Fox Valley Laborers' Health and Welfare Fund et al v. Hugh Henry Construction Inc. et al

Filing 63

MOTION by Plaintiffs Fox Valley Laborers' Health and Welfare Fund, Pat Shales, The Fox Valley Laborers' Pension Fund Motion To Reinstate Case And Enter Agreed Judgment , MOTION by Plaintiffs Fox Valley Laborers' Health and Welfare Fund, Pat Shales, The Fox Valley Laborers' Pension Fund for judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-I, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Groff, Josiah)

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE
This settlement agreement and mutual release (ASettlement Agreement@) is entered into this
__ day of June 2017 by and between the Trustees of the Fox Valley & Vicinity Laborers Health
and Welfare and Pension Funds (the AFunds@), Hugh Henry Construction Inc., an Illinois
Corporation (AHugh Henry@), Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and Michael Gallagher,
individually. Hugh Henry, Biesterfeldt, Gallagher are collectively referred to hereinafter as the
ADefendants.@ The Defendants and the Funds are collectively referred to hereinafter as the
AParties.@
RECITALS
WHEREAS, for at least the period of November 1, 2013 through the present, Hugh Henry
has operated as a construction company;
WHEREAS, at all material times, Hugh Henry has been a signatory to a Collective
Bargaining Agreement (ACBA@) that requires Hugh Henry to make fringe benefit contributions to
the Funds;
WHEREAS, audits conducted of Hugh Henry by the Funds have revealed that Hugh
Henry did not remit contributions to the Funds as required for various months during the period of
November 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016;
WHEREAS, under the CBA and the Funds= governing documents to which Hugh Henry is
bound, Hugh Henry must pay liquidated damages, interest, attorneys= fees, and auditor fees in
connection with collection of delinquent contributions;
WHEREAS, the Funds filed a lawsuit against Hugh Henry and Biesterfeldt in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, Fox Valley & Vicinity
Laborers= Health & Welfare and Pension Funds, et al. v. Hugh Henry Construction, Inc. and
Tracey Biesterfeldt, designated as Case No. 16-cv-7203 (the ALawsuit@);
WHEREAS, in the Lawsuit, the Funds alleged that Hugh Henry owes fringe benefit
contributions, interest, liquidated damages, and attorneys fees and costs to the Funds for certain
months beginning November 1, 2013, and that Tracey Biesterfeldt is individually liable;
WHEREAS, in the Lawsuit, Biesterfeldt has conceded her personal liability through an
Agreed Judgment order entered on January 24, 2017;
WHEREAS, Hugh Henry, Biesterfeldt, Gallagher, and the Funds have reached settlement
to fully and finally resolve the issues in the Lawsuit;
WHEREAS, the Parties are represented by legal counsel in the Lawsuit and have had the
opportunity consult with their legal counsel before entering into this Settlement Agreement;

EXHIBIT A

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the provisions, covenants, and mutual
promises contained herein, Hugh Henry, Biesterfeldt, Gallagher, and the Funds hereby agree as
follows:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.
PAYMENT PLAN. The Defendants will pay to the Funds the amount of
$419,221.93, plus 4.5 percent interest compounded monthly, through 37 monthly payments made
pursuant to the following schedule:
Payment
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Due Date
7/1/2017
8/1/2017
9/1/2017
10/1/2017
11/1/2017
12/1/2017
1/1/2018
2/1/2018
3/1/2018
4/1/2018
5/1/2018
6/1/2018
7/1/2018
8/1/2018
9/1/2018
10/1/2018
11/1/2018
12/1/2018

Amount
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
9,500.00
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29

Payment
No.
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Due Date
1/1/2019
2/1/2019
3/1/2019
4/1/2019
5/1/2019
6/1/2019
7/1/2019
8/1/2019
9/1/2019
10/1/2019
11/1/2019
12/1/2019
1/1/2020
2/1/2020
3/1/2020
4/1/2020
5/1/2020
6/1/2020
7/1/2020

Amount
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
11,700.29
79,441.34

Provided, however, that should Defendants make every payment on time and in full, the
Funds will waive the Defendants’ obligation to pay payment no. 37.

2

All payments must be made payable to AFox Valley Laborers= Health & Welfare and
Pension Funds@ and must be delivered to:
Josiah A. Groff
DOWD, BLOCH, BENNETT, CERVONE, AUERBACH & YOKICH
8 South Michigan Avenue, 19th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Delivery of payments to any other address will constitute default under this Settlement Agreement,
as provided for in paragraph 5, below.
2.
AMENDED COMPLAINT AND DISMISSAL OF LAWSUIT. Within three
business days of this Settlement Agreement being fully executed, the Funds will file a motion in
the Lawsuit for leave to file the amended complaint which is attached to this Settlement
Agreement as Exhibit 1. The Defendants hereby agree that the Funds may represent that motion
as agreed. Within three business days of the Funds filing the amended complaint in the Lawsuit,
Gallagher will file his appearance in the Lawsuit. Gallagher hereby waives for all time any right
to contest personal jurisdiction over him in the Lawsuit. Within three business days of Gallagher
filing his appearance in the Lawsuit, the Funds will file a motion in the Lawsuit requesting entry of
the parties’ Agreed Order of Dismissal with Leave to Reinstate, which is attached to this
Settlement Agreement as Exhibit 2.
3.
SECURITY AGREEMENT. At the same time as they execute this Agreement,
the Defendants will execute and provide to the Funds a Security Agreement, an unsigned copy of
which is attached to this Settlement Agreement as Exhibit 3. The Funds may, at their option, file
the executed Security Agreement with the Illinois Secretary of State.
4.
ATTORNEYS= FEES. In the event of a breach of this Settlement Agreement by
the Defendants, then the Defendants, jointly and severally, promise to pay all of the Funds= costs of
collection and reasonable attorneys= fees incurred as a result of that breach, including, but not
limited to, reasonable attorneys= fees incurred in collecting on any outstanding balance of the
Agreed Judgment.

3

5.

DEFAULT.

Events Constituting Default
Each of the following constitutes an event of default under this Agreement (“Default”):
A.

Default on Obligation. Defendants= failure to make any payment when due
pursuant to the terms of paragraph 1, above;

B.

Non-Compliance with Agreements. Defendants= failure to comply with or to
perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in the Judgment, this
Agreement, the Labor Agreement between Hugh Henry and the Laborers District
Council, or any other agreement between the Funds and Defendants;

C.

Default to Third Parties. Defendants= default under any loan, extension of credit,
security agreement, Promissory Note, purchase or sales agreement, or any other
agreement with any other person, that may materially affect any of Defendants=
property or ability to repay the Obligation or perform its duties under this
Agreement;

D.

False Statements. Defendants= making any false or misleading warranty,
representation, or statement to the Funds relating to this Agreement;

E.

Dissolution or Merger. The dissolution or termination of Hugh Henry=s existence
as a going business, or the merger or consolidation of Debtors with another entity;

F.

Insolvency. The insolvency of Hugh Henry, the appointment of a receiver for any
part of Hugh Henry=s property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type
of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any
bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against one or more of the Defendants;

G.

Collateral Loss or Damage. Loss, theft, substantial damage, destruction, sale,
reduction in value, encumbrance of (other than pursuant to this Agreement),
damage to, or change in the Collateral;

H.

Judicial or Other Proceedings. Commencement of collections, foreclosure, or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or
any other method, by any creditor of Defendants or any governmental agency
against the Collateral. Commencement of such proceedings shall not constitute an
event of default if there is a good faith dispute by Defendants as to the validity or
reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the proceeding and if Defendants
give the Funds written notice of the proceeding and deposits with the Funds monies
or a surety bond for the proceeding, in an amount determined by the Funds, in their
sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute;
4

I.

Events Affecting Guarantor. The occurrence of any of the preceding events with
respect to any Guarantor of any part of the Obligation, or the death or incompetence
of such Guarantor. The Funds, at their option, may but shall not be required to,
permit the Guarantor=s estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising
under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to The Funds and, in doing so, cure the
Default;

J.

Adverse Change. The occurrence of a material adverse change in Defendants=
financial condition, or the belief of the Funds that the prospect of payment or
performance of the Obligation is impaired;

K.

Insecurity. The Funds, in good faith, deems themselves insecure.

