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.

UNITED
BEFORE

THE

BOARD

STATES

OF GOVERNORS

OF AMERICA
OF THE FEDER4L

WASHINGTON,

OHIO

In the Matter

DIVISION

OHIO

)

POCKET

TOWNEBANK

)

Ohio

)

)
)

WHEREAS,
System

(the "Board

the Board

Institutions

practices

and

"Bank"),
Reserve

a

of Governors,
enter

into

of the Towne

State-chartered
warrant
the

this

bank
formal

Division,

consent

that

believe

Bank,

the Bank

and

Desist

that

Order

of

Ohio-(the

of the Federal

action,
have

Reserve

the

Perrysburg,

is a member

enforcement

and

Cease

of the Federal

and the Ohio Division

(the "Division")

condition

System,

of Governors

of Governors")

Financial

98-OOl-B-SM

NO.

Cease and Desist Order
'Issued Upon Consent
Pursuant to the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act,
as Amended and Section 1121.32
of the Ohio Revised Code

)

Perrysburg,

INSTITUTIONS

COLUMBUS,

)
)

SYSTEM

D.C.

OF FINANCIAL

of

RESERVE

and

mutually

the Board
agreed

(the "Order");

to
and

2
WREREAS~, on

January30

, 1998, the board of

directors of the Bank adopted a resolution (1) authorizing and
JeromeC. Bechstein

directing

to enter into this Order on behalf

of the Bank, and consenting to compliance with each and eveq
provision of this Order by the Bank and its institutionaffiliated parties, as such term is defined in section 3(u) of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, ss amended
(12 U.S.C. 1813(u));

(the "FDI Act")

(2) waiving the issuance of a notice of

charges and of hearing on-any matter set forth in this Order
relating to the Bank;

(3) waiving a hearing for the purpose of

taking eviden~ce on any matter set forth in this Order;
(4) waiving any and all rights to contest the issuance of a cease
and desist order by the Board of Governors pursuant

to 12 U.S.C.

1818. 12 C.F.R. Part 263, and sections 1121.32 and 1121.38 of the
Ohio Revised Code; and (5) waiving any and all rights to
challenge or contest-in any manner the basis, issuance, validity,
terms, effectiveness,
provisions

or enforceability of this Order or any

hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, before the taking of any testimony or
adjudication
and without

of or finding on any issue of fact or law herein.
this Order constituting

an admission of any

3
allegation made or implied by the Board of Governors or the
Divisions in connection with this proceeding:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, pursuant to section 8 of the FDI
Act and section 1121.32 of the Ohio Revised Code, that the Bank
and its institution-affiliated
the following affirmative

1.

parties cease and desist and take

actions:

Within 30 days of this Order, the Bank shall take

such steps as are necessary
with demonstrated

to employ a.chief lending officer

experience

in commercial bank lending and in

connection therewith comply with the provisions of section 32 of
the FDI Act

(12 U.S.C. 1831i), Subpart H of Regulation Y of the

Board of Governors

(12 C.F.R. Part 225, Subpart H), and the

Division's Approval Order, dated February 17, 1995 (the 'Approval
Order").

2.

(a)

Within

10 days of this Order, the Bank shall

retain an independent bank management

consultant acceptable to

the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

(the lReseNe

Bank") and

the Division to conduct a complete management review of the
Bank's operating policies and implementation of such policies,

4
and the Bank's personnel

(the "Review") and to prepare a written

report of findings and recommendations to the Bank's board of
directors.

The terms of the contract with the consultant shall

require that the Review will be completed within 30 days of the
retention of the consultant and that a written report of findings
and recommendations
within

be submitted to the Bank's board of directors

10 days of the completion of the Review.

The Bank shall

forward a copy of the consultant's written report of findings and
recommendations

to the Reserve Bank and the Division within

5 days of its receipt.

