HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-6201
-.
WILLIAMS' ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC
DEFENDANT
: CML ACTION - LAW
: NO. Ol-"'~l
Q,utl <=-r~
PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLYANIA:
Please issue a Writ of Summons directed to the above-named Defendant.
Respectfully submitted,
~.-(^--
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
ID No. 41075
801 North Second Street
P.O. Box 11967
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1967
717/232-5180
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
ID No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717/255-7600
Dated: O~. d-.". .;2.00 \
Counsel for Williams Associates
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION. LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC
DEFENDANT
: NO. 0 I - (,.;;l.b \
C;cJ~l y~
WRIT OF SUMMONS
TO: John M. Sullivan & Associates, LLC
You are hereby notified that Williams Associates has commenced an a~ainst you.
p~b~rla~~
Date: Oct- ;) 9 ( d-OO I
"-BY: A~P.~AA'V,-r
Deputy
John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associate, LLC
Southpoint Office Center
1001 South Market Street, Suite B
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
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SMIGEL. ANDEHS..rnN & SA(~KS. LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
2917 NORTH FRONT STREET ~
HARRIS8URG, PENNSYLVANIA 17110-1260
(7171 234-2401
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCrA TES, LLC,
DEFENDANT
CIVI L ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE FOR RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly issue a Rule upon PlaintilTto file a Complaint in the above-captioned casc within
twenty (20) days alicr service ofthc Rule or suffer ajudgment of non pros.
/l1~/ol
Date:
By:
LeRoy Sm el, Esquire ID #09617
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110-1260
(7 I 7) 234-240 I
Attorneys for Defcndant
RULE TO FILE COMPLAINT
AND NOW, _l_AJr>.) Ie> __.2001, a Ruk IS hereby issued upon the
Plaintiff to file a Complaint in the above-captioned case within twenty (20) days of service of
this Rule or suffer judgment of non pros.
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2001-06201 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
WILLIAMS' ASSOCIATES
VS
SULLIVAN JOHN M MD & ASSOCIATE
HAROLD WEARY
, Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within WRIT OF SUMMONS
was served upon
SULLIVAN JOHN M MD & ASSOCITES LLC
the
DEFENDANT
, at 0930:00 HOURS, on the 31st day of October ,2001
at SOUTHPOINT OFFICE CENTER
1001 SOUTH MARKET STREET STE B
MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
by handing to
BARB WEAVER, OFFICE MANAGER
a true and attested copy of WRIT OF SUMMONS
together with
and at the same time directing Her attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So Answers:
18.00
6.50
.00
10.00
.00
34.50
r~~-<t:~
R. Thomas Kline
11/01/2001
MARKIAN SLOBODIAN
Sworn and Subscribed to before
By:
7~/d~
Deputy Sheri
me this '1 IE-'
day of
~. .2~ AD
(2 '7hu;,~ ~ ~.
rothonotary .
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAlUlTINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: NO. 01-6201 - Civil Term
DEFENDANTS
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If vou wish to defend allainst the clairns set
forth in the followinll palles. YOU rnust take action within twenty (20) days after this
Cornplaint and Notice are served. by enterinll a written appearance personally or bv
attorney and minll in writinll with the court your defenses or obiections to the
clairns set forth allainst you. You are warned that if YOU fail to do so the case rnay
proceed without you and a iudlmlent rnay be entered allainst YOU by the court
without further notice for any rnoney clairned in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief reauested by the plaintiff. You rnay lose money or property or other
rillhts irnportant to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE. GO TO OR
TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU
CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
4th Floor, Curnberland County Court House
Carlisle, PA 17013
717/240-6200
By 1A.. ~
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
ID No. 41075
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
ID No. 87441
801 North Second Street
P.O. Box 11967
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1967
717/232-5180
AI ')..,'1,^oo/
IVOu. I
Counsel for Williarns Associates
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION. LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: NO. 01.6201. Civil Term
DEFENDANTS
COMPLAINT
NOW COMES, Plaintiff, Williarns Associates, by its counsel, The Law
Offices of Markian R. Slobodian and Michael L. Solornon, Esq., and makes the
following Cornplaint against Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC,
Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and John M. Sullivan:
1. Plaintiff Williams Associates, ("Williarns Associates") is a joint venture,
having a principal place of business at 2525 North Seventh Street, Harrisburg,
Dauphin County, PA 17110.
2. Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC (hereinafter
"Sullivan, LLC") is a Pennsylvania limited-liability corporation having a principal
place of business at 1001 South Market Street, Suite B, Mechanicsburg,
Curnberland County, PA 17055.
3. Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C. (hereinafter "Cardinal Therapies") is
a professional corporation having a principal place of business at 1001 South
Market Street, Suite B, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA 17055.
4. Defendant John M. Sullivan is an individual having a principal place of
business at 1001 South Market Street, Suite B, Mechanicsburg, Curnberland
County, PA 17055.
5. On or about April 14, 1999, Williarns Associates entered into a
Cornrnercial Lease Agreernent ("Commercial Lease") with PHB Managernent Co.,
Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation ("PHB"), with regard to the lease by PHB of
certain prernises owned by Williams Associates known as 3710 Market Street,
Harnpden Township, Curnberland County, PA containing a rentable area of 4,307
square feet, rnore or less, in a building consisting of a total of 28,720 square feet
(the "Building") known as the Shoppes at Harnpden, together with the non-exclusive
use in cornmon with other occupants of the Building, 34 spaces within the parking
area and the right to use in comrnon with other occupants of said Building, any
access roads serving the Building (hereinafter "Leased Premises"). A true and
correct copy of the Cornmercial Lease is attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit "~'.
6. The Comrnercial Lease provided for a lease term cornrnencing April 1,
1999 and terminating on the latter date often (10) years frorn last day of the rnonth
in which the Cornrnercial Lease is executed or March 31,2009, unless earlier
terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Cornrnercial Lease.
7. Paragraph 21 of the Commercial Lease gave PHB the ability to assign or
sublet all or any portion of the Leased Prernises with Williams Associates prior
written consent.
2
8. On or about January 16,2001, PHB, with Williarns Associates' written
consent, entered into a Medical Office Sub-Lease Agreernent ("Sub-Lease") with
Defendant Sullivan, LLC. A true and correct copy of the Sub-Lease is attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "B".
9. Pursuant to the terrns of the Sub-Lease, Sullivan, LLC agreed to sub-
lease frorn PHB the Leased Prernises for an initial terrn of approxirnately thirty-
nine (39) calendar rnonths cornrnencing on February 1, 2001 and terminating on
March 31, 2004.
10. Paragraph 2 of the Sub-Lease requires Sullivan, LLC to pay rent in the
arnount of Five Thousand Two Hundred Four Dollars and 29/100 ($5,204.29) per
rnonth during the first year of the Sub-Lease terrn, payable on the first day of each
rnonth cornmencing February 1, 2001 and continuing through January 31,2002.
11. Paragraph 2 of the Sub-Lease further requires Sullivan, LLC to pay
rent in the arnount of Five Thousand Four Hundred Twelve Dollars and 46/100
($5,412.46) per month during the second year ofthe Sub-Lease term, payable on the
first day of each rnonth comrnencing February 1, 2002 and continuing through
January 31,2003.
12. Paragraph 2 of the Sub-Lease requires Sullivan, LLC to pay rent in the
arnount of Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Two Dollars and 81/100 ($5,672.81)
per rnonth during the third year of the Sub-Lease term payable on the first day of
each rnonth cornrnencing February 1, 2003 and continuing through January 31,
2004.
3
13. Paragraph 2 ofthe Sub-Lease requires Sullivan, LLC to pay rent for the
final two (2) rnonths of the Sub-Lease terrn in the arnount of Five Thousand Eight
Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and 93/100 ($5,853.93) per rnonth cornrnencing
February 1, 2004 and continuing through March 31, 2004.
14. Paragraph 9 of the Sub-Lease indicates that by taking possession of the
prernises, Sullivan, LLC agrees that the Leased Premises are and were in
tenantable and good condition at the tirne oftaking possession.
15. Paragraph 16 of the Sub-Lease provides in relevant part that in the
event of default by PHB to Williarns Associates in payment of rnonthly rent,
Williarns Associates, at its election, rnay assurne the Sub-Lease thereby making
Sullivan, LLC the tenant ofWilliarns Associates under all terms and conditions of
the Sub-Lease.
16. On or about July 14, 2001, PHB filed a voluntary petition under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for
the Northem District of Texas, Ft. Worth Division.
17. Pursuant to Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. ~362, all
actions against PHB were stayed pending an order granting relieffrorn autornatic
stay or the Debtor's abandonrnent of the lease.
18. Neither PHB nor Sullivan, LLC have rnade any rent payments to
Williams Associates for the rnonth of July, 2001 and thereafter.
19. By letter dated August 9, 2001, Sullivan, LLC, by its counsel, attempted
to declare a default by PHB as sub-landlord due to certain alleged water and
4
sewage problerns on the Leased Prernises. A true and correct copy of Sullivan,
LLC's counsel's letter of August 9, 2001 is attached hereto and made a part hereof
as Exhibit "C".
20. By letter dated October 1, 2001, Sullivan, LLC's counsel advised
Williarns Associates' counsel that it was exercising its option under Section 18 of
the Sub-Lease to declare the Sub-Lease ended and void. A true and correct copy of
the letter of October 1, 2001 is attached hereto and rnade a part hereof as Exhibit
"D".
21. On October 4, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of
Texas, Ft. Worth Division, entered an Order authorizing the Debtor to reject certain
unexpired leases and executory contracts, including the Cornrnercial Lease at issue
in this case. A true and correct copy ofthe Bankruptcy Court's Order of October 4,
2001 is attached hereto and rnade a part hereof as Exhibit "E".
22. By letter dated October 15, 2001, counsel for Williarns Associates
advised counsel for Sullivan, LLC that because ofPHB's bankruptcy filing on July
14, 2001, the purported default letter to the Debtor was ineffective due to the
imposition ofthe Bankruptcy Autornatic Stay. A true and correct copy ofWilliarns
Associates' counsel's letter of October 15, 2001 is attached hereto and rnade a part
here of as Exhibit "F".
23. By letter dated October 17, 2001, Williarns Associates, by its counsel,
forwarded to Sullivan, LLC's counsel a Notice of Assumption of Sub-Lease, whereby
5
pursuant to Section 16 of the Sub-Lease, Williarns Associates assurned the position
of the sub-landlord under the Sub-Lease.
24. In the letter of October 17, 2001, Williarns Associates, through its
counsel, further advised Sullivan, LLC of its intent to cornrnence repair ofthe
allegedly faulty plurnbing line. A true and correct copy ofWilliarns Associates'
Notice of October 17, 2001 is attached hereto and rnade a part hereof as Exhibit "G".
25. By Order dated Novernber 16, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, approved the assignrnent of all
clairns ofPRB under the Lease or Sub-Lease to Williarns Associates. A true and
correct copy of the Bankruptcy Court's Order of Novernber 16, 2001 is attached
hereto and rnade a part hereof as Exhibit "R".
COUNT I
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. LLC
Breach of Contract
26. Williams Associates incorporates by referenced Paragraphs 1 through
25 of this Cornplaint.
27. Sullivan, LLC has failed to rnake rental payments due on July 1, 2001
and thereafter.
28. On or about October 29, 2001, Sullivan, LLC abandoned the Leased
Prernises and relocated to its current location at 1001 South Market Street, Suite B,
Mechanicsburg, PA.
6
29. Sullivan, LLC has defaulted on its obligations under the Sub-Lease
pursuant to Paragraph 15 thereof by abandoning the Leased Prernises and by
failing to rnake rnonthly rental installrnent payments when due.
30. Sullivan, LLC has defaulted on its obligations under the Sub-Lease by
prernaturely and improperly declaring the lease to be terminated and thereby
declaring its intention not to comply with any future obligations under the lease.
31. As a result of Sullivan, LLC's default, Williarns Associates has suffered
darnages in the arnount of One Hundred Eighty Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-
One Dollars and 21/100 ($180,621.21), which darnages consist of rent payments in
the arnount of Thirty-Six Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Dollars and 03/100
($36,430.03) due for July 1, 2001 through January 31,2002, Sixty-Four Thousand
Nine Hundred Forty-Nine Dollars and 56/100 ($64,949.56) for rent payments due
from February 1, 2002 through January 31,2003, Sixty-Seven Thousand Five
Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars and 76/100 ($67,533.76) for rent payments due frorn
February 1, 2003 through January 31, 2004, and Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred
Seven Dollars and 86/100 ($11,707.86) for rent payments due frorn February 1,
2004 through the end of the lease term on March 31, 2004.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that this Court enter judgrnent in its favor
and against Defendant Sullivan, LLC in the arnount of One Hundred Eighty
Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-One Dollars and 21/100 ($180,621.21) plus costs of
suit, and interest from the date of judgment.
7
COUNT II
Williarns Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates. LLC
Uniust Enrichment - (In the Alternative)
If this Honorable Court should find that an express contract does not exist
between PlaintiffWilliarns Associates and Defendant Sullivan, LLC, which is
denied, then, in that event, Plaintiff asserts the following alternative cause of action
in quanturn rneruit against Defendant Sullivan, LLC.
32. Williams Associates incorporates herein by reference Paragraph 1
through 31 ofthis Complaint.
33. Having occupied the Leased Prernises frorn July 1, 2001 through on or
about October 29, 2001, Defendant Sullivan, LLC becarne liable to Williarns
Associates for the just and reasonable fair market value rental charge for the
Leased Prernises.
34. Defendant Sullivan, LLC has been unjustly enriched by occupying the
Leased Prernises and not paying the fair rnarket rental value of the Leased
Prernises.
35. The fair market rental value for the Leased Prernises calculated at
Fourteen Dollars and 50/100 ($14.50) per square foot is Five Thousand Two
Hundred Four Dollars and 29/100 ($5,204.29) per rnonth, which arnount is the just
and reasonable charge of the Leased Premises during the tirne period in which they
were occupied by Sullivan, LLC.
36. The total arnount by which Defendant Sullivan LLC has become
enriched on account ofrernaining on the Leased Premises for the month of July
8
through October, 2001 is Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Twelve Dollars and 87/100
($15,612.87).
WHEREFORE, Williarns Associates requests that this Court enter judgment
in its favor and against Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC in
the amount of Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Twelve Dollars and 87/100
($15,612.87).
COUNT III
Williarns Associates v. Cardinal Therapies. P.C.
Trespass
37. Williarns Associates incorporates herein by reference Paragraph 1
through 36 of this Complaint.
38. During the period commencing February 1, 2001 and continuing
through on or about October 29,2001, Defendant Cardinal Therapies occupied
certain prernises consisting of approxirnately four hundred (400) square feet in the
same building as the Leased Premises but not constituting part of the Leased
Premises (the "Unauthorized Prernises").
39. Cardinal Therapies used the Unauthorized Prernises to conduct certain
business.
40. Cardinal Therapies utilized the Unauthorized Prernises without either
the knowledge or consent ofWilliarns Associates.
41. Cardinal Therapies provided no compensation to Williams Associates
for its unlawful use ofthe Unauthorized Premises.
9
42. During its use ofthe Unauthorized Premises, Defendant Cardinal
Therapies rnade certain alterations to the Unauthorized Prernises including certain
plurnbing alterations.
43. Cardinal Therapies occupied the Unauthorized Prernises intentionally.
44. Cardinal Therapies' occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has
caused Williarns Associates to incur darnages in the arnount of Four Thousand Five
Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($4,500.00) for unpaid rent based on the fair rental
value of the premises of Fifteen Dollars and 00/100 ($15.00) per square foot.
45. Cardinal Therapies' occupation of the Unauthorized Premises also
caused Williarns Associates to incur darnages in the arnount of approxirnately Two
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($2,500.00) which arnount represents
the estirnated cost of restoring the Unauthorized Premises to their unaltered
condition.
46. Cardinal Therapies' actions with regard to the Unauthorized Premises
constitute trespass.
47. As a result of Cardinal Therapies' actions, it is liable to Williarns
Associates for the above-referenced damages.
WHEREFORE, PlaintiffWilliarns Associates requests that this Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Defendant Cardinal Therapies in the arnount of
Seven Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00) plus costs, plus interest from the
date of judgment, plus such further relief that the Court deems necessary and just.
10
COUNT IV
Williarns Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Tresoass
48. Williarns Associates incorporates herein by reference Paragraph 1
through 47 ofthis Cornplaint.
49. During the period comrnencing February 1, 2001 and continuing
through on or about October 29, 2001, Defendant John M. Sullivan occupied certain
prernises consisting of approxirnately 400 square feet in the sarne building as the
Leased Prernises but not constituting part of the Leased Prernises (the
"Unauthorized Prernises").
50. John M. Sullivan used the Unauthorized Prernises to conduct certain
business.
51. John M. Sullivan utilized the Unauthorized Premises without either the
knowledge or consent ofWilliarns Associates.
52. John M. Sullivan provided no cornpensation to Williarns Associates for
his unlawful use of the Unauthorized Premises.
53. During his use of the Unauthorized Premises, Defendant John M.
Sullivan made certain alterations to the Unauthorized Prernises including certain
plumbing alterations.
54. John M. Sullivan occupied the Unauthorized Prernises intentionally.
55. John M. Sullivan's occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has
caused Williams Associates to incur damages in the amount of Four Thousand Five
11
Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($4,500.00) for unpaid rent based on the fair rental
value of the prernises of Fifteen Dollars and 00/100 ($15.00) per square foot.
56. John M. Sullivan's occupation of the Unauthorized Prernises also
caused Williarns Associates to incur darnages in the arnount of approxirnately Two
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($2,500.00) which arnount represents
the estimated cost of restoring the Unauthorized Prernises to its unaltered
condition.
57. John M. Sullivan's actions with regard to the Unauthorized Prernises
constitute trespass.
58. John M. Sullivan personally benefitted from his intentional trespass
and the trespass of Cardinal Therapies upon the Unauthorized Premises.
59. As a result of John M. Sullivan's actions, he is liable to Williarns
Associates for the above-referenced darnages.
WHEREFORE, PlaintiffWilliarns Associates requests that this Court enter
judgrnent in its favor and against Defendant John M. Sullivan in the arnount of
Seven Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00) plus costs, plus interest frorn the
date ofjudgrnent, plus such further relief that the Court deerns necessary and just.
12
COUNT V
Williarns Associates v. Cardinal Therapies. P.C.
Uniust Enrichrnent
If this Honorable Court should find that Cardinal Therapies, P.C. is not
liable to Williarns Associates for trespass darnages in an arnount equal to or
exceeding Seven Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00), which is denied, then, in
that event, Plaintiff asserts the following alternative cause of action in quantum
rneruit against Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C.
60. Williams Associates incorporate herein by reference paragraphs 1
through 59 of this Cornplaint.
61. Having occupied the Unauthorized Prernises frorn February 1, 2001
through October 29, 2001, Defendant Cardinal Therapies becarne liable to Williarns
Associates for the just and reasonable fair rnarket value rental charge for the
Unauthorized Prernises.
62. Defendant Cardinal Therapies has been unjustly enriched by occupying
the Unauthorized Prernises and not paying the fair market rental value for the
Unauthorized Prernises.
63. The fair rnarket rental value for the Unauthorized Premises calculated
at the rate of Fifteen Dollars and 00/100 ($15.00) per square foot is Four Thousand
Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($4,500.00).
13
64. Cardinal Therapies has further been unjustly enriched by altering the
Unauthorized Prernises and not restoring the Unauthorized Premises to their
unaltered condition.
65. By failing to restore the Unauthorized Prernises to their unaltered
condition, Cardinal Therapies has been unjustly enriched by the additional arnount
of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($2,500.00).
66. As a result of Cardinal Therapies' actions, it is liable to Williarns
Associates for the above-referenced darnages.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court enter
judgment in its favor and against Defendant Cardinal Therapies in the arnount of
Seven Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00) plus costs, plus interest frorn the
date of judgment, plus such further relief that the Court deerns necessary and just.
COUNT VI
Williarns Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Uniust Enrichment
If this Honorable Court should find that John M. Sullivan is not liable to
Williarns Associates for trespass darnages in an arnount equal to or exceeding Seven
Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00), which is denied, then, in that event,
Plaintiff asserts the following alternative cause of action in quanturn rneruit
against Defendant John M. Sullivan.
14
67. Williarns Associates incorporate herein by reference paragraphs 1
through 66 of this Cornplaint.
68. Having occupied the Unauthorized Premises frorn February 1, 2001
through October 29, 2001, Defendant John M. Sullivan becarne liable to Williarns
Associates for the just and reasonable fair rnarket value rental charge for the
Unauthorized Prernises.
69. Defendant John M. Sullivan has been unjustly enriched by occupying
the Unauthorized Premises and not paying the fair rnarket rental value for the
Unauthorized Premises.
70. The fair rnarket rental value for the Unauthorized Prernises calculated
at the rate of Fifteen Dollars and 00/100 ($15.00) per square foot is Four Thousand
Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($4,500.00).
71. John M. Sullivan has further been unjustly enriched by altering the
Unauthorized Prernises and not restoring the Unauthorized Prernises to their
unaltered condition.
72. By failing to restore the Unauthorized Premises to their unaltered
condition, John M. Sullivan has been unjustly enriched by the additional arnount of
Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($2,500.00).
73. As a result of John M. Sullivan's actions, he is liable to Williams
Associates for the above-referenced darnages.
15
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court enter
judgrnent in its favor and against Defendant John M. Sullivan in the arnount of
Seven Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($7,000.00) plus costs, plus interest frorn the
date of judgment, plus such further relief that the Court deerns necessary and just.
Respectfully subrnitted,
1tA~
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
ID No. 41075
Andrew R. Eisernann, Esquire
ID No. 87441
801 North Second Street
P.O. Box 11967
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1967
717/232-5180
Dated:
Ilb.,I~\
Michael L. Solornon, Esquire
ID No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717/255-7600
Counsel for Williams Associates
16
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Markian R. Slobodian, hereby certify that I have this date, rnailed a true
and correct copy of the foregoing Cornplaint by United States rnail, first-class,
postage prepaid, addressed to the following individual{s):
LeRoy Srnigel, Esquire
Srnigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
1-.A Aj~
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
17
VERIFICATION
I, JACK SOLOMON, Plaintiff's General and Managing Partner, hereby verify that
the facts contained in the foregoing Complaint are true and correct to the best of
my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein
are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. S 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
DATE: November ';)..1,2001
EXHmIT "A"
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COMMERCIAL LEASE
THIS COMMERCIAL LEASE made as of this ~ day of ~~ , 1999,
by and between WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES, a joint venture, (herein er called "Lessor")
and PHB MANAGEMENT CO., INC., a Pennsylvania corporation (hereinafter called
"Lessee").
- WHEREAS, Lessor desires to lease, demise, and let to Lessee, and Lessee desires
to lease, take and accept from Lessor, the Leased Premises (as hereinafter defined).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the rent and other charges required to be
paid hereunder, and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Lessor and Lessee agree as
follows:
I. Demised Premises. Lessor, does hereby lease, demise and let to Lessee, and
Lessee does hereby lease, take and accept from Lessor, all that certain space ("Leased
Premises") known as 3710 Market Street, Hampden Township, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, containing a rentable area of 4,307 square feet more or less in the building
consisting of a total of 28,720 square feet (the "Building") known as the Shoppes at
Hampden, together with the nonexclusive use in common with other occupants of the
Building, 34 spaces within the parking area and the right to use in common with other
occupants of said Building any access road serving the Building.
The Premises are let by Lessor to Lessee without representation or warranty by
Lessor, and Lessee takes the Premises subject to all restrictive covenants and agreements
of record, all zoning regulations, restrictions, rules and ordinances, certificates of
occupancy (permanent or temporary), building restrictions and other laws and regulations
now in effect or hereafter adopted by any governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Lessee acknowledges that Lessee is familiar with and is satisfied as to the quality of title
and the physical condition of the Leased Premises at the time of execution of this Lease.
Lessee agrees to accept possession of the Leased Premises in the "as is" and "where is"
condition of the premises on the date of the execution hereof. Notwithstanding the
foregoing Lessor has agreed that during the tirst year of the Lease, Lessor shall replace or
repair the roof, as needed, on the Building at its sole expense. Lessee shall be permitted
to make certain site improvements, which improvements are subject to the approval of the
Lessor.
2. Thnn. The term of the Lease shall commence on the earlier date of the
execution of this Lease or April I, 1999 (the "Commencement Date"), and shall terminate
on the later date often (10) years from the last day of the month in which this
Lease is executed or March 31, 2009 unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions
of this Lease.
3. Early Termination. So long as Lessee is not in default as of or at any time
following Lessee's giving of notice as hereafter provided in this Section 3, Lessee shall be
permitted to terminate this Lease at any time after the fifth (5th) full year following the
Commencement Date (the "Early Termination Date"). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Lessee may terminate this Lease for cause, as may be permitted under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at any time during any term of this Lease. If Lessee
elects to terminate this Lease on the Early Termination Date, it shall do so by providing
written notice to Lessor of its intent no later than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to
the Early Termination Date (the date of notice shall be referred to as the "Early
Termination Notice Date"), and by making a one-time payment at the time of the giving
of notice to Lessor of four (4) months of the then-current Base Rent as set forth in
Exhibit "A". If Lessee is permitted to terminate this Lease at any time other than the
Early Termination Date, it shall do so by providing written notice to Lessor of its intent
no later than sixty (60) days prior to the proposed termination date.
4. Base Rent and Additional Rent. Lessee shall pay as rent during the initial
lease term, those sums set forth in Exhibit "A" to this Commercial Lease, the terms of
which are incorporated herein as though set forth in their entirety, plus "Additional Rent"
as set forth herein, due on or before the first of each month, in advance. Payment of Base
Rent only shall commence on the date which is twelve (12) months subsequent to the
Commencement Date; the obligation to pay Additional Rent shall commence as of the
Commencement Date. If the Commencement Date is any date other than the first day of
a month, Base Rent shall be prorated for the month in which Commencement Day falls
and shall be due and payable on the due date of the first full month's Base Rent
hereunder. If Lessee does not pay the total monthly Base Rent, including Additional
Rent, within fifteen (15) days of the due date each month, Lessee will be required to pay
a late penalty of 5% of the monthly payment.
Lessee shall pay as additional rent any money required to be paid as such pursuant
to the provisions of this Lease, as well as all other sums of money or charges required to
be paid by Lessee under this Lease, whether or not. the same shall be designated
"Additional Rent".
5. Renewal Option. So long as Lessee is not in default as defined in Section
18 as of or at any time following Lessee's giving of notice as hereafter provided, Lessee
shall have the right to extend the Term for two (2) terms of three (3) years each (the
"Renewal Periods"), the first of such Periods commencing on the expiration of the
original Term of this Lease, and the second of such Periods commencing three (3) years
thereafter. Notice of Lessee's exercise of option to extend for either of the Renewal
Periods shall be in writing and given to Lessor no later than six (6) months prior to the
expiration of the then-current Term.
Lessor and Lessee's rights and obligations for the Renewal Periods shall be upon
the same terms and conditions as are cllfltained in this Lease. Base Rent during the
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Renewal Periods shall annually increase as set forth in Exhibit "A" hereto, together with
all other sums due and payable as additional rent under the Lease.
6. Insurance and Taxes. Lessee agrees to and shall secure from a good and
responsible company or companies doing insurance business in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, and maintain during the entire term of this Lease, public liability insurance
with a combined single limit in the amount of $1,000,000.00 for loss from an accident
resulting in bodily injury to or death to persons or from damage to or destruction of
property, and additionally shall secure and maintain fire and extended coverage insurance
on Lessee's fixtures, goods, wares and merchandise in or on the Leased Premises with
coverage in the amount of not less than the reasonably estimated value of such fixtures,
goods, wares and merchandise, and to the extent required by law, workers compensation
or similar insurance in form and amounts required by law.
Lessee shall name Lessor as an additional insured on the aforementioned policy or
policies of insurance. On securing the foregoing coverage, Lessee shall provide Lessor
with written notice thereof with a certificate of insurance. Lessee understands and agrees
that Lessor has secured from a good and responsible company or companies doing
insurance business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and does maintain insurance
including fire and extended insurance and liability coverage which is currently in
existence. Inasmuch as Lessee is leasing, pursuant to the terms of this Lease, 15% of the
total square footage existing in the Building, Lessee agrees to pay as additional rent 15%
of the premium paid by Lessor for the aforementioned insurance coverage; the aforesaid
15% additional rental shall be paid in one-twelfth (1I12th) monthly installments in the
manner and at the times set forth in this Lease.