No Waiver
The Funds shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Settlement Agreement unless
such waiver is given in writing and signed by the Funds. No delay or omission on the part of the
Funds in exercising any right in this Settlement Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right
or any other right.
Entry of Agreed Judgment in Event of Default
At the same time as they execute this Agreement, the Defendants will execute and provide to the
Funds the Agreed Judgment, an unsigned copy of which is attached to this Settlement Agreement
as Exhibit 4. In the event of Default, the Funds may in their discretion file a motion to re-open the
case and for entry of the Agreed Judgment. In the event of Default, Defendants waive all
objections or defenses to the Court re-opening the case and entering the Agreed Judgment, other
than a defense that they are current on the payments described in paragraph 1 and that none of the
other conditions for Default exist.
In the event the Agreed Judgment is entered, the Funds will cooperate with a request from the
Defendants to promptly enter a partial satisfaction of judgment reflecting the extent to which
Defendants have made the payments described in paragraph 1.
Neither this remedy of entry of an Agreed Judgment, nor any other remedy in this Settlement
Agreement, prevents the Funds from seeking enforcement of this Settlement Agreement in a new
lawsuit, which may include a request for a judgment in the amount of any unpaid portion of the
principal on the payment plan described in paragraph 1, above, plus any accrued interest.
Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure
In the event that Defendants fail to make payment as scheduled in paragraph 1, they shall
be deemed in Default after: (a) the Funds have sent notice of non-payment to Tracey Biesterfeldt
5

and Michael Gallagher, via first class mail to 4917 W. Balmoral, Chicago, IL 60630; and (b) five
days have transpired without Defendants curing the non-payment.
If any other Default is curable and if Defendants have not been given prior notice of the
Default, it may be cured (and no Default will have occurred), if Defendants, after the Funds send
written notice demanding cure of such Default, (a) cure the default within five days, or (b) if the
cure requires more than five days, immediately initiate steps that the Funds deem in their sole
discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable
and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

6.
MUTUAL RELEASE. The Parties agree that this Settlement Agreement is being
entered into for the express purpose of entering into a full and final compromise, adjustment and
settlement of all claims which were, or could have been, asserted by any of the Parties in the
Lawsuit, except as otherwise stated in this Agreement.
a.

For the sole consideration and rights set forth in this Settlement Agreement, the
Funds and their respective trustees (collectively, APlaintiffs@) forever release,
acquit and discharge Defendants from any and all claims based on hours worked by
Hugh Henry’s employees prior to January 1, 2017.

b.

For the sole consideration and rights set forth in this Settlement Agreement, the
Defendants forever release, acquit and discharge the Funds and their respective
trustees, employees, agents, attorneys, and representatives from any and all known
and unknown claims, causes of action or charges which were, or could have been,
asserted by Defendants in the Lawsuit, or any other lawsuit that could have been
filed through the date of this Settlement Agreement, including to address the claims
or allegations related to, or arising out of, the Lawsuit. This release by Defendants
includes, but is not limited to, all liability, damages of any kind, harm of any kind,
costs, attorney=s fees, injury to reputation, and monetary benefits or compensation
of any nature whatsoever whether known or unknown.

c.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Settlement Agreement, the following
are not released or barred:
i.

claims, causes of action or charges relating to the enforcement of any
provision of this Settlement Agreement;

ii.

claims, causes of action or charges that the Funds may have against
Defendants based on the obligation of Defendants to contribute to the Funds
for any period after December 31, 2016;

iii.

claims, causes of action or charges that the Funds may have against
Defendants based on an audit covering any time period after December 31,
6

2016; and
iv.

claims, causes of action or charges that the Funds may have against any
party based on the Mechanics Lien Act, 770 ILCS 60/1 et seq., and the
Public Construction Bond Act, 30 ILCS 550/1 et seq., including but not
limited to the right to bring claims in any forum against Defendants based
on the Funds’ rights under these statutes.

7.
LIEN AND BOND CLAIMS. By entering into this Settlement Agreement, the
Funds retain all of their rights under the Mechanics Lien Act, 770 ILCS 60/1 et seq., and the Public
Construction Bond Act, 30 ILCS 550/1 et seq., including, without limitation:
a.

The right to file new mechanics liens and bond claims.

b.

The right to file suit against any appropriate or necessary parties (including
Defendants) to enforce any mechanics liens and bond claims filed by the Funds,
including any such claims already filed or any such claims the Funds may file in the
future.

8.
EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Settlement Agreement may be
executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall
constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile, electronic (including Adobe), or any other copy
of this Settlement Agreement, including signatures herein, shall be valid, binding and enforceable
as if an original.
9.
CHOICE OF LAW. This Settlement Agreement shall be governed by, construed,
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. The Parties agree that any
lawsuit related to this Settlement Agreement will be brought in the court in Chicago, Illinois with
jurisdiction over the lawsuit.
10.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; PRIORITY. This Settlement Agreement constitutes
and represents the complete and entire agreement among the Parties concerning the Lawsuit or
settlement of the Lawsuit and merges and supersedes any and all other prior agreements among the
Parties. Each of the Parties agrees, acknowledges and expressly warrants that no promise,
representation, inducement, or agreement of any kind, whether oral or written, made by or on
behalf of any other of the Parties shall be, or has been, relied upon by it unless specifically
contained herein.
11.
MODIFICATION. This Settlement Agreement shall not be modified except by a
written document signed by all of the Parties.
12.
CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT. The Parties acknowledge that they have
each had the terms of this Settlement Agreement reviewed by legal counsel, that they each have
reviewed and revised this Settlement Agreement or had the opportunity to do so. Therefore, the
7

Parties agree that the normal rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the
drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Settlement Agreement.

8

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
EASTERN DIVISION
FOX VALLEY LABORERS’ HEALTH AND
WELFARE FUND, THE FOX VALLEY
LABORERS’ PENSION FUND, and PAT
SHALES, Administrator of the Funds,
Plaintiffs,
v.
HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC.,
an Illinois corporation, TRACEY
BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually,
Defendants.

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Case No. 1:16-cv-7203

Judge Shah

AMENDED COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs FOX VALLEY LABORERS’ HEALTH AND WELFARE FUND (“Welfare
Fund”), THE FOX VALLEY LABORERS’ PENSION FUND (“Pension Fund”) (collectively,
“the Funds”), and PAT SHALES, administrator of the Funds, through their attorneys, Dowd,
Bloch, Bennett, Cervone, Auerbach & Yokich, by way of their complaint against Defendants,
HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC., an Illinois Corporation, TRACEY BIESTERFELDT,
individually, and MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually, state as follows:
The Parties, Jurisdiction, and Venue
1.

The Funds are multiemployer benefit plans within the meaning of Sections 3(3)

and 3(37) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), 29
U.S.C. § 1002(3) and (37A). The Funds maintain offices and conduct business within the
district. The Funds are agents for the purpose of collecting employer contributions and
deductions required to be paid on behalf of the Safety Fund, the Apprenticeship Fund, the

EXHIBIT 1

CISCO Fund, the IAF Fund, the Laborers’ District Council Labor Management Cooperation
Committee (“LMCC”), the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (“LECET”),
and the Construction and General Laborers’ District Council of Chicago and Vicinity’s Work
Dues Fund (“Dues Fund”), (collectively, the “Affiliated Organizations”).
2.

Defendant HUGH HENRY CONTSTRUCTION INC. (“Defendant Company”) is

an Illinois corporation that does business within this District and is an employer within the
meaning of ERISA Section 3(5), 29 U.S.C. § 1002(5), and Section 101 of the Labor
Management Relations Act (“LMRA”), 29 U.S.C. § 152(2).
3.

Defendant TRACEY BIESTERFELDT, individually, is the owner of Defendant

Company and resides in this district.
4.

Defendant MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually, is a principal of Defendant

Company and resides in this district.
5.

Jurisdiction and venue are vested in this Court under ERISA Sections 502(e)(1)

and (2), 29 U.S.C. § 1132(e)(1) and (2), and LMRA Sections 301(a) and (c), 29 U.S.C. § 185 (a)
and (c).
6.

The Construction and General Laborers’ District Council of Chicago and Vicinity

(“District Council”) is a labor organization within the meaning of the LMRA Section 101, 29
U.S.C. § 152(5), that maintains its principal offices in this district.
COUNT I
FAILURE TO PAY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CONTRIBUTIONS,
FAILURE TO REMIT EMPLOYEE WAGE DEDUCTIONS, AND FAILURE TO PAY
INDUSTRY FUND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER 2013
THROUGH OCTOBER 2015
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC.)
7.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 6 above, as

if fully stated herein.
2

8.

The District Council and Defendant Company have, at all relevant times, been

parties to successive collective bargaining agreements (“Agreement”). The Agreement obligates
Defendant Company to make monthly contributions to the Funds on behalf of its employees
covered by the Agreement for health, welfare, and pension benefits, in proportion to the number
of hours worked by those employees.
9.

The Agreement further requires Defendant Company to make contributions to the

Affiliated Organizations on behalf of its employees covered by the Agreement in proportion to
the number of hours worked by those employees, and to provide reports stating the amount of
contributions it owes.
10.

The Agreement further requires Defendant Company to deduct union dues from

the wages earned by its employees covered by the Agreement and to remit those dues to the
District Council for the Dues Fund, and to provide reports stating the amount of union dues it
must deduct and remit.
11.

The Affiliated Organizations have a common interest with the Funds in that they

all work for the benefit of their mutual members and participants. The Affiliated Organizations
have authorized the Funds to collect amounts owed by Defendant Company to them.
12.

Pursuant to the Agreement, Employers who fail to report and/or remit

contributions to the Pension, Welfare, Safety, Apprenticeship, CISCO and IAF Funds are liable
to pay interest on the delinquent contributions, an additional 10% in liquidated damages, which
increases to 20% once a lawsuit is filed, and all costs of collection, including reasonable audit
expenses, attorneys’ fees, and court costs.
13.

