Turner v. Murphy Oil Conference May 12, 2009

MINUTE ENTRYFALLON,J.MAY 12,2009

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTEASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

PATRICK JOSEPH TURNER, ET AL.

VERSUS

MURPHY OIL USA, INC.

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CIVIL ACTION

NO. 05-4206CONSOLIDATED CASE

SECTION "L" (2)

* * * * * ** * * * * * * ** *** *** * * * * * * * *** **THIS DOCUMENT RELATES TO ALL CASES

A conference was held on this date in the Courtroom of Judge Eldon E. Fallon to discuss

the out of area claimants. The parties discussed the proposal presented by counsel for Murphy Oil

USA, Inc. ("Murphy") for an opt-in settlement program which would include use of up to $2

million of the disputed cy pres fund. Plaintiffs' counsel indicated that they conferred with their

clients and the majority of responses provided have been in favor of the proposal.

The Court has received several letters from residents of St. Bernard Parish indicating their

objection to the proposed use of some of the cy pres funds. It is, therefore, appropriate to convene

a hearing to provide individuals who object the opportunity to formally state their objection and

explain why they are objecting. Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED that a hearing will be held in the Courtroom of Judge Eldon E. Fallon

on May 18,2009 at 9:30 a.m.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the attached e-mail to Plaintiffs'counsel, map, brief by

Murphy to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and list of responses by

Plaintiffs' counsel be hereby FILED into the record.

I JS 10(00:30) I

This conference was transcribed by Mr. David Zarek, Official Court Reporter. Counsel

may contact Mr. Zarek at (504) 523-6062 to request a copy of the transcript.

-2-

Roberta L. Bums

From:Sent:To:

Subject:Attachments:

Importance:

Dear Counsel:

Roberta L. Burns

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:14 AM([email protected]); ([email protected]); [email protected]);([email protected]); ([email protected]); Abraham Amador([email protected]); Amber Cisney ([email protected]); Amy Guidry; AnthonyD. Irpino Esq. ([email protected]); Arthur Landry ([email protected]);Benjamin D. Beychok Esq. ([email protected]); Brock Darren Dupre' Esq. ([email protected]);Bruce S. Kingsdorf Esq. ([email protected]); Bryan August Pfleeger([email protected]); Christine Lynn DeSue Esq. ([email protected]);Christopher T. Castro Esq. ([email protected]); Conrad S. P. Williams III Esq. ([email protected]); Daniel E. Becnel Jr. ([email protected]); Darleen Marie Jacobs Esq.([email protected]); Darryl James Becnel Esq. ([email protected]); David RyanCannella Esq. ([email protected]); David Scott Scalia Esq.([email protected]); Dawn M. Barrios Esq. ([email protected]);[email protected]; Erica Curole; Ethel Carroll Rogers Esq. ([email protected]);Frank J. Swarr Esq. ([email protected]); Frank Jacob D'Amico Jr. Esq.([email protected]); [email protected]; Gordon Crawford Esq.([email protected]); Greg DiLeo Esq. ([email protected]);[email protected]; Hugh P. Lambert Esq. ([email protected]);Hughes, Jim; [email protected]; Jay Andry [email protected]);[email protected]; Jean Paul Overton; Jeanne Andry [email protected]); Jennifer N. Willis Esq. ([email protected]); Jesse Lee WimberlyIII Esq. ([email protected]); John Randall Whaley Esq. [email protected]); JohnRobert Martzell Esq. [email protected]); John Van Robichaux Jr. ([email protected]);Jonathan D. Orent [email protected]); Joseph Bruno [email protected]);Joseph G. Jevic III Esq. [email protected]); Kara M. Hadican([email protected]); Leonard L. Levenson ([email protected]); Linda Jane NelsonEsq. (/[email protected]); Lisa Batiste; Madro Bandaries ([email protected]); MarkGlago Esq. ([email protected]); Michael Calogero ([email protected]);Michael G. Stag Esq. ([email protected]); Mickey P. Landry Esq.([email protected]); Mickey P. Landry Esq. ([email protected]); NicoleRoseberry; Patti Durio Hatch ([email protected]); Philip Bohrer Esq.(phi/@bohrerlaw.com); Phyllis Michon; Rebecca A. Cunard Esq. ([email protected]);Richard Exnicios ([email protected]); Richard J. Arsenault Esq.([email protected]); Robert M. Becnel Esq. ([email protected]); RobertMarionneaux [email protected]); Roberta L. Burns; Ronnie Glynn Penton Esq.([email protected]); Russ M. Herman Esq. ([email protected]); Scott R.Bickford Esq. ([email protected]); Sean D. Alfortish Esq. ([email protected]);Sherif K. Sakla Esq. ([email protected]); Sidney Torres, III; Spencer R. Doody Esq.([email protected]); Stephen J. Herman Esq. ([email protected]); T. Allen Usry Esq.([email protected]); Val P. Exnicios Esq. ([email protected]); W. MichaelHingle Esq. ([email protected]); Walter C. Dumas; Walter John Leger Jr. Esq.([email protected]); Wiley J. Beevers Esq. ([email protected]); William E.Bradley; [email protected]; Christine L. DeSue; Daniel E. Becnel, III; Gerald E. Meunier;Joseph M. Bruno; Madra Bandaries; Patti Durio Hatch; Travis J. Turner; W. Michael HingleTurner v Murphy: OUt of Area Cases042009 Turner Out-of-Area Settlement Offer.pdf