Lessee shall pay in each year, during the term, as additional rent, 15% of all real
estate taxes. ad valorem taxes and assessments, general and special assessments, business
use and occupancy taxes, business operation taxes, or any other tax imposed upon or
levied against real estate or upon Landlord's real estate as such rather than persons
generally, or payments made to a federal, state or local government authority by Lessor in
lieu of any such taxes or assessrnents, including any increase in such taxes occurring after
the date of this Lease. The 15% additional rental shall be paid in one-twelfth (I/l2th)
monthly installments in the manner and at the times..s.et forth in this Lease.~. ,/
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7. Deposit. Lessee shall deposit ~~;s~;)on the da~~e cut ion of this
Lease, a sum equal to one (I) full months rent , . , which amount shall be held as
a security deposit refundable in full to Lessee if it is not in default of the terms hereunder
and otherwise retained by Lessor to assure the performance of Lessee hereunder.
8. Fire and Casualty Dama~e. If the Leased Premises or any part of the
Building shall be damaged by fire, flood or other casualty, and if such damage does not
render all or a .substantial portion" (as determined by Lessor) of the Leased Premises or
the Building untenantable, then Lessor shall proceed to repair and restore the Leased
Premises with reasonable promptness. subject to reasonable delays for insurance
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adjustments and delays caused by matters beyond Lessor's control. If any such damage
renders all or a substantial portion of the Leased Premises or Building untenantable,
Lessor shall cause such damage to be repaired at Lessor's expense, or may terminate the
Lease as of the date of such damage upon written notice of its election to terminate to the
Lessee. Lessor hereby agrees that the decision to repair or terminate shall be made within
thirty (30) days of the casualty. Upon any such termination, any prepaid Base Rent,
including Additional Rent, paid by Lessee shall be refunded to Lessee.
Unless this Lease is terminated as provided in the preceding paragraph, Lessor
shall proceed with reasonable promptness to repair and restore the Leased Premises,
subject to reasonable delays for insurance adjustments and delays caused by matters
beyond Lessor's control and also subject to zoning laws and building codes then in effect.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein set forth, (a) Lessor shall have no duty
pursuant to this provision to repair or restore any portion of the alterations, additions or
improvements made by Lessee in the Leased Premises or to expend for any repair or
restoration amounts in excess of insurance proceeds paid to Lessor and available for
repair and restoration, and (b) Lessee shall not have the right to terminate this Lease
pursuant to this provision if the damage or destruction was caused by the willful act of
Lessee, its agents, partners or employees.
In the event any such fire, flood or casualty damage not caused by the willful act
of Lessee, its agents, partners or employees, renders the Leased Premises untenantable
and Lessee is unable to occupy the Leased Premises due to the untenantable condition,
and if this Lease shall not be terminated pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this
paragraph by reason of such damage, then Base Rent and Additional Rent shall abate
during the period beginning with the date of such damage and ending with the date when
Lessor completes its repair and restoration. Such abatement shall be in an amount
bearing the same ratio to the total amount of Base Rent and Additional Rent for such
period as the portion of the Leased Premises not ready for occupancy from time to time
bears to the entire Leased Premises. If the damage to the Leased Premises is such that the
whole of the Leased Premises is rendered untenantable for Lessee's use, Base Rent and
Additional Rent shall abate in its entirety until such time as the Leased Premises is
rendered tenantable for Lessee's use. In the event of termination of this Lease pursuant to
this provision, Base Rent and Additional Rent shall be apportioned on a per diem basis
and be paid to the date of the fire, flood or casualty.
9. Utilities. Beginning on the Commencement Date, Lessee shall during all
terms hereof pay all charges for telephone. gas, electricity, sewage, water and all other
utilities used in or on the Leased Premises and for the removal of rubbish therefrom
immediately on becoming due and shall hold Lessor harmless from any liability therefor.
Trash cleanup and control shall be held to the standards set forth by Lessor. If the
premises being leased by Lessee under the terms of this agreement are not provided
separate meters to measure the electricity, water, or gas provided to the Leased Premises,
Lessor shall provide at its sole expense separate meters for the aforementioned utilities as
well as separate sewage connections to the Leased Premises.
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10. Common Area~ and Fixtures. All automobile parking areas, driveways,
entrances and exits thereto, and other facilities furnished by Lessor in or near the
Building for the non-exclusive general common use of tenants and other occupants of the
Building, their officers, agents, employees and customers, including without limitation,
access roads, parking areas, loading docks, pedestrian sidewalks and ramps, parking area,
loading docks, pedestrian sidewalks and ramps, landscaped areas, shall at all times be
subject to the exclusive control and management of Lessor, and the Lessor shall have the
right from time to time upon reasonable prior written notice to Lessee to establish,
modifY and enforce reasonable rules and regulations with respect to all common areas.
Lessor shall have the right to construct, maintain, operate lighting facilities in all common
areas, to police the same, and upon reasonable prior notice to Lessee to change the area,
level, location and arrangement of parking areas and other common areas, to restrict
parking by Lessee, its officers, agents and employees to employee parking areas, to close
all or any portion of said common areas to such extent as may, in the opinion of Lessor's
counsel, be legally sufficient to prevent a dedication thereof or the accrual of any rights to
any person of the public therein, to close temporarily all or any portion of the parking
areas or other common areas, and to do and perform such other acts in and to said
common areas as in the use of good business judgment, Lessor shall determine to be
advisable.
Lessee will pay the Lessor as further Additional Rent, assessable at the
Commencement Date, 15% of Lessor's costs for common area maintenance, said
Additional Rent to be paid by Lessee in monthly installments and paid in the manner and
at the times set forth in this Lease. Such costs will be estimated by the Lessor at the
beginning of each calendar year. Common area maintenance charges for the first year
under the term of this Lease are estimated to be $1.50 per square foot as based on the
information set forth on the attached Exhibit "B" hereto. At the end of each calendar year
thereafter, Lessor shall determine its actual cost of maintenance of the common areas.
Within thirty (30) days (or such additional time thereafter as is reasonable under the
circumstances) after the end of such twelve (12) month period, Lessor shall deliver to
Lessee a statement of the common area maintenance costs for such twelve (12) month
period and the monthly installments paid or payable shall be adjusted between Lessor and
Lessee and Lessee shall pay Lessor and Lessor shall credit Lessee's account (if such
adjustment is at the end of the term, pay Lessee as the case may be, within thirty (30)
days of receipt of such statement the amount of any excess or deficiency in Lessee's
proportionate share of the common area cost paid by Lessee to Lessor during such twelve
(12) month period.
II. Use. Waste and Nuisance. Lessee shall use and occupy the Leased
Premises throughout the term hereof fllr medical office purposes only and activities
attendant thereto. Lessee shall not knol>. ingly use or occupy the LelL\'ed Premises in any
manner or for any purpose which voids or makes voidable any insurance covering the
Building, or which would violate the pm' isions of any mortgage, easement or restrictive
covenant affecting the Building.
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Lessor and Lessee covenant throughout the term and at their respective expense,
to comply promptly with all laws, codes, ordinances, administrative and court orders and
directives, rules and regulations which have the force of law, including without limitation
the certificate of occupancy for the Building, and all covenants, declarations and
easements affecting the Building, whether now in effect to hereafter promulgated. The
parties shall have the right to contest the applicability and/or validity of any of the above
with the prior written consent of the other so long as by reason of such action, the Leased
Premises or the Building would not be in danger of forfeiture or loss and further provided
the same does not subject Lessor or Lessor's interest in the Building to any fine, penalty,
lien or civil or criminal liability.
Lessee shall not commit or suffer to be committed, any waste of the Leased
Premises, nor shall Lessee maintain, commit or permit the maintenance or commission of
any nuisance on the Leased Premises or use the Leased Premises for any unlawful
purpose.
12. Repairs and Initial Alterations by Lessee. Lessee agrees to keep the
interior and exterior of the Leased Premises in good order and repair, reasonable wear and
tear excepted. All maintenance and repair of the Leased Premises, excluding structural
damages shall be repaired promptly by Lessee at its expense. Lessor shall maintain and
repair all load bearing exterior walls and, in the first year of the Lease term, replace or
repair the Building roof, as needed, and maintain the same at all times thereafter. All
plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and other systems servicing the Leased
Premises shall be maintained by Lessee. All such work will conform to all local, state
and federal standards, as required. To the extent that Lessee has requested permission
from Lessor and Lessor has granted permission to Lessee to make initial alterations to the
Leased Premises, these alterations shall be explicitly described on Exhibit "C" hereto.
Lessee will at its expense replace promptly any cracked or broken plate glass.
damaged or broken from any cause whatsoever in and about the Leased Premises. The
Lessee may at its option maintain glass insurance on all plate glass in an insurance
company properly licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
approved by Lessor, and shall provide Lessor with a certificate of insurance evidencing
the same. The certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurer will not cancel or
change the insurance without first giving Lessor thirty (30) days prior written notice.
13. Alterations. Improvements and Fixtures. Lessee shall not further alter or
improve the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Lessor to do so, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any and all alterations, additions,
improvements and fixtures (except trade fixtures which Lessee shall be permitted to
remove from the Leased Premises at any time during the term hereof or within thirty (30)
days after the expiration or termination of this Lease and not otherwise if such removal
can be effected without injury to the Leased Premises and if such fixtures shall not have
become, by the manner in which the tixture is installed, an integral part of the Leased
Premises) made or placed in or on said Leased Premises, including any approved exterior
signage, shall on the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease belong to Lessor
without compensation to Lessee; provided. however, Lessor shall have the option, to be
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exercised on the expiration or Sooner termination of this Lease, to require Lessee, at
Lessee's expense, to remove any or all of such additions and irnprovements or fixtures.
Before installing any fixture in or on the Leased Premises, Lessee shall submit plans and
designs therefore to Lessor for its approval and in the event that the plans and designs are
disapproved by Lessor, such fixtures shall not be installed until any changes required by
Lessor are made. All alterations and other changes shall conform to all local, state and
federal standards as required. Specifically, any equipment installed shall be done in
conformance with local and state fire and safety standards.
14. Siins. Lessee shall not place any signs on the exterior of the Leased
Premises or Building without the written consent of Lessor, said consent not to be
unreasonably withheld. All permitted exterior signs shall conform to local ordinances
regarding size and placement of signs. If so permitted pursuant to local ordinance, Lessor
shall affix to the existing pylon sign at the Leased Premises advertisement of Lessee's
presence in a manner so as to occupy no less than 20% of said sign and to be apparent on
both sides of said sign. In no event, however, shall any sign be attached to the roof of the
Building. Removal of any approved signage shall be in accordance with the provisions of
Section 13 above.
15. Ouiet Enioyment. Lessor shall, on the commencement date of the term of
this Lease as hereinabove set forth, place Lessee in quiet possession of the Leased
Premises and shall secure Lessee in the quiet possession thereof against all persons
lawfully claiming the same during the lease term and any extension thereof.
16. Surrender of Premises. Lessee agrees to and shall, on the expiration or
sooner termination of the term hereof, promptly surrender and deliver the Leased
Premises to Lessor without demand therefor in good condition, ordinary wear and tear
excepted.
17. Condemnation. If during the term of this Lease or any extension or
renewal thereof, all of the Leased Premises should be taken for any public or quasi public
use under any law, ordinance or regulation or by right of eminent domain, or should be
sold to the condemning authority under a threat of condemnation, this Lease shall
terminate and the Base Rent including any Additional Rent due pursuant to the terms
hereof shall be abated during the unexpired portion of this Lease, effective as of the date
of taking of said premises by the condemning authority. Any prepaid Base Rent and
Additional Rent shall be refunded to Lessee.
If less than all of the Leased Premises shall be taken for any public of quasi public
use under any law, ordinance or by right of eminent domain, or should be sold to the
condemning authority for condemnation, the Lessee shall have the option to terminate the
Lease in its entirety, and the Base Rent including any Additional Rent due shall be abated
effective as of the date of taking of said premises by the condemning authority. Any
prepaid Base Rent and Additional Rent shall be refunded to Lessee. If Lessee elects not
to terminate, Lessor shall forthwith at its sole expense, restore and reconstruct the Lease
Premises, provided such restoration or reconstruction shall make the same reasonably
tenantable and suitable for the use for which the premises are leased. The Base Rent and
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Additional Rent payable hereunder during the unexpired portion of the Lease shall be
adjusted to reflect that portion of the Leased Premises taken by the condemning authority.
Lessor shall be entitled to receive and retain all condemnation awards except for
any relocation damages, including but not limited to moving expenses, business
interruption costs or the taking of Lessee's personal property, which may be payable to
Lessee. The termination of this Lease shall not affect the rights of the respective parties
to such awards.
_ 18. Defaults and Remedies.
(A) If Lessee shall allow the Base Rent or Additional Rent to be in
arrears for more than ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such delinquency, or
shall remain in default and shall not have commenced to cure such non-payment default
under any other condition of this Lease for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice
from Lessor, or should any other person than Lessee secure possession of the Leased
Premises, or any part thereof, by operation of law in any manner whatsoever (the "Events
of Default"), Lessor may at its option, without notice to Lessee, terminate this Lease or in
the alternative, Lessor may re-enter and take possession of said Leased Premises and
remove all persons and property therefrom, without being deemed guilty of any manner
of trespass, and relet the Leased Premises or any part thereof, for all or part of the
remainder of said term, to a party satisfactory to Lessor, and at such monthly rental as
Lessor may with reasonable diligence be able to secure. Should Lessor be unable to relet
after reasonable efforts to do so, or should such monthly rental be less than the rental that
Lessee was obligated to pay under this Lease, or any renewal hereof, plus the expenses of
reletting, then Lessee shall pay the amount of such deficiency to Lessor.
It is expressly agreed that in the event of default by Lessee hereunder, Lessor shall have a
lien on all goods, chattels or personal property of any description belonging to Lessee
which are placed in, or become a part of: the Leased Premises as security for rent due and
to become due for the remainder of the current lease term, which lien shall not be in lieu
of or in any way affect the statutory Lessor's lien given by law, but shall be cumulative
thereof; and Lessee hereby grants to Lessor a security interest in all such personal
property placed in said Leased Premises for such purposes. This shall not prevent the
sale by Lessee of any merchandise during the ordinary course of business free from such
lien to Lessor. In the event Lessor exercises the option to terminate the leasehold, re-
enter and relet the premises as provided in the preceding paragraph, then Lessor may take
possession of all Lessee's property on the Leased Premises and sell the same at public or
private sale after giving Lessee reasonable notice of the time and place of any public sale
or of the time after which any private sale is to be made, for cash or on credit, or for such
prices and terms as Lessor deem best, with our without having the property present at said
sale. The proceeds of such sale shall be applied first to the necessary and proper expenses
of removing, storing and selling such property then to the payment of rent due or become
due under this Lease, with the balance, ifany, to be paid to Lessee.
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All rights and remedies of Lessor in this Lease shall be cumulative, and none shall
exclude any other right or remedy at law.
(B) Should Lessor fail to perform any of its duties or obligations
hereunder, Lessor shall have a period of thirty (30) days after its receipt of written notice
from Lessee of a failure of performance within which to commence a cure of that failure.
Failure of Lessor to commence that cure within the 30-day period or to effect that cure
within that 30-day period shall be an event of default under this Lease and Lessee may, at
its option, elect to:
I. Terminate this Lease without any penalty to Lessee upon
thirty (30) days written notice to Lessor; or
2. Commence such cure itself, and Lessee may either, at its
option, offset any reasonable expenses it incurs in
effecting such cure against the Base Rent and other
charges reasonably due and payable by Lessee hereunder,
or require that Lessor immediately reimburse Lessee for its
expenses; provided, however, in the event of an emergency,
Lessee may effect a cure ofLessor's failure should Lessor
fail to act within 36 hours of notification to do so.
19. Indemnification and Exoneration. Except with respect to claims arising
from Lessor's gross negligence or willful misconduct or that of its agents, servants, or
employees, Lessee covenants to indemnify and save Lessor harmless (to the extent not
reimbursed by insurance required by this Lease to be furnished by Lessee) from any and
all claims for liability of any nature whatever arising from any use, occupancy,
construction, repairs, or other work or activity done in, on or about the Leased Premises
during the term, or from any condition of the Leased Premises or anything thereon or
therein during the term, or from any occurrence whatever in, on or about the Leased
Premises during the term, including all of Lessor's reasonable costs, expenses and
counsel fees in connection with any such claim.
Except with respect to claims arising from Lessor's gross negligence or willful
misconduct or that of its agents, servants, or employees, or from Lessor's failure to make
repairs required of it to be made pursuant to this Lease, Lessee covenants to save
harmless, protect and indemnify the Lessor from and against and all losses, damages,
claims, suits or actions, judgments and costs, which may arise or grow out of any injury
to or death of any person or damage to any property (including, but not by way of
limitation, Lessee and employees of Lessee and its property) which is caused by the gross
negligence of the Lessee, its agents or servants, sub lessees and/or assigns, or which is
caused by or arises in the use and possession of the Leased Premise~ and the equipment
thereon by Lessee or the operation of the business conducted by Lessee.
The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this
Lease.
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20. Inspection by Lessor. Lessee shall permit Lessor or its agents into and
upon the Leased Premises upon prior reasonable notice at all reasonable times for the
purpose of inspecting the same. Lessor covenants and agrees that any such inspections
shall not materially interrupt the Lessee's business operations.
21. Assill'nment. Lessee shall not assign or sublet to an unrelated third party
all or any portion of the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Lessor,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Lessor is expressly given the right to
assign any or all of its interests under the terms of this Lease. In the event Lessee shall,
with Lessor's permission, sublet all or any portion of the Leased Premises, Lessee shall
remain principally liable to Lessor for any and all rental due under this Lease
notwithstanding its sublease and shall remain principally responsible for performing all
the terms, conditions and covenants hereof. Any rental paid to Lessee on assignment or
sublease of the Leased Premises beyond amounts otherwise due Lessor may be retained
by Lessee after deducting any additional reasonable expenses incurred by Lessor in
granting the assignment or sublease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the assignment of this Lease to an affiliate of
Lessee, or the transfer of this Lease by merger, consolidation or liquidation or change in
ownership of Lessee shall not constitute an assignment under the Lease.
22. Notice and Addresses. All notices provided to be given under this Lease
shall be given by Certified Mail or Registered Mail, or by recognized overnight delivery
service addressed to the proper party at the following addresses:
Lessor:
Williams Associates
PO Box 5967
2525 N. Seventh Street
Harrisburg. P A I 7110
Lessee:
PHB Management Co., Inc.
Attn.: Al Glenn. Administrator
Plaza 21,425 N. 21 st Street
CampHill.PA 17011
23. Parties Bound. This agn:.:ment shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto their resp<.'Ctive heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, successors and assigns (when assignment permitted by this Lease).
24. Subordination' Attomm.:nt' '-Inn-Disturbance. Lessee, at Lessor's written
request, shall subordinate Lessee's intcrcst herein to any mortgage hereafter placed on the
premises, provided that such mortgage.: ,hall agree in writing that Le~ee's rights
hereunder shall not be diminished. Lcssee ,hall attorn to any purchaser from mortgagee
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provided Lessee's rights hereunder are acknowledged and agreed to by purchaser in
writing. Any reasonable expenses incurred by Lessee in subordinating or attorning to
interests as provided in this paragraph shall be reimbursed to Lessee.
In the event of foreclosure or other action taken under any mortgage by the
holders thereof, this Lease and the rights of Lessee hereunder shall not be disturbed but
shall be continued in full force and in effect so long as Lessee shall not be in default
hereunder and so long as there shall not have occurred any event which with the sending
of notice and/or the passage of time would constitute a default hereunder. The provisions
of this paragraph are self-operative and no further instrument of subordination is required
to effectuate the provisions hereof.
25. Lessee Holdini Over. In the event that Lessee holds over at the expiration
of the original term of this Lease or at the earlier termination thereof, Lessor shall be
entitled to all the remedies now or hereafter in effect in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania relating to the speedy recovery of possession of lands and damages for
wrongful detention.
In the event of any holding over after the expiration of the term hereof, without
the written consent of Lessor, Lessee shall be liable to pay to Lessor one and one-half (1-
112) times the monthly Base Rent hereinbefore specified, on the terms and conditions
hereinbefore specified. The receipt and acceptance by Lessor of all or any portion of such
holdover occupancy payment shall not be deemed a waiver or acceptance by Lessor of
Lessee's breach of its covenant to vacate or a waiver by Lessor if its right to institute
holdover proceedings or of any other rights as remedies available to Lessor hereunder or
at law.
26. Contaminants. Pollutants and Hazardous Waste. No contaminant,
industrial waste, pollutant, toxic or hazardous waste or substance of any kind or character
whatsoever shall be used, generated, stored, processed, disposed of or discharged at the
Leased Premises or into the environment (i) in such quantity or in such manner as to
exceed a level at which any regulatory agency can or may take action under any
environmental law, rule or regulation, (ii) in such quantity or in such manner that Lessee
or any owner or occupant (including without limitation Lessor) shall have an obligation
to clean-up or remediate the same under any environmental law, rule or regulation, (iii) in
such quantity or in such manner as to obligate Lessee to report any release or discharge
under any environmental law, rule or regulation, or (iv) or into any sanitary sewer,
collection or treatment system except in conformity with the requirements of all
applicable laws, rules, regulations and permits. The term "contaminant" shall mean and
refer to any substance the discharge or release of which would constitute air pollution or
air contamination under any applicable federal, state or local environmental law, rule or
regulation, including without limitation the Air Pollution Control Act, 35 P.S. Section
4001 et seq., or regulations thereunder.
The term "industrial waste" shall mean any substance which is classified as an
industrial waste or 'Which would result in pollution under any applicable federal, state or
local environmental law, rule or regulation. including without limitation the Clean
II
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Streams Law, 35 P.S. Section 691.1 et seq., or regulations thereunder. The term
"pollutant" shall mean and refer to any substance subject to control under any applicable
federal, state or local environmental law, rule or regulation, including without limitation:
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 V.S.C.A. Section 1251 et seq., or the Clean
Air Act, 42 V.S.C.A. Section 7401 et seq., or regulations thereunder. The term "toxic or
hazardous waste" shall mean and refer to any chemical, substance or material which is
classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous substance under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 42
V.S.C, Section 9601 et seq., or regulations thereunder, or as a hazardous waste under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 V.S.C. Section 6901 et seq., or
regulations thereunder, or which is a petroleum product, or which is classified by the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources as a hazardous waste under the
provisions of Chapter 75 of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code or which is defined or
classified as "toxic of hazardous waste" under any other applicable federal, state or local
environmental law, rule or regulation whether now existing or hereafter in effect. Lessee
shall, on request, advise Lessor in writing of all contaminants, industrial wastes,
pollutants, and toxic or hazardous wastes used in or resulting from the activities of Lessee
on the Leased Premises.
Lessor covenants that to the best of its knowledge as of the time of execution of
this Lease, the Leased Premises are free of contaminants, industrial waste, pollutants and
toxic and hazardous waste.
28. ADA Compliance. Lessor warrants and represents that to the best of its
knowledge, the Leased Premises and the common areas of the Building are in compliance
with the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and with the
corresponding state requirements (collectively, the "ADA"). Lessor further represents
and warrants that any alterations, moditications, upfit or construction performed by
Lessor to the Leased Premises or the common areas shall be performed in compliance
with the ADA.
29. Miscellaneous.
(a) Legal Construction. In case one or more of the provisions contained in
this Lease for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof
or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
(b) Full Agreement of the Parties. This Lease and all attachments hereto
constitutes the sole and only agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any prior
understandings or written or oral agreements between the parties respecting the within
subject matter.
(c) Amendment. No amendment, modification or alteration of the terms
hereof shall be binding unless the same be in writing, dated subsequent to the date hereof,
and duly executed by the parties hereto.
(d) Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by
this Lease are cumulative and the use of anyone right or remedy by either party shall not
12
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preclude or waive the right of Lessor or Lessee to use any or all other remedies. Said
rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by law,
statute, ordinance or otherwise.
(e) Waiver of Default. No waiver by the parties hereto of any default or
breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Lease shall be deemed to be a waiver of
any other breach of the same or any other term, condition or covenant contained herein.
(f) Attorney's Fees. In the event Lessor or Lessee breach any of the terms of
this agreement whereby the party not in default employs attorneys to protect the parties'
rights hereunder and prevails, then the defaulting party agrees to pay the other party
reasonable attorney's fees so incurred by such other party upon a judicial finding of
default.
(g) Singular and Plural. Wherever the plural is used, it shall also apply to any
singular of Lessor or Lessee.
(h) Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in construing the terms of
this Lease.
(i) Captions and Headings. The captions and headings throughout this Lease
are for convenience and reference only, and the words contained therein shall in no way
be held or deemed to define, limit, describe, explain, modifY, amplifY or add to the
interpretation, construction or meaning of any provision of or the scope or intent of this
Lease nor in any way affect this Leasc.
(j) Merger. The Parties intend that there shall be no merger of the fee and
leasehold estates, notwithstanding the vesting of such estates in the same person or entity.
(k) Broker. Lessee warrants and represents that Lessee has dealt with no
broker in connection with this Lease except Commercial-Industrial Realty Company. In
the event of any brokerage claims predicated upon dealings with Lessee in connection
with the Leased Premises, Lessee agrees to defend the same with counsel of Lessor's
selection and to save Lessor harmless and indemnifY Lessor against any loss, cost or
damage which may arise by reason of such claim.
(I) Reservation of Rights. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease
to the contrary, Lessor hereby reserves all rights in the Leased Premises not expressly
granted herein to Lessee, including without limitation air rights, oil, gas and mineral
rights, and developmental rights. Lessor specifically reserves the right to construct
additional improvements in the Building. Lessor further reserves the right to create cross-
easements for such new improvements in order to separately sell or finance the same, and
this Lease shall be subject and subordinate to such cross-easement agreements; however,
such cross-easements shall not unreasonably and materially interfere with the operations
of Lessee in the Leased Premises. '
(m) Transfer by Lessor. Lessor hereby reserves the right, to be exercised in
Lessor's sole discretion, to transfer its interest in the Building and to assign this Lease to
any such transferee, provided such transfer will not affect, alter or amend the rights of the
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Lessee, if Lessee is not then in default, as set forth herein. Lessor shall provide written
notice to Lessee of any transfer of interest in the Building or any assignment of this Lease
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this undersigned Lessor and Lessee hereto execute this
Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
WITNESS:
LESSOR:
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES
BY~-=
WITNESS:
LESSEE:
PHB MANAGEMENT CO., INC.
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EXHIBIT A
BETWEEN
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES
AND
PBH MANAGEMENT CO., INC.
5. Base Rent
b.) Monthly Payment:
$/SF
Year I None
Year 2 $3036.44 $8.46
Year 3 $3111.81 $8.67
Year 4 $3194.36 $8.90
Year 5 $3269.73 B.ll
Year 6 $3352.28 $ 9.34
Year 7 $3434.83 $ 9.57
Year 8 $3520.97 $ 9.81
Year 9 $3610.70 $10.06
Year 10 $3700.43 $10.3 I
I" Option (3% increases annuaIIy)
Year I $3811.70 $10.62
Year 2 $3926.55 $10.94
Year 3 $4044.99 $11.27
2nd Option (3.5% increases annuaIIy)
Year 1 $4184.97 $11.66
Year 2 $4332.12 $12.Q7
Year 3 $4482.87 $12.49
I'roposaJ to Loose E.hihi. A:JABlscm;1I4199
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. EXHIBIT B
Body:
Projected
Cam, Taxes, Insurance Costs for 1999-2000
Insurance
$0.26/SF
Taxes
0.51/SF
Water Sewer
0.05/SF
Snow Removal
0.20/SF
Lawn Maintenance
Parking Lot Maint.
0.1 O/SF
Management Fee@4%
of gross rent
0.321SF
Common area electric.
0.05/SF j;
TOTAL
$ I.50/SF j;
These are costs that will be paid for by the Tenant as "Additional Rent".
(SOLOMON.MIKE ;WMG1ca;lIl4199)
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EXHIBIT C
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EXHIBIT ''B''
(
MEDICAL OFFICE SUB-LEASE
3710 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA
THIS Sublease made and entered into this i611. day of January, 2001, by and
between PHB Management Co., Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (hereinafter called
"Sublandlord") and by John M. SuJ/ivan, M.D.+ & Associates, LLC a Pennsylvania restricted
professional company (hereinafter called "Subtenant");
WIT N E SSE T H:
WHEREAS, Sublandlord leases the Premises under that certain Connnercial
Lease dated as of April 14, 1999 attached as Exhibit A between Williams Associates, as landlord
("Prime Landlord") and Sublandlord, as tenant (the "Prime Lease"); and
WHEREAS, Sublandlord desires to sublease to Subtenant, and Subtenant desires
to lease from Sublandlord, the Premises, on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, Prime Landlord joins herein for the purpose of consenting to the
foregoing Sublease on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW TIIEREFORE, for and in consideration of Ten Dollars ($10.00) cash in
hand paid and the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties, it is
agreed as follows:
1. PREMISES AND TERM - The Sublandlord hereby subleases to the
Subtenant, and the Subtenant hereby subleases and hires from the Sublandlord, demised premises
as outlined in Prime Lease known as 3710 Market Street, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (the
"Building"), said space consisting of 4,307 square feet at the southeast comer of the Building as
is shown on the drawing attached hereto as Exhibit B and attached hereto by this reference,
referred to herein as the "Premises".