Pursuant to the Agreement, Employers who fail to report and/or remit

contributions to the LMCC, LECET, and Dues Funds are liable to pay an additional 10% in

3

liquidated damages, and all costs of collection, including reasonable audit expenses, attorneys’
fees, and court costs.
14.

Notwithstanding its obligations under the Agreement, the Defendant Company

failed to report and pay certain contributions for the period of November 1, 2013 through
October 31, 2015 (“First Audit Period”), as revealed through a payroll audit conducted by the
Funds (“First Audit Report”), thereby depriving the Funds and the Affiliated Organizations of
contributions, income and information needed to administer the Funds, and jeopardizing the
welfare and pension benefits of participants and beneficiaries.
15.

As demonstrated by the First Audit Report, the audit additionally revealed that the

Company owes $91.33 in previously accumulated but unpaid late fees to the District Council.

4

16.

Based on the audit findings in Exhibit A, the Defendant Company owes principal

contributions, plus Welfare, Pension, Safety, Apprenticeship, CISCO, and IAF liquidated
damages at 20%, LMCC, LECET, and Dues Funds liquidated damages at 10%, interest, and
audit fees, as demonstrated in the following chart:
Audit of Hugh Henry
for 11/1/13 - 10/31/15
(First Audit Period)
Welfare
Pension
Safety
Apprenticeship
CISCO
IAF
LDCLMCC
LECET
Dues
Sub-Total
20% Liquidated Damages
10% Liquidated Damages
Interest
Audit Invoice of 1/21/16
Audit Invoice of 6/9/16
Total for First Audit Period

17.

Amount
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

10,831.29
8,461.13
8.08
404.88
8.08
64.78
2,361.43
1,212.91
23,924.86
47,277.44
3,941.08
2,757.21
11,614.43
3,503.15
2,379.28
71,472.58

Despite demand duly made, Defendant Company has not remitted the

contributions and other amounts that are due and owing for the First Audit Period.
18.

Defendant Company’s failure to submit contributions to the Funds and Affiliated

Organizations violates ERISA § 515, 29 U.S.C. § 1145, and LMRA § 301, 29 U.S.C. § 185.
19.

Under ERISA Section 502(g)(2), 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g)(2), the terms of the

Agreement, and the Funds’ Trust Agreements, Defendant Company is liable to the Pension,
Welfare, Safety, Apprenticeship, CISCO, and IAF Funds for unpaid contributions, interest,

5

liquidated damages in the amount of 20%, audit fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and court
costs.
20.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Defendant Company is liable to the LMCC,

LECET, and Dues Funds for unpaid contributions, liquidated damages in the amount of 10%,
audit fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request a judgment against Hugh Henry
Construction Inc., as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc. violated the Agreement;

2.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc. is liable to the Funds and the
Affiliated Organizations in the amount of $71,472.58 as revealed in the Audit
Report covering the period of November 1, 2013 through October 31, 2015,
including interest, and liquidated damages, and is also liable to the Funds and
Affiliated Organizations for audit fees, attorneys’ fees, and court costs;

3.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc. to pay to the Funds all delinquent
contributions to date, interest, and liquidated damages;

4.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc. to pay to the Funds all reasonable audit
fees and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred prior to and through the filing of this
suit;

5.

Entering judgment against Hugh Henry Construction Inc. in the amount of
$71,472.58, plus costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the Funds
efforts to recover this money; and

6.

Granting all such other legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

6

COUNT II
VIOLATION OF THE ILLINOIS WAGE PAYMENT AND COLLECTION ACT BY
DEDUCTING AND FAILING TO REMIT WAGES FOR THE MONTHS OF
NOVEMBER 2013 THROUGH OCTOBER 2015
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC., TRACEY BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually)
21.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 20 of Count

I as if fully stated herein.
22.

The District Council is a labor organization within the meaning of the LMRA

Section 101, 29 U.S.C. § 152(5), that maintains its principal offices in this district.
23.

Plaintiffs maintain offices and conduct business within this district and are

authorized to collect work dues on behalf of the District Council.
24.

At all times relevant to this lawsuit, Defendant Company was incorporated and

registered to do business within the State of Illinois.
25.

This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Count II, which alleges a state law

claim, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.
26.

Venue is properly vested in the District Court for Count II, pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 1391(b).
27.

During the Audit Period, the Defendant Company’s employees performed work

for the Defendant Company and earned wages.
28.

On information and belief, in accordance with the Agreement, each of the

Defendant Company’s employees executed written assignments authorizing and directing the
Defendant Company to withhold moneys from their wages for remittance to the District Council
in satisfaction of union dues and fee obligations.

7

29.

On information and belief, since at least November 1, 2013, the Defendant

Company made payroll deductions from its employees’ wages for union dues and/or other union
fee obligations.
30.

The Defendant Company has failed to timely remit those amounts previously

deducted from its employees’ wages to the District Council.
31.

As the Defendant Company did not remit the required sums when due, the

Defendant Company is liable for the amount of the wage deductions plus an additional 10% of
those amounts.
32.

The Defendant Company’s conduct violates the Illinois Wage Payment and

Collection Act, 820 ILCS 115/1, et seq.
33.

At all times relevant to this lawsuit, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher acted directly in

the interest of the Defendant Company in relation to its employees.
34.

On information and belief, at all relevant times, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher

controlled the terms and conditions of employment of Defendant Company’s employees and
exercised control over the payment of wages and the withholding of moneys from employees’
wages.
35.

On information and belief, at all relevant times, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher

controlled all disbursements made by the Defendant Company, including the issuance of payroll
checks and dues remittance checks.
36.

On information and belief, at all relevant times, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher

knowingly permitted Defendant Company to retain the wages withheld from each employee’s
paycheck rather than tendering such funds to the District Council.

8

37.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher personally and actively conducted or participated in the

actions of the Defendant Company alleged above causing injury to the District Council.
Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, therefore, are each an employer under the Illinois Wage Payment and
Collection Act, 820 ILCS 115/13, and are personally liable for their failure to properly deduct
moneys from employees’ wages and remit those moneys to the District Council for payment of
union dues.
38.

From November 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015, dues were owed at the rate of

3.25%. Since June 1, 2015, dues are owed at the rate of 3.75%. Based on the First Audit Report
Defendant Company, Biesterfeldt, and Gallagher are liable for $23,924.86 in unremitted wages
withheld for dues for the First Audit Period, none of which has been paid.
39.

The District Council has authorized the Funds to serve as collection agents on its

behalf for purpose of collecting the amounts due to the District Council as alleged in this
Complaint.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request this Court enter judgment against Hugh
Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, and Michael Gallagher, individually, as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, and Michael
Gallagher, personally and individually, violated the Illinois Wage Payment and
Collection Act;

2.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, and Michael
Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds all moneys that
they failed to properly withhold and remit to the District Council;

3.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, and Michael
Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the costs and attorneys’ fees
in connection with its efforts to recover the money it was deprived, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to the Attorneys Fees in Wage
Actions Act, 705 ILCS 225/1;

9

4.

Entering judgment against Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt,
and Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, in the amount of
$23,924.86, plus attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with the Funds’
efforts to recover this money; and

5.

Granting all other such legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

COUNT III
CONVERSION CLAIM FOR DUES CONVERTED DURING THE MONTHS OF
NOVEMBER 2013 THROUGH OCTOBER 2015
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC., TRACEY BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually)
40.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 39 of

Counts I and II as if fully stated herein.
41.

Pursuant to the wage assignments executed by the Defendant Company’s

employees, the District Council has a right to all wages deducted from employees’ wages for
remittance to the District Council as union dues and fees.
42.

After the Defendant Company deducted and withheld money from its employees’

wages assigned by the employees to the District Council for payment of union dues and fees, the
District Council had an absolute right to immediate possession of those moneys.
43.

After the Defendant Company withheld wages from its employees’ wages

assigned by the employees to the District Council for payment of union dues and fees, Defendant
Company was without right or authorization to possess those moneys.
44.

Upon information and belief, from November 1, 2013 through October 31, 2015,

the Defendant Company deducted and withheld money from employees’ wages for union dues
and fees, but the Defendant Company did not remit that money to the District Council in a timely

10

manner, and the Defendant Company appropriated that money for its own use and benefit, and
thereby permanently deprived the District Council of its property.
45.

The Funds have made demand for possession of the monies as collection agents

for the District Council, but the Defendant Company has not turned over the amounts deducted
from the employees’ wages.
46.

Through the acts and conduct alleged above, the Defendant Company wrongfully

converted the District Council’s property and may justly be required to pay the District Council
the full value of that property.
47.

On information and belief, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually,

personally withheld moneys from the wages of the employees or personally caused another to
withhold those moneys.
48.

After the withholding of the employees’ wages assigned to the District Council as

union dues and fees, the District Council had an absolute right to immediate possession of those
moneys.
49.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, knowingly failed to remit to the

District Council moneys withheld from the employees’ wages, or personally caused another to
fail to remit those moneys to the District Council following the withholding of those moneys.
50.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, were each without right or

authorization to possess those moneys.
51.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, appropriated for their own use and

benefit the moneys withheld from the employees’ wages. The Funds have made demand for
possession of the monies, but the Defendants have not turned over the amounts deducted from
employees’ wages.