The Review shall include, at a minimum,

the following:

(i)

The identification of the type and

number of officer positions needed to manage and supervise the
affairs of the Bank adequately;

(ii)

the identification and establishment

the Bank's board of directors' committees
provide

that

are

of

needed to

guidance and oversight to Bank management;

(iii)

an evaluation of each Bank officer and

staff member to determine whether these individuals possess the

5

ability, experience and other qualifications

required to perform

present and anticipated duties, including.adherence

to the Bank's

policies and procedures and maintenance of the Bank in a safe and
sound condition, and an assessment of whether these individuals
are compensated commensurate with their duties and their
abilities to perform those duties competently;

(iv)

and

a plan to recruit and hire any

additional or replacement-personnel

with the requisite ability,

experience and other qualifications

which are necessary to fill

Bank officer and staff member positions consistent with the
findings of the Review.

(b)

The primary purpose of the Review shall be to

aid in the development of a management
Bank's needs that ishdequately
personnel:~ At a minimum,

structure suitable to the

staffed by qualified~and trained

the qualifications

of management shall

be determined by its ability to: (i) restore and maintain all
aspects of the Bank, including asset quality and capital
adequacy, to a safe and sound condition, and

(ii) comply with the

requirements of this Order, the Approval Order, the Bank's
commitments contained in its application

for membership and

.

6

relied upon in the Reserve Bank's membership approval letter,
dated August 14, 1995 (the "Committments"), and all applicable
laws and regulations.

(c)
the consultant's

Within 30 days after the Bank's receipt of

written report of findings and recommendations

required by paragraph
written management

2(a) hereof, the Bank shall submit a

plan

(the "Management Plan") to the Reserve

Bank and the Division describing specific actions that the board
of directors proposes

to.take in order to strengthen Bank

management and to improve the board of directors' supervision
over the Bank's officers.
address the consultant's

The Management Plan shall fully
written report of

findings and

recommendations.

(d)

The Reserve Bank and the Division shall

review and comment on the

Management Plan within 15 days of its

receipt from the Bank.

3.

(a)

The Bank shall continue to maintain a

sufficient number of outside directors to ensure that a
of the Bank's board of

majority

directors are outside directors, and in

I

7

connection therewith, shall comply with section 32 of the FDI Act
(12 U.S.C. 1831i) and Subpart H of Regulation Y of the Board of
Governors

(12 C.F.R. Part 225, Subpart H).

(b)

For the purposes of this Order, the terms:

(i) "outside director" shall be defined as an individual who
(A) is not an officer or employee of the Bank, or any affiliate,
(B) owns not more than 2.5 percent of the outstanding voting
stock of the Bank or any affiliate, or (C) is not related in any
manner to any officer of the Bank or to.any shareholder who owns
more than 2.5 percent of the outstanding voting stock of the Bank
or any affiliate; and (ii) "affiliate" shall be defined as set
forth in section 23A(b) (i) of the Federal Reserve Act'
(12 U.S.C. 37X(b)

-4 .

(1)).

Within 30 days of this Order, the Bank shall

submit to the Reserve Bank and the Division an acceptable written
plan to achieve and, thereafter, maintain an adequate capital
position.

The plan shall, at a minimum,~ address and consider:

(a)

requirements,

The Bank's current and future capital

including compliance with the'capital Adequacy

Guidelines of the Board of Governors
Risk Based Measures

for State Member Banks:

and Tier 1 Leverage Measure (12 C.F.R.

Part 208, App. A and B) , and the Approval Order requiring the
Bank to maintain

a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of at

least 10 percent until such time, not less than three years after
the commencement

of bank operations,

as the Superintendent of the

Division advises the bank-in writing that such level of
capitalization

is no longer necessary;

(b)

the volume of the Bank's adversely classified

(c)

a restriction

Id)

the Bank's anticipated

assets;

on the growth of the Bank's

assets;

earnings ;

levels of retained

9
(e)

the source and timing of additional funds

to

fulfill the Bank's future capital and the loan loss reserve
requirements; and

(f)

procedures for the Bank to notify the Reserve

Bank and the Division, in writing, within 5 days of the end of
any calendar month that the Bank's Tier 1 leverage ratio falls
below 10 percent and to submit to the Reserve Bank and the
Division an acceptable written plan that details the steps the
Bank will take to increase its Tier 1 leverage ratio to no less
than 10 percent within 30 days.