This Sublease shall be for a term of approximately thirty-nine (39) calendar
months connnencing on February I, 2001 (the "Connnencement Date") and terminating on
March 31, 2004. Unless this Sublease is terminated prior to March 31,2004, then on March 31,
2004, automatically and without the requirement of further action, this Sublease shall be
extinguished and Subtenant shall become the tenant of Prime Landlord under all of the terms and
conditions of the Prime Lease, except the Subtenant shall have the right to give 180 days notice
of "Early Termination" under the Prime Lease beginning on October 3, 2003, subject to a
penalty due from the Subtenant of $/3,078.92, (i.e. if Subtenant exercises early termination for
3-31-04, Subtenant would give notice by October 3,2003 with a penalty due from Subtenant of
$/3,078.92), and as of such date Sublandlord shall be released from all of its obligations and
liabilities under this Sublease and the Prime Lease.1 Should the Commencement Date be a date
(
other than the first day of the calendar month, the term shall begin on the first day of the
following month. The rental for the last 5 years of the Prime Lease and 2 - 3 year renewals is
revised and outlined in ExhIbit C.
The Subtenant acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to inspect the
Premises and he is accepting the Premises in an "as is" condition.
2. RENTAL - During the first year of the term of this Sublease, rental for
the Premises shall be the sum of $14.50 per square foot per annum, payable in advance without
demand therefore, in equal monthly installments of $5,204.29, the first such instaIlrnent being
due and payable on the first day of the first month of the term and like installment payments on
the first day of each succeeding month of the term. All rental payments shall be made payable to
Sublessor at 801 Cherry Street, Suite 3200, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or at any other address that
Sublessor may direct. During the second year of the term of this Sublease, the rental shall be
increased to $ I 5 .08 per square foot per annum, during the third year of the term of this Sublease
the rental shaJJ be increased to $15.68 per square foot per annum, and during the finaJ three
months of the term of this Sublease the rental shall be increased to $16.31 per square foot per
annum. Rent for any partial month from the commencement date to the first day of the next
succeeding month shall be prorated upon a thirty (30) day month and shall be payable on the
delivery of possession of the Premises to the Subtenant. If Subtenant has not given notice of
"Early Termination" under the prime lease, and the Subtenant becomes the tenant of prime
landlord by the automatic assignment provision under paragraph I, Sublandlord will grant to
Subtenant one (I) months credit for the last month of rent due under this sublease.
3. SALES TAX - In the event of the enactment of any Federal, State or local
sales or other tax upon rents, said tax is added to the amount of rent agreed upon between the
parties. It shall be collected by the Sublandlord and remitted to the taxing authority. The
Subtenant agrees to pay to the Sublandlord the amount of such tax at the time and place such
other rental payments reserved herein are required.
4. PARKING - The Subtenant shall be entitled to all parking facilities
provided to Sublandlord under the Prime Lease, subject to the provisions of said Prime Lease.
follows:
5. SERVICES - Building services provided by Sublandlord sbaJl be as
" Utilities to be used within the Premises consisting of heat, electricity, water,
sewer, and air-conditioning, as such utilities are reasonably necessary for a
medical office practice
" All real estate taxes required to be paid by Sublandlord under the Prime Lease
.. Payment of all sums required under the Prime Lease for maintenance of
grounds and landscaping and snow removal
6. USE OF PREMISES - The Premises shaJJ be used by the Subtenant for
the delivery of medical and ancillary health care services, sale of neutraceuticaIs, and
2
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administrative office space necessary to support such uses. The Subtenant will be responsible for
the following services, at its expense:
n Insurance on contents and general liability insurance as required of the tenant
under the Prime Lease
" Telephone service to the Premises
" Trash removal, including without limitation, disposal of all infectious or
hazardous waste in a lawful manner
n Janitorial services
" Interior repairs and non-structural repairs
The Subtenant agrees that it shall occupy and use the Premises for the above
purpose during the term of this Sublease or any extension thereof In the event the Subtenant
shall abandon the Premises or not occupy the Premises for the purposes above stated, the
SubIandlord may declare the Sublease to be terminated and repossess the said Premises without
waiver of obligations of the Subtenant to the Sublandlord hereunder, or, in the alternative, the
SubIandlord may exercise the rights reserved to it hereinbelow.
7. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING - Subtenant shall not assign this
Sublease, or any interest therein, or sublet the Premises, or any portion thereof, without the prior
written consent of the SubIandlord and Prime Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Notwithstanding any assignment of this Sublease, or the subletting of the said
Premises, or any portion thereof, Subtenant shall continue to be liable for the performance of
terms, conditions and covenants of this Sublease, including the payment of rents.
8. CARE AND USE OF PREMISES - The Subtenant shall keep the
Premises in good order and condition and surrender the Premises upon termination of this
Sublease in as good a condition as received, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
The Subtenant shaJI comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Prime Landlord governing the use of the Building, parking areas, common areas and
accommodation areas for the best interest of all the Subtenants of the Building.
9. REPAIRS - The Prime Landlord is responsible for structural repairs under
the terms of the Prime Lease. The Subtenant agrees to maintain the Premises in good and
substantial repair and clean condition, to prevent waste, and upon the expiration or earlier
termination of this Sublease to peaceably yield up and surrender the Premises in as good
condition as when taken, reasonable wear and tear excepted. By taking possession of the
Premises, the Subtenant agrees that the Subleased Premises are and were in a tenantable and
good condition at the time of taking possession. In the event Subtenant does not so maintain and
repair the Premises, Sublandlord shall have the right to enter and charge such sums as are
necessary to accomplish any needed repairs or maintenance to Subtenant as additional rental
hereunder.
3
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10. ALTERATIONS - The Subtenant shall make no alterations, additions or
improvements to the Premises (such as subdivision partitions or installing waIls, panels,
bookshelves, floor covering, cabinets and similar items) without obtaining the prior written
consent of the Sublandlord and the Prime Landlord which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Any alterations shall be made only under the control and supervision of the
Sublandlord and the Prime Landlord. When completed, such additions and improvements made
by the Subtenant (save for movable furniture, trade fixtures and equipment) shall become the
property of the Prime Landlord and shall remain upon and be surrendered with the Premises at
the expiration or early Termination of this Sublease or upon the Subtenant's vacating said
Premises. Unless, the Prime Landlord, at its option, requires the Subtenant to remove any such
additions or improvements which they may designate in written notice delivered to the Subtenant
specifYing the items to be removed. The Subtenant agrees to and shall promptly reimburse the
Sublandlord for any expenses that they incur in connection with removing such items (if the
Subtenant fails to do so) and restoring the Premises to the condition required hereunder.
11. SUBLANDLORD'S LIABILITY - The Sublandlord shall not be liable
for damage to persons or property sustained by the Subtenant, its servants, agents, employees
and invitees, when due to defects in the Building or the Premises, or any other cause beyond the
reasonable control of Sublandlord. The Sublandlord shall not be liable to the Subtenant for
damage to its property caused by leaking water or any other defect. The Sublandlord shall not be
liable for failure or interruption of utilities in the Building occasioning injury to the Subtenant, its
guests, invitees or licensees or their property nor for acts of neglect of other Subtenants in the
Building. The Sublandlord shall not be liable for theft of property of the Subtenant.
The Sublandlord and Subtenant agree (to the extent that such agreement does not
invalidate coverage under any policy of insurance) that, in the event the Premises, or any part
thereof; are damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty that is covered by insurance of the
Sublandlord or Subtenant, or the sublessees, assignees, or transferees of Subtenant, the rights of
any party against the other or against the employees, agents or licensees of any party, with
respect to such damage or destruction and with respect to any loss resulting therefrom, including
the interruption of the business of any of the parties, are hereby waived to the extent of the
coverage of said insurance. The Sublandlord and Subtenant further agree that all policies of fire,
extended coverage, business interruption and other insurance covering the Premises or the
contents therein shall, if possible, provide that the insurance shall not be impaired if the insureds
have waived their right of recovery from any person or persons prior to the date and time ofIoss
or damage. Any additional premiums for such clause or endorsement shall be paid by the
primary insured.
12. SUBTENANT'S LIABILITY - The Subtenant shall indemnify and
defend and save hannless the Sublandlord and its agents and employees against and from any
and all claims or causes (whether groundless or otherwise) by or on behalf of any person, firm or
corporation arising by reason of injury to persons or property occurring in the Premises or in the
Building or upon any parking facility or appurtenance used in connection with the same,
occasioned in whole or in part by any of the following:
4
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(a) any act or omission on the part of the Subtenant or any employee
or agent of the Subtenant (whether or not acting within the scope of employment
or agency);
(b) any misuse, neglect or unlawful use of the Premises or the
Building or any of its facilities;
(c) any breach, violation or nonperformance of any covenant in this
Sublease on the part of the Subtenant to be observed or performed; or
(d) any unlawful use of the Premises.
Further, the Subtenant shall obtain and keep in effect and pay the premiums for a
comprehensive public liability policy insuring the Subtenant for occurrences during the term
hereof with limits of liability for personal injury or death of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
for any single claim and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) for claims arising out of a single
accident or occurrence, and One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for property damage,
and the Subtenant shall furnish the SubIandlord with a certificate of such coverage which shall
provide that thirty (30) days' advance written notice be given to the Sublandlord in the event of
cancellation or material change in the insurance policy and shaII name Sublandlord as an
additional insured thereunder.
13. DAMAGE BY FIRE OR THE ELEMENTS - In the event the Building
shall, during the term of this Sublease, be destroyed by fire, storm, earthquake, acts of God, or as
a resuh of war, riots, civil commotion, or by other causes not under the control of the
SubIandlord, the Sublease hereby made shall end and terminate as of the date of such
destruction.
shall govem
In the event of partial damage to the Building, the provisions of the Prime Lease
14. LICENSES AND EASEMENTS - The Subtenant hereby grants to the
SubIandlord and/or the Prime Landlord such licenses or easements in or over the Premises or any
portions thereof; as shall be reasonably required for the instaJlation or maintenance of mains,
conduits, pipes, or other facilities to serve the Building, or any part thereof; including but not by
way of limitations, the premises of any such other tenant thereof; provided, however, that the
SubIandlord or the Prime Landlord, as the case may be, shall pay for any alteration required on
the Premises as a result of any such exercise, occupancy under, or enjoyment of any such license
or easement, and provided further that no exercise, occupancy under, or enjoyment of any such
license or easement shall result in any unreasonable interference with the Subtenant's use,
occupancy, or enjoyment of the Premises as contemplated by this Sublease.
Further, the SubIandlord and its authorized agents shall have the right to enter
upon the Premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting the same, exhibiting the
same to prospective Subtenants or purchasers of the Building, preventing waste, making
5
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alterations or repairs or for any other reason permitted in the Sublease. If, during the last month
of the term, the Subtenant shall have removed all or substantially all of the Subtenant's property
therefrom, the Sublandlord may immediately enter and alter, renovate and redecorate the
Premises without elimination or abatement of rent, or incurring liability to the Subtenant for any
compensation, and such acts shall have no effect upon this Sublease.
15. SUBTENANT DEFAULT - Upon the happening of anyone or more of
the following events:
(a) Subtenant's failure to pay any monthly rental installment to the
Sublandlord for a period of ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such
default sent, to the Subtenant by Sublandlord or the Sublandlord's agent, via
certified mail with return receipt requested and copied simultaneously to the
Prime Landlord. In such instance, the subtenant shall have a period of thirty (30)
days from the date of receipt of said written notice to cure such delinquency.
(b) Subtenant's continued failure to perform any other covenant of this
Sublease for a period of ten (10) days after delivery of written notice of such
default, sent, via certified mail with return receipt requested and copied
simultaneously to the Prime Landlord, to the Subtenant from Sublandlord or
Sublandlord's agent. In such instance, the Subtenant shall have a period of thirty
(30) days from the date of receipt of said written notice to cure such delinquency.
(c) Bankruptcy of theSubtenant;
(d) Subtenant making an assignment for the benefit of creditors;
( e) A receiver or trustee being appointed for the Subtenant;
(f) Subtenant voluntarily petitioning for relief under or otherwise
seeking the benefit of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement or insolvency
law;
(g) Abandonment of Premises by the Subtenant;
(h) Subtenant's interest under this Sublease being assigned by
operation oflaw;
(i) Subtenant's interest under this Sublease being sold under execution
or other legal process;
options:
The Sublandlord, at its election, may exercise one or more of the following
6
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(a) Declare this Sublease to be terminated, ended and null and void,
and re-enter upon and take possession of the Premises; whereupon, the term
hereby granted and all rights, title and interest of the Subtenant in the Premises
shall end. Such termination shall be without prejudice to the Sublandlord's right
to collect from the Subtenant any rental which as accrued prior to such
termination, together with all damages suffered by the Sublandlord because of the
Subtenant's breach of any covenant under this Sublease;
(b) Exercise any of the other rights of the Sublandlord under this
Sublease by reason of Subtenant default thereunder. The exercise by the
Sublandlord of any one or more of the options provided to it under.this Sublease
shall not affect the Sublandlord's right to exercise any of its other options
contained in this Sublease or available at law or in equity.
16. SUBLANDLORD MONTHLY RENTAL DEFAULT - In the event of
default by SubIandlord to Prime Landlord in payment of monthly rent, Prime Landlord, at Prime
Landlord's election may assume this Sublease by releasing Sublandlord from all of its
obligations and liabilities under the Sublease and the Prime Lease, making Subtenant the tenant
of the Prime Landlord under all terms and conditions of this Sublease.
17. SUBLANDLORD INDEMNIFICATION - In the event Subtenant pays
SubIandlord monthly rental payments in accordance with the terms of this Sublease, but
SubIandlord fails to pay monthly rental payments to the Prime Landlord in accordance with the
terms of the Prime Lease, the Sublandlord agrees to indemnifY and save harmless the Subtenant
from any and all causes of action, claims and demands whatsoever that may result from a
SubIandlord defuult, including counsel fees, costs and expenses.
18. DEFAULT BY PRIME LANDLORD OR SUBLANDLORD - If the
Prime Landlord or SubIandlord fails to perform any duties or obligations under the provisions of
this Sublease or the Prime Lease, then upon Prime Landlord or Sublandlord's continued failure
to perform any covenant of this Sublease for a period of ten (10) days after delivery of written
notice of such delimit, sent, via certified mail with return receipt requested and copied
simultaneously to the Prime Landlord, to the Sublandlord from Subtenant or Subtenant's agent,
the Prime Landlord or Sublandlord shall have a period of thirty (30) days from the date of receipt
of said written notice to cure such delinquency.
In the event Prime Landlord or Sublandlord fails to cure such delinquency in the
time allotted above, the Subtenant, may exercise one or more of the following options:
(a) Declare this Sublease to be terminated, ended and null and void.
Whereupon, the term hereby granted and all rights, title and interest of the Subtenant in the
Premises shall end and the Prime Landlord and the Sublandlord shall have no further clairns,
rights or causes of action against the Subtenant other than Prime Landlord's or SubIandlord's
right to collect from the Subtenant any rental or payments which have accrued prior to such
termination.
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(b) Exercise any of the other rights of the Subtenant under this
Sublease by reason of Prime Landlord or Sublandlord's default thereunder or exercise any of its
other options available at law or in equity.
19. EMINENT DOMAIN - If the whole or any part of the Building shall be
taken for any public or quasi-public use under any statute or by right of eminent domain or
private purchase in lieu thereof, the proVisions of the Prime Lease shall govem
20. SUBORDINATION - This Sublease is subject and subordinate to the
Prime Lease and to all ground or underlying leases and to all mortgages and/or deeds of trust
which may now or hereafter affect such leases or the real property of which the Premises form a
part, and to all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and evidences thereof.
This clause shall be self-operative and no further instrument of subordination shall be required
by any mortgagee. In confirmation of such subordination, the Subtenant shall execute promptly
any certificate that Sublandlord or Prime Landlord may request. Subtenant hereby constitutes
and appoints the Sublandlord as the Subtenant's attorney-in-fact to execute any such certificate
or certificates for or on behalf of the Subtenant.
21. NON-WAIVER-
(a) The failure of the Sublandlord in one or more instances to insist
upon strict performance or observance of one or more of the covenants or
. conditions hereunder shall not be construed as a relinquishment or waiver for the
future of such covenant or condition or of the right to enforce the same.
(b) The receipt by the Sublandlord of rent or of any other payment
required to be made by the Subtenant, or any part thereof, shall not be a waiver of
any other rents or payments then due, nor shall such receipt, though with
knowledge of the breach of any covenant or condition thereof, operate as or be
deemed to be a waiver or such breach.
(c) No waiver by the Sublandlord of any of the provisions hereof, or
any of the Subtenant's rights, remedies, privileges or options hereunder, shall be
deemed to have been made unless made in writing by the Sublandlord.
(d) If the Sublandlord shall consent to the assignment of this Sublease
or to a subletting of all or any portion of the Premises, no further assignment or
subletting shall be made without the written consent of the Sublandlord first
obtained.
22. REMOVAL OF FIXTURES, ETC. AT TERMINATION OF
SUBLEASE - It is agreed by the parties to this Sublease that at the termination of this Sublease,
in the event the Subtenant is not in default with respect to any of the terms and conditions of this
8
(
Sublease, including the payment of rentals, the Subtenant may remove from the Premises all of
the Subtenant's furniture, fixtures and equipment which is not affixed or attached to the
Building; provided, however, that if any damage to the Premises or the Building results from
said removal, such damage shall be immediately repaired by the Subtenant at the Subtenant's
cost.
23. SERVICE OF NOTICE - The Subtenant hereby appoints )t~~
fr,'Co ~,;>~. S...i.el A.w;,.. ~ )...,I::~ ;7-,,1 N &J' 51., ;/J.,j. f'I11'7110 , as its agent to receive the
service of an dispossessory or distraint proceedings and notices required under this Sublease. .,.
24. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS - This Sublease shaJJ be binding upon ~
the parties hereto, their respective heirs, personal representatives, successor and assigns.
25. HOLDING OVER - If the Subtenant shall for any reason hold over at the
expiration of the term, or any extension hereof, such holding over shall not create a new term and
the Subtenant shall be a Subtenant at will subject to eviction at anytime by the SubJandlord
without notice. The rental rate in the event of such a holdover shaJJ be equal to 150% of the
monthly rate in effect at the expiration of the term, or any extension hereof.
26. ENTIRE AGREEMENT - This Sublease contains the entire agreement
of t/:1e parties and no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or otherwise,
between the parties not embodied herein shall be of any force or effect. No failure of the
SubJandlord to exercise any power by the SubJandlord hereunder or to insist upon strict
compliance by the Subtenant of any obligation hereunder, and no custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof shall constitute a waiver of the Sublandlord's right to
demand exact compliance with the terms hereof.
27. COMMISSIONS - The Sublandlord shall be responsible for payment of
all agents fees payable to Commercial-IndustriaJ Realty Company pursuant to its separate
agreement with Sublandlord, and Sublandlord and Subtenant warrant and represent to each other
that they have not employed or dealt with any other real estate agents or brokers relative to the
leasing of the Premises, and each party indemnifies and holds the other harmless from and
against any liability (including costs and attorneys' fees incurred in the defense thereof) to any
other agents or brokers with whom such party may have dealt.
28. GOVERNING LAW - The validity of this Sublease, the interpretation of
the rights and duties of the parties hereunder and the construction of the terms hereof shall be
governed in accordance with the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania except to
the extent that any additional agreement entered into pursuant to this Sublease by both parties
may otherwise specificaIly provide.
29. SEVERABILITY - In the event any term or provision hereof shall be
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, the remainder hereof shall
survive and the unenforceable provision shall be reformed to form an enforceable provision
consistent with the intent of the parties as evidenced herein.
9
Initial Term
Year
First ODtion
Year
Second Opti(
Year
f
,
(
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed
day and year first above written.
Date: . j '-' J q \,. (J I
Date:
Date:
Sublandlord:
PHB MANAGEMENT I
By:
Title: V (J
Subtenant: ~i
JOHN M. SULLIVAN .s
By: '
Prime Landlord:
W~ ~ 0-+
By: ~ ~CH
Title: .?t1, 6-;( ,
10
'-,
EXHIBIT "C"
(
(
SMIGEL, ANDERSON
& SACKSLLP
LEROY SMIGEL, ESQUIRE
PHONE: (711) 234-2401
TOLL FREE, 1-800-82:1-9761
ATrORNEYSATLAW
FACSIMILE (711) 234-3611
EMAIL: Ismigel@sasllp.oom
www.sasllp.com
FileNo.
5873-1-2
August 9,2001
Charles McQueary, CEO
PHB Management Co., Inc.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Dear Mr. McQueary:
This letter is to inform you that you are in default with respect to the Medical Office
Sublease executed on January 16, 2001 with John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, L.L.C., of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The water and sewage problems persist at the leased premises, which
you are required to maintain under Section 5 of the Sublease, stating the Sublandlord shall
provide utilities that are reasonably necessary to conduct a medical office practice. Your
continued failure to pay for the necessary maintenance at the leased premises renders it
non-tenantable in its current condition.
Please contact us immediately to informus of your intentions with regard to your
obligations under the Medical Office Sublease.
LRS:VJF:vlf
cc: Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
John M. Sullivan, M.D.
2917 North Front Street. HarnsbuN. Pennsvlvania 17110-1260
A PENNSYLVANIA LU,I1TED LlABlLITY PARTNERSHIP
...
EXIllBIT "D"
(
(
SMIGEL, ANDERSON
& SACKS LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
LEROY SMIGEL, ESQUIRE
PHONE, (717) 284--3401
TOLL FREE, 1-800-822-9767
FACSIMILE (717) 23UGll
EMAIL, l.mig.l~....np.com
www....np.com
File No.
5873-1-2
October 1,2001
Michael 1. Solomon, Esq.
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg,PA 17101
Re: John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates. LLC
Dear Mr. Solomon:
This letter is to inform Williams Associates that the Medical Office Sublease it held with
John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, is hereby declared tenninated, ended and null and
void pursuant to the terms of Section 18, Default by Prime Landlord or Sublandlord' Under
Section 18, notice of default of either the Prime or Sublandlord must be given in writing, which
was given to PHB, Inc., and copied to Williams Associates, effective August 28, 2001. Under
Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease, either the Prime or Sublandlord must cure the default
within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of said written notice to cure such delinquency.
As thirty (30) days have expired from the receipt of said written notice and since neither the
Prime or Sublandlord has effectuated a cure of said delinquency. John M. Sullivan M.D. &
Associates, LLC, hereby exercises its option under Section 18 to declare the Medical Office
Sublease terminated. ended, null and void. It is the intention of John M. Sullivan M.D. &
Associates, LLC, to vacate the leased premises within a reasonable time.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Sincerely,
LeRoy Smigel
LRS:vjf
cc: John M. Sullivan, M.D.
2917 North Front Street. H.rri,ibUTr. PeD..ftsv]v.niA 17110.1280
A PENNSYLVANIA LIMITED LIABILITY P AltTNEllSHIP
OIS-j ZO/ZO'd OlS-!
119EtEZlll
s~~vs , NOS~30NV"3~lnS""O~j
tl:91 IO-IO-!~O
EXHIBIT "E"
,ent by: ,ANDREWS & KURTH
',. 't
214 6594401;
10/17/01 3:09PM;Jedax #937;page 2/3
I
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.
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IN.-THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CO$lOCT - .{ 2001 I
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAL____..___--'
FORT WORTH DMSION' rA'.J'JANA c. ~..- -i$Ht..LL., CLERK
''"!y~_._~
D':Vllty
._--~-
IN RE: ~
~
PROMEDCO OF LAS CRUCES, INC., et al'J ~
~
Debtors. ~
Case No. 00-46863-BIH-ll
(Chapter 11)
Jointly Administered
ORDER AUTHORIZING REJECTION OF UNEXPIRED
LEASES AND EXECUTORY CONTRACTS
(pROMEDCO MANAGEMENT COMPAN\')
(pHB MANAGEMENT COMPANY)
(PROMEDCO OF TEMPLE, INC.)
(pROMEDCO OF EAST TENNESSEE)
(pROMEDCO OF SARASOTA, INC.)
(PROMEDCO OF MAYFIELD, INC.)
lPROMEDCO OF INDIANA. INC,}
Upon the motion (the "Motion") of(ProMedCo Management Company), ProMedCo of East
Tennessee, Inc. ("PME'r'), ProMedCo of Sarasota, Inc. (npMSr'), ProMedCo of Mayfield,
Inc.(npMMr'), ProMedCo of Temple, Inc. ("PMTr'), ProMedCo of/ndiana, Inc. ("PMll''), and PHB
Management Company (''PHB'') (collectively the "Debtors"), seven of the above-captioned debtors
and debtors in possession, for an order pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code
Authorizing Rejection of Interests in Unexpired Leases and Executory Contracts; and the Court
having jurisdiction over the Motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. U 157 and 1334 and this being a core
proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 0 157(b)(2); and venue being proper before this Court pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. U 1408 and 1409; and it appearing that notice of the Motion has been given to the
Office of the United States Trustee, the counter parties to !he executory contracts and unexpired
leases to be rejected, as set forth in the Motion (collectively, the "Contracts and Leases") and all
ORDER AlJTB01UZll'lG JlE.lECTlON O. tJNEXPlRED
LE.lSa....o EXECUTORY CONTRACTS. P_ I
DA.UI S19U
Sent by:.ANDREWS & KURTH
~
214 659 4401 j
10/17/01 3: 1 OPMjJetlax #937jpage 3/3
(
parties who have. filed a notice of appearance and request for service of pleadings in these Chapter
11 cases, and that no other or further notice need be given; and upon the hearing on the Motion held
on October 4,2001. good cause appearing therefor, it is
ORDERED that the Motion is granted and the Debtors shall be, and hereby arc, auThorized
to reject their interests in The Contracts and Leases and the same shall be, and hereby are, deemed
to be, rejected; and it is further
ORDERED that the De ors be, and hereby are, authorized to assign all of the estates' rights,
Office Sublease by and between PHB and 10hn M.
laims against the Debtors arising out of, relating to
or in cOMection with th Sullivan Lease and the overlease between PHB and Williams (The
"Overlease"); and it is further
hereby is, deemed to have waived any and all claims
Overlease and Williams be,
precluded from asserting any such claims against the
Debtors or their estates;
ORDERED that the Objection filed by 10hn M. Sullivan, M.D. and Associates LLC be, and
hereby is, overruled.
SIGNED this .1.~y orcffakr . 2001.
r ......... - lIT I
/1/ BAR&vtA J. HouSat
HONORABLE BARBARA 1. HOUSER
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGE
ORDU AllTIIORIZING JU:.lECTIOl'I' OF UNUI'DUD
LEASES AND EXECtJToav CONTRACTS . .... a
DAl..:JI.~J.z
EXHIBIT "F"
(
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, Es",.
THE LOCUST COURT BUILDING
2 1 2 LOCUST STREET, SUITE 500
HARRISSURG, PA 1 7101
717-255-7600
717-236-8278 (FAX)
MSDLDMDN@TTANLAW.COM
October 15, 2001
LeRoy Smigel
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
2917 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
Re: John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC
Dear Lee:
As you know, Dr. Sullivan's sublandlord, PHB Management, Inc., filed a petition
in bankruptcy on July 14, 2001. By letter dated August 9, 2001, you purported to
notify the debtor of an alleged default with regard to the condition of the
subleased premises. Thereafter, on October 1, 2001, you unilaterally informed
the prime landlord, Williams Associates, that the sublease was "declared
terminated, ended and null and void pursuant to the terms of Section 18. . ." of
the sublease. As of that date, to my knowledge, the debtor had not acted to
reject the lease or the sublease as is its prerogative under the Bankruptcy Code.
You assume that your interpretation of the sublease controls under the
circumstances presented. To the contrary, we are both bound by the dictate of
Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code. This Section, of course, affords the debtor
an automatic stay applicable, without doubt, to attempted enforcement of your
client's rights under the sublease. I am unaware of any effort by or on behalf of
your client to seek relief from the automatic stay. Consequently, your unilateral
declarations of default and termination are void ab initio.