11

52.

Through the acts and conduct alleged above, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each

individually, wrongfully converted the District Council’s property and may justly be required to
pay the District Council the full value of that property.
53.

From November 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015, dues were owed at the rate of

3.25%. Since June 1, 2015, dues are owed at the rate of 3.75%. Based on the First Audit Report,
Defendant Company, Biesterfeldt, and Gallagher are liable for $23,924.86 in unremitted wages
withheld for dues for those months, none of which has been paid.
54.

The District Council has authorized the Funds to serve as collection agents on its

behalf for purposes of collecting the amounts due to the District Council as alleged in this
Complaint.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court enter judgment against
Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and Michael Gallagher,
individually, as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, wrongfully converted the District Council’s
property;

2.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds all
moneys that they failed to properly withhold and remit to the District Council,
including interest;

3.

Ordering Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and Michael
Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds’ costs in
connection with their efforts to recover the money it was deprived, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs;

4.

Entering judgment against Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt,
individually, and Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, in the
amount of $23,924.86, plus interests and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in
connection with the Funds’ efforts to recover this money; and
12

5.

Granting all other such legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT IV
RESERVED

COUNT V
RESERVED

COUNT VI
RESERVED

COUNT VII
FAILURE TO PAY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND CONTRIBUTIONS, FAILURE TO
REMIT EMPLOYEE WAGE DEDUCTIONS, AND FAILURE TO PAY INDUSTRY
FUND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 2016
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC.)

55.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 54 of

Counts I through VI, as if fully stated herein.
56.

Notwithstanding its obligations under the Agreement, the Defendant Company

failed to correctly report and pay contributions for the period of November 2015 through
December 2016 owed to the Funds and the Affiliated Organizations, thereby depriving the Funds
and the Affiliated Organizations of contributions, income, and information needed to administer
the Funds, and jeopardizing the welfare and pension benefits of participants and beneficiaries.
57.

Notwithstanding its obligations under the Agreement, the Defendant Company

failed to remit dues owed to the District Council for the period of November 2015 through
December 2016. Defendant Company has also accumulated late fees owed to the District

13

Council and Affiliated Organizations for prior delinquent months. Employers who fail to remit
dues on a timely basis are liable to pay an additional 10% on dues owed for delinquent months.
58.

All conditions precedent to requiring payment of contributions and submission of

reports to the Funds have been met.
59.

The failure of Defendant Company to properly report and make all required

contributions and dues violates ERISA Section 515, 29 U.S.C. § 1145, and/or LMRA Section
300, 29 U.S.C. § 185.
60.

Under ERISA Section 502(g)(2), 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g)(2), the terms of the

Agreement, and the Funds’ and Affiliated Organizations’ governing trust documents, the
Defendant Company is liable to the Pension, Welfare, Safety, Apprenticeship, CISCO, and IAF
Funds for unpaid contributions, interest, liquidated damages in the amount of 20%, and
reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, and is liable to the LMCC, LECET, and Dues Funds
for dues, contributions, and liquidated damages of 10%.
61.

The Defendant Company is also obligated by the terms of the Agreement to pay

the attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Funds for its efforts to collect these amounts from
the Defendant Company.
62.

Notwithstanding its obligations under the Agreement, the Defendant Company

failed to report and pay certain contributions for the period of November 1, 2015 through
December 31, 2016 (“Second Audit Period”), as revealed through a payroll audit conducted by
the Funds (“Second Audit Report,” attached as Exhibit B), thereby depriving the Funds and the
Affiliated Organizations of contributions, income and information needed to administer the
Funds, and jeopardizing the welfare and pension benefits of participants and beneficiaries.

14

63.

Based on the audit findings the Second Audit Report, the Defendant Company

owes principal contributions, as stated in the reports, plus Welfare, Pension, Safety,
Apprenticeship, CISCO, and IAF liquidated damages at 20%, LMCC, LECET, and Dues Funds
liquidated damages at 10%, interest, and audit fees, less credits for partial payments from thirdparty Sandz LLC on behalf of the Defendant Company, as demonstrated in the following chart:
Audit of Hugh Henry
for 11/1/15 - 12/31/16
(Second Audit Period)
Welfare
Pension
Safety
Apprenticeship
CISCO
IAF
LDCLMCC
LECET
Dues
Sub-Total
20% Liquidated Damages
10% Liquidated Damages
Interest
Audit Invoice of 8/23/16
Audit Invoice of 10/17/16
Audit Invoice of 11/21/16
Audit Invoice of 3/10/17
Audit Invoice of 3/20/17
Sandz LLC Check No. 935
Sandz LLC Check No. 936
Sandz LLC Check No. 954
Sandz LLC Check No. 955
Total for Second Audit Period

Amount
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

102,020.84
91,762.91
75.50
3,776.63
75.50
604.26
3,109.72
1,280.48
28,812.04
231,517.88
39,527.18
3,388.20
17,513.82
387.50
525.00
882.50
2,147.50
1,597.50
(15,885.87)
(1,088.54)
(233.66)
(3,478.53)
276,800.48

15

PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request a judgment against Hugh Henry
Construction Inc., as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc. violated the Agreement;

2.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc. is liable to the Funds and the
Affiliated Organizations for delinquent contributions for the months of November
2015 through December 2016, plus interest, liquidated damages, audit fees, and
court costs, and entering judgment in the amount of $276,800.48 for that time
period;

3.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc. to pay to the Funds all reasonable
attorneys’ fees and costs incurred prior to and through the filing of this suit, and
after the filing of this suit; and

4.

Granting all such other legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

COUNT VIII
VIOLATION OF THE ILLINOIS WAGE PAYMENT AND COLLECTION ACT
BY DEDUCTING AND FAILING TO REMIT WAGES FOR
NOVEMBER 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 2016
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC., TRACEY BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually)
64.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporated by reference paragraphs 1 through 63 of

Counts I through VII, as if fully stated herein.
65.

This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Count VIII, which alleges a state

law claim, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.
66.

Venue is properly vested in the District Court for Count VIII, pursuant to 28

U.S.C. § 1391(b).

16

67.

During the period of at least November 2015 through December 2016, the

Defendant Company’s employees performed work for the Defendant Company and earned
wages.
68.

On information and belief, in accordance with the Agreement, each of the

Defendant Company’s employees executed written assignments authorizing and directing the
Defendant Company to withhold moneys from their wages for remittance to the District Council
in satisfaction of union dues and fee obligations.
69.

On information and belief, since at least November 2015, the Defendant

Company made payroll deductions from its employees’ wages for union dues and/or other union
fee obligations.
70.

The Defendant Company has failed to timely remit those amounts previously

deducted from its employees’ wages to the District Council.
71.

The District Council has demanded payment of the moneys believed to have been

deducted from the employees’ wages and withheld by the Defendant Company; however, the
proper payments have not been received.
72.

The Defendant Company’s conduct violates the Illinois Wage Payment and

Collection Act, 820 ILCS 115/1, et seq.
73.

At all relevant times, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher acted directly in the interest of

the Defendant Company in relation to its employees.
74.

On information and belief, at all relevant times, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher

controlled the terms and conditions of employment of the Defendant Company’s employees’
paycheck rather than tendering such funds to the District Council.

17

75.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher personally and actively conducted or participated in the

actions of the Defendant Company alleged above causing injury to the District Council.
Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, therefore, are each an employer under the Illinois Wage Payment and
Collection Act, 820 ILCS 115/3, and is personally liable for her failure to properly deduct
moneys from employees’ wages and remit those moneys to District Council for payment of
union dues.
76.

The District Council has authorized the Funds to serve as collection agents on its

behalf for purposes of collecting the amounts due to the District Council as alleged in this
Complaint.
77.

Since June 1, 2015, dues are owed at the rate of 3.75%. Based on the Second

Audit Report, Defendant Company, Biesterfeldt, and Gallagher are liable for $28,812.04 in
unremitted wages withheld for dues for the Second Audit Period, none of which has been paid.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request this Court enter judgment against Hugh
Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and Michael Gallagher, individually,
as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, violated the Illinois Wage Payment and
Collection Act;

2.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds all
moneys that they failed to properly withhold and remit to the District Council for
the months of November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016;

3.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the costs and
attorneys’ fees in connection with its efforts to recover the money it was deprived,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to the Attorneys Fees in
Wage Actions Act, 705 ILCS 225/1; and
18

4.

Entering judgment against Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt,
individually, and Michael Gallagher, individually, in the amount of $28,812.04;
and

5.

Granting all other such legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

COUNT IX
CONVERSION CLAIM FOR DUES CONVERTED FOR THE PERIOD OF
NOVEMBER 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 2016
(HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC., TRACEY BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually)

78.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 77 of

Counts I through VIII, as if fully stated herein.
79.

Pursuant to the wage assignments executed by the Defendant Company’s

employees, the District Council has a right to all wages deducted from employees’ wages for
remittance to the District Council as union dues and fees.
80.

After the Defendant Company deducted and withheld money from its employees’

wages assigned by the employees to the District Council for payment of union dues and fees, the
District Council had an absolute right to immediate possession of those moneys.
81.

