This session explores how the construction business is changing and where the practice of construction law is headed. Given the dramatic need for construction services in the developing world, how will this globalization of the industry impact U.S. construction lawyers? What effect will the emergence of the “non-firm” law firm, contract lawyers, and outsourcing of legal services have? How will growing pressure to control fees and costs drive law firms’ use of technology and the possible use of construction litigation funding? Future consumers of legal services will likely demand counsel with higher levels of specialization, so how can small firms and solo practice lawyers compete in a more segmented legal market?

 

  • THE FUTURE IS NOW — THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON CONSTRUCTION DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The project may be in your backyard, but the architect is from Sweden, the general contractor is owned by a Spanish conglomerate, and the steel is from China. Your local project may use the FIDIC contract forms, not AIA; and the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods, not the UCC; and the New York Convention, not the Federal Arbitration Act, may be the governing law. Dispute resolution is as likely to be under ICC, ICDR, LCIA, or UNCITRAL rules as AAA. International norms are revolutionizing construction contracting and will influence the dispute resolution process. This session will explore the impacts of globalization on the future of domestic dispute resolution.

 

For more information on the event click here:

http:://www.americanbar.org/groups/construction_industry.html.

 

For more information regarding this seminar, you can contact Mr. Walker at [email protected] or visit our website at www.aloinc.com.

Anchorage Voters: Please Vote Today

If you don’t know what’s on the ballot, the list is found here,

Anchorage Municipal Seal

If you need to know where to go look here:

Polling Places are open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Election Day, April 2, 2013.

  • The State of Alaska, Division of Elections establishes all polling place locations.
  • Visit MyNeighborhood to find your polling place. Once in MyNeighborhood type in your address, then use the Political pull down menu.  A map with your polling place location, street address, and Assembly representatives will be displayed.
  • Polling Locations and Absentee In Person Locations  Click here,
  • To visit the State of Alaska Division of Elections.
  • The polling place locator number is (907)269-8683.  It will ask for either your Social Security Number or your voter number and you will be told where your polling place is located.

April 25, 2013 — Seward’s Day in Alaska

The Alaska court system is closed today, April 25, 2013.  It is Seward’s Day and our offices are closed as well.  I have been handling a few matters and have a client meeting later today.  But, there is nothing that can be filed in court today.  I look forward to serving your needs tomorrow.

The Anchorage Daily News has accumulated a list of other offices that are closed today

Seward's Day in Alaska  -- The courts are closed
The March 30, 1867 check used to purchase Alaska.

as well.