High

In the class settlement with Murphy Oil, certain funds were earmarked for the compensation of classmembers. Upon completion of the claims/compensation process, however, approximately $5 million ofthose funds remains unused.

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05-L/~D&-L

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Murphy filed a motion seeking the repayment of these unused funds, citing Fifth Circuit authority for the

proposition that a settling defendant has a reversionary interest in such funds when they remain unpaid toclaimants after the completion of a negotiated class settlement program. We opposed the motion and

argued that the funds should be used for the benefit of the class, perhaps on the basis of the ey presdoctrine.

Judge Fallon denied Murphy's motion; but Murphy now has appealed that ruling to the Fifth Circuit. A

briefing schedule is expected shortly.

As you know, a number of claims remain in litigation for those residents who allegedly had oil damage from

the spill, but who were located beyond the class boundaries set by the Court. In order to both address

those claims and resolve the pending appeal as to unused class settlement funds, Murphy now proposes to

dedicate $3 million of the $5 million to class benefit (ey pres), and use the remaining $2 million tocompensate out-of-area property damage claims. As to the latter, Murphy stipulates that each of these

out-of-area property damage claimants would receive an amount less than the property damage awards

made through the class settlement program. The specifics of Murphy's settlement proposal are containedin the attached document (also posted on Pacer at Document # 2759). I am also attaching Murphy's draft

appellate brief regarding the cy pres fund.

Following discussions about this proposal at a recent status conference with Judge Fallon, it appears both

necessary and appropriate that all PSCmembers be advised of the proposal by Murphy, and called upon to

express either support of, or opposition to, the proposal, specifically insofar as it involves disposition ofunused class settlement funds.

As Liaison Counsel, I favor the Murphy proposal because: (1) the appeal to the Fifth Circuit is uncertain as to

outcome, and, if Murphy prevails, this would result in a loss of the entire $5 million; (2) the agreement by

Murphy to use $3 million for class benefit is a significant opportunity for the class, given the risk of an

adverse appeal outcome; and (3) the use of the remaining $2 million for out-of-area claims does benefit the

entire St. Bernard community, including class members.

Please respond no later than Monday. May 4. 2009. bye-mail to me, clearly expressing either your support

of or your opposition to the Murphy proposal.

Sincerely,

Sidney D. Torres, III

Roberta L. Burns8301 W. Judge Perez DriveSuite 303Chalmette, Louisiana 70043Telephone: (504) 271-8422Facsimile: (504) 271-1961Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.torres-Iaw.com

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: INFORMATION IN THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONALAND CONFIDENTIAL USEOF THE

RECIPIENT(S) NAMED ABOVE This message is sent by or on behalf of a lawyer at the law firm listed above, and is intended only for

the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. This message contains information and/or attachments that are

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient

2

or is not the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or

disclose this communication to others. Please notify us immediately at 504-217-8421 if you receive this message in error, and

immediately delete this message and all of its attachments. Thank you.

3

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WITHOUT PREJUDICE-SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION

CY PRES/OUT OF AREA CASES PROPOSAL

$5 million left over in Class Settlement Compensation Program.

$3 million dedicated to charitable purposes/cy pres distribution.

Cy Pres Committee will consist of Sidney Torres, Bobby Klees, Danny Dysartand Carl Zornes (Murphy head of community affairs). Committee will makerecommendations of potential uses of cy pres funds. Potential uses include:

a. Healthcareb. Recreationc. Educationd. Wetlandse. Oil Spill Buyout Zone neighborhood landscaping/beautification

(Andre Neff)f. Recognitionlmemorialization of Murphy oil spill stakeholders,

residents, parish officials, attorneys, etc.

