SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION | ||||
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) | ||||
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | [ ] | |||
Check the appropriate box: | ||||
[ ] | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |||
[ ] | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |||
[X] | Definitive Proxy Statement | |||
[ ] | Definitive Additional Materials | |||
[ ] | Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 | |||
Fidelity Court Street Trust II | ||||
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) | ||||
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[X] | No fee required. | |||
[ ] | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |||
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11: | |||
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[ ] | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. | |||
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FIDELITY<R>®</R> CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
SPARTAN<R>®</R> NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
FUNDS OF
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II
82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
1-800-544-3198
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of the above funds:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) of Fidelity<R>®</R> Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan<R>®</R> New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund (the funds), will be held at an office of Fidelity Court Street Trust II (the trust), 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 on September 18, 2002, at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and act upon the following proposals, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
1. To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument.
2. To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees.
3. To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regarding reorganization or termination.
4. To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund.
5. To elect a Board of Trustees.
6. To approve an amended management contract for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
7. To approve an amended management contract for Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
8. To approve an amended management contract for Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
9. To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund.
10. To modify a fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
11. To eliminate a fundamental investment policy of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
12. To modify the fundamental investment objective of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
13. To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
14. To modify the fundamental investment objective of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
15. To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
16. To amend Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowing.
17. To amend each fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting.
18. To amend each fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending.
The Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on July 22, 2002 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of each of the funds entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
ERIC D. ROITER Secretary
July 22, 2002
Your vote is important - please vote your shares promptly.
Shareholders are invited to attend the meeting in person. Any shareholder who does not expect to attend the meeting is urged to vote using the touch-tone or internet voting instructions found below or indicate voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the envelope provided, which needs no postage if mailed in the United States. In order to avoid unnecessary expense,we ask your cooperation in responding promptly, no matter how large or small your holdings may be.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXECUTING PROXY CARD
The following general rules for executing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and help avoid the time and expense involved in validating your vote if you fail to execute your proxy card properly.
1. Individual Accounts: Your name should be signed exactly as it appears in the registration on the proxy card.
2. Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.
3. All other accounts should show the capacity of the individual signing. This can be shown either in the form of the account registration itself or by the individual executing the proxy card. For example:
REGISTRATION | VALID SIGNATURE | ||
A. | 1) | ABC Corp. | John Smith, Treasurer |
2) | ABC Corp. | John Smith, Treasurer | |
c/o John Smith, Treasurer | |||
B. | 1) | ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
2) | ABC Trust | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | |
3) | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | |
C. | 1) | Anthony B. Craft, Cust. | Anthony B. Craft |
f/b/o Anthony B. Craft, Jr. | |||
UGMA |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING BY TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE
OR THROUGH THE INTERNET
1.Read the proxy statement, and have your proxy card handy.
2.Call the toll-free number or visit the web site indicated on your proxy card.
3.Enter the control number found on your proxy card.
4.Follow the recorded or on-line instructions to cast your vote.
PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II:
FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2002
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Court Street Trust II (the trust) to be used at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund (the funds) and at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting), to be held on September 18, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. ET at 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, an office of the trustand Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR), the funds' investment adviser.
The purpose of the Meeting is set forth in the accompanying Notice. The solicitation is being made primarily by the mailing of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about July 22, 2002. Supplementary solicitations may be made by mail, telephone, telegraph, facsimile, electronic means or by personal interview by representatives of thetrust.In addition, D.F. King & Co., Inc.may be paid on a per-call basis to solicit shareholders on behalf ofthe funds at an anticipated cost of approximately $<R>500</R> (Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund), $<R>500</R> (Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund), $<R>500</R> (Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund), and $<R>500</R> (Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund). The funds may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. D.F. King & Co., Inc. may be paid on a per-call basis for vote-by-phone solicitations on behalf of the funds at an anticipated cost of approximately $<R>500</R> (Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund), $<R>500</R> (Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund), $<R>500 </R>(Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund), and $<R>500</R> (Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund). If the funds record votes by telephone or through the internet, they will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders' identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their shares in accordance with their instructions, and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies voted by telephone or through the internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked. The expenses in connection with preparing this Proxy Statement and its enclosures and of all solicitations will be paid by the funds, provided the expenses do not exceed Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's existing voluntary expense cap listed on page <R>36</R>, (except for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, whose expenses will be borne by FMR). Expenses exceeding Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's voluntary expense cap will be paid by FMR. The funds (FMR for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund) will reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares. The costs are allocated among the funds based upon the number of shareholder accounts in each fund.
