23. Drafting. City and Seller acknowledge and agree that the Contract
Documents have been negotiated at arm's length, that each party has been represented by
independent counsel and/or has had an opportunity to consult with and be represented by
independent counsel, that the Contract Documents are deemed to be drafted by both
parties, that no one party shall be construed as the drafter of the Contract Documents, and
that any rule of construction that ambiguities are to be construed against the drafter shall
not apply in the interpretation or construction of the Contract Documents.
24. Counterparts. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts.
Each shall be deemed an original and all, taken together, shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
25. Time of the Essence. Seller and City hereby acknowledge and agree that
time is strictly of the essence with respect to each and every term, condition, obligation,
and provision hereof, particularly, and without limitation of factors contributing to the need
for timely compliance of the Contract Documents.
26. Successors. This Contract shall inure to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the parties to this Contract and their respective heirs, successors in interest,
and assigns. This Contract may only be assigned upon written approval and agreement of
the parties, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld. Any purported assignment
of this Contract without the prior written approval of all parties shall be null and void.
27. Governing Law. The parties acknowledge that the Contract Documents
have been negotiated and entered into in the State of New Hampshire, Hillsborough
County. The parties agree that the Contract Documents shall be governed by, interpreted
under, and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New
Hampshire. Venue for any action or proceeding relating to or arising out of the Contract
Documents shall be in the State of New Hampshire Superior Court Hillsborough County
South.
28. No Third Party Beneficiary Rights. This Contract is entered into for the
sole benefit of City and Seller. No other parties are intended to be direct or incidental
beneficiaries of this Contract and no third party shall have any right in, under or to this
Contract.
29, No Joint Venture or Other Relationship Created. The relationship
between City and Seller is that solely of a seller and a buyer and no joint venture,
partnership or other relationship is created or implied by the Contract Documents.
30. Fiscal Contingency. All payments under this Contract are contingent upon
the availability to the City of the necessary funds. This contract shall terminate and the
City’s obligations under it shall be extinguished at the end of any fiscal year in which the
City fails to appropriate monies for the ensuing fiscal year sufficient for the performance of
this contract.