2,500 out of area cases (individuals).

3 zones:

a. Kaltofen zone - $1,500 per personb. Aycock Street-Meraux Pasture - $600 per personc. Rest of St. Bernard Parish,. $250 per person

Total settlement is $2 million assuming all out of area plaintiffs participate.

This $2 million will be paid out of class settlement surplus funds.•

To the extent $2 million is not used, that money will revert to cy pres fund.

Murphy will contribute up to $800,000 in new funds for attorney fees/costsassociated with settlements of out of area claims. These amounts will be paidat contract rates for those out of area claimants who participate in settlement.

Murphy will issue offers of judgment for an amount less than the settlementoffer for those wishing to litigate.

Murphy will seek entry of a Lone Pine Order for those who reject thesettlement offer and wish to litigate their out of area claims.

Again, for those out of area claimants who reject settlement, the amount oftheir settlement will be directed to the cy pres fund and used for charitablepurposes in accordance with the recommendations of the Cy Pres Committeeand rulings of the Court.

If the proposal is accepted, Murphy will dismiss its Notice of Appeal to the FifthCircuit on the issue of reversion/reallocation of the entirety of the $5 million insurplus class settlement funds.

•..

--..coo.

• USDC Records

• Tank 250-2

--Roads

13Out of Area Claims (10.7 square miles)

Kaltofen Boundary (5.1 square miles)

. Turner Class Boundary (2.6 square miles)

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USDC Records in Saint Bernard Parish•"",Jr"

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o 0.5 2 3 • 5 8 7 a ••••••• ApdI15, 20009 cr-.y '-'POr

_""""",,COllI801.802.4307

Roberta L. Burns

From:Sent:To:

Subject:Attachments:

Counsel:

Roberta L. Burns

Tuesday, May 05, 200910:48 AMAnthony D. Irpino; Betty (Hingle Law); Bruce S. Kingsdorf; Christine L. DeSue; Daniel E.Becnel, III; Daniel E. Becnel, Jr.; Darleen M. Jacobs; David R. Cannella; Dawn M. Barrios;Denise Martin; Dianne Zinc Becnel; E. Carroll Rogers; Frank J. Swarr; Gerald E. Meunier;Gilbert V. Andry, III; Gordon R. Crawford; Jerald N. Andry, Jr.; Joseph M. Bruno; MadroBandaries; Mark P. Glago; Mickey P. Landry; Nicole Roseberry; Patti Durio Hatch; PhyllisMichon; Rebecca Cunard; Robert M. Becnel; Roberta L. Burns; Sally (Hingle Law); SidneyTorres, III; Travis J. Turner; Val P. Exnicios; W. Michael Hingle; Walter C. Dumas; Walter J.Leger, Jr.; William E. Bradley;.([email protected]); ([email protected]);([email protected]); ([email protected]); Abraham Amador([email protected]); Amber Cisney ([email protected]); Amy Guidry; ArthurLandry ([email protected]); Benjamin D. Beychok Esq. ([email protected]); BrockDarren Dupre' Esq. ([email protected]); Bryan August Pfleeger ([email protected]);Christine Lynn DeSue Esq. ([email protected]); Christopher T. Castro Esq.([email protected]); Conrad S. P. Williams III Esq. ([email protected]); Darryl JamesBecnel Esq. ([email protected]); David Scott Scalia Esq.([email protected]); Erica Curole; Frank Jacob D'Amico Jr. Esq.([email protected]); Greg DiLeo Esq. ([email protected]);[email protected]; Hugh P. Lambert Esq. ([email protected]);Hughes, Jim; [email protected]; [email protected]; Jean PaulOverton; Jeanne Andry Landry ([email protected]); Jennifer N. Willis Esq.([email protected]); Jesse Lee Wimberly III Esq. ([email protected]); John RandallWhaley Esq. ([email protected]); John Robert Martzell Esq. ([email protected]); JohnVan Robichaux Jr. ([email protected]); Jonathan D. Orent [email protected]);Joseph Bruno [email protected]); Joseph G. Jevic III Esq. (jjevic@crescent-farm. com); Kara M. Hadican ([email protected]); Leonard L. Levenson([email protected]); Linda Jane Nelson Esq. ([email protected]); LisaBatiste; Madro Bandaries ([email protected]); Michael Calogero ([email protected]);Michael G. Stag Esq. ([email protected]); Mickey P. Landry Esq.([email protected]); Patti Durio Hatch ([email protected]); Philip Bohrer Esq.([email protected]); Richard Exnicios ([email protected]); Richard J. Arsenault Esq.([email protected]); Robert Marionneaux ([email protected]); Ronnie GlynnPenton Esq. ([email protected]); Russ M. Herman Esq. ([email protected]);Scott R. Bickford Esq. ([email protected]); Sean D. Alfortish ([email protected]); Sherif K.Sakla Esq. ([email protected]); Spencer R. Doody Esq. ([email protected]);Stephen J. Herman Esq. ([email protected]); T. Allen Usry Esq. ([email protected]);Wiley J. Beevers Esq. ([email protected])Turner: out of area settlement proposal050509 Settlement Remaining Federal Court Cases Votes.wpd; 050409 W Duchmanflyer. pdt, 050509 Settlement Kleyle Attorneys Votes.wpd; 050509 Settlement PSC AttyExecutive Committee VOTES.wpd