5.

During any calendar quarter, the Bank's average

total assets shall not exceed.its ~average total assets during the
preceding,calendar

(a)

quarter unless:

The Reserve Bank and the Division have

approved the capital plan described in paragraph 4 hereof;

(b)

the increase in total assets is consistent

with the capital plan described in paragraph 4 hereof; and

IV

Cc)

the Bank's ratio of tangible equity to assets

increases during the calendar quarter at a rate sufficient to
enable the Bank to meet the capital standards required by
paragraph 4(a) hereof.

6.

The Bank shall not declare or pay any dividends

without the prior written approval.of the Reserve Bank, the
Director of the Division of Bank Supervision
the Board of Governors, and the Division.

and Regulation of

Requests for approval

shall be received by the'Reserve Bank and the Division at least
30 days prior to the proposed dividend declaration

date and shall

contain, but not be limited to, current and projected

information

on earnings, cash flow, capital levels and asset quality of the
Bank.

7.

(a)

-The Bank shall not extend any new loans i-n

excess of-$5,000 or renew any existing loans without the prior
written approval of the Bank's board of directors

and, upon

appointment within 30 days of this Order, the Bank's new chief
lending officer required by paragraph

1 hereof.

11

(b)

All requests regarding for new loans in

excess of $5,000 and renewals~of existing loans shall be
accompanied by supporting documentation, including, but not
limited to:

(i)

A detailed description of the loan

purpose and terms;

(ii)
collateral,
perfect

a detailed description of loan

collateral valuation, and documents to be required to

liens on collateral;

(iii)
secondary

an evaluation of the primary and

sources of repayment and support for the adequacy of

the stated sources of repayment;
.~
_.

(iv)
borrower,

-

a detailed financial analysis of the

co-signors and guarantors, if any, and documentation

support the analysis,
financial

_._

such as current and three year historical

and income statements;

to

12
(v> a detailed analysis of the borrower's
cash flow and debt service capacity;

(vi) a~statement of the current and proposed
aggregate credit exposure of the borrower; and

(vii) a certification that the proposed loan
conforms to the Bank's loan policies.

(cl

The Bank's board of.directors shall have the

responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Bank's written
loan policies and procedures and shall review, on a monthly
basis, the current status of all loans in excess of $5,000 that
are past due as to principal or interest for 90 days or more as
of the date of the directors' meeting, or that are adversely
classified_orJ.isted-for special mention by federal or state
examiners in the Bank's latest report of examination or
visitation.

The board of directors shall specifically address

whether the extension of credit was made in accordance with the
Bank's written loan policies and procedures, the collection
actions undertaken by Bank management to reduce the volume of
past due loans, and whether such actions were in full compliance

13
with the Bank's collection procedures as set forth in its written
loan policies and procedures.

Cd)

The board of directors shall maintain

accurate written minutes of its loan discussions and meetings,
which shall be available

Unless otherwise approved in writing by the

(a)

0.

for subsequent supervisory review.

Reserve Bank and the Division,

the Bank shall, within 10 days

from the receipt of any federal or state report of examination or
visitation,

charge-off

100 percent of all assets classified

~'

"LOSS" in such report of examination or visitation that have not
been previously

collected

(b)
__

_

Within

achieve and, thereaeer,
current operating
losses.

income,

The adequacy

potential

30 days of this Order, the Bank shall

continue to maintain,~ through charges to
an adequate valuation reserve for loan

of the reserve shall be determined in light

of the volume of weighted
nonperforming

in full or charged-off.

classified loans, the current level of

loans, past loss experience, evaluation of the

for loan losses

economic conditions,

in the Bank's portfolio, current

other criticisms contained in the Bank's

14
most recent report'of examination, and the requirements of the
Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease
Losses, dated December 21, 1993 (the "Interagency Policy
Statement").