After Defendant Company withheld wages from its employees’ wages assigned

by the employees to the District Council for payment of union dues and fees, Defendant
Company was without right or authorization to possess those moneys.
82.

Upon information and belief, from November 2015 through December 2016, the

Defendant Company deducted and withheld moneys from employees’ wages for union dues and
fees, but the Defendant Company did not remit that money to the District Council in a timely

19

manner, and the Defendant Company appropriated that money for its own use and benefit,
thereby permanently depriving the District Council of its property.
83.

Plaintiffs made demand for possession of the monies as collection agents for the

District Council, but the Defendant Company has not turned over the amounts deducted from the
employees’ wages.
84.

Through the acts and conduct alleged above, the Defendant Company wrongfully

converted the District Council’s property and may justly be required to pay to the District
Council the full value of that property.
85.

On information and belief, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually,

personally withheld moneys from the wages of the employees or personally caused another to
withhold those moneys.
86.

After the withholding of the employees’ wages assigned to the District Council as

union dues and fees, the District Council had an absolute right to immediate possession of those
moneys.
87.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, knowingly failed to remit to the

District Council moneys withheld from the employees’ wages, or personally caused another to
fail to remit those moneys to the District Council following the withholding of those moneys.
88.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, were each without right or

authorization to possess those moneys.
89.

Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each individually, appropriated for their own use and

benefit the moneys withheld from the employees’ wages. The Funds have made demand for
possession of the monies, but the Defendants have not turned over the amounts deducted from
employees’ wages.

20

90.

Through the acts and conduct alleged above, Biesterfeldt and Gallagher, each

individually, wrongfully converted the District Council’s property and may justly be required to
pay the District Council the full value of that property.
91.

The District Council has authorized the Funds to serve as collection agents on its

behalf for purposes of collecting the amounts due to the District Council as alleged in this
Complaint.
92.

Since June 1, 2015, dues are owed at the rate of 3.75%. Based on the Second

Audit Report, Defendant Company, Biesterfeldt, and Gallagher are liable for $28,812.04 in
unremitted wages withheld for dues for the Second Audit Period, none of which has been paid.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court enter judgment against
Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and Michael Gallagher,
individually, as follows:
1.

Finding that Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, wrongfully converted the District Council’s
property;

2.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds all
moneys that they failed to properly withhold and remit to the District Council,
including interest;

3.

Ordering Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, individually, and
Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, to pay the Funds’ costs in
connection with their efforts to recover the money it was deprived, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs;

4.

Entering judgment against Hugh Henry Construction Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt,
individually, and Michael Gallagher, individually, jointly and severally, in the
amount of $28,812.04, plus interests and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in
connection with the Funds’ efforts to recover this money; and

21

5.

Granting all other such legal and equitable relief as the Court deems just and
proper.

COUNT X
VEIL PIERCING LIABILITY CLAIM AGAINST TRACEY BIESTERFELDT
93.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 92 of

Counts I through IX, as if fully stated herein.
94.

The Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Count X, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

95.

Venue is properly vested in the District Court for Count X, pursuant to 29 U.S.C.

1367.

§ 1391(b).
96.

At all relevant times, Biesterfeldt has been the President of Defendant Company.

97.

At all relevant times, Biesterfeldt has been the sole or majority shareholder of

Defendant Company.
98.

During the relevant time period, the Defendant Company and Biesterfeldt have

transferred large sums of money among themselves which, on information and belief, were not
supported by any written agreement and were not based on any arm’s-length transaction,
specifically:
(a)

(b)
99.

Biesterfeldt has issued loans to Defendant Company without any interest
or a payment plan.
Biesterfeldt has paid employees’ wages from her personal bank account.

The Funds, as creditors of Defendant Company, may initiate an action to pierce

the corporate veil of Defendant Company to enforce their claims against Biesterfeldt, as sole
proprietor of Defendant Company.

22

100.

Upon information and belief, the Defendant Company has had difficulty

maintaining liquidity in its operations.
101.

Unless the court pierces the corporate veil of Defendant Company and holds

Biesterfeldt liable for the Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Company, the Plaintiffs may not
receive satisfaction for their claim against Defendant Company.
102.

Unless the court pierces the corporate veil of Defendant Company and holds

Biesterfeldt liable for the Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Company, the Defendants will
have perpetuated a fraud and an injustice by using the Defendant Company’s corporate status to
avoid liability for the Plaintiffs’ claims, even though Defendant Company was merely the alter
ego or business conduit of Biesterfeldt.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully ask this Court to enter judgment against Tracey
Biesterfeldt, individually and doing business as Hugh Henry Construction Inc. in the amount of
the judgment entered under Counts I through IX against Hugh Henry Construction, Inc.

COUNT XI
VEIL PIERCING LIABILITY CLAIM AGAINST MICHAEL GALLAGHER
103.

Plaintiffs re-allege and incorporate by reference paragraphs 1 through 102 of

Counts I through IX, as if fully stated herein.
104.

Defendant MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually, resides in this district.

105.

The Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Count XI, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

106.

Venue is properly vested in the District Court for Count XI, pursuant to 29 U.S.C.

1367.

§ 1391(b).
23

107.

At all relevant times, Gallagher has acted as a principal of Defendant Company.

108.

During the relevant time period, the Defendant Company and Gallagher have co-

mingled assets without support from any written agreement and without any arm’s-length
transaction.
109.

The Funds, as creditors of Defendant Company, may initiate an action to pierce

the corporate veil of Defendant Company to enforce their claims against Gallagher, as de facto
principal for Defendant Company.
110.

The Defendant Company has had difficulty maintaining liquidity in its operations.

111.

Unless the court pierces the corporate veil of Defendant Company and holds

Gallagher liable for the Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Company, the Plaintiffs may not
receive satisfaction for their claim against Defendant Company.
112.

Unless the court pierces the corporate veil of Defendant Company and holds

Gallagher liable for the Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Company, the Defendants will have
perpetuated a fraud and an injustice by using the Defendant Company’s corporate status to avoid
liability for the Plaintiffs’ claims, even though Defendant Company was merely the alter ego or
business conduit of Gallagher.

24

PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully ask this Court to enter judgment against
Michael Gallagher, individually and doing business as Hugh Henry Construction Inc. in the
amount of the judgment entered under Counts I through IX against Hugh Henry Construction,
Inc.

Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Josiah A. Groff
Josiah A. Groff
One of Plaintiffs= Attorneys
J. Peter Dowd (#0667552)
Josiah A. Groff (#6289628)
Elizabeth L. Rowe (#6316967)
DOWD, BLOCH, BENNETT, CERVONE,
AUERBACH & YOKICH
8 South Michigan Avenue, 19th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
[phone]

25

Case: 1:16-cv-07203 Document #: 1-1 Filed: 07/13/16 Page 1 of 14 PageID #:29

Exhibit A

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Case: 1:16-cv-07203 Document #: 1-1 Filed: 07/13/16 Page 7 of 14 PageID #:35

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Case: 1:16-cv-07203 Document #: 1-1 Filed: 07/13/16 Page 11 of 14 PageID #:39

EXHIBIT B

THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
EASTERN DIVISION
FOX VALLEY LABORERS’ HEALTH AND
WELFARE FUND, THE FOX VALLEY
LABORERS’ PENSION FUND, and PAT
SHALES, Administrator of the Funds,
Plaintiffs,
v.
HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC.,
an Illinois corporation, TRACEY
BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually,
Defendants.

)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
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Case No. 1:16-cv-7203

Judge Shah

AGREED ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH LEAVE TO REINSTATE

This matter coming before the Court on the Plaintiff’s motion for entry of this Agreed
Order of Dismissal with Leave to Reinstate, the Court being fully advised in the premises, the
Court hereby FINDS, ORDERS, and ADJUDGES as follows:

1.

This case is dismissed without prejudice and with leave to reinstate through

August 31, 2020.

EXHIBIT 2
1

2.

The Court shall retain jurisdiction through August 31, 2020 for purposes of

considering a motion to reinstate, should any party choose to file such a motion. If no such
motion is filed by August 31, 2020, the case shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice.

SO ORDERED:

___________________________
Honorable Judge Manish S. Shah

Date: _____________________

For Plaintiffs:

For Defendants:

________________________________
J. Peter Dowd (#0667552)
Josiah A. Groff (#6289628)
Elizabeth L. Rowe (#6316967)
DOWD, BLOCH, BENNETT, CERVONE,
AUERBACH & YOKICH
8 South Michigan Avenue, 19th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
[phone]
[phone] (fax)

________________________________
Scott A. Gore
Michael A. Kuczwara Jr.
Peter Gillespie
LANER MUCHIN, LTD.
515 N. State Street, Suite 2800
Chicago, IL 60654
[phone]
[phone] (fax)

2

COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
1

PARTIES
1

Hugh Henry Construction, Inc.
c/o Tracey Biesterfeldt, President
5905 W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60630
(Referred to herein as “Company-Debtor”)
Tracey Biesterfeldt and Michael Gallagher
4917 W. Balmoral
Chicago, IL 60630
(Referred to herein as “Individual-Debtors”)
(Company-Debtor and Individual Debtors collectively referred to herein as
“Debtors”)

2

2

Fox Valley & Vicinity Laborers Health and Welfare and Pension Funds
2371 Bowes Rd.
Suite 500
Elgin, IL 60123
(Referred to herein as “Secured Party”)

CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

Subject to the terms of this security agreement (AAgreement@), Debtors grant to Secured
Party a security interest in the Collateral to secure the payment of the Obligation.