The principal business address of FMR, each fund's investment adviser and administrator and Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), each fund's principal underwriter and distribution agent, is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The principal business address of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (FIMM), sub-adviser to the funds, is 1 Spartan Way, Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054.
If the enclosed proxy card is executed and returned, or an internet or telephonic vote is delivered, that vote may nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by written notification received by the trust, by the execution of a later-dated proxy card, by the trust's receipt of a subsequent valid internet or telephonic vote, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
All proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the Meeting, and are not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting. Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no specification is made on a proxy card, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy card. All shares that are voted and votes to ABSTAIN will be counted towards establishing a quorum, as will broker non-votes. (Broker non-votes are shares for which (i) the beneficial owner has not voted and (ii) the broker holding the shares does not have discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.)
With respect to fund shares held in Fidelity individual retirement accounts (including Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SARSEP, Roth and SIMPLE IRAs), the IRA Custodian will vote those shares for which it has received instructions from shareholders only in accordance with such instructions. If Fidelity IRA shareholders do not vote their shares, the IRA Custodian will vote their shares for them, in the same proportion as other Fidelity IRA shareholders have voted, but only to the extent necessary to reach quorum at the meeting.
If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or if a quorum is present at the Meeting but sufficient votes to approve one or more of the proposed items are not received, or if other matters arise requiring shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present at the Meeting or represented by proxy. When voting on a proposed adjournment, the persons named as proxy agents will vote FOR the proposed adjournment all shares that they are entitled to vote with respect to each item, unless directed to vote AGAINST the item, in which case such shares will be voted AGAINST the proposed adjournment with respect to that item. A shareholder vote may be taken on one or more of the items in this Proxy Statement prior to such adjournment if sufficient votes have been received and it is otherwise appropriate. Please visit www.fidelity.com/goto/proxies to determine the status of this scheduled shareholder Meeting.
Shares of each fund of the trust issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2002 are indicated in the following table:
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | 987,599,835</R> |
<R>Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | 709,549,927</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 1,164,854,822</R> |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 557,307,533</R> |
To the knowledge of the trust, no shareholder owned of record or beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the funds on that date.
FMR has advised the trust that certain shares are registered to FMR or an FMR affiliate. To the extent that FMR or an FMR affiliate has discretion to vote, these shares will be voted at the Meeting FOR each proposal. Otherwise, these shares will be voted in accordance with the plan or agreement governing the shares. Although the terms of the plans and agreements vary, generally the shares must be voted either (i) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders or (ii) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders and, for shareholders who do not vote, in the same proportion as certain other shareholders have voted.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2002 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each such shareholder will be entitled to one vote foreach dollar of net asset value held on that date.
For a free copy of each fund's annual report for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, and the semiannual report for the fiscal period ended May 31, 2002 call 1-800-544-3198 or write to Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
VOTE REQUIRED: Approval of Proposals 1 and 2requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the entire trust voted in person or by proxy at the Meeting, and a plurality of such shares is sufficient to elect Trustees pursuant to Proposal 5. Approval of Proposals3 and 4 requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" ofthe entire trust. Approval of Proposals 6 through 18 requires the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the appropriate fund. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting or represented by proxy if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. With respect to each Proposal, votes to ABSTAIN and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes cast AGAINST the proposal.