As I earlier suggested, it behooves the remaining parties to the sublease to
discuss alternative resolutions to the problem; today, I modify my earlier
suggestion by adding that such a meeting occur when either or both of our clients
have leaal standina to consider alternatives. Please give these thoughts your full
and immediate consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael L. Solomon
EXIllBIT "G"
(
(
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQ.
THE LOCUST COURT BUILDING
21 2 LOCUST STREET, SUITE see
HARRISBURG, PA 1 71 C 1
717-255-7600
71 7-236-a278 (PAX)
MSCLDMClN@TTANLAW.CCM
October 17, 2001
LeRoy Smigel
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
2917 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
NOTICE OF ASSUMPTION OF SUBLEASE
Dear lee:
Consider this letter confirmation of the information provided in my October 15 letter to
you. Specifically, I am now informed that the Bankruptcy Court issued an Order granting
PHB Management's Rejection Motion on October 4, 2001. The Order encompassed the
"Overlease" for the premises occupied by Dr. Sullivan. Inasmuch as a lease rejection by
a debtor is tantamount to a condition of breach, we are now at the crossroads over
which you prematurely tried to steer in your August notice of default.
Properly juxtaposed, this is also the appropriate time for Williams Associates to exercise
its assumption of the Sublease as it is permitted to do under Section 16 of the Sublease.
In so doing, Williams Associates will now commence repair of the faulty plumbing line at
the premises. Kindly advise as to any dates or times when it would be inconvenient to
your client to have contractors, adjusters, estimators or the like visit the premises. We
will not undertake any significant repairs without Dr. Sullivan's knowledge and
permission.
Meanwhile, my client is aware of a letter being distributed by Dr. Sullivan to patients and
other parties in interest advising of his pending relocation, and further insinuating or
directly attributing the departure to actions by the landlord. To the extent that any
misstatements of fact are being leveled against Williams Associates, I encourage you to
lend appropriate advice to your client. Given the illegal nature of the announced
termination of sublease, it occurs to me that Dr. Sullivan, instead, ought to be
reconsidering his decision to relocate.
I anxiously await your report.
Sincerely,
Michael L. Solomon
cc: Williams Associates
EXIllBIT "H"
Rece.1.ved: 11/26/01 10:S1AM;
, .
717 236 8278 -> LAW OFFICES OF MARKIAN SLOBODIAN;
TrA&N
2146594401; 11121101
US BANICRUI'1'CY CT 1"1' "lC'1'1I
IaJ 0021003
7:10PM;~ '475iPige 3/6
"'=IV",.
11/26/01 09: 34
Sent by: ANDREWS & KURTH
11/19/2001 12:52 F~l 817 333 6001
'6'717 236 8278
"
. .
'-./
'---"
, i~tered
Debtors.
Upon the Motion (the "Motion") ofPHB Management Company ("PHB") one of the above-
caption=d debtors and debtors inpossessioll to Approve AssigrunentofCauses of Action to Williams
Associates ("Williams"); and the Court being fully advised in the premises Ill1d having detmnined
that the lega! and ti.ctual basel; set forth in 1M Motion and at the hearing thereon establish just cause
for the relief granted berein; and upon the record of ~ese Chapter 11 cases and after due
deliberation, and good cause appearing therefor,
IT IS HEREBY FOUND THAT:l
(1) This Coun has jurisdiction over the Motion pursuantto 28 U .s.C. U 157 and 1334;
(2) The Motion presents a core proceeding pursuant to 28 V.S.C. i157(b )(2);
(3) Notice of the Motion was sufficient undsr the circumstances pursuant to Section
363(b)( I) of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 2002, 6004, 9006 and the Local Bankruptcy
~ !
Rules:
(:lpit::Llizcd l~nn~ u.sed but tlln dtflnoc) ba1lin bay!! Iho lnCPlinp .ucribcd lei INch lCIlDS ill. tM :Mt.cion.
ORDiR GaA.'lTlNG MOTIO;\/ TO APPROVE ASSIGNMENT OF
C.U;!lE!~ aii' ACTION 1.'0 WU.LIAMS ASSOCIATES
(I"tlll MAN^G~N,)' c.o~r~'Y) - S-&I;. 1
DA1.;J22.'3~.1
Page 2
loq( .
Recei.ved: 11/26/01 10:51AM;
11/26/01 09:34 tr717 236
Sent by: ANDREWS & KURTH
11/19/2001 12:53 FAX 817 ~33 6001
717 236 8278 -> LAW OFFICES OF MARKrAN SLOBODIAN;
Page 3
tal 003/003
7: 1 OPMlJeHix #475jpage 4/6
1IYUY.:a
8278 TTA&N
2146594401j 11/21/01
LIS BANlRtlP1'CY &"1' H' WKl'Il
.... ,e'.'
--...
."""'--:.....
(4) The assigmnent by PHS orits rights, claims and caUlies of aciio'n (the "Claims")
arisins Ol.lt of. relating to or in connection with the Leases in the mllnner and. on the terms set forth
in the Motion is within the sound exercise ofl'HB's business judgment and is in the best interests
ofPHB and its estate and credito[$;
NOW, THERF:FORE, IT IS ORDERED THAT:
(A) The findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth above shall be, and hereby are,
so ontered;
(B) The Motion is hereby granted in all respects;
(C) Thc assignment ofthc Claims of PH .a under the Leases be, and hereby is, approved
in all re~ts;
(0) Williams be, and hereby is deemed to have waived any and all claims against PHS's
estate arising out of, or relating to or in cOllncction with the Leases ineludillg, but not limited te,
claims for rejection damages and payment ofpostpetirion rent;
(E) Williams be, and hereby is deemed to be, the owner of all Claims under thcLellSes,
and. Williams be, and hereby is, deemed to have auCl:Ccdcd to all ofPHB's and the estate's interests
therein, subject to such defenses and defects as PHB ~~~J~\Y,'v,~ been subject, had pEffi asserted
. ........--
.....-
such Claims in its 0....11 right; and . .' : .. ...
. . ...__.':~_' ..' ..~~ ~;.I . ,i' '
(f) Notwithstanding the, V,t~Y\jj9~s of BanlQ'upic:j'Rule 6004(g), this Ord.er shall be
effective immediately,
....J.'.:~. ,'" ..
"
SIGNED this .Ji day of
, ,.,:.~t,..,JY,
'~: ,2001.
. .;~~...:,;..' .f.. 'I
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.... .....,'1.~.1 ,:~......- .. .0,
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': BABBARA J. HOUSER
""nr'" UNITm STATES BANKRUPTCY RIDGE
, ,I.
....,
..."
ORDltR CRANTING MOTION 10 "PPIlOVE ASllLGNMEI'o'T OF
~...tlSl'<S 0" A''''ION TO WII.l.'''M~ ...$$OC.1......U
(PHB MA"ACE1IRNT COMPANY). .>c. 2
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SMIGEL, ANDERSON 8: SACKS
AT I UI-CN ~YS AT LAW
2917 NORTH FRONT STREET
HARRISBURG. PENNSYLVANIA 17110-1223
(717) 234-2401
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIA TES, LLC.
DEFENDANT
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, LeRoy Smigel, Esquire, attorney for Dcfendant in the above-captioned matter, do
hereby ccrtify that I served a true and correct copy of the Rule to Filc Complaint on counsel for
the Plaintiff by depositing same in the U.S. Mail, on November 7,2001, postage prepaid for first
class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, P A 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG, PA 17101
By:
LeRoy Smig , Esquire
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendant
--
~~
- ....
5873.1.2/preliminary objections/LRS/vlf January 10.2002 II :46 AM.
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCLATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO
PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal
Therapies, P.C., and John M. Sullivan, by and through their attorneys, Smigel, Anderson &
Sacks, and files this Preliminary Objection in the Nature of a Demurrer for failure to state a
claim against said Defendants, and challenges Plaintiffs standing to plead in the
above-captioned matter for the reasons hereinafter set forth:
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE NATURE OF A DEMURRER
FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM
I. Plaintiff's Cornplaint alleged several causes of action against John M. Sullivan
("Dr. Sullivan"), individually.
2. Plaintiff's Complaint contained no facts alleging that Dr. Sullivan, individually,
was liable to Plaintiff in this matter.
3. The facts alleged in Plaintiff's Complaint did not state a cause of action against
Dr. Sullivan, individually, because the alleged facts did not establish that Dr. Sullivan,
individually, entered into a Medical Office Sublease agreement with PHB, Inc., ("PHB") deblor
or Plaintiff, Williams Associates.
4. On its face, Plaintiffs Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against
Dr. Sullivan, individually.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, John M. Sullivan, individually, respectfully requests
that this Court sustain his preliminary objections in the nature of a demurrer and enter an order
dismissing Plaintiffs Complaint against John M. Sullivan for the reason that Plaintiff has failed
to state a cause of action.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE NATURE OF A DEMURRER
FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM
5. Plaintiff s Complaint alleged several causes of action against Cardinal Therapies,
P.C.
6. Plaintiffs Complaint contained no facts alleging that Cardinal Therapies, P.C.,
was liable to Plaintiff in this matter.
7. Cardinal Therapies, P.c., did not execute a lease agreement with PHB/debtor, nor
did Cardinal Therapies, P.C., execute a lease agreement with Plaintiff, Williams Associates.
8. On its face, Plaintiffs Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Cardinal Therapies, P.C., respectfully requests that
this Honorable Court sustain its Preliminary Objections in the nature of a demurrer and enter an
Order dismissing Plaintiffs Complaint against Cardinal Therapies, P.C., for the reason that
Plaintiff failed to state a cause of action upon which relief may be granted.
- 2 -
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION IN THE NATURE OF A DEMURRER
FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM
9. Plaintiffs Complaint failed to state facts constituting a cause of action against
John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.C., and John M. Sullivan
("Defendants"). Moreover, the alleged facts established that John M. Sullivan, M.D. &
Associates, LLC, properly followed the terms and conditions of the sublease, exercising its right
to terminate the Sublease upon the default of the Prime Landlord, Williams Associates.
10. On or about July 14,2001, PHB/debtor and Sublandlord, filed a voluntary
Petition under Chapter II ofthe United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for
the Northern District of Texas, Ft. Worth Division.
II. Under Section 18 ofthe Medical Office Sublease between John M. Sullivan,
M.D., & Associates, LLC, and PHB, written notice of default of either the Prime Landlord
(Williams Associates) or Sub landlord (PHB) must be given to both the Sub landlord and Prime
Landlord. Written notice of default was given to PHB and copied to Williams Associates, on
August 28,2001. (See Exhibit C and Exhibit 0 of Plaintiffs Complaint).
12. By letter dated August 9, 2001, Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D., & Associates,
LLC, by its counsel, declared a default by PHB, as Sub landlord, due to certain water and sewage
problems on the leased premises. Said letter was sent via certified mail with return receipt
requested and copied simultaneously to the Prime Landlord, Williams Associates.
13. Prime Landlord, Williams Associates, received proper notice of default according
to Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease, as admitted in Paragraph 9 of Plaintiffs
Complaint.
- 3 -
14. Under Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease, either the Prime Landlord or
the Sub landlord must cure the default within thirty (30) days frorn the date of receipt of said
written notice, thereby giving either the Sublandlord, PHB, or the Prime Landlord, Williams
Associates, an opportunity to cure such default.
15. Following the expiration of the thirty (30) days, Defendant John M. Sullivan M.D.
& Associates, LLC, executed a letter dated October I, 2001, providing written notice to Plaintiff,
Williams Associates, that since neither the Prime Landlord (Williams Associates) nor the
Sublandlord (PHB) had effectuated a cure of said default, Defendant, John M. Sullivan, M.D. &
Associates, LLC, exercised its option under Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease to declare
said Medical Office Sublease terminated, ended, null and void. (See Exhibit A of Plaintiffs
Complaint for the Medical Office Sublease; Exhibit 0 of Plaintiffs Complaint for the letter
dated October I, 200 I).
16. By letter dated October 1, 2001, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC,
stated its intention to vacate the leased premises within a reasonable time. (See Exhibit 0 of
Plaintiffs Complaint).
17. Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, in fact vacated the
premises within a reasonable time, on or about October 29,2001. (See Paragraph 49 of
Plaintiffs Complaint).
18. Plaintiff contends that the automatic stay applied to Sublandlord PHB/debtor and
Prime Landlord Williams Associates. However, the automatic stay did not apply to Prime
Landlord, Williams Associates, since automatic stay provisions are not available, nor do they
inure to the benefit of non-debtors. Matter ofGEC Industries. Inc., Bkrtcy. D. Del. 1990, 116
B.R. 932; See Carwav v. Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., S.D. Tex. 1995, 183 B.R. 769
-4-
(holding that although automatic stay provisions provide for automatic stay of any judicial
proceeding against debtor in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it generally does not extent to non-debtors,
such as insurers and co-Defendants who may have some connection to debtor.)
19. Plaintiff, Williams Associates, was a non-debtor.
20. Plaintiff, Williams Associates, being a non-debtor, was not afforded the
protection from the automatic stay. Therefore, Plaintiff, Williams Associates, was in default of
said Medical Office Sublease for its failure to cure said default within 30 days as required under
Section 18 ofthe Medical Office Sublease.
21. Assuming arguendo, even if Plaintiff, Williams Associates, non-debtor, was
afforded protection by the automatic stay applicable to debtor PHB, when PHB's Prime Lease
with Plaintiff, Williams Associates, was rejected pursuant to the bankruptcy statute, the sublease
under that Prime Lease must also have been rejected. Chaltos Svstems. Inc. v. Kaplan, D. Del.
1992, 147 B.R. 96, affirmed 998 F.2d 1005, on remand 163 B.R. 435.
22. On October 4, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas,
Ft. Worth Division, granted debtor PHB's Motion to Reject the Prime Lease, approximately
82 days from the date PHB filed the voluntary Petition under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Ft. Worth
Division on July 14,2001. (See Exhibit E of Plaintiffs Complaint). Additionally, by failing to
assume or rej ect the Prime Lease within sixty (60) days of filing the Bankruptcy Petition, said
Prime Lease was automatically rejected by operation ofIaw on or about September 14,2001,
pursuant to 11 U.S.C. g 365 (d)( 4).
23. In Bankruptcy, the rejection of an executory contract results in its termination.
See In Re Port Angeles Waterfront Associates, 9th Cir. Bap (Wash.) 1991, 134 B.R. 377.
- 5 -
24. II V.S.C. ~ 365(h) governs the rights of a lessee whose lease has been rejected by
a debtor-lessor. Section 365(h) permits only the lessee to choose whether to remain in
possession under the terms of the lease or treat the lease as terminated by the rejection. See also
In Re Carlton Restaurant. Inc., Bkrtcy. E.D. Pa. 1993, 151 B.R. 353; In Re Giles Associates.
Ltd., Bkrtcy. W.D. Tex. 1988,92 B.R. 695 (holding that automatic rejection of a lease based on a
debtor's failure to assume or rej ect lease within sixty (60) days after filing was not merely
"breach" oflease, but rather, terminated lease as to all parties, including secured creditors).
25. Defendant, John M. Sullivan, M.D., & Associates, LLC, exercised its right to
terminate the Medical Office Sublease pursuant to Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease and
subsequently vacated the premises within a reasonable time. Additionally, Defendant, John M.
Sullivan, M.D., & Associates, LLC, exercised its right to terminate the Medical Office Sublease
by operation oflaw pursuant to 11 U.S.C. ~ 365(h), where upon sixty (60) days after PHB filed
its Petition in Bankruptcy, the Prime Lease and any Subleases were automatically rejected on or
about September 14, 2001, thereby rendering the Medical Office Sublease terminated.
26. Regardless of whether or not the automatic stay afforded Plaintiff Williams
Associates any protection, the Medical Office Sublease, which is the basis of Plaintiff's
Complaint, was properly terminated according to the terms of the Medical Office Sublease and
was also terminated by operation oflaw pursuant to 11 U.S.c. ~ 365(h). Moreover, Defendant,
John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, vacated the leased premises within a reasonable
time, on or about October 29,2001.
27. On its face, Plaintiffs Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against
Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.C., and John M.
Sullivan.
-6-
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court sustain their
Preliminary Objections in the nature of a demurrer and enter an Order dismissing Plaintiffs
Complaint against Defendants for the reason that Plaintiff failed to state a cause of action upon
which relief may be granted.
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION ON GROUND
OF LACK OF CAPACITY TO SUE
28. Defendants incorporate herein by reference Paragraphs I through 27 as though set
forth herein at length.
29. Defendants, in the above-entitled action, request that this Honorable Court enter
an Order dismissing the instant action on the ground that the Plaintiff, Williams Associates, lacks
standing and the legal capacity to sue the Defendants.
30. "A party seeking judicial resolution of a controversy in this Commonwealth must,
as a prerequisite, establish that he has standing to maintain the action." Nve v. Erie Insurance
Exchange, 504 Pa. 3, 5, 470 A.2d 98,100 (1983), citing William Penn Parking Garage. Inc. v.
City ofPittsburiili, 464 Pa. 168,346 A.2d 269 (1975).
31. "As a general matter, the core of the concept of standing is that a person who is
not adversely affected in any way by the matter he seeks to challenge is not aggrieved thereby
and has no right to obtain a judicial resolution of his challenge." Pennsvlvania Game
Commission v. Deot. of Environmental Resources, 521 Pa. 121, 127,555 A.2d 812,814 (1989).
32. In William Penn Parking Garage, supra, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
observed that what is necessary to render a person aggrieved is that the party has a substantial,
direct and immediate interest in the claim sought to be litigated.
- 7 -
33. The Plaintiffs Complaint set forth allegations of a claim for various actions as a
result of Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D., & Associates, LLC's failure to make rental
payments and by prematurely and improperly declaring the sublease to be terminated.
34. Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D., & Associates, LLC alleged that the Medical
Office Sublease was properly terminated, as the result of Prime Landlord's (Williams
Associates) default. Additionally, the Medical Office Sublease was terminated by operation of
law for the failure to assume or reject the Prime Lease within the required sixty (60) days from
the date of filing the debtor's (PHB) Motion in Bankruptcy. Additionally, the Medical Office
Sublease was terminated when the Motion to reject the Prime Lease was granted by the
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Ft. Worth Division on October 4, 2001.
(See Exhibit E of Plaintiffs Complaint).
35. Plaintiff had a right under both the provisions ofthe Medical Office Sublease and
II V.S.C. ~ 365(h) to terminate the Medical Office Sublease.
36. Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, exercised its option to
terminate the Medical Office Sublease and subsequently vacated the leased premises within a
reasonable time.
37. As the termination of the Medical Office Sublease was proper, Plaintiff is not an
aggrieved party with a substantial, direct and immediate interest in the claim sought to be
litigated.
38. On its face, Plaintiffs Complaint failed to set forth any facts to establish the legal
capacity to sue, which is necessary to support a claim against Defendants, John M. Sullivan,
M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.C., and John M. Sullivan.
- 8-
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an
Order dismissing Plaintiffs Complaint against Defendants for the reason that Plaintiff lacks
capacity to sue.
Respectfully submitted,
Date:
1- It) - O?-
:GEL'1l;J;;
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire ill #09617
Keith J. Figured, Esquire ill #87443
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire ill #87442
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
-9-
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, LeRoy Smigel, Esquire, attorney for Defendants in the above-captioned matter, do
hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Preliminary Objections to Plaintiffs
Complaint on counsel for the Plaintiff by depositing same in the U.S. Mail, on January 10, 2002,
postage prepaid for first class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG, PA 17101
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
By:
,Esqu' ID #09617
2917 North ront Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: NO. 01-6201 - Civil Term
DEFENDANTS
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO DEFENDANTS' PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
NOW COMES, Plaintiff, Williams Associates, by its counsel, The Law Offices of
Markian R. Slobodian, and Michael L. Solomon, Esq., and makes the following response to
Defendants' Preliminary Objections in the above-referenced case:
Preliminary Objections in the Nature of a Demurrer for an Alle~ed Failure to State a
Claim
1. Admitted.
2. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent that an answer may be required, Plaintiff denies the allegation that
its Complaint contains no facts alleging that Defendant Sullivan, individually, was liable to
Plaintiff in this matter. Count IV and VI of the Complaint contain specific averments
regarding the actions of John M. Sullivan, individually.
3. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Plaintiff denies the allegation that its
Complaint did not state a cause of action against Dr. Sullivan individually because the
alleged facts did not establish that Dr. Sullivan individually entered into a medical office
sublease agreement with PHB, Inc., or with Plaintiff, Williams Associates. By way of
further answer, the two counts against Defendant John Sullivan individually are counts in
trespass and unjust enrichment. Neither of these counts is based on the establishment of a
contractual relationship between Williams Associates and Defendant Sullivan.
4. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that its Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against Defendant Sullivan
individually.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Williams Associates requests that this Court enter an Order
denying Defendant's Preliminary Objections in the Nature of Demurrer and entering
judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as more fully set forth in the
Complaint.
Defendant's Preliminary Objection in the Nature of Demurrer for Failure to State a
Claim.
5. Admitted.
6. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent that an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that its Complaint contains no facts alleging that Cardinal Therapies was liable to
Plaintiff in this matter. Counts III and V of the Complaint contain specific averments
regarding the actions of Cardinal Therapies.
7. Admitted in part and denied in part. Williams Associates admits that it did not
execute a lease agreement with Cardinal Therapies, P.c. After reasonable investigation,
William Associates lacks sufficient knowledge to form a belief as to the accuracy of the
2
allegation that Cardinal Therapies, P.e. did not execute a lease agreement with
PHBjDebtor. Accordingly, Williams Associates denies this allegation and demands proof
thereof at trial.
8. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that its Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against Defendant Cardinal
Therapies, P.e. By way of further answer, Counts III and V of Plaintiff's Complaint, the
counts against Cardinal Therapies, P.e., are not based on any breach of contract theory.
Accordingly, Defendant's allegations that Williams Associates did not execute a lease
agreement directly with Cardinal Therapies, P.e. is irrelevant.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Williams Associates requests that this Court enter an Order
denying Defendant's Preliminary Objections in the Nature of Demurrer and entering
judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as more fully set forth in the
Complaint.
Defendants' Preliminary Objection in the Nature of Demurrer for Alleged Failure to
State a Claim
9. Denied. This paragraph states four conclusions of law to which no answers are
required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that its Complaint failed to state facts constituting a cause of action against Defendants.
Williams Associates further denies the allegation that the facts as alleged in the Complaint
establish that Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, L.L.e. ("Sullivan, L.L.e.")
properly followed the terms and conditions of the sublease. Williams Associates further
denies the allegation that Sullivan, L.L.e. properly terminated the stIblease. Finally,
3
Williams Associates denies the allegation that it defaulted upon the terms and conditions of
the sublease.
10. Admitted.
11. Denied. This paragraph seeks to summarize or characterize the provisions of
Section 18 of the medical office sublease. The sublease is a written document which speaks
for itself. Accordingly, Williams Associates denies any characterization or summarization
of the contents of that document. Williams Associates specifically denies any inference that
Sullivan, L.L.c. provided any type of legally effective notice of default to PHB or Williams
Associates. By way of further answer, as a result of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of
PHB, any default notice which Sullivan, L.L.C. attempted to provide to PHB was in
violation of the automatic stay contained in Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 D.S.C.
9362 and therefore lacked any legal effect.
12. Admitted in part and denied in part. Williams Associates admits that Sullivan,
L.L.c.' counsel forwarded to PHB a letter dated August 9,2001. Williams Associates
further admits that it received a copy of the August 9, 2001 letter. Williams Associates
denies any inference that the letter had the legal effect of declaring a default under the
lease. By way of further answer, as a result of the automatic stay and pending rejection of
the lease by PHB, the letter of Sullivan, L.L.c.' s counsel had no legal cause or effect.
13. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that it received proper notice of default according to section 18 of the medical
office sublease. By way of further answer, any purported notice of default was rendered
legally ineffective as a result of the bankruptcy stay.
4
14. Denied. This paragraph attempts to summarize or characterize the contents of
section 18 of the medical office sublease. This sublease is a written document which speaks
for itself. Accordingly, Williams Associates denies any characterization or summarization
of the contents of that document. By way of further answer, the duty to make repairs is not
set forth in Paragraph 18 of the Lease but, rather, in Paragraphs 5, 6, and 9 of the Lease.
Paragraph 5 provides that the Sub-landlord shall be responsible for various enumerated
building services. Paragraph 6 of the Lease requires that the Sub-tenant will be
responsible for certain services including" interior repairs and non-structural repairs" .
Paragraph 9 of the Lease indicates that the Prime Landlord is responsible for structural
repairs under the terms of the Prime Lease. The Sub-tenant agrees to maintain the Premises
in good and substantial repair and good and clean condition. With regard to any duties
assigned to the Sub-landlord, Paragraph 16 of the Lease allows Williams Associates as
Prime Landlord to assume the obligations and liabilities of the Sub-landlord only after the
Sub-landlord defaults and the Prime Landlord both releases the Sub-landlord from all its
obligations and liabilities under the Sub-lease and the Prime Lease and, in turn, assumes all
such obligations and liabilities under the Sub-lease. Any obligation on the part of the
Williams Associates under Paragraph 18 of the Lease to perform any duties and any rights
of the Sub-tenant to declare a default on any such obligation of the Prime Landlord can
only arise after Williams Associates can legally declare default on the Sub-landlord. As
previously stated, Williams Associates could not legally do so until after the Automatic
Stay no longer applied.
15. Admitted in part and denied in part. Williams Associates admits that Sullivan,
L.L.c. executed a letter dated October 1, 2001. The letter is a written document which
5
speaks for itself. Accordingly, Williams Associates denies any summarization or
characterization of the contents of that letter. Williams Associates further denies any
inference that the letter had the effect of terminating or ending the sublease.
16. Admitted in part and denied in part. Williams Associates admits that Sullivan,
L.L.c. prepared the letter dated October 1, 2001 attached to Plaintiff's Complaint as Exhibit
"D". The letter is a written document which speaks for itself. Accordingly, Williams
Associates denies any characterization or summarization of the contents of that document.
17. Admitted in part and denied in part. Williams Associates admits that Sullivan,
L.L.c. vacated the premises on or about October 29, 2001. The allegation that Sullivan,
L.L.c. vacated the premises within a reasonable time states a legal conclusion to which no
answer is required.
18. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that the automatic stay did not apply to Williams Associates as Prime Landlord.
By way of further answer, the automatic stay prevented Sullivan, L.L.c. from terminating
its sublease with PHB, a debtor undergoing reorganization proceedings pursuant to
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The automatic stay further precluded Williams
Associates from declaring a default under the Prime Lease with PHB so that it could step
into the shoes of PHB as Sub-landlord and assume the rights and responsibilities of PHB
with regard to Sullivan, L.L.c.
Sullivan, L.L.c. now appears to argue that because Williams Associates, a non-
debtor, eventually, upon Debtor's rejection of the lease, assumed the position of the Debtor
6
as Sub-landlord, the clear prohibitions of the automatic stay which applied prior to the
lease rejection should be ignored. This simply is not the law.
Similarly, Sullivan, L. L.c.' s citation of legal precedent for the proposition that the
automatic stay does not apply to non-debtors has no application in this case. The cases
which Sullivan, L.L.c. cite allow a creditor to proceed against a non-debtor joint obligor.
Williams Associates was not a joint obligor. It had no duties or responsibilities to Sullivan,
L.L.c. until after it assumed the Debtor's position as Sub-landlord. It could not assume
such a position until after Debtor rejected its interest in the sublease and this did not occur
until October 4, 2001.
19. Admitted.
20. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that it had any duties to Sullivan, L.L.c. until after Debtor rejected the lease.
21. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that PHB's rejection of the Prime Lease with Williams Associates also absolved
Sullivan, L.L.c. from any legal obligation to Williams Associates. By way of further
answer, Williams Associates has a contractual relationship with Sullivan, LLC. Williams
Associates' agreement with Sullivan, LLC is unaffected by PHB's rejection of its agreement
with Williams Associates.
22. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates admits that on
October 4, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas granted PHB's
7
motion to reject the Prime Lease. Williams Associates denies the allegation that the lease
was automatically rejected by operation of law on or about September 14, 2001 pursuant to
11 U.S.c. s365(d)(4). That section only applies when Debtor's motion to assume or reject a
lease is not timely. In this case, Debtor requested and obtained from the Bankruptcy Court
an extension of time to file motions to assume or reject leases.
23. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies any
inference that PHB's rejection of the Prime Lease resulted in the termination of Williams
Associates' Sub-lease with Sullivan, L.L.c..
24. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies any
inference that PHB's rejection of its interests in the Prime Lease in any way excused
Sullivan, L.L.c.'s obligation to make payments to Williams Associates as the substituted
new Sub-landlord.
25. Denied. This paragraph states numerous conclusions of law to which no
answers are required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies
the allegation that Sullivan, L.L.c. properly exercised its rights to terminate the medical
office sublease, and that Sullivan, L.L.c. exercised its rights to terminate the sublease by
operation of law pursuant to 11 U.S.c. s365(h). Williams Associates further denies the
allegation that the Prime Lease and any subleases were automatically rejected on or about
September 14, 2001 thereby rendering the medical office sublease terminated.
26. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
8
allegation that the sublease was properly terminated according to either the terms of the
sublease or by operation of law. Williams Associates admits that Sullivan, L.L.c. vacated
the leased premises on or about October 29, 2001.
27. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that its Complaint is insufficient to support a claim against Defendants.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Williams Associates requests that this Court enter an Order
denying Defendant's Preliminary Objections in the Nature of Demurrer and entering
judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as more fully set forth in the
Complaint.
Defendants' Preliminary Objections on Ground of Alleged Lack of Capacity to Sue
28. This paragraph incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 27 of
Defendants' Preliminary Objections. Accordingly, Williams Associates incorporates by
reference its answers to paragraphs 1 through 27 of the Defendants' Preliminary Objections.
29. Denied. This paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies any
inference that Defendants are entitled to an Order dismissing the instant action on the
grounds that Williams Associates allegedly lacks standing and the legal capacity to sue
Defendants.
30. Denied. This paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no answer is
required.
31. Denied. This paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no answer is
required.
9
32. Denied. This paragraph states a legal conclusion to which no answer is
required.
33. Denied. This paragraph attempts to summarize the allegations of Williams
Associates' Complaint. The Complaint is a written document which speaks for itself.
Williams Associates, accordingly, denies any characterization or summarization of the
contents of the Complaint.
34. Denied. This paragraph states legal conclusions to which no answers are
required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that the sublease was terminated as a result of Williams Associates' alleged default.
Williams Associates further denies the allegation that the sublease was terminated by
operation of law. Finally, Williams Associates denies the allegation that the sublease was
terminated when the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas granted PHB's
motion to reject the Prime Lease.
35. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required.
36. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that Sullivan, L.L.c. effectively exercised its option to terminate the sublease.
37. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that the sublease was properly terminated. Williams Associates further denies
the allegation that it is not an aggrieved party with a substantial direct and immediate
interest in the claim sought to be litigated. By way of further answer, Williams Associates
10
has suffered substantial harm due to Sullivan, L.L.c.' abandonment of the lease premises
and its failure to make rental payments over the remaining term of the lease.
38. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that its Complaint fails to set forth any facts to establish its legal capacity to sue.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Williams Associates requests that this Court enter an Order
denying Defendant's Preliminary Objection on grounds of lack of capacity to sue and
entering judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as more fully set forth in the
Complaint.
Respectfully submitted,
~ .-'("^-
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
10 No. 41075
Andrew R. Eisemann, Esquire
10 No. 87441
801 North Second Street
p.o. Box 11967
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1967
717/232-5180
Dated: ~ { ~ 0 \ C.l-
Michael L. Solom~m, Esquire
10 No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717/255-7600
Counsel for Williams Associates
11
se~t &y: LAW OFFICES OF MARKIAN SLOBODIAN;717 232 6528;
Jun-13-02 4:08PM;
Page 2/2
VERmCATION
I, Jack Solomon, Plaintiff's General and Managing Partner, hereby verify that the
fac:ts contained in the foregoing Pleading arc true and corrc..'Ct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein arc
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A ~904 relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities.
Date:
v~~
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Markian R. Slobodian, hereby certify that I have this date, mailed a true and
correct copy of the foregoing Plaintiff's Response to Defendants' Preliminary Objections by
United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid, addressed to the following individual(s):
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
~~r
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PETITION TO DISALLOW PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO DEFENDANTS'
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
AND NOW, comes Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal
Therapies, P.e. and John M. Sullivan, by and through their attorneys, Smigel, Anderson &
Sacks, and files this Petition to Disallow Plaintiffs Reply to Defendants' Preliminary
Objections, and grant Defendants' Preliminary Objections filed June 20, 2002.
1. Plaintiff filed a Praecipe for Writ of Summons on or about October 26, 2001.
2. On or about November 2, 2001, the Defendants filed a Praecipe for Rule to File
Complaint.
3. The Prothonotary for this Court issued a subsequent Rule to File Complaint on or about
November 6,2001.
4. Plaintiff then filed a Complaint on or about November 27, 2001 alleging three claims
against each Defendant: (1) Breach of Contract, (2) Unjust Enrichment, (3) Trespass.
5. Plaintiff filed a Notice of Intention to Enter Judgment By Default on or about January 4,
2002.
6. Defendants filed Preliminary Objections to Plaintiffs Complaint on or about January 10,
2002 in the nature of demurrers as to the counts and for lack of capacity to sue as to all
Defendants. Attached hereto and made part of this document as Exhibit "An is Defendants'
Proof of Service for the Preliminary Objections.
7. Under Local Rule 208-1, the Plaintiff had twenty (20) days in which to respond to
Defendants' Preliminary Objections or was thereafter barred from responding as a matter of
course.
8. To the best of Defendants' infonnation, knowledge, and belief Plaintiff never sought
leave of court to file a reply to Defendants' Preliminary Objections or an amended Complaint
beyond the 20-days proscribed by the Local Rule 208-1.
9. The 20-day period for Plaintiff to file a reply to Defendants' Preliminary Objections or
amend the original Complaint expired on or about January 30, 2002.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court strike
Plaintiffs reply to Defendants' Preliminary Objections as untimely and that, in accordance with
Local Rules 208-1 and 208-2, this Court enter a final decree sustaining Defendants' Preliminary
Objections and dismissing this matter with prejudice.
Respectfully Submitted,
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
Date: '7 j,,,,k 'Z--
By:
LeRoy Smi el, Esquire ill # 09617
Susan Zeamer, Esquire ill # 82023
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire ill # 87442
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
'.
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
JOHN M. SULLN AN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
No. 01-6201 CNIL TERM
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, LeRoy Smigel, Esquire, attorney for Defendants in the above-captioned matter, do
hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Petition to Disallow Plaintiff's Reply to
Defendants' Preliminary Objections on cOWlsel for the Plaintiffby depositing same in the U.S.
Mail, on July 12, 2002, postage prepaid for fIrst class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKJAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG, PA 17101
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
By --p'A.~
L:;'~i~l, ESqUi:e ill #09617
Susan Zeamer, Esquire ill # 82023
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire ill # 87442
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0-1 709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAlNTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CNIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
NOW COMES, Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal
Therapies, P.C. & John M. Sullivan, by its counsel, Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP, and files
the within Praecipe For Listing Case For Argument:
1. The matters to be argued before this Court are the Defendants' Preliminary
Objections to the Plaintiffs Complaint. The Preliminary Objections are in the form of a
demurer, as Plaintiff failed to adequately state a claim, as well as Plaintiff s lack of capacity to
sue.
2. The names and addresses of all attorneys who will argue the case are as follows:
(a)
Plaintiff:
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
Andrew R. Eisemann, Esquire
801 North Second Street
P.O. Box 11967
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1967
(717) 232-5180
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 255-7600
(b) Defendants: LeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire
Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
3. Within two (2) days, I will notify all parties that this case has been listed for
argument once I receive a time-stamped copy of this Praecipe setting forth the argument court
date.
4. Argument Court Date:
Dated: if!l.b lot-
~
LeRoy Smig , EsqUIre
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire
Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire
Attorneys for Defendants
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, LeRoy Smigel, Esquire, attorney for Defendants in the above-captioned matter, do
hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Preliminary Objections to Plaintiffs
Complaint on counsel for the Plaintiff by depositing same in the U.S. Mail, on January 10, 2002,
postage prepaid for first class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, P A 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG, PA 17101
By:
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
~~
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire, ill #09617
Valerie J. Faden, Esquire, ill #87442
Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire, ill 82023
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
V.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN
M. SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
01-(.;20\
: ~-6~Ol CIVIL TERM
IN RE: MOTION PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS OF DEFENDANTS
TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
BEFORE BAYLEY, J. AND HESS, J.
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this
~'\~
day of August, 2002, the preliminary
objections of defendants to plaintiffs complaint, ARE DISMISSED.
Edgar B. Bayley, J. .;
,/Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
yAt1ichael L. Solomon
For Plaintiff
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,./leRoy Smigel, Esquire
For Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJlD~AL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
TO: Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
801 North Second Street
P.O. Box 11967
Harrisburg, P A 17108.1967
~ THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOTICE TO PLEAD
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
212 Locust Street, Ste. 500
Harrisburg, Pa 17101
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed New Matter and
Counterclaim within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against
you.
Oat, ff/dL
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
~vuv-- lY'\,
eRoy Smigel
.0. #09617
Susan M. Zeam
J.D. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, P A 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
::- 'II
, I
"
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CAJUJINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANTS' ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER
AND COUNTERCLAIM
ANSWER
AND NOW COMES, Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal
Therapies, P.c. & John M. Sullivan, by and through their counsel, Smigel, Anderson & Sacks,
LLP and files the following Answer, New Matter and Counterclaim to the Plaintiffs Complaint
as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. &
Associates, LLC ("Sullivan LLC"), Cardinal Therapies, P.c. ("Cardinal Therapies") and John M.
Sullivan ("Sullivan"), collectively referred to as "Defendants", are without knowledge or
sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth of the averment. Therefore, the averment is
denied.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
II"
5. Denied. The averment contained within paragraph 5 of the Complaint is an
averment that does not pertain to the Defendants in the above-captioned matter. As such, no
responsive pleading is required on the parts of the Defendants in the above-captioned matter.
Therefore, the averment is denied. By way of further answer, a true and correct copy of the
Commercial Lease Agreement ("Prime Lease") between PHB Management Company ("PHB")
and Williams Associates ("Williams") is attached as Exhibit "A" to the Complaint. The Prime
Lease is a legal document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any summarization or interpretations
of the contents of that document are hereby denied.
6. Denied. The averment contained within paragraph 6 of the Complaint is an
averment that does not pertain to the Defendants in the above-captioned matter. As such, no
responsive pleading is required on the parts of the Defendants. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, the Prime Lease is a legal document that speaks for itself.
Therefore, any summarization or interpretations of the contents of that document are hereby
denied.
7. Denied. The averment contained within paragraph 7 of the Complaint is an
averment that does not pertain to the Defendants in the above-captioned matter. As such, no
responsive pleading is required on the parts of the Defendants. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, the Prime Lease is a legal document that speaks for itself.
Therefore, any summarization or interpretations of the contents of that document are hereby
denied.
8. Admitted. It is admitted that on or about January 16,2001 PHB entered into a
Medical Office Sublease Agreement ("Sublease") with Defendant Sullivan LLC to which
Plaintiff Williams consented.
9. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
10. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
11. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
12. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
13. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
14. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
15. Denied. The Sublease, attached to Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a legal
document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any interpretations or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are hereby denied.
16. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the Defendants had been
advised, through Plaintiffs counsel, that PHB previously filed for bankruptcy. To the extent that
Defendants were not and have not been served with any papers from the Bankruptcy Court
regarding such filing, the averment is hereby denied.
17. Denied. Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code is a provision of a Federal Statute, a
federal law, and therefore speaks for itself. Any summarization or interpretation of the meaning
of this particular provision of the Bankruptcy Code is therefore specifically denied.
18. Admitted in part and denied in part. After reasonable investigation, Defendants
are without knowledge or sufficient information to form a belief as to that portion of the
averment which states that PHB has failed to make any rent payments to Williams for the month
of July, 2001 and thereafter. Therefore, that portion of the averment is specifically denied. It is
admitted that Sullivan LLC has not made rent payments to Williams. By way of further answer,
the sublease was entered into between PHB and Sullivan LLC. As such, Sullivan LLC was not
required to make rental payments to Williams.
19. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that counsel for Sullivan LLC
advised PHB of its default of the Sublease, as contractually required under the provisions of the
Sublease. Additionally, the letter referred to in paragraph 19 of Plaintiffs Complaint was
attached as Exhibit "c" to Plaintiff s Complaint and speaks for itself. As such, any interpretation
or summarization of the letter referred to in paragraph 19 of the Complaint is therefore
specifically denied. By way of further answer, the letter of August 9, 2001 from counsel for
Sullivan LLC was also served upon Williams by and through their counsel.
20. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that counsel for Sullivan LLC
advised PHB that the Sublease was ended and void in accordance with the terms of the Sublease.
Additionally, the letter referred to in paragraph 20 of Plaintiffs Complaint was attached as
Exhibit "D" to Plaintiffs Complaint and, as such, speaks for itself. Any interpretation or
II
" II
summarization of the letter referred to in paragraph 20 of the Complaint is therefore specifically
denied. By way of further answer, the letter of August 9, 2001 from counsel for Sullivan LLC
was also served upon Williams by and through their counsel.
21. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the document attached as
Exhibit "E" to the Plaintiff s Complaint is a Court Order from the Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division which authorizes debtor to reject certain
unexpired leases including the Prime Lease between PHB and Williams. To the extent that
counsel for Plaintiff advised counsel for Defendants that such an Order was filed, the allegation
is admitted. To the extent, however, that the Defendants were not served with a copy of the
October 4th Order from the Bankruptcy Court as they were not parties to the bankruptcy
proceedings, the averment is hereby denied. It is further denied that the Prime Lease is the lease
at issue in this matter. By way of further answer, it is the Sublease between PHB and Sullivan
LLC that is the only lease entered into by, or which obligates, any ofthe Defendants.
22. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the October 15, 2001 letter
from counsel for Williams to counsel for Sullivan LLC was attached to the Plaintiffs Complaint
as Exhibit "F." Any interpretations, conclusions or summaries drawn with regard to the contents
of that letter are hereby specifically denied as the letter is a document that speaks for itself.
Further, any interpretation, conclusions or summarization as to the Bankruptcy Code, a Federal
Statute, contained within the letter are also hereby specifically denied as conclusions of law. The
provisions of the Bankruptcy Code regarding automatic stays are a matter of Federal law, which
speak for themselves.
23. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that counsel for Williams sent
a letter dated October 17, 2001 to counsel for Sullivan LLC. A true and correct copy of the
'T
October 17, 2001 letter is attached hereto and made part of this document as Exhibit "A." The
document speaks for itself and therefore, any interpretation or summarization with regards to the
contents of that letter is hereby specifically denied. Further, that portion of the averment that
states that Williams assumed the position of Sublandlord under the Sublease is a conclusion of
law and, therefore, that portion of the averment is also specifically denied.
24. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Exhibit "G" to Plaintiff's
Complaint is a letter dated October 17,2001 from Williams to counsel for Sullivan LLC. As the
content of the letter speaks for itself, any summarization or conclusions with regard to the
content of that letter are hereby denied.
25. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the document attached as
Exhibit "R" to the Plaintiffs Complaint, a Court Order from the Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, authorizes debtor to reject certain unexpired
leases including the Prime Lease between PHB and Williams. To the extent the Defendants were
advised by counsel for Plaintiff that such an Order was filed, the allegation is admitted. To the
extent, however, that Defendants were not served with a copy of the October 16th Order from the
Bankruptcy Court, as they were not parties to the bankruptcy proceedings, the averment is
hereby denied.
COUNT I
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. LLC
Breach of Contract
26. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-25, supra, as if fully stated herein.
II
II
Ii
., !
27. Admitted. It is admitted that Sullivan LLC ceased to make rental payments after
July of2001. By way of further answer, at that point, PHB was in default of the Sublease and,
therefore, Sullivan LLC ceased all further rent payments. In addition to the default, PHB refused
to reimburse Sullivan LLC for expenditures it was making on a weekly basis for the repair of
water and sewer systems on the leased premises. As a result of, and in addition to, the default,
the rental payments were withheld as a setoff to the mounting repair bills.
28. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that on or about October 29,
2001 Sullivan LLC left the leased premises and began practicing at its current location-
1001 South Market Street, Suite B, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. The remaining averments
contained within paragraph 28 of Plaintiffs Complaint constitute conclusions of law to which no
responsive pleading is required and are, therefore, denied. By way of further answer, it is denied
that Sullivan LLC abandoned the leased premises. To the contrary, PHB was in default under
the terms of the Sublease. After notice of its default, both PHB and Williams failed to cure the
default. Only after such notice, and the requisite time period was allowed to elapse following
such notice, Sullivan left the leased premises as permitted under the contractual provisions of the
Sublease.
29. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 29 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore,
denied. Additionally, the Sublease is attached to the Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B" and is
a legal document that speaks for itself. Therefore, any summarizations, conclusions or
interpretations of the contents of that document are hereby specifically denied. By way of
further answer, it is denied that Sullivan LLC defaulted under the terms of the Sublease. It is
further denied that Sullivan LLC abandoned the Leased Premises. Moreover, PHB defaulted
under the terms of the Sublease, was notified of such (as was Plaintiff) and allowed an
opportunity to cure such default in accordance with the terms of the Sublease before Sullivan
LLC was constructively evicted from the premises.
30. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 30 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore,
denied. Additionally, the Sublease, attached to the Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit "B", is a
legal document that speaks for itself and, therefore, any conclusions or summarizations as to the
contents of the Sublease are denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that Sullivan LLC
defaulted under the terms of the Sublease. To the contrary, PHB was in default under the terms
of the Sublease. After notice of its default (also served upon Plaintiff), both PHB and Williams
failed to cure the default. Only after such notice was provided and the requisite time period was
allowed to elapse, was Sullivan forced to leave the leased premises - in effect, Sullivan was
constructively evicted.
31. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 31 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore,
specifically denied. It is denied that Sullivan LLC defaulted under the terms of the Sublease. By
way of further answer, it is denied that Williams has suffered damages as a result of any action
or inaction by Sullivan LLC. Moreover, it is denied that Williams suffered damages in the
amount of $180,621.21 by the actions or inactions of any party as the damages were calculated
through the expiration of the lease, or March 31, 2004, and the premises in question was sold on
or about July 30, 2002.
t. II
COUNT II
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates. LLC
Unjust Enrichment - (In the Alternative)
32. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-31, supra, as if fully stated herein.
33. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 33 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, under the facts as alleged in paragraph 23 of Plaintiffs
Complaint, Williams did not purport to assume the Sublease until October 17, 2001. See
Complaint, , 23. Additionally, and again under the facts as alleged in Plaintiffs Complaint, the
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas did not approve Plaintiffs assumption of
PHB's claims under the Lease or Sublease until it's Order dated November 16,2001 was issued.
See Complaint, , 25. By way of further answer, PHB had defaulted on the Sublease and both
PHB and Williams had failed to cure such default. As a result, Sullivan LLC incurred damages.
Finally, it is denied that the bankruptcy proceedings applied to the Sublease as Sullivan LLC was
not a creditor ofPHB and, further, that Sullivan LLC declared a default under the contractual
terms of the Sublease, but did not seek to institute an action against PHB or otherwise seek a
money award.
34. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 34 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied.
35. Denied. The averment that $14.50 per square foot, or $5,204.29 per month, is a
"just and reasonable charge of the leased premises during the time period in which they were
occupied..." is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averment contained in paragraph 35 of the Plaintiff's Complaint is hereby denied. By way of
further answer, it is denied that the fair market rental value for a premise with severe water and
sewer problems is $14.50 per square foot, or a monthly lease payment equal to $5,204.29.
36. Denied. The averment that Sullivan LLC has become enriched by leasing the
premises from July through October 2001 is a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading
is required and is, therefore, denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that, if found to be so
enriched, the amount of such enrichment would be equal to $15,612.87.
COUNT III
Williams Associates v. Cardinal Therapies. P.c.
Trespass
37. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-36, supra, as if fully stated herein.
38. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiff's
Complaint. It is further denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized portion of the
premises from February 1,2001 through October 29,2001.
39. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies used an unauthorized
portion of the premises. It is further denied that Cardinal Therapies conducted any business on
an unauthorized portion of the premises.
40. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiff's
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies, either with or without
Williams' knowledge, used an unauthorized portion of the premises.
41. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Cardinal Therapies
provided no compensation to Williams. It is hereby denied that Cardinal Therapies had any
obligation to pay compensation to Williams. It is further denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiff's Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Cardinal
Therapies used, lawfully or unlawfully, an unauthorized portion of the premises.
42. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
''unauthorized''. See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiff's
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies used an unauthorized
portion of the premises. It is further denied that Cardinal Therapies made any alterations to an
unauthorized portion of the premises.
43. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 43 of the Plaintiff's Complaint are
conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averments are
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiff's Complaint. It is denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized portion of
the premises. It is, therefore, further denied that Cardinal Therapies could have done so
intentionally.
'I
44. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 44 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore,
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as ''unauthorized''. See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiffs Complaint. As such, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized
portion of the premises. Additionally, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies caused Plaintiff to
incur any damages as a result of unpaid rent.
45. Denied. The allegations contained in paragraph 45 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions of law to which no responsive pleadings are required and are, therefore,
denied. Further, after reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the costs of repairs for the restoration of
the "unauthorized premises." Therefore, this portion of the averment is specifically denied.
By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. As such, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized portion of the
premises. It is further denied that Cardinal Therapies in any way altered the premises or caused
Williams to incur damages as a result.
46. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 46 of Plaintiffs Complaint constitutes a
conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied.
47. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 47 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitutes a conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averment is denied.
COUNT IV
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Trespass
48. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-47, supra, as if fully stated herein.
49. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Sullivan occupied an unauthorized
portion of the leased premises from February 1,2001 through October 29,2001.
50. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of
the premises. As such, it denied that Sullivan conducted any business on an unauthorized
portion of the premises.
51. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of
the premises.
52. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Sullivan provided no
compensation to Williams. It is denied, however, that Sullivan had any obligation to provide
compensation to Williams. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
II
" II
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs Complaint. It is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of
the premises.
53. Denied. It is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. By way of further answer, it is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of
the premises. It is further denied that Sullivan made any alterations to an unauthorized portion of
the premises.
54. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 54 ofthe Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleadings are required. Therefore, the
averments are denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs Complaint. Additionally, it is denied that Sullivan occupied an
unauthorized portion of the premises. It is, therefore, denied that Sullivan could have occupied
some unauthorized portion of the premises intentionally.
55. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 55 of Plaintiffs Complaint constitute
conclusions of law to which no responsive pleadings are required and are, therefore, denied. By
way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. Additionally, it is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of the premises.
As such, it is denied that Sullivan owed rent to Plaintiff or caused Plaintiff to incur any damages
as a result of unpaid rent.
56. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 56 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleadings are required and are, therefore,
denied. Additionally, after reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the costs of repairs for the restoration of
the "unauthorized premises." Therefore, this portion of the averment is specifically denied. By
way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated as
"unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs
Complaint. Additionally, it is denied that Sullivan used an unauthorized portion of the premises.
It is further denied that Sullivan altered an unauthorized portion ofthe premises in any way. As
such, it is denied that Sullivan caused Williams to incur any damages.
57. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 57 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitutes a conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averment is denied.
58. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 58 of the Complaint is a
conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied.
59. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 59 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitutes a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averment is denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs Complaint. As such, it is denied that Sullivan trespassed, intentional or
otherwise, upon an unauthorized portion of the premises.
II
'I
11
'II
II
I,
COUNT V
Williams Associates v. Cardinal Therapies. P.e.
Unjust Enrichment
60. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-59, supra, as if fully stated herein.
61. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 61 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiffs Complaint. It is further denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized
portion of the premises. Moreover, under the facts as asserted in paragraph 61 of Plaintiffs
Complaint, the Plaintiff did not purport to assume the Sublease until October 17, 2001.
Additionally, and again under the facts as asserted in Plaintiffs Complaint, the Bankruptcy
Court for the Northern District of Texas did not approve Plaintiffs assumption ofPHB's claims
under the Lease or Sublease until its Order dated November 16, 2001 was issued. See
Complaint, ~ 25. Finally, it is denied that the bankruptcy proceedings applied to the Sublease as
Sullivan LLC was not a creditor ofPHB and, further, that Sullivan LLC declared a default under
the contractual terms of the Sublease, but did not seek to institute an action against PHB or
otherwise seek a money award.
62. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 62 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiffs Complaint. It is denied that Cardinal Therapies occupied an unauthorized portion of
the leased premises.
63. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 63 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitutes a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required and is, therefore,
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that the fair market rental value for a premise with
severe water and sewer problems is $14.50 per square foot, or equal to a lease payment of
$5,204.29.
64.
Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 64 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitute conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averments are denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiffs Complaint. Moreover, it is denied that Cardinal Therapies in any way
altered an unauthorized portion of the premises.
65. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 65 constitutes a conclusion oflaw
to which no responsive pleading is required and is, therefore, denied. By way of further answer,
it is denied, if this honorable Court should find Cardinal Therapies to be so enriched, that the
amount of such enrichment would be equal to $2,500.00.
66. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 66 of Plaintiffs Complaint
constitutes a conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averment is denied.
COUNT VI
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Unjust Enrichment
67. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-66, supra, as if fully stated herein.
68. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 68 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiff's Complaint. Moreover, it is denied that Sullivan occupied the "unauthorized
premises." Under the facts as asserted in paragraph 23 of Plaintiff's Complaint, the Plaintiff did
not purport to assume the Sublease until October 17,2001. Further, and again under the facts as
asserted in Plaintiff's Complaint, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas did not
approve Plaintiff's assumption ofPHB's claims under the Lease or Sublease until its Order dated
November 16, 2001 was issued. See Complaint, ~ 25. Finally, it is denied that the bankruptcy
proceedings applied to the Sublease as Sullivan LLC was not a creditor ofPHB and, further, that
Sullivan LLC declared a default under the contractual terms of the Sublease, but did not seek to
institute an action against PHB or otherwise seek a money award.
69. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 69 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the premises designated
as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease, Exhibit "B" to
Plaintiff's Complaint. Moreover, it is denied that Sullivan occupied the "unauthorized
11
. .11
,
premises." Further, Sullivan had no duty or obligation to pay a fair market value for the
''unauthorized premises."
70. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 70 of the Complaint constitute
conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore, denied. It is
further denied that the fair market rental value for a premise with severe water and sewer
deficiencies is $15.00 per square foot, or equal to a lease payment of $4,500.00.
71. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 71 of Plaintiff's Complaint
contain conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averments are denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that there was any part of the
premises designated as "unauthorized". See Drawing attached as "Exhibit B" to the Sublease,
Exhibit "B" to Plaintiff's Complaint. Moreover, it is denied that Sullivan in any way altered an
unauthorized portion of the premises.
72. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 72 of Plaintiff's Complaint
constitute conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required and are, therefore,
denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that, should this honorable Court find that
Sullivan was enriched, the amount of such enrichment would be equal to $2,500.00.
73. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 73 of Plaintiffs Complaint is a
conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the averment is
denied.
NEW MATTER
74. Defendants hereby incorporate by reference the responsive averments contained
in paragraphs 1-73, supra, as if fully stated herein.
II
75. Plaintiff Williams was not a party to the Sublease and, therefore, has no legal
standing to state a claim against the Defendants as a matter oflaw. The Sub-Landlord was in
default, Notice of Default was sent to Sub-Landlord and Prime Landlord, and the default went
uncured for the 30-day period specified in the Sublease. As such, and due to Sub-Landlord's
default, the Sublease was terminated and considered null and void prior to the date Plaintiff
purported to assume the Sublease.
76. Plaintiff Williams expressly acknowledged that PHB as Sub-Landlord was in
default of the Sublease Agreement for ".. . failure to provide sewer services as 'are reasonably
necessary for medical office practice' (Section 5 of the Sublease)." See August 8, 2001 letter
from Michael L. Solomon, Esquire, a true and correct copy which is attached hereto and made
part of this document as Exhibit "B". By acknowledging default by the Sub-Landlord ofthe
Sublease, Prime Landlord has waived any claim of default alleged to have subsequently arisen
against the sub-tenant.
77. Plaintiff Williams, by and through counsel Michael L. Solomon, Esquire, orally
advised Defendant Sullivan, LLC to cease all lease payments made to the Sub-Landlord and,
therefore, has waived any claim against the Sub-Landlord for failure to make such lease
payments.