3

OBLIGATION
The obligation secured by this Agreement (AObligation@) is:
1

Debtor’s obligations under the terms of the Settlement Agreement (“Note”)
entered into on June __, 2017 by the Debtors and the Secured Party in the
principal amount of $419,221.93;

2

All existing and future liabilities, of any kind, nature, or description, of Debtors to
Secured Party arising out of any loan, labor contract, agreement, assignment,
endorsement, guarantee, security agreement, federal law, or other transaction,
regardless of any other collateral or security delivered or held in connection
therewith;
EXHIBIT 3

3

All costs incurred by Secured Party to obtain, preserve, or enforce this security
interest, collect the Obligation, or maintain or preserve the Collateral, including
(but not limited to) taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, repairs, reasonable
attorney’s fees and legal expenses, rent, storage costs, and expenses of sale; and

4

Interest and liquidated damages on the above amounts at the maximum rate
permitted by law.

This is a continuing security agreement and will continue in effect even though all or any
part of the Obligation is paid in full and even though for a period of time Debtors may not be
indebted to Secured Party.

4

COLLATERAL
The property to which the security interest attaches under this Agreement (ACollateral@)

is:
1

All equipment, as that term is defined in the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code,
now owned or hereafter acquired by Debtors;

2

All accounts, as that term is defined in the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code,
now or hereafter in existence of Debtors;

3

All substitutes and replacements for, accessions, attachments, and other additions
to, and tools, parts, accessories and supplies used in connection with, any property
described in this Collateral section, now owned or hereafter acquired by Debtors;

4

All products and produce of any property described in this Collateral section;

5

All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale, destruction, loss or
other disposition of any property described in this Collateral section;

6

All records and data (including, but not limited to, ledger sheets, files, documents,
photographs, microfilm, microfiche, and electronic media) evidencing an interest
in or relating to any property described in this Collateral section, together with all
of Debtor’s right, title, and interest in and to all computer software required to
utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or data on electronic media;
and

5

AGREEMENTS AND WARRANTIES OF DEBTORS
1

Title. Debtors represent and warrant to Secured Party that the Company-Debtor
or Individual-Debtor or both Debtors hold good and marketable title to the
Collateral, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances except for the lien of this
Agreement (and the same will be true of Collateral acquired hereafter when
acquired), and that none of the Collateral is affixed to real estate or an accession
to other goods, nor will Collateral acquired hereafter be affixed to real estate or an
accession to other goods when acquired, unless Debtors have furnished Secured
Party the consents or disclaimers necessary to make this security interest valid
against persons holding interest in the real estate or other goods. No financing
statement covering any of the Collateral is on file in any public office other than
those that reflect the security interest created by this Agreement or to which
Secured Party has specifically consented. Debtors shall defend Secured Party=s
rights in the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other persons.

2

Enforceability of Collateral. To the extent the Collateral consists of accounts,
chattel paper, or general intangibles, the Collateral is enforceable in accordance
with its terms, is genuine, and complies with applicable laws concerning form,
content and manner of preparation and execution, and all persons appearing to be
obligated on the Collateral have authority and capacity to contract and are in fact
obligated as they appear to be on the Collateral. At the time any account becomes
subject to a security interest in favor of Secured Party, the account shall be a good
and valid account representing an undisputed, bona fide indebtedness incurred by
the account debtor for goods sold or services performed by Debtors, and there
shall be no setoffs or counterclaims against any such account, and no agreement
under which any deductions or discounts may be claimed shall have been made
with the account debtor except those disclosed to Secured Party in writing.

3

Perfection of Security Interest. Debtors agree to execute such financing
statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Secured Party to
perfect and continue Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral. Upon
request of the Secured Party, Debtors will deliver to Secured Party any and all of
the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Debtors will note
Secured Party’s interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Secured
Party for possession by Secured Party. Debtors hereby appoint Secured Party as
its irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents
necessary to perfect or continue the security interest granted in this Agreement.
Secured Party may at any time, and without further authorization from Debtors,
file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of any financing statement or of
the Agreement for use as a financing statement. Debtors will reimburse Secured
Party for all expenses for the perfection and the continuation of the perfection of
Secured Party’s security interest in the collateral.

3

4

Collateral Schedules. Debtors, as often as Secured Party may require, shall
deliver to Secured Party, in form satisfactory to Secured Party a schedule of real
properties and Collateral locations relating to Debtors= operations (including all
subsidiaries and related companies), including without limitation the following:
(a) all real property owned or being purchased by Debtors; (b) all real property
being rented or leased by Debtors; (c) all storage facilities owned, rented, leased,
or being used by Debtors; and (d) all other properties where Collateral is or may
be located. Such schedule shall contain such information as Secured Party may
require in order to identify the nature, extent, and location of Collateral (or to the
extent the Collateral consists of intangible property such as accounts, the records
concerning the Collateral). To the extent the Collateral consists of accounts, the
schedule shall contain such information as Secured Party may require to identify
the nature and age of accounts and the names of account debtors.

5

Removal of Collateral. Debtors shall keep the Collateral (or to the extent the
Collateral consists of intangible property such as accounts, the records concerning
the Collateral) at Debtors’ address shown above, or at such other locations as are
acceptable to Secured Party. Except in the ordinary course of its business,
including the sale of inventory, Debtors shall not remove the Collateral from its
existing locations without the prior written consent of Secured Party. To the
extent that the Collateral consists of vehicles or other titled property, Debtors
shall not take or permit any action which would require application for certificates
of title for the vehicle outside the State of Illinois, without the prior written
consent of Secured Party.

6

Transactions Involving Collateral. Except for inventory sold in the ordinary
course of Debtors’ business, Debtors shall not sell, lease, manufacture, process,
assemble, furnish under contracts of service, or otherwise transfer or dispose of
the Collateral. While Debtors are not in Default under this Agreement, Debtors
may sell inventory, but only in the ordinary course of its business and only to
buyers who qualify as a buyer in the ordinary course of business. A sale in the
ordinary course of Debtors’ business does not include a transfer in partial or total
satisfaction of a debt or any bulk sale. Debtors shall not pledge, mortgage,
encumber of otherwise permit the Collateral to be subject to any lien, security
interest, encumbrance, or charge, other than the security interest provided for in
this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Secured Party, even if junior
in right to the security interest granted under this Agreement. Debtors shall not
allow the Collateral to become an accession to other goods or to become affixed
to real estate. Unless waived by Secured Party, all proceeds from any disposition
of the Collateral (for whatever reason) shall be held in trust for Secured Party and
shall not be commingled with any other funds; however, this requirement shall
not constitute consent by Secured Party to any sale or other disposition. Upon
receipt, Debtors shall immediately deliver any such proceeds to Secured Party.

4

7

Maintenance and Inspection of Collateral. Debtors shall maintain all tangible
Collateral in good condition and repair. Debtors will not cause or permit damage
to or destruction of the Collateral or any part of the Collateral. Secured Party and
its designated representatives and agents shall have the right at all reasonable
times to examine, inspect, and audit the Collateral wherever located. Debtors
shall immediately notify Secured Party of all occurrences affecting the Collateral
or the value or amount of the Collateral, including, but not limited to, any loss of
or damage to tangible Collateral, any request for credit or adjustment to any
account, or any dispute arising with respect to any Collateral.

8

Maintenance of Casualty Insurance. Debtors shall procure and maintain all
risks insurance, including without limitation fire, theft and liability coverage
together with such other insurance as Secured Party may require with respect to
the Collateral, in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably acceptable to
Secured Party and issued by a company or companies reasonably acceptable to
Secured Party. Debtors, upon request of Secured Party, will deliver to Secured
Party from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form
satisfactory to Secured Party, including stipulations that coverages will not be
cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days= prior written notice to
Secured Party and not including any disclaimer of the insurer=s liability for failure
to give such a notice. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement
providing that coverage in favor of Secured Party will not be impaired in any way
by any act, omission or default of Debtors or any other person. In connection with
all policies covering assets in which Secured Party holds or is offered a security
interest, Debtors will provided Secured Party with such loss payable or other
endorsements as Secured Party may require. If Debtors at any time fails to obtain
or maintain any insurance as required under the Agreement, Secured Party may
(but shall not be obligated to) obtain at Debtors= expense such insurance as
Secured Party deems appropriate, including if it so chooses Asingle interest
insurance,@ which will cover only Secured Party=s interest in the Collateral.