The following table summarizes the proposals applicable to each fund:
Proposal # | Proposal Description | Applicable Fund(s) | Page |
<R> 1. | To continue the effectiveness ofArticle VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument. | All | 4</R> |
<R> 2. | To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees. | All | 4</R> |
<R> 3. | To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regarding reorganization or termination. | All | 4</R> |
<R> 4. | To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund. | All | 4</R> |
<R> 5. | To elect as Trustees the nominees presented in Proposal 5. | All | 6</R> |
<R> 6. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund that would allow future modifications of the contract without shareholder approval if permitted by the 1940 Act and include annual premium payments, if any, to a Mutual Insurance Company. | Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | 13</R> |
<R> 7. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund that would reduce the management fee, allow future modifications of the contract without shareholder approval if permitted by the 1940 Act, and include annual premium payments, if any, to a Mutual Insurance Company. | Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 18</R> |
<R> 8. | To approve an amended management contract for the funds that would reduce the management fee payable to FMR by the funds as FMR's assets under management increase, and allow future modifications of the contract without shareholder approval if permitted by the 1940 Act. | Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 23</R> |
<R> 9. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | 27</R> |
<R> 10. | To modify a fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | 27</R> |
<R> 11. | To eliminate a fundamental investment policy of the fund. | Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | 28</R> |
<R> 12. | To modify the fundamental investment objective of the fund. | Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 28</R> |
<R> 13. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 29</R> |
<R> 14. | To modify the fundamental investment objective of the fund. | Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 29</R> |
<R> 15. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 30</R> |
<R> 16. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowing. | Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | 30</R> |
<R> 17. | To amend the underwriting limitation to exclude "securities of other investment companies" from the limit. | All | 31</R> |
<R> 18. | To amend the lending limitation to clarify that acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other debt instruments are not considered lending. | All | 31</R> |
1. TO CONTINUE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTICLE VII, SECTION 7.04 OF THE TRUST INSTRUMENT.
The Board of Trustees recommends that shareholders vote to continue the effectiveness ofArticle VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument.
On September 14, 2000, pursuant to authority granted to the Trustees underArticle XI, Section 11.08 of the Trust Instrument and applicable laws, the Trustees modified a provision in the Trust Instrument to resolve any legal uncertainty regarding derivative actions brought on behalf of a fund. Under state law in order for a shareholder to file most derivative actions on behalf of a fund, the shareholder must first make demand on the Trustees of the fund to bring the claim. However, claims for violation of fiduciary duty involving the receipt of compensation by an adviser can be brought directly by the shareholder without first making demand on the Trustees. Notwithstanding their authority to amend the Trust Instrument, the Trustees authorized the submission of this amendment to shareholders to vote on the continued effectiveness of the provision. The amended provision currently in effect is set forth below.
Section 7.04. In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder may bring derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the Shareholder or Shareholders first make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such action is excused. A demand on the Trustees shall only be excused if a majority of the Board of Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, has a personal financial interest in the action at issue. A Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal financial interest in an action or otherwise be disqualified from ruling on a Shareholder demand by virtue of the fact that such Trustee receives remuneration from his service on the Board of Trustees of the Trust or on the boards of one or more investment companies with the same or an affiliated investment advisor or underwriter.
The amendment provides that a Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal interest or otherwise be disqualified from considering a pre-suit demand by a shareholder to bring a derivative action on behalf of a fund due to his or her service on boards of trustees of other funds with the same or affiliated investment advisor or underwriter. There is some legal uncertainty regarding whether a Trustee serving on multiple boards of trustees is independent of the investment advisor and, therefore, permitted to consider a pre-suit demand by a shareholder seeking to assert a claim against a fund's investment advisor. The Trustees seek to ensure that they retain the ability to manage the affairs of the funds, including control of derivative actions that are brought on behalf of a fund. This provision in the amendment will resolve any legal uncertainty by expressly stating that a Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal interest or otherwise be disqualified from considering a pre-suit demand due to his or her service on multiple fund boards of trustees.
Continuing the effectiveness of the amendment willnot alter in any way the Trustees' existing fiduciary obligations to act with due care and in shareholders' interests.
If shareholders do not vote to continue the provision's effectiveness, the Trustees will execute an amended and restated Trust Instrument which replaces the version of Article VII, Section 7.04 discussed above with the following version which appeared prior to the September 14, 2000 amendment by the Trustees.