78. Plaintiff Williams, by and through counsel Michael L. Solomon, Esquire, orally
advised Defendant Sullivan, LLC to cease all lease payments and, therefore, consented to
Defendant's actions of withholding such lease payments from the Sub-Landlord. By consenting
to the Sub-Tenant's actions, Plaintiff Williams is now barred from bringing the present action to
recover such lease payments.
IT
79. Plaintiff Williams, by and through counsel Michael L. Solomon, Esquire,
expressly acknowledged Sub-Landlord's default in the Sublease and orally advised the Sub-
Tenant to cease all lease payments to the Sub-Landlord. Sub-Tenant justifiably relied upon the
instruction provided by the Plaintiff, the Prime Landlord. As such, Plaintiff Williams is barred
from bringing the present action against the Sub-Tenant, claiming default by the Sub-Tenant for
failure to pay such lease payments.
80. Plaintiff Williams failed to state a claim against Cardinal Therapies on all counts
as a matter oflaw.
81. Plaintiff Williams failed to state a claim against John Sullivan, in his individual
capacity, on all counts as a matter of law.
82. Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly provided notice of default to the Sub-Landlord
and Prime Landlord, as required under the terms of the Sublease, and allowed for the 30-day
period for curing such default before acknowledging default by the Sub-Landlord and Prime
Landlord and declaring the Sublease terminated, null and void. Therefore, Defendant Sullivan,
LLC, the Sub-Tenant, did not default on the Sublease. As such, Plaintiff Williams has no legally
cognizable damages under any count as a matter oflaw.
83. Plaintiff Williams is unable to claim damages from on or about July 30, 2002
through the expiration of the Lease, or in March of 2004, as the premises at issue was sold by
Plaintiff Williams to a third party on or about July 30, 2002.
84. Defendants' actions and conduct in this matter were lawful, proper, privileged,
and justifiable.
85. Defendant's actions and conduct in this matter were not illegally intentional.
II
. .1
86. The actions or inactions ofPHB, as the Sub-Landlord, and Plaintiff Williams, as
Prime Landlord, amounted to a substantial failure of consideration with regard to the Sublease.
The purpose of the Sublease was for the operation of a medical office, and is titled as such. By
failing to cure the sewer problems affecting the leased premises, the premises were not suitable
for the operation of a medical office.
87. The actions or inactions of the Sub-Landlord, PHB, and the Plaintiff, as Prime
Landlord, resulted in substantial failure of consideration with regard to the Sublease. Under the
terms of the Sublease, Sub-Landlord was to provide utilities such as water and sewer to the
leased premises. Sub-Landlord's promise to provide such utilities was a significant portion of
the consideration for entering into the Lease Agreement. By failing to provide these utilities, the
premise was not suitable for business operations. Further, there no longer existed the significant
portion of consideration for entering into the Sublease and, therefore, Sub-Tenant was justified in
retaining lease payments during the periods of time in which such utilities were not provided.
By the terms of the Sublease, either the Prime Landlord, the Plaintiff in this matter, or the Sub-
Landlord could have cured such deficiencies and thus the default. The failure of either to cure
resulted in a default of the Sublease by both the Prime Landlord and the Sub-Landlord.
88. Under the terms of the Sublease, Sub-Landlord was to provide utilities such as
water and sewer for the leased premises. The provision of such utilities was a significant portion
ofthe consideration for the Sub-Tenant entering into the Sublease Agreement. By failing to so
provide these utilities and by further failing to cure the default with regard to the service ofthese
utilities, Defendant Sullivan, LLC was forced to incur numerous and expensive service and
repair bills. As a result of both this breach of contract and failure of consideration, Defendant
11
'I
.11
'I
Sullivan, LLC was justified in withholding lease payments as a setoff for the numerous repair
and service bills incurred.
89. Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly provided notice of default to the Sub-Landlord
and Prime Landlord, as required under the contractual provisions of the Sublease, and allowed
for the 30-day period for curing such default before acknowledging default by the Sub-Landlord
and Prime Landlord and declaring the Sublease terminated, null and void. Sullivan LLC, in
declaring the default and subsequent termination of the sublease, did not".. . act to obtain
possession of property of the estate or property from the estate or to exercise control over
property of the estate." See 11 U.S.C. * 362(a)(3). Nor did Sullivan LLC "..act to collect,
assess, or recover a claim against a debtor..." See 11 U.S.C. * 362(a)(6). Further, Sullivan LLC
was not a creditor of the estate. As such, the Automatic Stay provisions relied upon by Williams
in the Complaint were not applicable to Sullivan LLC. PHB and Williams were, thus, in default
and Sullivan LLC satisfied the contractual requirements for terminating the Sublease.
DEFENDANTS' COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST
PLAINTIFF WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES
BREACH OF CONTRACT
90. Defendants hereby incorporate the responsive averments contained in paragraphs
1 through 89 of this Answer with New Matter and Counterclaim as if fully stated herein.
91. As stated above, Plaintiff Williams entered into a Lease Agreement with PHB, a
true and correct copy of which is attached to Plaintiff's Complaint as Exhibit A.
'I
d
, ,II
92. PHB, with Plaintiffs consent, entered into a Sublease Agreement with Defendant
Sullivan, LLC for the same leased premises, a true and correct copy of which is attached to
Plaintiff s Complaint as Exhibit B.
93. Pursuant to the terms of the Sublease, PHB expressly agreed to provide "...water
and sewer...as such utilities are reasonable necessary for a medical office practice..." as part of
the consideration for Defendant Sullivan, LLC entering into the Sublease. See Complaint
Exhibit "B", , 5.
94. PHB failed to provide water and sewer utilities ''reasonably necessary for a
medical office practice". See Complaint Exhibit "B",' 5.
95. In accordance with paragraph 18 of the Sublease, Defendant Sullivan, LLC, as
Sub-Tenant, provided notice of default and allowed a 30-day period for either the Prime
Landlord, the Plaintiff in this matter, or PHB as Sub-Landlord to cure such default. See Notice, a
true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C".
96. Neither the Plaintiff as Prime Landlord, nor PHB as Sub-Landlord cured, nor
attempted to cure, said default.
97. As sewer services suitable for running a medical office were not provided, PHB
and Plaintiff failed to provide a significant portion of the consideration offered for Sullivan LLC
to enter into the Sublease.
98. Further, due to the condition of the sewer system at the leased premises, the
leased premises were not suitable for the business purpose for which they were leased - a
medical office. Defendant Sullivan LLC was, thus, constructively evicted from the leased
premIses.
99. As a result, Sullivan LLC suffered damages in excess of$35,000 plus attorneys'
fees and costs. These damages consist of moving expenses, two (2) days of staff labor, two (2)
days oflost revenue due to the move, lost revenue due to the uninhabitable condition of the
leased premises, lost future revenue due to the reduced lease space obtained upon constructive
eviction, and water and sewer service and repair bills incurred at the expense of Sullivan LLC.
WHEREFORE, Sullivan, LLC demands that judgment be entered in its favor and against
Williams for an amount in excess of $35,000, plus Attorneys' fees and costs.
Respectfully Submitted,
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
Date: "/1/01-
~ M.
eRoy Smigel
.D. #09617
usan M. Zeamer
J.D. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, P A 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
!I
, J
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDTINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
TIN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire, attorney for the Defendants in the above-captioned matter,
do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Defendants' Answer with New
Matter and Counterclaim on counsel for the Plaintiff by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, on
this l'jtf>..lay of ~, 2002, postage prepaid for first class mail, addressed as
follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG,PA 17108-1967
Date:
1/lf (e7-
f I
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG,PA 17101
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
0-__rv...
oy Smigel
1. . #09617
Susan M. Zeamer
I.D. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
Exhibit A
~'-~'-~.._.";;"...:,,,,,._-^.,..._.-
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESJ:;;I.
THE LOCUST COURT BUILDING
21 2 LOCUST STREET, SUITE SOD
HARRISBURG, PA 1 71 0 1
717-255-7600
717-236-8278 (..AX)
Mec LCMDN@TTANLAWaCOM
October 17,2001
LeRoy Smigel
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
2917 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
NOTiCE OF ASSUMPTION OF SUBLEASE
Dear Lee:
Consider this letter confirmation of the information provided in my October 15 letter to
you. Specifically, I am now informed that the Bankruptcy Court issued an Order granting
PHB Management's Rejection Motion on October 4, 2001. The Order encompassed the
"Overlease" for the premises occupied by Dr. Sullivan. Inasmuch as a lease rejection by
a debtor is tantamount to a condition of breach, we are now at the crossroads over
which you prematurely tried to steer in your August notice of default.
Properly juxtaposed, this is also the appropriate time for Williams Associates to exercise
its assumption of the Sublease as it is permitted to do under Section 16 of the Sublease.
In so doing, Williams Associates will now commence repair of the faulty plumbing line at
the premises. Kindly advise as to any dates or times when it would be inconvenient to
your client to have contractors, adjusters, estimators or the like visit the premises. We
will not undertake any significant repairs without Dr. Sullivan's knowledge and
permission.
Meanwhile, my client is aware of a letter being distributed by Dr. Sullivan to patients and
other parties in interest advising of his pending relocation, and further insinuating or
directly attributing the departure to actions by the landlord. To the extent that any
misstatements of fact are being leveled against Williams Associates, I encourage you to
lend appropriate advice to your client. Given the illegal nature of the announced
termination of sublease, it occurs to me that Dr. Sullivan, instead, ought to be
reconsidering his decision to relocate.
I anxiously await your report.
cc: Williams Associates
Exhibit B
....._.,--,~.-~.---_._-.
. ..
. "
MICHAEL L. SOLClMON, J:;!'iltl.
TH~ LOCUST COURT BUILDING
:3 1 Z LOCUST 5TRe:e:T, SiUITE 500
J-tARRISSURG, PA 17101
? 1 '1_;255-'7600
'71 '7_236-83'78 IP'AXI
Io'ISl;l\"OIo'lDN@TTANLAW.COIo'l
August 8. 2001
Valerie Faden, ESquire
SMIGEL. ANDERSON & SACKS
2917 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Re: PHS Management Bankruptcy
Dear Valerie:
VIA FACSIM1LE
It Is a pleasure to make your acquaintanCe, end I look fOlward to worldnQ wltn
yoU to resol~e issues arising from tns p~B Management bankrUPtcy In a ",anner
mutually satisfactory to our cltents, TodaY. I attact1 copies of tns feW bankrUplC\f-
reiated documents received bY WilliamS Associates, my client and the prime
landlord of your client's space.
Regarding the bankrUplC\f. I nave e prellmlnery understanding from p~B'.
counsel tnaltheY will reject our leese, as Is lt1eir rigl1lln bankrUplC\f. AcCOrdinglY.
it seems in our best Interest to eJ<PSdrte tnl. action so tnat our clients can obtaIn
a direct relationsnlP wllt1eacn otner. It Is "'Y Intention to declare p~B in default
for non;>SY"'ent of rent. and tnen move to ass"",,, tl1e Sublease as permitted In
Section 16 of the sublease.
you maY si",ilarlY want to declare a default of tne Sublease for failure to provide
",,,.r services as "are reasonablY "ecessllfY for a medical office prectice"
(section 5 of lt1e Sublease). DoIng so will undOUbtedlY accelerate p~B'S
interest in rejecting the lease arrangements.
~
t~
--
- -----------------
'--...._""~
, ,
-
~
. ,. .
. (. I
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ES~.
THE LOCUST COURT eUILDING
21 :2 LoCUST 5TRE:E:1", SUITE soe
HAFtRlliIElURG, PA 1 71 C 1
71 7-:2SS-7SDD
71 7-235-&2'7B IF'Axl
MSgLgMON@TTANLAW.CDM
August 8, 2001
Valerie Faden, Esquire
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS
2917 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
VIA FACSIMILE
Re: PHB Management Bankruptcy
Dear Valerie:
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I look forward to working with
you to resolve issues arising from the PHS Management bankruptcy in a manner
mutually satisfactory to our clients. Today, I attach copies of the few bankruptcy-
related documents received by Williams Associates, my client and the prime
landlord of your client's space.
Regarding the bankruptcy, I have a preliminary understanding from PHS's
counsel that they will reject our lease, as is their right in bankruptcy. Accordingly,
it seems in our best interest to expedite this action so that our clients can obtain
a direct relationship with each other. It is my intention to declare PHS in default
for non-payment of rent, and then move to assume the Sublease as permitted in
Section 16 of the Sublease.
You may similarly want to declare a default of the Sublease for failure to provide
sewer services as "are reasonably necessary for a medical office practice"
(Section 5 of the Sublease). Doing so will undoubtedly accelerate PHB's
interest in rejecting the lease arrangements.
,". .
j ~ I .
Valerie Faden, Esquire
August 8,2001
Page 2
After you have an opportunity to review this letter and the attached documents,
please call to discuss your position.
Thank you.
~c~-
Michael L. Solomon
cc; Williams Associates
Attachments
Exhibit C
.
. .. 6>
.. .. .
SMIGEL, ANDERSON
& SACKSLLP
LEROY SMIGEL, ESQUIRE
PHONE: (717) 234-2401
TOLL FREE: 1-800-822-9767
ATI'ORNEYS AT LAW
FACSIMILE (717) 234-3611
DlAIL: Ismigel@sasllp.com
www.sasllp.com
File No.
5873-1-2
August 9, 2001
Charles McQueary, CEO
PHB Management Co., Inc.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Dear Mr. McQueary:
This letter is to inform you that you are in default with respect to the Medical Office
Sublease executed on January 16,2001 with John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, L.L.C., of ..
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The water and sewage problems persist at the leased premises, which
you are required to maintain under Section 5 of the Sublease, stating the Sublandlord shall
provide utilities that are reasonably necessary to conduct a medical office practice, Your
continued failure to pay for the necessary maintenance at the leased premises renders it
non-tenantable in its current condition.
Please contact us immediately to inform us of your intentions with regard to your
obligations under the Medical Office Sublease.
LRS:VJF:vlf
cc: Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
John M. Sullivan, M.D.
2917 North Front Street. Harrisburl!. Pennsvlvania 17110-1260
A PENNSYLVANIA LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP
.
(') ... C)
c;:,; _.c;,
.,
-, -,
r~ )
,..
C \ .)
>~ - c'
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.,.::- ,
-j c..;.
-,
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, P A
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c. & JOHN M.
SULLIV AN,
: NO. 01-6201- Civil Term
Defendants
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO NEW MATTER & COUNTERCLAIM
NEW MATTER TO COUNTERCLAIM
NOW COMES, Plaintiff, Williams Associates, by its counsel, The Law Offices of
Markian R. Slobodian, and makes the following Answer to Defendant's New Matter and
Counterclaim in the above-referenced case:
ANSWER TO NEW MATTER
74. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations contained in Paragraph 1
through 73 of its Complaint.
75. Denied. This paragraph states a series of conclusions of law to which no answers
are required. To the extent answers may be required, Plaintiff denies the allegation that it was
not a party to the Sublease. Plaintiff further denies the allegation that it has no legal standing to
state a claim against the Defendants as a matter of law. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff
lacks sufficient information to form a belief as to the accuracy of the allegation that the Sub-
Landlord was in default. Accordingly, Plaintiff denies this allegation and demands proof
thereof at trial. Plaintiff denies the allegation that it received a Notice of Default. By way of
further answer, Defendants addressed a Notice of Default to the Sub-Landlord and sent a copy
of the Default Notice to Williams Associates. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff lacks
sufficient information to form a belief as to the accuracy of the allegation that a default went
uncured for a thirty (30) day period. Accordingly, Williams Associates denies this allegation
and demands proof thereof at trial. Plaintiff denies the allegation that due to Sub-Landlord' s
alleged defaultf the sublease was terminated and considered null and void. By way of further
answer, any Notice of Default which Defendants sent to the Sub-Landlord was stayed and
therefore null and void by virtue of the Automatic Stay imposed upon Sub-Landlord's filing a
Petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
76. Denied. This paragraph states several conclusions of law to which no answers are
required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that it expressly acknowledged that PHB as Sub-Landlord was in default of the sublease
agreement. William Associates further denies the inference that the letter of August 8, 2001
from Michael L. Solomonf Esq. to Defendant expressly acknowledged any such default. The
letter of August 8, 2001 is a written document which speaks for itself. Williams Associates,
accordingly, denies Defendant's characterization of the substance of that document. By way of
further answerf the letter of August 8, 2001 merely advises Defendant's counsel of the
procedural option of declaring a default on the sublease. It does not acknowledge that any
such default took place. Finally, Williams Associates denies the allegation that it has waived
any claim of default against the Sub-Tenant.
77. Denied. Williams Associates denies the allegation that Michael L. Solomon, Esq.
orally advised Defendant Sullivan, LLC to cease all lease payments to the Sub-Landlord.
Williams Associates further denies the allegation that it has waived any claim against the Sub-
Landlord for failure to make lease payments.
78. Denied. Williams Associates denies that its counsel, Michael L. Solomon, Esq.,
orally advised Defendant Sullivan, LLC to cease all lease payments. The remaining allegations
in this paragraph constitute legal conclusions to which no answer is required. To the extent
2
answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that it consented to
Defendant's actions of withholding lease payments from Sub-Landlord. Williams Associates
further denies the allegation that by allegedly consenting to the Sub-Tenants actions, Williams
Associates is now barred from bringing the present action to recover the lease payments.
79. Denied. Williams Associates denies the allegation that its counsel, Michael L.
Solomonf ESq'f expressly acknowledged Sub-Landlord's default in the sublease and orally
advised the Sub-Tenant to cease all lease payments to the Sub-Landlord. Williams Associates
further denies the allegation that Sub- Tenant justifiably relied upon any instruction provided
by the Plaintiff or its counsel. Williams Associates further denies the allegation that it is barred
from bringing the present action against the Sub-Tenant with regard to Sub-Tenant' s failure to
make lease payments to Williams Associates.
80. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that it has
failed to state a claim against Cardinal Therapies on all counts as a matter of law.
81. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that it has
failed to state a claim against John Sullivan in his individual capacity on all counts as a matter
of law.
82. Denied. This paragraph states a series of legal conclusions to which no answers
are required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies that
Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly provided Notice of Default to the Sub-Landlord and Prime
Landlord as required under the terms of the sublease. Williams Associates further denies that
Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly allowed for the appropriate period for curing the default to
expire before acknowledging default by the Sub-Landlord and Prime Landlord and declaring
3
the sublease allegedly terminatedf null and void. Williams Associates further denies the
allegation that Defendant Sullivan, LLC did not default on the sublease. Finally, Williams
Associates denies the allegation that it has no legally cognizable damages under any count as a
matter of law. By way of further answer, Defendant Sullivan, LLC's purported Notice of
Default to the Sub-Landlord, a debtor undergoing reorganization under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code, was provided in violation of the automatic stay and was, accordingly, null
and void and without any legal effect whatsoever.
83. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that
Defendant is not liable for damages on or after July 30f 2002. By way of further answerf
Defendants continue to be liable for damages which accrued after July 30, 2002 either to
Williams Associates or to its assigns and/ or successors-in-interest.
84. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that
Defendant's actions and conduct in this matter were lawful, proper, privileged, and justifiable.
85. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
86. Denied. This paragraph states a series of conclusions of law to which no answers
are required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that the actions or inactions of PHB and Williams Associates amounted to a substantial failure
of consideration with regard to the sublease. Williams Associates further denies the allegation
that any party failed to cure any sewer problem within any deadline set forth under applicable
law. Finally, Williams Associates denies the allegation that the premises were not suitable for
the operation of a medical office.
4
87. Denied. This paragraph states a series of conclusions of law to which no answers
are required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that the actions or inactions of the Sub-Landlord, PHB, and the Plaintiff, as Prime Landlord,
resulted in substantial failure of consideration with regard to the sublease. Williams Associates
denies the allegation that it failed to provide water and sewer services to the leased premises.
Williams Associates further denies the allegation that the premises were not suitable for
business operations. Williams Associates further denies the allegation that there no longer
existed the significant portion of consideration for entering into the sublease. In addition,
Williams Associates denies the allegation that Sub-Tenant was justified in retaining lease
payments during the time period in which utilities were not provided. Williams Associates
further denies the allegation that it had any obligation or ability to cure the alleged default
prior to obtaining relief from automatic stay and relieving PHB from its rights and duties under
the lease. Finally, Williams Associates denies the allegation that its actions or the actions of
PHB resulted in a default under the sublease.
88. Denied. This paragraph states a series of conclusions of law to which no answers
are required. To the extent answers may be requiredf the Sublease Agreement is a written
document which speaks for itself. Williams Associates denies Defendants' attempt to
summarize the contents of the Sublease Agreement. Williams Associates further denies the
allegation that provision of utilities was a significant portion of the Sub-Tenant' s consideration
in entering into the Sublease Agreement. After reasonable investigation, Williams Associates
lacks sufficient information to form a belief as to the accuracy of the allegation that as a result of
PHB's failure to take certain actions with regard to the service of utilitiesf Defendant Sullivan,
LLC was forced to incur numerous and expensive service and repair bills. Williams Associates,
accordingly, denies this allegation and demands proof thereof at trial. Because Williams
5
Associates lacks sufficient information to form a belief as to the accuracy of Defendant's
allegation that it incurred numerous repair and service bills, it similarly denies the allegation
that Sullivan, LLC was justified in withholding lease payments as a setoff for the alleged repair
and service bills.
89. Denied. This paragraph states yet another series of legal conclusions to which no
answers are required. To the extent answers may be required, Williams Associates denies the
allegation that Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly provided Notices of Default to Sub-Landlord
and Prime Landlord as well as the allegation that Defendant Sullivan, LLC properly allowed
for the applicable cure period to expire before declaring default and declaring the sublease
terminated, null and void. Williams Associates further denies the allegation that Sullivan,
LLC's Declaration of Default did not constitute" an act to obtain possession of property of the
estate or property from the estate or to exercise control over property of the estate." See 11
US.c. s362(a)(3). Defendant Sullivan, LLC's proported termination of Debtor's property
interests in the lease was certainly an act to obtain possession of the estate or property from the
estate or to exercise control over property of the estate. Similarly, Williams Associates denies
the allegation that Sullivan, LLC's actions did not constitute" an act to collect, assess, or recover
claims against a debtor. . ." See 11 U.S.c. s362(a)(6). By way of further answerf Sullivan, LLC
sought to assess a claim against the Debtor for alleged breach of the Sublease Agreement.
Sullivan now appears to be pressing this claim in its counterclaim against Williams Associates.
In additionf Williams Associates denies the allegation that Sullivan, LLC was not a creditor to
the estate and the further allegation that the automatic stay provisions were, accordingly,
inapplicable. By way of further answer, the automatic stay provisions set forth in the
Bankruptcy Code apply to all entities, not merely to creditors of the Debtor. Sullivan, LLC's
allegation that Sullivan, LLC was not a creditor of the estate is, accordingly, irrelevant. FinallYf
6
Williams Associates denies the allegation that PHB and Williams Associates were in default of
the lease and that Sullivanf LLC properly satisfied the contractual requirements for terminating
the sublease.
ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM
90. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 through
73 of its Complaint and paragraphs 74 through 89 of its Answer to New Matter.
91. Admitted.
92. Denied as stated. This paragraph contains a conclusion of law to which no answer
is required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that the Sublease Agreement was a contract between Sullivan, LLC and PHB with Plaintiff's
consent. By way of further answer, Plaintiff, Defendant, and PHB all had various rights and
responsibilities under the Sublease Agreement.
93. Denied. The Sublease Agreement is a written document which speaks for itself.
Williams Associates, accordinglYf denies Defendant's characterization or summary of the
contents of that Agreement.
94. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates lacks sufficient information to
form a belief as to the accuracy of the allegation that PHB failed to provide water and sewer
utilities "reasonably necessary for a medical office practice." Accordingly, Williams Associates
denies this allegation and demands proof thereof at triaL
95. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies that Defendant Sullivanf
LLC provided a legally effective Notice of Default.
7
96. Denied. Williams Associates denies the allegation that neither the Plaintiff as
Prime Landlord nor PHB as Sub-Landlord cured nor attempted to cure the alleged default. By
way of further answer, shortly after the Bankruptcy Court, by Order dated October 4, 2001,
granted Debtor's Motion to Reject the Leasef and thereby granted relief from the automatic staYf
Williams Associates, by letter dated October 17f 2001, attached to Defendant's Counterclaim as
Exhibit" A", assumed the duties of the Debtor and, thereafter, made any and all necessary
repairs to the property.
97. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation that sewer
services suitable for running a medical office were not provided as well as the allegation that
PHB and Plaintiff failed to provide a significant portion of the consideration offered for
Sullivan, LLC to enter into the sublease.
98. Denied. This paragraph states a series of conclusions of law to which no answer is
required. To the extent an answer may be required, Williams Associates denies the allegation
that the leased premises were not suitable for the business purpose for which they were leased
as well as the allegation that Sullivan, LLC was constructively evicted from the leased premises.
By way of further answerf Defendant Sullivan, LLC was very well aware that the Sub-
Landlord, PHBf was undergoing reorganization proceedings under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code and that Williams Associates could not take any action with regard to the
leased premises until it received relief from automatic stay from the Bankruptcy Court.
Defendant Sullivan, LLC was also very much aware that Williams Associates intended to make
any and all necessary repairs to the property immediately upon receiving relief from automatic
stay. In fact, Williams Associates did make all necessary repairs shortly after the automatic stay
was lifted in this case. Defendant Sullivan, LLC merely used Debtor's alleged temporary
8
failure to provide certain utility services as an excuse to terminate its Sublease Agreement and
relocate to smaller premises to compensate for loss of Dr. Sullivan's medical practice associate
and corresponding loss of income.
99. Denied. Williams Associates denies that Defendant Sullivanf LLC suffered any
damages as a result of the allegedly uninhabitable conditions of the leased premises including
moving expenses, staff labor, lost revenuef and lost future revenue. After reasonable
investigation, Williams Associates lacks sufficient information to form a belief as to whether
Defendant Sullivan, LLC incurred any sewer service and repair bills. Accordingly, Williams
Associates denies this allegation and demands proof thereof at trial.
NEW MAITER
100. Williams Associates incorporates by reference its answer to paragraphs 74
through 89 of Defendants' New Matter and paragraphs 90 through 99 of Defendants'
Counterclaim.
101. In its prayer for relief, Sullivanf LLC demands judgment for an amount in excess
of $35,000.00 plus attorneys' fees and costs.
102. Defendant Sullivan, LLC has failed to state a legally cognizable claim against
Williams Associates for attorneys' fees.
103. In its Counterclaim, Defendant Sullivan, LLC seeks reimbursement for various
alleged consequential damages such as moving expenses, staff labor, and lost revenue.
104. Defendant Sullivanf LLC has failed to state a legally recognizable claim against
Williams Associates for such consequential damages.
9
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, Williams Associates requests that this Court enter an Order
denying all relief requested by Defendants in their New Matter and Counterclaim and, instead,
entering judgment in favor of Plaintiff Williams Associates and against Defendants as set forth
in Plaintiff's Complaint.
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES of MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN
~ 1/,--
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
LD. No. 41075
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
LD. No. 87441
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717/232-5180
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQ.
ID No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, P A 17101
Dated:
OJ- <f .}...I>1-
I
Counsel for Williams Associates, Plaintiff
10
VERIFICATION
I, MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, hereby verify that the facts contained in the foregoing
pleading are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that false statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.SA S 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
DATE: October -1-,2002
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Markian R. Slobodianf hereby certify that I have this date, mailed a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Plaintiff's Answer to New Matter and Counterclaim by United States
mail, first-class, postage prepaid, addressed to the following individual(s):
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
~-1---
Dated:
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MARKIAN R. SLOBODIANf ESQ.
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WILLIAMS ' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S NEW MATTER TO COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW COMES, Defendants, John M. Sullivan, M.D. and Associates, L.L.C.,
Cardinal Therapies, P.C. & John M. Sullivan, by and through their counsel Smigel, Anderson &
Sacks, L.L.P. and files the following Response to Plaintiffs New Matter to Counterclaim by
stating the following:
100. Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. and Associates, L.L.C., Cardinal Therapies,
P.e. & John M. Sullivan ("Defendants") incorporate by reference the responsive averments
contained in paragraphs 1 through 99 of Defendants' Answer with New Matter and
Counterclaims as if fully set forth herein.
101. Admitted.
102. Denied. The averment contained in paragraph 102 of Plaintiffs New Matter to
Counterclaim contains a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required.
Therefore, the averment is denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that Defendants have
failed to state a legally cognizable claim against Williams' Associates for attorneys' fees.
103. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admittc;:d that the Defendants seek
reimbursement for damages Defendants suffered as a result of Plaintiff Williams' Associates
breach on contract. By way of further answer, Defendants' damages are in excess of$35,000.