9

Application of Insurance Proceeds. Debtors shall promptly notify Secured
Party of any loss or damage to the Collateral. Secured Party may make proof of
loss if Debtors fail to do so within fifteen (15) days of the casualty. All proceeds
of any insurance on the Collateral, including accrued proceeds thereon, shall be
held by Secured Party, to be distributed as follows: If Secured Party consents to
repair or replacement of the damaged or destroyed Collateral, Secured Party shall,
upon satisfactory proof of expenditure, pay or reimburse Debtors from the
proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement. Any remaining
proceeds shall be first applied toward the Obligation, with any balance distributed
to Debtors. If Secured Party does not consent to repair or replacement of the
Collateral, Secured Party shall retain a sufficient amount of the proceeds to pay
the Obligation, and shall pay the balance to Debtors.

5

10

Insurance Reports. Debtors, upon request of Secured Party, shall furnish to
Secured Party reports on each existing policy of insurance showing such
information as Secured Party may reasonably request, including the following:
(a) the name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy; (d)
the property insured; (e) the then-current value on the basis of which insurance
has been obtained and manner of determining that value; and (f) the expiration
date of the policy. In addition, Debtors shall upon request by Secured Party have
an independent appraiser satisfactory to Secured Party determine, as applicable,
the cash value or replacement cost of the Collateral.

11

Taxes, Assessments and Liens. Debtors will pay when due all taxes,
assessments and liens upon the Collateral, its use or operation, this Agreement,
and any promissory note or notes evidencing the Obligation and related
documents executed in connection with the Obligation. Debtors may in good
faith commence an appropriate proceeding to contest such tax, assessment, or
lien, and may withhold payment during any such proceedings, including
appropriate appeals, so long as, in Secured Party=s sole opinion, Secured Party=s
interest in the Collateral is not jeopardized by such action. If the Collateral is
subject to a lien which is not discharged within fifteen (15) days, Debtors shall
deposit with Secured Party cash, a sufficient corporate surety bond or other
security satisfactory to Secured Party in any amount adequate to provide for the
discharge of the lien plus any interest, costs, attorneys= fees or other charges that
could accrue as a result of foreclosure or sale of the Collateral. In any contest
Debtors shall defend itself and Secured Party, and shall satisfy any final adverse
judgment before enforcement against the Collateral. Debtors shall name Secured
Party as an additional obligee under any surety bond furnished in the contest
proceedings.

12

Compliance with Governmental Regulations. Debtors shall comply with all
laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of all governmental authorities, now or
hereafter in effect, applicable to the ownership, production, disposition, or use of
the Collateral. Debtors may in good faith commence an appropriate proceeding to
contest such law, ordinance, rule, or regulation, and may withhold compliance
during any such proceedings, including appropriate appeals, so long as, in
Secured Party=s sole opinion, Secured Party=s interest in the Collateral is not
jeopardized by such action.

13

Indemnification. Debtors assume liability for, and agrees to indemnify and hold
Secured Party harmless from and against, and covenants to defend Secured Party
against, all claims, causes of action, liabilities, and damages of any kind arising
out of or related to the use, maintenance, possession, or management of the
Collateral. This agreement to indemnify shall survive the payment of the
Obligation and the satisfaction of this Agreement.

14

Hazardous Substances. Debtors represent and warrants that the Collateral never
6

has been, and never will be so long as this Agreement remains a lien on the
Collateral, used for the generation, manufacture, storage, transportation,
treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous waste or
substance, as those terms are defined in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability At of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9601, et seq. (ACERCLA@), the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No., 99-499 (ASARA@), the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other
applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of
the foregoing. The terms Ahazardous waste@ and Ahazardous substance@ shall also
include, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products, or any fractions
thereof, and asbestos. The representations and warranties contained herein are
based on Debtors= due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous
wastes and substances. Debtors hereby (a) release and waive any future claims
against Secured Party for indemnity or contribution in the event Debtors become
liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless Secured Party against any and all claims and losses resulting
from a breach of this provision of the Agreement. This agreement to indemnify
shall survive the payment of the Obligation and the satisfaction of this
Agreement.
15

16

6

Change of Name or Address. Debtors shall not change its name, or the location
of its principal place of business, executive office, or the place where it keeps its
business records without thirty (30) days prior written notice to Secured Party.
No Violation. Debtors are duly formed, organized, validly existing and in good
standing in the state of its incorporation or organization, duly qualified and in
good standing in every jurisdiction where the nature of its business requires it to
be so qualified, and authorized by all requisite action of its stockholders and
directors, general partners, or managers to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement.

POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL AND COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS

Until Default, and except as otherwise provided below with respect to accounts, Debtors
may have possession and beneficial use of the Collateral, and may use it in any lawful manner
not inconsistent with this Agreement, provided that Debtors= right to possession and beneficial
use shall not apply to any Collateral of which possession by Secured Party is required by law to
perfect Secured Party=s security interest in such Collateral. Until otherwise notified by Secured
Party, Debtors may collect any of the Collateral consisting of accounts. Without prior written
consent of Secured Party, Debtors shall not grant any extension of the time of payment of any
account, compromise any account for less than its full amount, release in whole or in party any
7

person liable for the payment of all or part of any account, or allow any credit upon an account
except for the amount of cash paid thereon. Upon notice to Debtors, Secured Party may at any
time prior to Default collect accounts and notify account debtors to make payments directly to
Secured Party for application to the Obligation.

7

EXPENDITURES BY SECURED PARTY

Secured Party may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Debtors are
required to take under this Agreement or that is otherwise necessary to obtain, preserve, and
enforce this security interest or maintain and preserve the Collateral, without notice to Debtors,
and add costs of same, including interest at the maximum rate provided by law from the date
incurred to the date of repayment, to the Obligation.

8

REINSTATEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST

If payment is made on the Obligation by Debtors, whether voluntarily or otherwise, or by
any third party, and thereafter Secured Party remits any amount of that payment (a) by reason of
any federal or state bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors to Debtors= trustee in
bankruptcy or to any similar person, (b) by reason of any judgment, decree or order of any court
or administrative body having jurisdiction over Secured Party or any of Secured Party=s property,
or (c) by reason of any settlement or compromise by Secured Party of any claim made by any
claimant (including without limitation Debtors), such amount shall be considered not to have
been paid for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall continue to
be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, notwithstanding any cancellation of this
Agreement or of any note or other instrument or agreement evidencing the Obligation, and the
Collateral will continue to secure the amount repaid or recovered to the same extent as if that
amount had never been received by Secured Party, and Debtors shall be bound by any judgment,
decree, order, settlement or compromise relating to the Obligation or to this Agreement.

9

DEFAULT
Each of the following constitutes an event of default under this Agreement (ADefault@):
1

Default on Obligation. Debtor=s failure to make any payment when due under
the terms of the Note, including contributions owed to the Secured Party for the
month of March 2017 or any subsequent months through the termination of this
Agreement;

2

Non-Compliance with Agreements. Debtors= failure to comply with or to
perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in the Note, this
Agreement, the Labor Agreement between the Debtor-Company and the Laborers
District Council, or any other agreement between Secured Party and Debtors;
8

3

Default to Third Parties. Debtor=s default under any loan, extension of credit,
security agreement, promissory note, purchase or sales agreement, or any other
agreement with any other person, that may materially affect any of Debtors=
property or ability to repay the Obligation or perform its duties under this
Agreement;

4

False Statements.
Debtors= making any false or misleading warranty,
representation, or statement to Secured Party relating to this Agreement;

5

Dissolution or Merger. The dissolution or termination of Company-Debtor=s
existence as a going business, or the merger or consolidation of Debtors with
another entity;

6

Insolvency. The insolvency of Company-Debtor, the appointment of a receiver
for any part of Company-Debtor=s property, any assignment for the benefit of
creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding
under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Company-Debtor and/or
Individual-Debtor.

7

Collateral Loss or Damage. Loss, theft, substantial damage, destruction, sale,
reduction in value, encumbrance of (other than pursuant to this Agreement),
damage to, or change in the Collateral;

8

Judicial or Other Proceedings. Commencement of collections, foreclosure, or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or
any other method, by any creditor of Debtors or any governmental agency against
the Collateral. Commencement of such proceedings shall not constitute an event
of default if there is a good faith dispute by Debtors as to the validity or
reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the proceeding and if Debtors
give Secured Party written notice of the proceeding and deposits with Secured
Party monies or a surety bond for the proceeding, in an amount determined by
Secured Party, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the
dispute;

9

Events Affecting Guarantor. The occurrence of any of the preceding events
with respect to any Guarantor of any part of the Obligation, or the death or
incompetence of such Guarantor. Secured Party, at its option, may but shall not
be required to, permit the Guarantor=s estate to assume unconditionally the
obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Secured Party
and, in doing so, cure the Default;

10

Adverse Change. The occurrence of a material adverse change in Debtors=
financial condition, or the belief of Secured Party that the prospect of payment or
performance of the Obligation is impaired;
9

11

Insecurity. Secured Party, in good faith, deems itself insecure.