A written record shall be maintained indicating the

methodology used in determining the amount of the reserve needed
(e.g., at a minimum, the methodology should address the
maintenance of a reserve equal to a sum of: 50 percent of loans
classified

"Doubtful", 20 percent of loans classified

"Substandard", and 1 percent of all other loans, excluding cash
secured loans).

This record shall be submitted to the Reserve

Bank and the Division within 60 days of this Order.

Thereafter,

the Bank shall conduct, at a minimum, a quarterly assessment
its loan loss reserve and its nonperforming

of

loans and shall

of each quarterly assessment to the Reserve

submit documentation

Bank and the Division within 30 days of the end of each quarter.
--_
(c)

_

The requirements of paragraph 6(b) hereof

shall not be construed as a standard for future operation of the
Bank after the termination of this Order.
these requirements

It is the intention of

to provide for an appropriate reduction in

adversely classified assets and to maintain adequate loan loss
reserves during the term of this Order.

15
9.

Within 60 days of this Order, the Bank shall

submit to the Reserve Bank and the Division acceptable written
loan review procedures.

The loan review procedures shall be

designed to identify and categorize problem credits and to assess
the overall quality of the Bank's loan portfolio.

These

procedures shall, at a minimum, include the following:

(a)

A description of the risk grades to be

assigned to each loan;

(b)

.

the designation

be responsible for determining

of the individuals who will

loan grades;

Cc)

a description

of when loans will be graded;

(d)

3 description of what loans ui-X-be gaded;-

(e)

the requirements

outlined in Attachment I of

the Interagency Policy Statement addressing

the minimum

requirements relating to "Loan Review Systems" and "Credit

Grading Systems";

.

16

(f)

procedures to confirm the accuracy of all

risk grades assigned by the Bank's loan officers;

(g)
examiners

procedures to identify all loans listed by

in future examinations or visitations as subject to

adverse classification

as watch list loans prior to such

examinations;

(h)

for each loan identified as a watch list

loan, a written statement, maintained in the appropriate credit
file, of the reason(s) why such loan merits special attention;

(i) the development of an adequate internal loan
review grading report; and

(j) _ a mechanic-for~reporting periodically to the
Bank's board of directors the status of the loan reviews and the
action(s)

taken by management to improve the Bank's position on

each loan adversely graded.

10.

(aI

Within 60 days of this Order, the Bank shall

submit to the Reserve Bank and.the Division an acceptable written

]

17
plan designed to improve the Bank's position on each loan in
excess of $25,000 that was past due as to principal or interest
in excess of 90 days as of the date of this Order and on each
asset in excess of $25,000, including other real estate, that was
adversely classified or listed as special mention by Reserve Bank
and Division examiners at the most recent examination

of the Bank

that commenced on December 15, 1997, cited as a problem loan by
any of the Bank's consultants,

or included on the Bank's problem

loan watchlist, through amortization, repayment,

liquidation,

additional collateral or .other means, whichever may be
appropriate.

This plan shall not be amended or rescinded without

the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank and the Division,
except that the plan shall be amended periodically

to cover loans

or other assets in excess of $25,000 that have been adversely
classified or listed for special mention in any subsequent report
- sf

examination or vi&G&ion

due as to $rincipal

of the Bank or loans that are past

or interest for more than 90 days as of the

date of each subsequent examination or visitation.

Each

amendment to the plan shall be submitted to the Reserve Bank and
the Division within 30 days after the Bank's receipt of each new
report of examination or visitation.

Amended plans based on

loans or other assets that are classified or listed for special

--

18

mention or overdue

'in

subsequent examinations or visitations

shall be submitted to the Reserve Bank and the Division with.the
next progress report, required by paragraph 17 hereof, following
each subsequent examination

(b)

or visitation.