These damages include but are not limited to moving expenses, stafflabor, lost revenue, lost
future revenue, and service and repair bills. The damages are listed in paragraph 99 of
Defendants' Answer with New Matter and Counterclaim. Therefore, any conclusions, summary,
or characterization made by the Plaintiff regarding contents of that paragraph are denied as the
pleading speaks for itself.
104. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 104 of Plaintiffs New Matter to
Counterclaim contains a conclusion of law to which no responsive pleading is required.
Therefore, the averment is denied. By way of further answer, it is denied that Defendants have
failed to state a legally recognizable claim against Williams' Associates for what it characterizes
to be "consequential" damages.
WHEREFORE, Defendants request that this Court enter an Order denying the relief
sought by the Plaintiffs in their Answer and now New Matter, and enter judgment in favor of the
Defendants and against Williams' Associates for an amount in excess of$35,000 plus attorneys'
fees and costs as set forth in Defendants' Counterclaim.
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
Date: ~- ~l- <:. ~
Q V'V\ "" (
Le oy Smigel
I. . #09617
Susan M. Zeamer
I.D. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
2
WILLIAMS ' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire, attorney for the Defendants in the above-captioned matter,
do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO
PLAINTIFF'S NEW MATTER TO COUNTERCLAIM on counsel for the Plaintiff by
depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, on this ; 7 th day of ~~003, postage
prepaid for first class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL 1.. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG,PA 17101
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
Date: J'~ J..1-6~
Y;;;z. <h'\.
oy Smigel
. #09617 .
Susan M. Zeamer
J.D. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1709
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
3
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR TRIAL
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONJrARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNrY
Please list the following case:
(Check one) for JURY trial at the next term of civil court.
X) for trial without a jury.
-----------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must be stated in full)
(check one)
( X ) Civil Action - Law
Appeal from Arbitration
Williams Associates
(other)
(Plaintiff)
vs.
John M. Sullivan, MD &
Associates, LLC, Cardinal
Therapies, PC &
John M~ Sullivan,
The trial list will be called on
and
Trials commence on
(Defendant)
Pretrials will be held on
(Briefs are due 5 days before pretrials.)
vs.
(The party listing this case for trial shall
provide forthwith a copy of the praecipe to
all counsel, pursuant to local Rule 214.1.)
No.01-6201 Civil
19
Indicate the attorney who will try case for the party who files this praecipe:
Markian R. Slobodian, Esq.
Indicate trial counsel for other parties if known:
LeRoy Smigel, Esq.
This case is ready for trial.
Signed:
~~~
Print ~: Markian R. Slobodian
1/ 1,0111"],
Attorney for: Williams Assoc., Plaintiff
Date:
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have this date, mailed a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe by United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid, addressed to the
following individual(s):
LeRoy Smigel, Esq.
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
~-1
Markian R. Slobodian
Dated: (I \ ,.l.."')
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES
V.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-6201 CIVIL
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, MD &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. &
JOHN M. SULLIVAN
IN RE: PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, November 14, 2003, the above-captioned case is listed for
pre-trial conference on Wednesday, December 17, 2003; counsel to follow the
usual briefing schedule. The date for the trial will be decided at the pre-trial
conference.
By the Court,
P.J.
~arkian R. Slobodian, Esquire
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
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11- J L/ -03
~eRoy Smigel, Esquire
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Court Administrator
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
IN THE COU:U OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. & 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL:
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN
M. SULLIVAN, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendants
IN RE: PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
In this contract case, Markian R. Slobodian,
Esquire, represents the plaintiff, and LeRoy Smigel,
Esquire, and Susan Zeamer, Esquire, represent the
defendants.
Plaintiffs are a group that owns an office
building in Cumberland County.
Plaintiff leased various
space to a group of doctors called Promedco. This group
subleased certain premises to defendants.
Promedco
subsequently went into bankruptcy at some point and
plaintiff claims that the defendants :,n this case took the
place of the bankrupt parties in regard to rental and lease
obligations.
Those obligations would have carried over
from July 1, 2001, through the term of the lease ending on
March 31, 2004.
01-6201
In Re:
Page 2
Civil Term
Pretrial Conference
In July 2001 defendants moved out of the
premises. Defendants claim that the premises became
uninhabitable due to various water and sewer problems
causing them to move out. The defendants have a
counterclaim for various lost business and other itmes of
damages because they had to move.
Defendants indicate that they will be filing
a motion for summary judgment to decide certain questions of
law.
This court directs that outstanding discovery
will be responded to by the plaintiff within thirty days of
today's date. From that date, the parties will have thirty
days to complete depositions. From that date, the parties
have thirty days to file a motion for summary judgment.
This case shall be tried non-jury in front of
a judge to be assigned to the case. At the time the trial
judge sets a time for trial, the court will expect each side
to have a complete set of Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law to support their case-in-chief and any counterclaim
for damages. These documents must be furnished to the court
by each counsel at least three weeks before trial datef and
01-6201
In Re:
Page 2
Civil Term
Pretrial conference
each counsel shall respond with an answering document,
admitting or denying, one week before the trial date to the
trial judge.
By the Court,
.J.
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, Pa. 17102
For the Plaintiff
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Susan Zeamer, Esquire
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Pa. 17110-1260
For the Defendants
/
Prothonotary L.
Court Administrator
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
V.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P,C. & JOHN
M. SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-6201 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 14th day of January, 2004, the trial on the within action shall be
conducted on Thursday, March 4, 2004, at 8:45 a.m., in Courtroom No.2, Cumberland
County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The case having been assigned to this
judge the last paragraph of the pretrial conference memorandum of December 17, 2003
is deleted. Instead, counsel shall each have a trial brief to be presented to the court at
the commencement of trial. No findings of fact or conclusions of law are necessary.
vMarkian R. Slobodian, Esquire
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
For Plaintiff
AeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Susan Zeamer, Esquire
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
For Defendants
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By the Court,
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
V.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN
M. SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 22nd day of January, 2004, the order of January 14, 2004,
setting a trial date for March 4, 2004, is vacated as prematurely entered.'
./Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
For Plaintiff
~eRoy Smigel, Esquire
Susan Zeamer, Esquire
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
For Defendants
Court Administrator
:sal
By the Court,
~j.~
Edg . Bay ey, J. '
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1 The pretrial conference memorandum of Judge Hooffer reflects that defendants
intend to file motions for summary judgment. The case is not at issue.
S?, :7.. \c':d zz ir~r \-1~G"l.
11
II
II
I
I
WILLIAMS ' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01.6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M,
SULLIVAN,
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendants.
NOTICE TO PLEAD
TO:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG,PA 17101
You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed Motion for Summary
Judgment within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a judgment may be entered against you.
SMIGEL, ANDER N & SACKS, LLP
Date:~
, B' ~~1'-- I~ ,
eter M. Good
.0. #64316
Susan M. Zeamer
1.0. #82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0.1709
(717) 234.2401
Attorneys for Defendants
WILLIAMS' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01.6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ORDER
AND NOW, this
day of
, 2004, it is hereby Ordered that
Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and
John M. Sullivan's Motion for Swnmary Judgment is granted and each Count of
Plaintiff's Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.
By The Court:
J.
II
II
I
I
I
WILLIAMS ' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
No. 01-6201 CIVIL TERM
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
John M. Sullivan, M.D, & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and John M.
Sullivan (collectively "the Defendants"), by their undersigned counsel, Smigel, Anderson &
Sacks, LLP, respectfully move for summary judgment on all Counts of Plaintiffs Complaint
under Rule 1035.2 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Cumberland County local Rule
206-2, and, in support thereof aver as follows:
I. In accordance with Cumberland County Local Rule 206-2, the Honorable George
E. Hoffer, President Judge, presided over the pretrial conference in the matter sub judice.
2. In accordance with Cumberland County Local Rule 206-2, the Honorable Edgar
B. Bayley was assigned to preside over the trial in this matter and has since ruled on a request to
remove the matter from the trial list.
Factual Backeround:
3. On or about April 14, 1999, Plaintiff leased the facility at issue ("Leased
Premises") to PHB Management Company ("PHB").
4. On or about February 2001, PHB and John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC
entered into a sublease agreement for the Leased Premises, with Plaintiff's consent.
5. Immediately upon leasing the Leased Premises, Defendant began to experience
water and sewer problems at the Leased Premises.
6, Defendant began incurring weekly service bills in an attempt to resolve the water
and sewer problems at the Leased Premises.
7. PHB was not paying for the water and sewer repair services and failed to
reimburse Defendant who paid for the same out of pocket.
8. On or about July 14, 2001, PHB filed a voluntary Petition for bankruptcy under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern
District of Texas, Ft. Worth Division.
9. By letter dated August 9,2001, Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D., & Associates,
LLC, by its counsel, declared a default by PHB due to certain water and sewage problems on the
Leased Premises. Said letter was sent via certified mail with return receipt requested and copied
simultaneously to the Prime Landlord, Plaintiff Williams Assodates.
Lel!al Backl!round:
10. Under Section 18 of the Medical Office Sublease Agreement between John M.
Sullivan, M.D., & Associates, LLC and PHB ("Sublease Agreement"), written notice of default
of either the Prime Landlord, here Plaintiff, or the Sub landlord, here PHB, must be given to both
the Sublandlord and Prime Landlord. Written notice of default was given to PHB and copied to
Plaintiff, on August 28, 2001. See Exhibit C and Exhibit D of Plaintiffs Complaint.
11. Under the Sublease Agreement, either the Prime Landlord or the Sub landlord
must cure the default within thirty (30) days from the date of reGeipt of said written notice,
thereby giving either the opportunity to cure said default.
2
12. Following the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, Defendant John M.
Sullivan M.D. & Associates, LLC executed a letter dated October 1,2001, providing written
notice to the Plaintiff and PHB that since neither had cured thf' default, Defendant John M.
Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC was exercising its option under the Sublease Agreement to
declare the Sublease Agreement terminated, ended, null and void. See Exhibits A and D of
Plaintiffs Complaint.
13. Within the same letter, Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC
stated its intention to vacate the Leased Premises within a reasonable time. See Plaintiffs
Complaint, , 49 and Exhibit D.
14. Defendant did not vacate the premises until after the Prime Lease and sublease in
question, as well as all other unexpired leases involving PHB, were rejected by the Trustee in
bankruptcy. The Order rejecting all unexpired leases was issued October 4, 200 I.
15. Defendant vacated the Leased Premises on or about October 29, 2001.
COUNT I
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates. LLC
Breach of Contract
16. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1-15 of this Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein.
17. Plaintiff, as the Prime Landlord, seeks compensatory damages, in the amount of
$180,621.21, claiming that Defendant John M. Sullivan M.D. & Associates, LLC breached the
Sublease Agreement it entered into with PHB by abandoning the Leased Premises and,
thereafter, failing to pay monthly rent. See Plaintiff's Complaint, " 26-31.
18. Plaintiff has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that
Defendant John M. Sullivan M.D. & Associates, LLC defaulted on its obligations under the
3
Sublease Agreement. Additionally, the Sublease Agreement was entered into between PHB and
Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC and, as such, Defendant was not required
to make rental payments to Plaintiff.
19. It is uncontroverted that Defendant John M. Sullivan M.D, & Associates, LLC
properly followed the terms and conditions ofthe Sublease Agreement, exercising its right to
terminate the Sublease Agreement after notice of default and an opportunity to cure were
provided to Plaintiff and PHB. See Plaintiffs Complaint, Exhibits C and D.
20. Moreover both the Prime Lease and the Sublease were rejected by the Trustee
prior to the Defendant terminating the Sublease Agreement.
WHEREFORE, Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC requests that this
Court enter Judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause
of action against Defendants for Breach of Contract.
COUNT II
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D, & Associates. LLC
Uniust Enrichment - (In the Alternative)
21. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1.20 of this Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein.
22. The Plaintiff has alternatively pled for damages in quantum meriut in the amount
of$15,612.87, which represents the amount of rent allegedly owed to it from the date that the
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, granted debtor's
Motion to Reject all unexpired leases, to the date that Defendant vacated the Leased Premises on
October 29,2001. See Plaintiffs Complaint, ~~ 32-36.
23. Plaintiff has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that the
Defendant has been unjustly enriched during the time frame from when the unexpired leases
4
were rejected by the Trustee to the date that Defendants terminated the Sublease Agreement and
vacated the Leased Premises.
24. It is uncontroverted that PHB breached the Sublease Agreement with Defendant,
despite notices provided by the Defendant, and that both PHB and Plaintiff failed to cure the
breach. As a result, and in accordance with the terms of the Sublease Agreement, Defendant
terminated the Sublease agreement. See Plaintiffs Complaint, Exhibits C and D.
25. Moreover, the unexpired leases associated with PHB were rejected through the
bankruptcy proceedings, including the Prime Lease between Plaintiff and PHB and the Sublease
Agreement between PHB and the Defendant. Plaintiff has no authority to seek redress against
Defendant.
WHEREFORE, Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC requests that this
Court enter Judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause
of action against the Defendant for Unjust Enrichment.
COUNT III
Williams Associates v. Cardinal Therapies. P.C.
Trespass
26. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1-25 ofthis Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein,
27. Plaintiff seeks damages in the amount of$7,000, against Defendant Cardinal
Therapies, P.C., for an alleged trespass on and damage to propflrty that was in the same building
as the Leased Premises but allegedly did not constitute part of the Leased Premises. See
Plaintiffs Complaint, '\['\[37-47,
28. Plaintiff has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that Cardinal
Therapies, P.C. trespassed on the property and/or caused damages as alleged.
5
29. To the contrary, it is uncontroverted that Cardinal Therapies, P.C, was rightfully
on the property and that only the property contained within th(: Leased Premises was accessed.
Moreover, Plaintiff has acquiesced to this fact through deposition testimony. As such, the claim
cannot stand as it has no basis in law or fact.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C. requests that this Court enter
Judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause of action
against Defendant for Trespass.
COUNT IV
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Trespass
30. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1-29 of this Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein.
31. Plaintiff seeks damages in the amount of$7,000 against Defendant John M.
Sullivan in his individual capacity for an alleged trespass and damage of property that was in the
same building as the Leased Premises but did not constitute part of the Leased Premises. See
Plaintiffs Complaint, ~~ 48-59.
32. Plaintiff has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that
Defendant trespassed or damaged property that was in the same building as Leased Premises but
did not constitute part of the Leased Premises.
33. To the contrary, it is uncontroverted that John M. Sullivan was rightfully on the
property and thus only the property comprising the Leased Premises was accessed. Moreover,
Plaintiff has acquiesced to this fact through Deposition testimony. As such, Plaintiffs claim
cannot stand as it has no basis in law or fact.
6
WHEREFORE, Defendant John M, Sullivan requests that this Court enter Judgment in
its favor and against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause of action against
Defendant for Trespass,
COUNT V
Williams Associates v, Cardinal Therapies. P,C.
Uniust Enrichment
34. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1.33 of this Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein.
35. In an additional alternative pleading, Plaintiff seeks damages in quantum meriut,
against Cardinal Therapies, P.C., in the amount of $7,000, which allegedly represents both the
fair rental value of the unleased portion of property that was located in the same building as the
Leased Premises but allegedly did not constitute part ofthe Leased Premises and the amount of
money needed to restore said property to its unaltered condition. See Plaintiff's Complaint, ~~
60.66.
36. Plaintiffhas failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that
Defendant was unjustly enriched through the use of said property and/or avoidance of paying
costs to restore the allegedly damaged unleased property.
37. To the contrary, the undisputed facts indicate that Cardinal Therapies, P.C. was
rightfully on the property and that only the property comprising the Leased Premises was
accessed. Moreover, Plaintiff has acquiesced to this fact through Deposition testimony. As
such, Plaintiff's claim cannot stand as it has no basis in law or fact.
WHEREFORE, Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C. requests that this Court enter
Judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause of action
against Defendant for Unjust Enrichment
7
II
'11
I
COUNT VI
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan
Uniust Enrichment
38. Defendants hereby incorporate paragraphs 1-37 of this Motion for Summary
Judgment as if fully stated herein.
39. In an additional alternative pleading, Plaintiff seeks damages in quantum meriut,
against John M. Sullivan in his individual capacity for the amount of $7,000 which allegedly
represents both the fair rental value of the unleased portion of property that was located in the
same building as the Leased Premises but did not constitute part ofthe Leased Premises as well
as the amount of money needed to restore the property to its unaltered condition. See Plaintiffs
Complaint, ~~ 67.73.
40. Plaintiff has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding that
Defendant was unjustly enriched through the use of said property and/or avoidance of paying
costs to restore the allegedly damaged unleased property.
41. To the contrary, the undisputed facts indicate that John M. Sullivan was rightfully
on the property and that only the property comprising the Leased Premises was accessed.
Moreover, Plaintiff has acquiesced to this fact through Deposition testimony. As such,
Plaintiff's claim cannot stand as it has no basis in law or fact.
42. As all necessary discovery by both parties has occurred, it is apparent that there is
no genuine issue of any material fact as to any necessary element of the cause of actions that
Plaintiff has alleged. There are no disputed facts that would support a cause of action against the
Defendants.
43. Moreover, the facts establish that the Defendants properly followed the terms and
conditions of the Sublease Agreement, exercising the right to terminate the Sublease Agreement
8
upon the default ofPHB, and doing so only after proper notice and the rejection of the unexpired
leases through the bankruptcy proceedings.
44. Additionally, Plaintiff lacks standing to sue the Defendants under the causes of
action enumerated in its Complaint as there is no privity of contract between Plaintiff and
Defendants. As such, they are an improper party to seek redr(:ssability of their alleged injuries.
This is particularly true in light of the fact that both the Prime Lease, between Plaintiff and PHB,
and the Sublease Agreement, between PHB and the Defendants, were rejected by the Trustee in
bankruptcy prior to Defendants terminating the sublease.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests that this Court enter Judgment in its favor and
against Plaintiff, Williams Associates, dismissing the cause of action against Defendants for
Unjust Enrichment.
Respectfully submitted,
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
Date:~(1A 0, .)0'1. LI
f~/ka.", ~ ,-
Pe r M. Good
LI .#64316
Susan M. Zeamer
LD. #. 82023
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110
(717) 234-2401
Attorneys for Defendants
9
WILLIAMS' ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M,
SULLIVAN,
No. 01.6201 CIVIL TERM
Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire, attorney for the Defendants in the above-captioned matter,
do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR
SUMMARY JUDGMENT on counsel for the Plaintiff by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail,
on this n~ day of _~~ ,2004, postage prepaid for first class mail, addressed as
follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG,PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISB1JRG,PA 17101
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
Date: (\\<Y\c lrt 01 d60Y
B~ ,~ ".~ ~
Pet r M. Good
1.0.#64316
Susan M. Zl:amer
1.0.#82023
4431 North Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17110.1709
(717) 234.2401
Attorneys for Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
: I:'-! THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, P A
v.
: CIVIL ACTION .. LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: NO. 01-6201. Civil Term
DEFENDANTS
PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
NOW COMES, Plaintiff, Williams Associates, by its counsel, The Law Offices of Markian R.
Slobodian and Michael L. Solomon, Esq., and makes the following Response to Defendants' Motion for
Summary Judgment in the above.referenced case:
1. Admitted.
2. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion oflaw to which no answer is required. To the
extent an answer may be required, Plaintiff denies that the Court has issued any ruling on any request to
remove the matter from the trial list.
Factual Backl!round:
3. Denied as stated. Plaintiff denies that the tenant for the premises was PHB Management
Company. By way of further answer, the Commercial Lease, dated April 14, 1999, identifies the tenant
as PHB Management, Co., lnc ("PHB").
4. Denied as stated. Plaintiff denies the characterization of the Sub-lease Agreement as an
agreement between Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC ("Sullivan & Associates") and
PHB with Plaintiffs consent. By way of further answer, the medical office sub.lease was an agreement
signed by PHB, Sullivan & Associates, and Williams Associates.
5. Denied. Plaintiff denies that Defendant began to experience immediate water and sewer
problems at the Leased Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant John M. Sullivan testified at his
deposition that he only experienced one incidence of the sewer not functioning properly. Defendant
Sullivan further testified that after that incident, he performed regular maintenance on the sewer line to
ensure that he would not experience any further sewer problems.
6. Denied as stated. Plaintiff admits that Defendant Sullivan & Associates contracted for
weekly sewer maintenance at the Leased Premises. Plaintiff denies that Defendant Sullivan & Associates
incurred sewage bills for the services. By way of further answer, Defendant Sullivan & Associates
forwarded its sewage maintenance bills to PRB for payment.
7. Denied as stated. Defendant Sullivan testified at his deposition that PRB paid for a number
of the water and sewer maintenance services and that he paid for others. Defendant Sullivan could not
specify which services he paid for and which were paid for by PRB.
8. Admitted.
9. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that Defendant Sullivan & Associates,
by its counsel, addressed a letter to PRB in which it purported to declare a default on the lease. Plaintiff
also admits that Defendant sent a copy of the letter to Michael L. Solomon, Esq. The letter is a written
document which speaks for itself. Plaintiff accordingly denies any summarization or characterization of
the contents ofthese letters.
Lellal Backllround
10. Denied. Section 18 of the Medical Office Sub.lease Agreement (the "Sub.lease
Agreement") is a written document which speaks for itself. Plaintiff denies Defendant's summarization
of the contents of Section 18 ofthe Sub.lease Agreement. Plaintifffurther denies the allegation that
written notice of default was given to PRB and copied to Plaintiff on August 28, 200 I. By way of further
answer, because PRB was in bankruptcy at the time, Defendant Sullivan & Associates was prevented by
the automatic stay imposed by II V.S.C. 9362 from declaring any default and any such attempted
declaration of default would have been null and void and without any legal effect.
2
II. Denied. The Sub-lease Agreement is a written document which speaks for itself. Plaintiff,
accordingly, denies Defendants' characterization or summarization of this document. By way of further
answer, because of the automatic stay, Plaintiff denies that it was under any obligation to cure any
alleged default within the 30 day period specified in this paragraph.
12. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that Defendant Sullivan & Associates'
counsel executed the letter dated October I, 200 I. The letter is a written document which speaks for
itself. Accordingly, Plaintiff denies any characterization or summarization of the contents of that letter.
13. Denied. The letter dated October I, 2001 is a written document that speaks for itself.
Accordingly, Plaintiff denies any characterization or summarization of the contents of that letter. In
addition, Plaintiff denies that the cited Paragraph 49 of Plaintiffs Complaint has any relevance to the
allegation set forth in Paragraph 13 of Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment.
14. Admitted in part and rejected in part. Plaintiff admits that PHB rejected its interest in the
unexpired sub.lease and that such rejection was approved by Court Order dated October 4,2001.
Plaintiff denies the averment that all other unexpired sub. leases involving PHB were rejected by the
Trustee.
15. Admitted.
COUNT I
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates. LLC - Breach of Contract
16. Plaintiff incorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 15 of Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
17. Denied as stated. Plaintiff denies the inference that De~endant Sullivan & Associates failed
to pay monthly rent after abandoning the Leased Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant
Sullivan & Associates failed to tender rent payments due on July I, 200 I and thereafter.
3
18. Denied. Plaintiff denies that it has failed to produce any facts that would support a finding
that Defendant Sullivan & Associates defaulted on its obligation under the Sub.lease Agreement. It is
undisputed that Defendant Sullivan & Associates failed to make rent payments after July 1, 2001 and,
further, that Defendant Sullivan & Associates abandoned the Leased Premises prior to the expiration of
the lease term. Plaintiff further denies the allegation that Defendant Sullivan & Associates was not
required to make rental payments to Plaintiff. Defendant Sullivan was required to make rental payments
to PHB until the time the lease was rejected. At that time, pursuant to Section 16 of the sub.lease,
Plaintiff duly exercised its option to assume the position of the sub.landlord under the sub.lease. After
such assumption, Defendant Sullivan & Associates was required to make all rental payments directly to
Plaintiff.
19. Denied. Plaintiff denies that Defendant Sullivan & Associates followed the terms and
conditions of the Sub.lease Agreement, that it had any basis for terminating the Sub.lease Agreement,
that it provided proper and effective notice of default and opportunity to cure, and that it properly
terminated the Sub.lease Agreement. By way of further answer, Defendant Sullivan & Associates has
failed to show that it had any right to declare a default under the Sub.lease Agreement. Moreover,
because of the automatic stay imposed by II V.S.C. ~362, Defendant Sullivan & Associates' attempt to
terminate the lease was premature, ineffective, and in violation ofth~ Federal Bankruptcy Law.
20. Denied. This paragraph states a conclusion oflaw to which no answer is required. To the
extent an answer may be required, Plaintiff admits that PHB rejected its interest in the sub.lease with
Defendant Sullivan & Associates. Plaintiff denies that PHB terminated the Sub.lease Agreement. By
way offurther answer, pursuant to the terms of the Sub.lease Agreement, upon PHB's default, Williams
Associates, as prime landlord, had the option of assuming the role of sub. landlord under the Sub.lease
Agreement. PHB's rejection of its interests in the Sub.lease Agreement had no effect on Williams
Associates' right to assume the role of sub.landlord.
4
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendants' Motion
for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Court deny all relief requested by Defendants in their
Summary Judgment Motion.
COUNT II
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates. LLC
Uniust Enrichment an the AlterDlltive)
21. Plaintiff incorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 20 of Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
22. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that it has alternatively plead for
damages in quantum meruit in the amount of$15,612.87. Williams Associates denies that the sum of
$15,612.87 represents the amount of rent allegedly owed to it from the date that the Bankruptcy Court for
the Northern District of Texas, Ft. Worth Division, granted Debtor's Motion to Reject All Leases to the
date Defendant vacated the Leased Premises on October 29, 2001. By way offurther answer, the
requested damages represent the amount of unpaid rent from July 1,2001 through October 29,2001.
23. Denied. Plaintiff denies the allegation that it has failed to produce any facts that would
support a finding that the Defendant has been unjustly enriched during the time frame from July I, 200 I
through October 29,2001. It is uncontroverted that Defendant Sullivan & Associates occupied the
Leased Premises at the time and did not pay rent for its use of the Ll:ased Premises.
24. Denied. Williams Associates denies the allegation that PHB breached the Sub. Lease
Agreement with Defendant, the allegation that Defendant provided l:ffective notice of the breach, and
that both PHB and Plaintiff failed to cure the alleged breach. Williams Associates further denies the
allegation the Defendants properly and justifiably terminated the Sub. lease Agreement. By way of
further answer, Defendant Sullivan & Associates was not justified in seeking a termination of the
5
Sublease Agreement, Defendant did not properly or effectively provide Notice of Default, and Defendant
did not properly or effectively terminate its sublease with PHB or the Sublease Agreement.
25. Denied. This Paragraph states a conclusion oflaw to which no answer is required. To the
extent an answer is required, Plaintiff denies the allegation that the lmexpired leases associated with PHB
were rejected through the bankruptcy proceedings, including the Prime Lease between Plaintiff and PHB
and the Sublease Agreement between PHB and the Defendant. By way of further answer, PHB simply
rejected its interest in the Sublease Agreement. Upon such rejection, Williams Associates was
authorized by the Sublease Agreement to step into the shoes ofPHB as the sub.landlord. Williams
Associates denies the allegation that Plaintiff has no authority to seek redress against Defendant.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendants' Motion
for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Court deny all relief requested by Defendants in their
Summary Judgment Motion.
COUNT III
Williams Associates v. Cardinal TheraDies. :P.C. - TresDass
26. Plaintiff incorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 25 of Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
27. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that in Paragraphs 27 through 47 of its
Complaint, it seeks damages against Defendants for an alleged trespass on and damage to property.
Plaintiff further admits that in its Complaint it alleges that the trespass and damage occurred in the same
building as the Leased Premises but allegedly did not constitute part of the Leased Premises. After
further investigation and discovery, Plaintiff believes that Defendant Cardinal Therapies' alleged trespass
occurred on the Leased Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant Cardinal Therapies occupied the
Leased Premises as a sub.tenant without the required consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord as
required by Paragraph 7 of the Sublease Agreement.
6
28. Denied. Plaintiff denies that it has failed to prove any facts to support the finding that
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.e. trespassed on the property and/or caused damages. By way of
further answer, it is uncontroverted that Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C. occupied a portion of the
Leased Premises without consent of the sub.landlord and prime landllord.
29. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that Cardinal Therapies, P.C. occupied
a potion of the Leased Premises. Williams Associates denies the allegation that Defendant Cardinal
Therapies was rightfully on the property. By way offurther answer, Cardinal Therapies, P.C. wrongfully
occupied a portion of the Leased Premises without the landlord's consent.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendant Cardinal
Therapies, P.C.'s Motion for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Court deny all relief requested by
Defendants in their Summary Judgment Motion.