If any Default, other than Debtors= failure to make payment when due under the Note, is
curable and if Debtors have not been given prior notice of the Default, it may be cured (and no
Default will have occurred), if Debtors, after Secured Party sends written notice demanding cure
of such Default, (a) cures the default within five days, or (b) if the cure requires more than five
days, immediately initiates steps that Secured Party deems in its sole discretion to be sufficient to
cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps
sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

10

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

If Default occurs under this Agreement, at any time thereafter Secured Party shall have
all the rights of a secured party under the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code. In addition, and
without limitation, Secured Party may exercise any one or more of the following rights and
remedies:
1

Accelerate Obligation. Secured Party may declare the entire Obligation,
including any prepayment penalty that Debtors would be required to pay,
immediately due and payable, without notice.

2

Assemble Collateral. Secured Party may require Debtors to deliver to Secured
Party all or any portion of the Collateral and any and all certificates of title and
other documents related to the Collateral. Secured Party may require Debtors to
assemble the Collateral and make it available to Secured Party at a place to be
designated by Secured Party. Secured Party also shall have full power to enter
upon the property of Debtors to take possession of and remove the Collateral. If
the Collateral contains other goods not covered by this Agreement at the time of
repossession, Debtors agree that Secured Party may take such other goods,
provided the Secured Party makes reasonable efforts to return them to Debtors
after repossession.

3

Sell the Collateral. Secured Party shall have full power to sell, lease, transfer, or
otherwise deal with the Collateral or proceeds thereof in its own name or that of
Debtors. Secured Party may sell the Collateral at public auction or private sale.
Unless the Collateral threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type
customarily sold on a recognized market, Secured Party will give Debtors
reasonable notice of the time after which any private sale or any other intended
disposition of the Collateral is to be made. The requirements of reasonable notice
shall be met if such notice is given at least ten (10) days before the time of the
sale or disposition. All expenses relating to the disposition of the Collateral,
10

including without limitation the expenses of retaking, holding, insuring, preparing
for sale and selling the Collateral, shall become a part of the Obligation secured
by this Agreement and shall be payable on demand, with interest at the maximum
rate provided by law from the date incurred to the date of repayment.
4

Appoint Receiver. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Secured Party may
have a receiver appointed. The receiver may be an employee of Secured Party
and may serve without bond, and all fees of the receiver and his or her attorneys
shall become part of the Obligation and shall be payable on demand, with interest
at the maximum rate provided by law from the date incurred to the date of
repayment.

5

Collect Revenues, Apply Accounts. Secured Party, either itself or through a
receiver, may collect the payments, rents, income, and revenues from the
Collateral. Secured Party may at any time in its discretion transfer any Collateral
into its own name or that of its nominee and receive the payments, rents, income,
and revenues therefrom and hold the same as security for the Obligation or apply
it to payment of the Obligation in such order of preference as Secured Party may
determine. Insofar as the Collateral consists of accounts, general intangibles,
insurance policies, instruments, chattel paper, choses in action, or similar
property, Secured Party may demand, collect, receipt for, settle, compromise,
adjust, sue to foreclose, or realize on the Collateral. For these purposes, Secured
Party may, on behalf of and in the name of Debtors, receive, open and dispose of
mail addressed to Debtors, change any address to which mail and payments are to
be sent, and endorse notes, checks, drafts, money orders, documents of title
instruments and items pertaining to payment, shipment, or storage of any
Collateral. To facilitate collection, Secured Party may notify account debtors and
obligors on any Collateral to make payments directly to Secured Party.

6

Obtain Deficiency. If Secured Party chooses to sell any or all of the Collateral,
Secured Party may obtain a judgment against Debtors for any deficiency
remaining on the Obligation after application of all amounts received from the
exercise of the rights provided in this Agreement.

7

Other Rights and Remedies. Secured Party shall have all the rights and remedies
of a secured party under the provisions of the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code,
as may be amended from time to time. In addition, Secured Party shall have and
may exercise any or all other rights and remedies it may have available at law, in
equity, or otherwise.

All of Secured Party=s rights and remedies, whether evidenced by this Agreement or any
other writing, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by
Secured Party to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an
election to make expenditures or to take action to perform any obligations of Debtors under this
Agreement, after Debtors= failure to perform, shall not affect Secured Party=s right to declare a
11

Default and to exercise its remedies.
11

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1

Amendments. This Agreement, together with all documents executed in
connection with the Obligation, constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No
alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in
writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the
alteration or amendment.

2

Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Secured Party and
accepted by Secured Party in the State of Illinois. If there is a lawsuit, Debtors
agree upon Secured Party=s request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of
the State of Illinois. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

3

Expenses. Debtors assume and agree to indemnify, pay and hold harmless
Secured Party and its trustees, employees and agents from all expenses, losses,
costs, claims, actions, causes of action, damages of any kind, liabilities, expenses
and attorneys fees and costs that Secured Party may incur or sustain in obtaining
or enforcing payment or performance of the Obligation, in exercising its rights
and remedies under this Agreement, or in connection with any action, proceeding,
or appeal arising out of or related to this Agreement, the Obligation, or the
Collateral, whether brought by Secured Party, Debtors or any third party.

4

Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not be used to interpret or define the provisions of this
Agreement.

5

Signatories for Debtors. If more than one person executes this Agreement as a
Debtor, their obligations under this Agreement shall be joint and several.

6

Notices. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in
writing, may be sent by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), and shall
be effective when actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally
recognized overnight courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class,
postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the
address show above. Any party may change its address for notices under this
Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the
purpose of the notice is to change the party=s address. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, if there is more than one Debtor, notice to any Debtor will
constitute notice to all Debtors. For notice purposes, Debtors will keep Secured
Party informed at all times of Debtors= current address(es).
12

7

Power of Attorney. Debtors hereby appoint Secured Party as its true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, irrevocably, with full power of substitution to do the following:
(a) to demand, collect, receive, receipt for, sue and recover all sum of money or
other property which may now or hereafter become due, owing or payable from
the Collateral; (b) to execute, sign and endorse any and all claims, instruments,
receipts, checks, drafts or warrants issued in payment for the Collateral; (c) to
settle or compromise any and all claims arising under the Collateral; and, if the
place and stead of Debtors, to execute and deliver its release and settlement for
the claim; and (d) to file any claim or claims or to take any action or institute or
take part in any proceedings, either in its own name or in the name of Debtors, or
otherwise, which in the discretion of Secured Party may seem to be necessary or
advisable. This power is given as security for the Obligation, and the authority
hereby conferred is and shall be irrevocable and shall remain in full force and
effect until renounced by Secured Party.

8

Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this
Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstances, such
finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
persons or circumstances. If feasible, any such offending provision shall be
deemed to be modified to be within the limits of enforceability or validity;
however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall he stricken and
all other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and
enforceable.

9

Successor Interests. Subject to the limitations set forth above on transfer of the
Collateral, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties, their successors and assigns.

10

Waiver. Secured Party shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Secured Party.
No delay or omission on the part of Secured Party in exercising any right shall
operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Secured Party of
a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of
Secured Party=s right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or
any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Secured Party, nor any
course of dealing between Secured Party and Debtors, shall constitute a waiver of
any of Secured Party=s rights or of any of Debtors= obligations as to any future
transactions. Whenever the consent of Secured Party is required under the
Agreement, the granting of such consent by Secured Party in any instance shall
not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is
required and in all case such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
discretion of Secured Party.

11.

This Commercial Security Agreement shall terminate upon the full payment of
the outstanding principal balance with interest owed to the FOX VALLEY &
13

THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
EASTERN DIVISION

FOX VALLEY LABORERS’ HEALTH AND
WELFARE FUND, THE FOX VALLEY
LABORERS’ PENSION FUND, and PAT
SHALES, Administrator of the Funds,
Plaintiffs,
v.
HUGH HENRY CONSTRUCTION INC.,
an Illinois corporation, TRACEY
BIESTERFELDT, individually, and
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, individually,
Defendants.

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Case No. 1:16-cv-7203

Judge Shah

AGREED JUDGMENT

This matter coming before the Court on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Entry of an Agreed
Judgment, and the Court having reviewed the motion along with the supporting materials, the
Court hereby FINDS, ORDERS, and ADJUDGES as follows:

Judgment is entered in favor of the Plaintiffs and against Defendants Hugh Henry
Construction, Inc., Tracey Biesterfeldt, and Michael Gallagher, jointly and severally, in the total
amount of $419,221.93 on all Counts of the Amended Complaint, representing contributions,
plus Welfare, Pension, Safety, Apprenticeship, CISCO, and IAF liquidated damages at 20%,

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EXHIBIT 4

LMCC, LECET, and Dues Funds liquidated damages at 10%, interest, audit fees, and attorneys’
fees, for the period of November 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016.

SO ORDERED:

___________________________
Honorable Judge Manish S. Shah

Date: _____________________

For Plaintiffs:

For Defendants:

________________________________
J. Peter Dowd (#0667552)
Josiah A. Groff (#6289628)
Elizabeth L. Rowe (#6316967)
DOWD, BLOCH, BENNETT, CERVONE,
AUERBACH & YOKICH
8 South Michigan Avenue, 19th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
[phone]
[phone] (fax)

________________________________
Scott A. Gore
Michael A. Kuczwara Jr.
Peter Gillespie
LANER MUCHIN, LTD.
515 N. State Street, Suite 2800
Chicago, IL 60654
[phone]
[phone] (fax)

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EXHIBIT H

EXHIBIT I