Quarterly progress reports on classified and

past due assets in excess of $ZS,OOp, required by paragraph 17
hereof, shall include, at a minimum:
such assets

(i) the carrying values of

(book and nonbook) as of the date of the plan;

(ii) the nature and value of supporting.collateral;
for improvement,

reduction,

(iii) plans

or elimination of the asset;

(iv) source of funds for changes in status of the assets;
(VI specific

target levels and timetables for achievement; and

(vi) a copy of the Bank's most current internal watch list.

3.1.

Within

60 days pf this Order, t&

Bank shall

submit to-~the Reserve Bank and the Division an acceptable written
plan to monitor

and ~control future extensions of

types of borrowers
the Division's
December

credit to the

and industries cited in the Reserve Bank's and

joint examination

of the Bank that commenced on

15, 1997 as concentrations

through the monitoring of the

use of loan proceeds, documentation reviews and any other

19

appropriate procedures designed to protect the Bank's interests,
avoid concentrations of credit, and ensure that the Bank~complies
fully with its legal lending limit.

12.

Within 60 days of this Order, the Bank shall

submit to the Reserve Bank and the Division a written plan for
1990 and 1999 consisting of goals and strategies for improving
the earnings of the Bank.

The written plan shall include but not

necessarily be limited to, the following:

(a)

Identification of the major areas in and

means by which the board of directors will seek to improve the
Bank's operating performance;

(b)

realistic and comprehensive budgets that, at

a minimum,.provide~ far: !i) monthly estimates ,of all- material
income and~~'expenseitems;

(ii) establishment of a review process

to monitor the actual income, expenses and net cash flow of the
Bank in comparison to budgetary projections; and (iii) semiannual
revision of projected financial statements, including projected
annual budgets and cash flow statements and year-end balance
sheet and income statements for the Bank;

20

Cc)

a description

of the operating assumptions

that form the bases for, and adequately support, major projected
income and expense components,
and bonuses

including the compensation level

(if any) of senior officers and directors, the Bank's

deferred tax position,

and provisions needed to establish and

maintain adequate loan loss reserves;

Cd)

a budget review process

of pro forma income statements

incorporating the use

in the analysis of budgeted versus

actual income and expenses;

(e)

a complete analysis of the Bank's overhead

expenses, including an analysis of the Bank's current lease
agreements and need for two offices, with a complete description
-_

of the steps to be taken to reduce overhead.expenses

to peer

levels or-.below; and

(f) the establishment

of a quarterly review

process to monitor the actual income and expenses of the Bank in
comparison to budgetary

projections.

21
13.
submit

Within

Cd)

to the Reserve

30 days of this Order,

the Bank

shall

Bank and the Division acceptable written

funds management plans and procedures to provide for the
maintenance
procedures

of an adequate liquidity position.

The plans and

shall, at a minimum, address and consider:

(i) A contingency funding plan to identify
potential

funding sources of liquidity if the Bank were to

experience

an erosion of its deposit base;

(ii) establishment of contingency plans for
meeting

large, unexpected withdrawals, which shall include, at a

minimum

(A) curtailing lending activity with priority given to

specific

types.of credit, and (B) establishing lines of credit

with other financial institutions which will advance funds on
short notice; and

--

(iii)
directors

a monthly review by the Bank's board of

to determine how best to allocate the Bank's available

funding sources among various asset categories after reviewing:
(A) the Bank's liquidity position,

(B) outstanding commitments

.

22
such as loan commitments and letters of credit, and (C) the
Bank's rate-sensitivity position and net interest margin.

(b)

The funds,management plans shall be

coordinated with the Bank's loan, investment, operating, and
budget and profit planning policies.

14.

(a)

The Bank shall immediately

steps consistent with

sound

banking practices,

take all necessary
to eliminate

and/or correct all violations of Ohio Revised Code S 1109.22 set
forth in the joint letter of the Reserve Bank and Division to the

Bank's board of directors, dated January 9, 1996.