The results of our recent survey of all interested counsel concerning the settlement proposal made by Murphy on April20, 2009, are attached.

The overwhelming majority of attorneys have agreed to recommend the settlement proposal to their clients. This doesnot mean that plaintiffs' counsel all have obtained consent to the offer from their clients, only that they will recommendthe settlement. I have broken out the responses in three categories: (l) the members of the PSCwho have, with acouple of exceptions, voted in favor of accepting the proposal; (2) the Kleyle mass joinder attorneys; and, (3) the other

out of area Federal cases, a list of which Murphy provided this office. Murphy has agreed to communicate with allcounsel representing clients in State court.

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I am also attaching for your information a flyer we received yesterday from a St. Bernard resident and apparently being

circulated by Mr. Duchmann.

Thanks you,Roberta

Roberta L. Burns

8301 W. Judge Perez DriveSuite 303Chalmette, Louisiana 70043Telephone: (504) 271-8422Facsimile: (504) 271-1961Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.torres-Iaw.com

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: INFORMATION IN THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE

RECIPIENT(S) NAMED ABOVE This message is sent by or on behalf of a lawyer at the law firm listed above, and is intended only for

the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. This message contains information and/or attachments that are

privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient

or is not the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or

disclose this communication to others. Please notify us immediately at 504-217-8421 if you receive this message in error, and

immediately delete this message and all of its attachments. Thank you.

2

NOTICE TO CLASS MEMBERS...·PATRICK JOSEPH TURNER, ET AL

VS.A ') 4 f)(\\\~

M l 1.,"",.\ MURPHY OIL USA NO.05-4206

. : Excerpt from the Minute Entry ofApril 20, 2009 in U.S. District Court:

Attorneys for Murphy Oil proposed Out-of-Area cases woulduse $5 million in surplus money for Class Action SettlementCompensation Program.3 Zones: A. Kaltofen Zone - $1.500 per person

8. Aycock Street -Meraux Pasture -$600 per personC. Rest of St. Bernard Parish-$250 per person

Murphy will contribute up to $800.000 in new funds for attomey fees/costsassociated with settlements of out of area claims. These amounts will be

paid at contract rates for those out of area claimants who participate insettlement.

1 am opposed to this agreement1. First Patrick Joseph Turner lives at 2001 Landry Court, Meraux t

LAt 2.4 miles outside of the court's designated class boundary andhe is not a class member.2. The settlement agreelnent VI(S), at p. 16 uNon-reversion - Allfuture payments under the Buyout and Compensation Programswill be spent for the benefit of Class Members ..."3. I am opposed to any class money being spent outside of thedesignated Class Action boundary.4. The agreement was that any leftover funds would be .dispersed toclass members; not to those who are not part of the lawsuit.

A hearing has been set in the courtroom ofJudge Eldon Fallon for May 12th, 2009 at 4 p.m.

Wayne J. Duchmann, 610-8320PAID FOR BY WAYNE J, DUCHMANN & FRIENDS

252Sl.£8t>0S

Turner Out-of-Area Settlement Offer

(Remaining Federal Court Cases)

Docket # Caption AttorneyNayYea

06-4830

Aguilar, Bernal L., et al Scott BickfordX

06-4064

Aisola, Cynthia, et al Michael G. StagX

06-4251

Arbon, Anthony, et al Salvador E. Gutierrez, Jr.XMary Ann Hand06-4626

Bell, William, et al Jonathan B. Andryno response

06-4627

Bischoff, Jr., Eugene, et alJonathan B. Andryno response

06-0557

Bouvier, Tammy, et al Lynn Eric Williams, Jr.X.