COUNT IV
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan - TresDass
30. Plaintiff incorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 29 of Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
31. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that in Paragraphs 48 through 59 of its
Complaint, it seeks damages against Defendants for an alleged trespass on and damage to property.
Plaintiff further admits that in its Complaint it alleges that the trespass and damage occurred in the same
building as the Leased Premises but allegedly did not constitute part of the Leased Premises. After
further investigation and discovery, Plaintiff believes that Defendant John M. Sullivan's alleged trespass
occurred on the Leased Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant John M. Sullivan occupied the
Leased Premises as a sub.tenant without the required consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord as
required by Paragraph 7 of the Sublease Agreement
7
32. Denied. Plaintiff denies that it has failed to prove any facts to support the finding that
Defendant John M. Sullivan trespassed on the property and/or caust:d damages. By way of further
answer, it is uncontroverted that Defendant John M. Sullivan occup:ied a portion of the Leased Premises
without consent ofthe sub.landlord and prime landlord.
33. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that John M. Sullivan occupied a
potion of the Leased Premises. Williams Associates denies the allegation that Defendant John M.
Sullivan was rightfully on the property. By way offurther answer, John M. Sullivan wrongfully
occupied a portion ofthe Leased Premises without the landlord's consent.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendant John M.
Sullivan's Motion for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Court deny all relief requested by
Defendants in their Summary Judgment Motion.
COUNT V
Williams Associates v. Cardinal Theraoies. P.C. .. Uniust Enrichment
34. Plaintiffiocorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 33 ofDefendaots'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
35. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that in Paragraphs 60 through 66 of
its Complaint, it seeks damages for both the fair value of the unleased portion of property as well as the
amount of money needed to restore said property to its unaltered condition. Plaintiff further admits that
in its Complaint it alleges that the trespass and damage occurred in the same building as the Leased
Premises but allegedly did not constitute part of the Leased Premises. After further investigation and
discovery, Plaintiff believes that Defendant Cardinal Therapies' alleged trespass occurred on the Leased
Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant Cardinal Therapies occupied the Leased Premises as a
sub.tenant without the required consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord as required by Paragraph
7 of the Sublease Agreement.
8
36. Denied. Plaintiff denies that it has failed to prove any facts to support the finding that
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.C. trespassed on the property and/or caused damages. By way of
further answer, it is uncontroverted that Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P .C. occupied a portion of the
Leased Premises without consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord.
37. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that Cardinal Therapies, P.C. occupied
a potion of the Leased Premises. Williams Associates denies the allegation that Defendant Cardinal
Therapies was rightfully on the property. By way of further answer, Cardinal Therapies, P.C. wrongfully
occupied a portion of the Leased Premises without the landlord's consent.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendant Cardinal
Therapies, P.C.'s Motion for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Court deny all relief requested by
Defendants in their Summary Judgment Motion.
COUNT VI
Williams Associates v. John M. Sullivan - Uniiust Enrichment
38. Plaintiff incorporates by reference its answers to Paragraphs I through 37 of Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment.
39. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that in Paragraphs 67 through 73 of its
Complaint, it seeks damages against Defendants for both the fair value of the unleased portion of
property as well as the amount of money needed to restore said property to its unaltered condition. After
further investigation and discovery, Plaintiff believes that Defendant John M. Sullivan's alleged trespass
occurred on the Leased Premises. By way of further answer, Defendant John M. Sullivan occupied the
Leased Premises as a sub.tenant without the required consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord as
required by Paragraph 7 of the Sublease Agreement
40. Denied. Plaintiff denies that it has failed to prove any facts to support the finding that
Defendant John M. Sullivan trespassed on the property and/or caus(,d damages. By way of further
9
answer, it is uncontroverted that Defendant John M. Sullivan occupi<:d a portion of the Leased Premises
without consent of the sub.landlord and prime landlord.
41. Admitted in part and denied in part. Plaintiff admits that John M. Sullivan occupied a
potion of the Leased Premises. Williams As~ociates denies the allegation that Defendant John M.
Sullivan was rightfully on the property. By way of further answer, John M. Sullivan wrongfully
occupied a portion of the Leased Premises without the landlord's consent.
42. Denied. Plaintiff denies that all necessary discovery by both parties has occurred. Plaintiff
further denies that there is no genuine issue of any material fact to any necessary element of the cause of
actions that Plaintiff has alleged. Finally, Plaintiff denies the allegation that there are no disputed facts
that would support a cause of action against the Defendants.
43. Denied. Plaintiff denies the allegation that the facts establish that Defendants properly
followed the terms and conditions of the Sublease Agreement, that Defendants properly exercised their
right to terminate the Sublease Agreement, that PHB defaulted, and that Defendants acted only after
proper notice and the rejection of the unexpired leases through the bankruptcy proceedings. By way of
further answer, Defendants' actions were premature, unjustified, and legally ineffective. Moreover, it is
undisputed that Defendants vacated the Leased Premises and have not made the payments through the
expiration of the agreed lease term.
44. Denied. Plaintiff denies the allegation that Williams Associates lack standing to sue the
Defendants under the causes of action enumerated in its Complaint on the basis that there is no alleged
privity between Plaintiff and Defendants. It is undisputed that Plaintiff and Defendants both signed the
Sublease Agreement and, accordingly, entered into a contract regarding the Leased Premises. Williams
Associates denies the allegation that it is an improper party to seek redressability [sic] of its alleged
injuries. Finally, Williams Associates denies the allegation that the Prime Lease between Plaintiff and
PHB and the Sublease Agreement between PHB and the Defendant was rejected by the Trustee in
10
bankruptcy prior to the Defendants allegedly terminating the sublease. By way of further answer, PHB,
as debtor.in.possession, rejected its interest in the Sublease Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of that
Agreement, Williams Associates duly exercised its right to assume the role of the sub.landlordand
demand full performance by Defendant Sullivan. It is undisputed that Defendant Sullivan has not
performed its obligation to continue to occupy the Leased Premises and to continue to pay rent during the
duration of the sublease term.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Williams Associates requests that this Court deny Defendant John M.
Sullivan's Motion for Summary Judgment and, further, that the Comt deny all relief requested by
Defendants in their Summary Judgment Motion.
Respectfully submitted,
~~~
Markian R. Slobodian, Esquire
ID No. 41075
Andrew R. Eisemann, Esquire
ID No. 874H
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, P A 171 02
717/232-5180
Dated:
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Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
ID No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717/255.7600
Counsel for Williams Associates
11
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE:
I hereby certify that I have this date, mailed a true and correet copy of the foregoing Response by
United States mail, first.class, postage prepaid, addressed to the following individual(s):
Peter M. Good, Esquire
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110.1260
Michael L. Solomon, Esq.
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and suhnitted in duplicate)
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Please list the within matter for the next ArgUnent Court.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPTION OF CASE
(entiIe caption must be stated in full)
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES
( plaintiff)
vs.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. & ASSOCIATES, LLC,
CARDINAL 'lliERAPIFS, P.C. & JOHN M. SULLIVJIN
( oeferrlant)
No. 01-6201
Civil LAW
lpj 2001
1. state matter to be argued (Le., plaintiff's rootion for new trial. deferrlant's
darurrer to ccnplaint. etc.): SUIlIl1arY Judgment
2. Identify =unse11Obo will argue case:
(b)
for deferrlant:
Address:
Martian R. Slob:>dian, Esquire
Law offices of MarlcLan R. Slob:>dian
801 N. Second st.
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Peter M. Good, Esqui.re; Susan M. zeamer, Esquire
smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP
4431 N. Front st.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(a)
for plaintiff:
Address :
3.
I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has
been listed for argunent.
4.
Arg\.I1leIlt Court Date: June 9, 2004
Dated:
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DEBORAH C,
KENNEDY-MARKLE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
RONALD SCOTT
MARKLE
: NO. 2001-6314 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - DIVORCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 4TH day of JUNE, 2004, after review of the record we can find
no evidence that notice of Defendant's intention to request f:ntry of a divorce decree was
served upon Plaintiffs attorney of record as required by Pa. R.C.P. 1920.42(d)(1).
Therefore, Defendant's request for the entry of a divorce decree is DENIED without
prejudice.
Edward E. Guido, J.
~e1 J. Hanft, Esquire
19 Brookwood Avenue
Carlisle, Pa. 17013
~ald Scott Markle
85 Greenview Street
Carlisle, Pa. 17013
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: NO. 01-6201- Civil Term
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c., and JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
Defendants
PRAECIPE TO AlT ACH VERIFICATION TO
PETITION FOR RULE TO AMEND COMPLAINT
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Please attach the signed Verification to the Petition for Rule to Amend Complaint in the
above.referenced case.
LAW OFFICES OF MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN
By
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MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
ID No. 41075
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
ID No. 874141
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 232-5180
Attorneys for Williams Associates
Dated: , l 5'10 "\
VERIFICATION
I, JACK SOLOMON, hereby verify that the facts contained in the foregoing
pleading are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that false statements herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.SA S 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
rz~mfjf7>>t ~
DATE:
~>-.l( 8
,2004
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I have, this date, served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe via facsimile, to the following individual(s):
Peter M. Good, Esq.
717/234-3611
: c<JJ~ {L..reI
KAREN L. HAY CA OLL
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
~
JUN v 9 2004
o
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: NO. 01-6201- Civil Term
Defendants
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this
~o
day of June 2004 on Petition of The Law Offices of
Markian R. Slobodian, counsel for Plaintiff Williams Associates, a Rule is entered on
Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Card.inal Therapies, P.e. & John M.
Sullivan to show cause why their Complaint in the above-relferenced case should not be
amended as follows:
(a) Amend Paragraphs 38 and 49 of the Complaint to state, "During the period
commencing February 1, 2001 and continuing through on or about October 29, 2001,
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.e. occupied certain premises consisting of approximately
four hundred (400) square feet in the Leased Premises (the "Unauthorized Premises").";
(b) Amend Paragraphs 44 and 55 of the Complaint to state that "Defendants'
occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has caused Williams Associates to incur damages
in the amount of $1,933.33 for unpaid rent based on the fair rental value of the premises of
$14.50 per square foot.";
(c) Amend Paragraphs 63 and 70 of the Complaint to state that "the fair market
rental value for the Unauthorized Premises calculated at the rate of $14,50 per square foot is
$1,933.33."; and
(d) Reduce the amount of damages stated in the Wherefore clauses for Counts III,
N,v,andVlbythesumOI8'~~~/,) c4- ~~
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
No. 01.6201 CIVIL TERM
JOHN M, SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES,LLC,CAllDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendants' Response in Opposition to
Plaintiff's Petition for Rule to Amend Complaint
AND NOW COMES, Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC,
Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and John M. Sullivan (collectively "the Defendants"), by and
through their counsel Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP, who file this response in
opposition to Plaintiff's Petition for Rule to Amend Complaint for the reasons that
follow:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted as stated.
3. Admitted as stated. Upon information and belief, based upon Plaintiffs
statements at deposition and to this Court through their Response to the Defendant's
Motion for Summary Judgment and in the present petition, the Defendants admit the
averments contained in paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Petition.
4. Denied. Paragraph 4 of Plaintiffs Petition eontains conclusions oflaw to
which no responsive pleading is required. To the extent a response may be required, and
without waiving the above, it is denied that the Leased Premises was subleased by John
M. Sullivan. M.D. & Associates, LLC. It is further denied that any "occupation" that
may have occurred by John M. Sullivan and/or Cardinal Therapies, P .C. had an effect
upon Plaintiff as John M. Sullivan, Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and John M. Sullivan, M.D.
& Associates, LLC are all one in the same as John M. Sullivan as an individual was and
is the sole owner of Cardinal Therapies, P.C. and John M. Sullivan, M,D. & Associates.
Moreover, John M. Sullivan was the signator on the Sublease in question for John M.
Sullivan, M.D. & Associates.
5. Admitted as stated. By way of further answer, in its response to the
Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment, Plaintiff has not only attempted to correct
its prior error but has added a new cause of action for unlawful occupation of the Leased
Premises, See Plaintiffs Response to Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment.
6. Denied. The Defendants have denied the averments in question originally
made by Plaintiff since refilling of its Answer with New Matter and Counterclaim was
filed. By way of further answer, the Defendants were not aware of Plaintiff s admission
to the incorrect statements of fact in their Complaint until the date of depositions, or
February 11, 2004.
7. Admitted as stated.
8. Denied. Although no responsive pleading is required to this allegation, it
is specifically denied that the referenced Defendants "occupied" unauthorized premises.
Further, how such alleged occupation was unauthorized is wldefined. Strict proof at the
time of trial, if admissible, is demanded.
9. Denied. Although no responsive pleading is Jrequired to this allegation, it
is specifically denied that the referenced Defendants "occupied" unauthorized premises.
Further, how such alleged occupation was unauthorized is undefined. Strict proof at the
time of trial, if admissible, is demanded.
2
II
',I.
10. Denied. Although responsive pleading is required, it is specifically denied
that any action by the Defendants caused Plaintiff to incur damages. Such an averment is
a conclusion oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Moreover, Plaintiffs
proposed amendment continues to refer to the Leased Property as the "Unauthorized
Premises". Further, how such alleged occupation was unauthorized is undefined. Strict
proof at the time of trial, if admissible, is demanded.
11. Denied. Although responsive pleading is required, it is specifically denied
that the fair market rental value for the Leased Premises is equal to $14.50 per square
foot and strict proof at the time of trial, if admissible, is demanded. Moreover, Plaintiffs
proposed amendment continues to refer to the Leased Property as the "Unauthorized
Premises" .
12. Denied. Although responsive pleading is required, Defendants
specifically deny that Plaintiff incurred any damages as a direct result of any of the
Defendants actions. Strict proof at the time of trial, if admissible, is demanded.
13. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 13 of Plaintiffs Petition
contain conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. The averments
are therefore denied.
14. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 14 of Plaintiff s Petition
contain conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. The averments
are therefore denied.
15. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 15 of Plaintiff s Petition
contain conclusions of law to which no responsive pleading is required. The averments
are therefore denied.
3
".
16. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 16 of Plaintiffs Petition
contain conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. The averments
are therefore denied.
17. Denied, Defendants cited to Vierner v. Jacobs, 834 A.2d 566 (Pa. Super.
2003) in its Motion for Summary Judgment, not in response to a request or petition to
amend Plaintiffs Complaint. Plaintiff was seeking, through its response to Defendants'
Motion for Summary Judgment, to effectively amend its Complaint through said
response, as opposed to specifically petitioning the Court for permission to do so.
Plaintiff, by such action, was (and is, as the Motion for Summary Judgment remains
pending) attempting to have the Court consider the Motion as if the Complaint had
already been amended, not on the pleading that currently stands before this Court. To
that end, Defendants relied upon Vierner.
18. Denied. The averments contained in paragraph 18 of Plaintiffs Petition
contain conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averments are denied.
19. Denied, The averments contained in paragraph 18 of Plaintiff's Petition
contain conclusions oflaw to which no responsive pleading is required. Therefore, the
averments are denied.
4
II"
I
WHEREFORE, Defendants request that this Honorable Court deny Plaintiff's
Petition for Rule to Amend Complaint. In the alternative, Defendants respectfully
request that this Honorable Court stay Plaintiffs petition until after disposition of the
pending Motion for Summary Judgment, argument for which was heard on June 9, 2004,
D"~1" '. Mr-..l. \ ~ . J(jJv
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SMIGE][', ANDERSON & SACKS
^ c----.
~M'~Od, '
\J ~::l Zeamer, Es
4431 North Front et
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0.1709
(717) 234-2401
Attomeys for Defendants
5
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
PLAINTIFF
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CAJUDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
No, 01.6201 CIVIL TERM
DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Susan M. Zeamer, Esquire, attorney for Defendants !in the above-captioned
matter, do hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Defendants'
Response in Opposition to Plaintiff's Petition for Rule to Amend Complaint on counsel
for the Plaintiff by depositing same in the U.S, Mail, on June 14,2004, postage prepaid
for first class mail, addressed as follows:
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQUIRE
801 NORTH SECOND STREET
P.O. BOX 11967
HARRISBURG, PA 17108-1967
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQUIRE
212 LOCUST STREET, STE. 500
HARRISBURG,PA 17101
Da~lj)o.~, ILl! "i(j"~
SMIGEL, ANDE
~'-',,,,,"-fv.....
~-eter M. Good, uire# 64316
Susan Zeamer, uire# 82023
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 1711 0.1709
(71 7) 234.240 I
Attorneys for Defendants
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
:CUMBERLAND COUNTY
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.C. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
:CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:NO. 01-6201 - Civil Term
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE REGARDING RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
I hereby certifY that I have, this date, served a true and correct copy of the attached Rule
via U.S. fIrst class mail, postage paid, to the following individual(s):
Peter M. Good, Esq.
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP
River Chase OffIce Center, 3nl Floor
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110.1709
Respectfully submitted,
THE LAW OFFICES OF MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN
Dated: {, I, ~ I b 'i
~~-
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
80 I North Second Street
Harrisburg, P A 17102
717/232-5180
Counsel for Williams Associates
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
JUN u 9 z004
c
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.e. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: NO. 01-6201- Civil Term
Defendants
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this
/0
day of June 2004 on P,etition of The Law Offices of
Markian R. Slobodian, counsel for Plaintiff Williams Associates, a Ru1e is entered on
Defendants John M. Sullivan, M.D. & Associates, LLC, Cardinal Therapies, P.c. & John M,
Sullivan to show cause why their Complaint in the above-referenced case should not be
amended as follows:
(a) Amend Paragraphs 38 and 49 of the Complaint to state, "During the period
commencing February 1, 2001 and continuing through on or about October 29, 2001,
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.c. occupied certain premis'2s consisting of approximately
four hundred (400) square feet in the Leased Premises (the "Unauthorized Premises").";
(b) Amend Paragraphs 44 and 55 of the Complaint to state that "Defendants'
Occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has caused Williams Associates to incur damages
in the amount of $1,933.33 for unpaid rent based on the fair rental value of the premises of
$14.50 per square foot.";
(c) Amend Paragraphs 63 and 70 of the Complaint to state that "the fair market
rental value for the Unauthorized Premises calculated at the rate of $14.50 per square foot is
$1,933.33."; and
(d) Reduce the amount of damages stated in the Wherefore clauses for Counts III,
IV, V, and VI by the sum of $2f066'ib ..t1 /11 jf) +) ~
Returnable on J UJ.,,, 2fJ6i.'::;-O
BY THE COURT:
WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
v.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &:
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.e. &: JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
: CIVIL ACfION - LAW
: NO. 01-6201- Civil Term
Defendants
PETITION FOR RULE TO AMEND COMPLAINT
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NOW COMES, Plaintiff Williams Associates, by its counsel, The Law O{flces or'
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Markian R. Slobodian, and files this Petition for Rule to Amend its Complaint to' correcUwo ',"
erroneously stated factual averments in Counts III, N, V, and VI:
-,
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}, The Petitioner is the Plaintiff in the above-referenced action.
2. Plaintiff's Complaint alleges in Counts III, N, V, and VI that Defendants
Cardinal Therapies, P.c. and John M. Sullivan occupied certain premises consisting of
approximately 400 sq. ft. in the same building as the Leased Premises, but not constituting
part of the Leased Premises (the "Unauthorized Premises").
3. After further investigation, Plaintiffs now believe the averment that Defendants
occupied a part not constituting the Leased Premises to be an incorrect statement of the
facts.
4. Defendants John M. Sullivan and Cardinal Therapies, P.c. actually occupied a
part of the premises leased to Defendant John M. Sullivan, M.D. &: Associates, LLC.
5. Counsel for Williams Associates notified Defendants regarding the incorrect
statement of fact during discovery and in its Response to Deflmdants' Motion for Summary
Judgment.
6. Counsel for Defendants has been aware of the said incorrect statement of fact
related to the "Unauthorized Premises" since February 2004.
7. Defendants have always known: exactly what portion of the building they
occupied.
8. Plaintiff seeks leave to amend Paragraphs 38 and 49 of the Complaint to state
"During the period commencing February 1, 2001 and continuing through on or about
October 29, 2001, Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.c. (Or Defendant John M. Sullivan
respectively) occupied certain premises consisting of approximately four hundred (400)
square feet in the Leased Premises (the "Unauthorized Premises")."
9. In addition, the amount of alleged damages for four months of unpaid rent from
Defendants John M. Sullivan and Cardinal Therapies, P.c. in Counts III, N, V, and VI were
incorrectly calculated and should be reduced.
10, Plaintiff seeks to amend Paragraphs 44 and 55 of the Complaint to indicate that
Defendants' occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has caused Williams Associates to
incur damages in the amount of $1,933.33 for unpaid rent based on the fair rental value of
the premises of $14.50 per square foot.
11. Plaintiff further seeks to amend Paragraphs 63 and 70 of the Complaint to state
that the fair market rental value for the Unauthorized Premises calculated at the rate of
$14.50 per square foot is $1,933.33.
12. Finally, Plaintiff seeks to reduce the amount of damages stated in the Wherefore
clauses for Counts III, N, V, and VI by the sum of $2,066.67.
2
Legal Analysis of Application of Pewlsylvania Rule
Allowing Amendments to Complaint
13. Under Pennsylvania case law, amendments to complaints have been liberally
permitted by trial courts, See Lutz v. Springettsbury Twp., 667 A.2d 251 (pa. Commw. Ct
1995) (holding that amendments to complaints should be freely allowed and that claims
should not be jeopardized by minor defects in the pleading,); see also Werner v. Zazyczny,
681 A.2d 1331 (Pa. 1996) (holding that the right to amend should be liberally granted at any
stage of proceedings).
14. Generally, under Pennsylvania case law an amendment of a complaint that will
facilitate a trial upon the merits is allowed wherever: (1) the justice of the case requires an
amendment; and (2) no injury is thereby inflicted on the adverse party. See Bata v. Central-
Penn Nat, Bank of Philadelphia, 293 A.2d 343 (Pa.1972).
15. Under Pennsylvania case law, however, an amendment should not be allowed
where it will present an entirely new cause of action or unfairly surprise or prejudice an
opposing party. See Sejpal v. Corson, Mitchell, Tomhave & McKinley, N.D.'s, Inc., 665 A.2d
1198 (Pa, Super. Ct. 1995); see also Carpitella v. Consolidated Ruil Corp., 533 A.2d 762 (Pa.
Super. Ct. 1987) (holding that amendments should be allowed in any stage of the adversary
process to secure a decision of the case on its merits, unless unfair surprise or prejudice to
the other party would result.); see also Connor v. Allegheny General Hasp., 461 A.2d 600 (Pa,
1983) (holding that an amendment of a complaint will not be allowed if it will cause
prejudice or surprise to the adverse party.)
16. To be prejudicial, an amendment must compromise the opposing party's
-'
ability to present its case. See City of Philadelphia v. Spencer, 59'1 A.2d 5 (pa. Commw. Ct.
3
1991). In assessing whether an amendment will cause prejudice, the court will consider the
time when the amendment is offered, see Capobianchi v. BIC COrp'f 666 A.2d 344 (pa. Super.
Ct. 1995), however, it is inappropriate to rely solely on "delay" to determine whether an
amendment is proper. See Brooks v. McMenamin, 503 A.2d 446 (pa. Super. Ct. 1986); see also
Borough of Mifflinberg v. Heim, 705 A.2d 456 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1997) (holding that a party must
establish more than undue delay to overcome the liberal policy governing the amendment
of pleadings.).
17. Defendants cite the case Vierner v. Jacobs, 834 A.2d 546 (pa, Super. Ct. 2003) as
authority that this Court should not allow Williams Associates to amend its Complaint to
correct an erroneously stated factual issue. (Defs.' Br. in Supp. of Defs.' Mot. for Summ. J. at
page 8.)
18. The facts of the Vierner case can be easily distinguished from the case presently
before this Court. In Vierner, the defendant attempted to aml~nd his Answer several months
following the end of the liability phase of a bi-furcated trial. ld. at 560. The parties had
already commenced the second phase to determine damages when the defendant
attempted to amend his Answer. ld. The court held that the defendant's failure to amend
his Answer left the plaintiff unprepared to defend himself against new allegations
contained in the defendant's Motion to Amend. ld. Furthermore, the Vierner court
observed that the plaintiff's property interests were being administered by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Trustee and that the trial court was without jurisdiction to consider defendant's
new claim. ld.
19. In the present case, the Defendant is not subject to undue prejudice or surprise
for the following reasons: (1) William Associates is attempting to correct an erroneously
.,..
4
stated issue of fact, rather than add a new allegation; (2) OJunsel for Williams Associates
informed Defendants of the factual error before and durinl~ depositions in February 2004,
and Williams Associates repeated the correction in its Response to Defendants' Motion for
Summary Judgment; (3) Williams Associates is amending its Complaint during and as a
result of formal discovery. This case is not yet near trial, a Itrial has not yet been
rescheduled, and this Court's Scheduling Order has been rescinded because Defendants,
not Plaintiff, filed the instant Motion for Summary Judgment; and (4) The fact, as amended,
that Defendants were actually occupying Leased Premises, rather than a part not
constituting the Leased Premises, does not present any new cause of action and does not
compromise Defendants' ability to present their case.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays leave to amend its Complaint by amending the
Complaint as follows:
(a) Amend Paragraphs 38 and 49 of the Complaint to state, "During the period
commencing February 1, 2001 and continuing through on or about October 29, 2001,
Defendant Cardinal Therapies, P.e. occupied certain premises consisting of approximately
four hundred (400) square feet in the Leased Premises (the "Unauthorized Premises").";
and
(b) Amend Paragraphs 44 and 55 of the Complaint to state that "Defendants'
occupation of the Unauthorized Premises has caused Williams Associates to incur damages
in the amount of $1,933.33 for unpaid rent based on the fair rental value of the prem~es of
$14.50 per square foot.";
5
(c) Amend Paragraphs 63 and 70 of the Complaint to state that "the fair market
rental value for the Unauthorized Premises calculated at Ithe rate of $14.50 per square foot is
$1,933.33."; and
(d) Reduce the amount of damages stated in the Wherefore clauses for Counts ill,
IV, V, and VI by the sum of $2,066.67.
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES of MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN
~--1~
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
I.D. No. 41075
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
I.D. No. 87441
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717/232-5180
Dated: ,{ 4. \0,,\
MICHAEL L. SOLOMON, ESQ.
ID No. 36031
212 Locust Street, Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Counsel for Williams Associates, Plaintiff
6
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Markian R. Slobodian, hereby certify that I hav<e this date, mailed a true and
correct copy of the foregoing Petition by United States mail, first-class, postage prepaid,
addressed to the following individual(s):
LeRoy Smigel, Esquire
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1260
Dated: ,\ ~ \ 0,\
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MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
vs.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
01-6201 CIVIL
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c. & JOHN M.
SULLIVAN,
Defendants
IN RE: DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
BEFORE BAYLEY AND HESS, J.J.
ORDER
AND NOW, this Z -:! day of August, 2004, it apperuring that this case presents
genuine issues of material fact and it appearing, also, that there is pending a motion to amend the
plaintiffs complaint, the motion of the defendants for summary judgment is DENIED.
BY THE COURT,
vM'arkian R. Slobodian, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
./(J;J
Peter M. Good, Esquire >
~usan M. Zeamer, Esquire
For the Defendants
:rlm Ogo -03 0 I
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WILLIAMS ASSOCIATES,
Plaintiff
itt~~~ITiI
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS )''&)3 - I - L
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: NO. 01-6201 - Civil Term
JOHN M. SULLIVAN, M.D. &
ASSOCIATES, LLC, CARDINAL
THERAPIES, P.c., and JOHN M.
SULLIV AN,
Defendants
JOINT PRAECIPE TO DISMISS COMPLAINT, NEW MATTER, and
COUNTER CLAIM WITH PREJUDICE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Please mark the Complaint, New Matter, and Counter Claim filed by the respective
parties in the above-referenced case as Dismissed With Prejudice.
Respectfully submitted,
LA W OFFICES OF MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN
By
~A,^--
MARKIAN R. SLOBODIAN, ESQ.
ID No. 41075
ANDREW R. EISEMANN, ESQ.
ID No. 87441
801 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 232-5180
Attorneys for Williams Associates, Plaintiff
SMIGEL, ANDERSON & SACKS, LLP
By
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Dated: 9-11 -06
PETER M. GOOD, ESQ. ID #64316
Smigel, Anderson & Sacks
2917 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17112-1260
Counsel for John M. Sullivan, M.D. &
Assoc., LLC, Cardinal Therapies, PC, and
John M. Sullivant, Defendants
.--1
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