(b) Within 60 days of this Order, the Bank shall
initiate an affirmative compliance program in order to ensure
compliance with the provisions of all applicable federal and
state laws-bandregulations, this Order, the Approval Order, and
the Commitments. Pursuant thereto, the management

of the Bank

shall develop a continuing education program to familiarize
itself with the applicable provisions of the Federal Reserve Act
and the regulations promulgated thereunder, thenlaws of the State
of Ohio, the provisions of this Order, the Approval Order, the

j

23
Committments,

and any interagency policy statements that may be

released implementing changes to supervisory initiatives.

15.

(a)

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the

Reserve Bank and the Division, the Bank shall not, directly or
indirectly, enter into, participate, or in any other manner
engage in any transaction with Towne Bancorp, Inc., Perrysburg,

Ohio, without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank and
the Division.

(b)

For the purposes of this Order, the terms

(i) "transaction" shall include, but not be limited to the
transfer, sale or purchase of any asset, including cash, or the
direct or indirect

payment of any expense or obligation of Towne

Bancorp, the payment

of a management or service fee of any

nature, or any extartsionof credit, including.overdrafts; and

(ii) "extension of credit" shall be defined as set forth in
section 215.3 of Regulation 0 of the Board of Governors
(12 C.F.R. 215.3) and section 1301:1-3-04 of the Ohio
Administrative Code.

16.

The plans, policies, and procedures required by

paragraphs 4, 9, 10(a), 11,'and 13(a) hereof shall be submitted

24
to the Reserve Bank and the Division for review and approval.

Acceptable plans, policies, and procedures shall be submitted to
the Reserve Bank and the Division within the required time
periods set forth in this Order.

The Bank shall adopt the

approved plans, policies, and procedures within 10 days of
receipt of approval by the Reserve Bank and the Division and then
fully comply with them.

During the.tenn of this Order, the

approved plans, policies, and procedures shall not be amended or
rescinded without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank
and the Division.

17.

Within 30 days after the end of each calendar

quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31)
following the date of this Order, the Bank shall furnish to the
Reserve Bank and the Division written progress reports detailing
the form and mannerof all

actions taken to secure compliance

with this Order and the results thereof, including updated
reports on all asset improvement plans required by paragraph 10
hereof.

Such reports may be discontinued when the corrections

required by this order have been accomplished and the Reserve
Bank and the Division have, in writing, released the Bank from
making further reports.

25
18.

All communications regarding this Order shall be

sent to:
(a)

R. Chris Moore
Senior Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
1455 East Sixth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

(b) Richard L. Hardgrove
Deputy Superintendent for Banks
Ohio Division of,Financial Institutions
77 South High Street, 21st Floor
c01umbus, Ohio 43266-0549
(c) Jerome C. Bechstein
President
Towne.Bank
Post Office Box 202
Perrysburg, Ohio 43551-2535

19.

The provisions of this Order shall be binding upon

the Bank and its institution-affiliated parties, in their
capacities as such, and their successors and assigns.

20.

Each provision of this Order shall remain

effective and enforceable until stayed, modified, terminated or
suspended by the Board of .Governors and the Division.

21.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Order to the

contrary, the Reserve Bank and Division may,,in their sole
discretion, grant written extensions of time to the.Bank to
comply with any provision of this Order.

.

26
22.

The,provisions of this Order shall not bar, estop

or otherwise prevent the Board of Governors,

the Reserve Bank,

the Division or any federal or state agency or department from
taking any other action affecting the Bank or any of its current
or former institution-affiliated parties.

By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve

System and the Division, effective this

Ohio Division of
InstitutLons

Deputy Superin

day of

Board of Governors of the
Federal; Reserve System
/
By: fL/!!LJ&
William W. Wiles
Secretary of the Board

.~

Towne Bank

having

The undersigned directors of the Bank each acknowledges
read the foregoing Order and approves of the consent