06-9232 Caillouet, Randall M. Adam Huttonno response

06-4701

Chalmette Emerald LLC &Henry S. Provo styXRainbow Apparel of America

06-9209

Chalmette Retail Center Kirk P. DorseyXWalter J. Leger, III06-9233

Crane, Karen and Maas, Henry &Peter M. MeisnerXSonya

(defers to Mickey Landry)

06-5055

Crocker, Cindy, et al Val P. ExniciosX

06-5089

Diaz, Dr. Raul, et al Hugh LambertX

06-6121

Gagliano, Tony, et al Paul Mayeauxno response

06-4900

Guidry, Brian, et al Lloyd Frischhertzno response

06-8449

Helmke, Richard, Tammy &James B. Guestcounsel is

Brandonconsulting

with hisclients06-4064

Henry, Marcus Mark D. PlaisanceX

08-1456

Jp Morgan Chase Bank Michael D. Ferachino response

06-5081

Kleyle, Anita Various see attached

06-3198

Levy, Darleen Jacobs Darleen Jacobssee separatetally

07-030

Livaudias, Eugene, Sr., et alEricA. Boppno response

06-5309 Luthjens, Mary Alice & Barreca,Michael G. GaffneyXJoseph

06-4606

Mendoza, Anthony, et alJesse L. Wimberly, IIIX

06-9315

Navaille, David Gregory S. Duhycould notcontact

06-9314

Perez, Brian Gregory S. Duhy

06-5170

Tarver, Linda, et al; VanderHoff,Christine Spencerno responseSteven, Michael, Robert, Sandra, Roy & Warren; Johannessen,Debra; Cleland, Brenda

06-4696

Terrebonne, Kathleen Keith CoutureX

06-6351

Zelaya, Carlos, et al Clayton Morris Connorsno responseF. Gerald Maples David VidrineStephen Michael Wiles06-3198

Darleen J. Levy Darleen J. LevyX

Turner Out-of-Area Settlement Offer

(KLEYLE)

Attorney

NayYea

Sidney D. Torres, III (12869)

XRoberta L. Burns (14945)

Gerald E. Meunier (9471)

X

Jerald N. Andry"Jr. (14049)

XGilbert V. Andry, III (2488)

N. Madro Bandaries (25339)

X.

Dawn M. Barrios (2821)

XBruce S. Kingsdorf (7403)

Daniel E. Becnel, Jr. (2926)Daniel E. Becnel, III (20692)

no responseMeghan F. Becnel Burns (29531)

Robert M. Becnel (14072)

X

William E. Bradley (22266)

X

Joseph M. Bruno (3604)

X

Gordon R. Crawford (4583) (DEFERS TO DANNY BECNEL) Rebecca A. Cunard (20154)

X

Walter C. Dwnas (5163)

XPatti Durio Hatch (22719) Travis Turner (29462)

Val P. Exnicios (19563)

X

Mark Philip Glago (25395)

X

Waldon Michael Hingle (6943)

X

Anthony D. Irpino (24727)

X

Darleen Marie Jacobs (7208)X as to her

clients in theKleyle matter;however, Ms.Jacobs doesnot accept theoffer as to herindividual suit,Docket No.06-3198Mickey P. Landry (22817)

X

Frank 1. Swarr (23322) David R. Cannell (26231)Walter John Leger, Jr. (8278)

X

E. Carroll Rogers (11421)

X

TURNER PSC ATTORNEYS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ATTORNEYS

Attorney NayYea

Arsenault, Richard 1.

X

Bandaries, Madro

X

Becnel, Jr., Daniel E.

no response

Becnel, Robert M.

X

Bickford, Scott R.

X

Bradley, William

X

Bruno, Joseph E.

X

Dumas, Walter C.

X

Exnicios, Val Patrick

X

Gutierrez, Jr., Salvador E.

X

Hingle, Michael

X

Irpino, Anthony D.

X

Jacobs, Darleen M.

X, in part

Lambert, Hugh P.

X

Landry, Mickey

X

Leger, Jr., Walter J.

X

Meunier, Gerald E.

X

Penton, Ronnie G.

X

Rogers, E. Carroll

X

Stag, Michael G.

X

Torres, III, Sidney D.

X

Donni Elizabeth Young

no response

Turner v. Murphy Oil Conference May 12, 2009

Documents

Transcript of Turner v. Murphy Oil Conference May 12, 2009