Section 7.04. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, all matters relating to the bringing of derivative actions in the right of the Trust shall be governed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware relating to derivative actions, and judicial interpretations thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation and the Shareholders were shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that continuing the effectiveness of the amendment to Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument is in the best interests of the trust's shareholders. Accordingly, the Trustees unanimously recommend that shareholders vote FOR the proposal. If the proposal is approved,Article VII, Section 7.04 will remain unchanged as it appears in the current Trust Instrument. If the proposal is not approved, the Trustees will execute an amended and restated Trust Instrument incorporating the version of Article VII, Section 7.04 that was in effect prior to the September 14, 2000 amendment by the Trustees.
2, 3, and 4. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRUSTEES TO ADOPT AN AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST INSTRUMENT.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the trust authorize them to adopt and execute, an amended and restated Trust Instrument in the form attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit 1 (New Trust Instrument). The New Trust Instrument has been marked to show changes from the trust's existing Trust Instrument (Current Trust Instrument). The New Trust Instrument is a standard form that will be used for all new Fidelity funds organized as Delaware business trusts going forward.
The New Trust Instrument gives the Trustees more flexibility and, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and Delaware law, broader authority to act. This increased flexibility may allow the Trustees to react more quickly to changes in competitive and regulatory conditions and, as a consequence, may allow the funds to operate in a more efficient and economical manner. Adoption of the New Trust Instrument will not alter in any way the Trustees' existing fiduciary obligations to act with due care and in the shareholders' interests. Before utilizing any new flexibility that the New Trust Instrument may afford, the Trustees must first consider the shareholders' interests and then act in accordance with such interests.
Under the Current Trust Instrument, shareholders generally have the right to vote on any amendment affecting their right to vote, any amendment affecting the amendment provisions of the Trust Instrument, any amendment required by law or the trust's registration statement, and any matter submitted to the shareholders by the Trustees. On November 18, 1999, the Trustees approved the form of the New Trust Instrument. On December 14, 2000, the Trustees approved additional changes to the form of the New Trust Instrument, which changes have been incorporated into the form attached to this Proxy Statement. On February 14, 2002, the Board authorized the submission of the New Trust Instrument to the trust's shareholders for their authorization at this Meeting.
In addition to the modifications discussed below, in the New Trust Instrument other nonmaterial changes may be noted (see Exhibit 1). The changes are intended to clarify certain language and conform the Current Trust Instrument to the standard for all new Fidelity funds organized as Delaware business trusts going forward. If any of Proposals 2, 3 or 4 are approved by shareholders, it is intended that these nonmaterial changes will be included in the New Trust Instrument that will be executed.
As summarized below, shareholders are being asked to approve three proposals to amend the Current Trust Instrument.
PROPOSAL 2. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRUSTEES TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TRUSTEES.
The New Trust Instrument modifies Article III, Sections 3.02 and 3.06 of the Current Trust Instrument to allow the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees from twelve (12) to fourteen (14). This increase is intended to enhance the flexibility of the Board to organize itself and its committees in overseeing management of the Fidelity Funds and to expand the level of the Board's expertise.
PROPOSAL 3. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRUSTEES TO CLARIFY THE SCOPE OF THE TRUSTEES' AUTHORITY REGARDING REORGANIZATION OR TERMINATION.
Unlike the Current Trust Instrument, Article XI, Sections 11.05, 11.06 and 11.07 of the New Trust Instrument generally permits the Trustees, subject to applicable Federal and state law, to reorganize or terminate all or a portion of the trust or any of its series or classes. The Current Trust Instrument requires shareholder approval in order to reorganize or terminate the trust or any of its series except for certain reorganizations whose purpose is to change the form of organization of the trust.
Under certain circumstances, it may not be in the shareholders' interest to require a shareholder meeting to authorize the reorganization of all or a portion of the trust, a fund or class into another entity. For example, in order to consolidate and streamline the production and mailing of certain financial reports and prospectuses, the Trustees may determine that it would be in the shareholders' interests to reorganize a fund into a trust with a different fiscal year-end. Under the Current Trust Instrument, the Trustees cannot effectuate such a potentially beneficial reorganization without first conducting a shareholder meeting and incurring the attendant costs and delays. In contrast, the New Trust Instrument gives the Trustees the flexibility to reorganize all or a portion of the trust or any of its series or classes and achieve potential shareholder benefits without incurring the delay and potential costs of a proxy solicitation. Such flexibility should help to assure that the trust and its funds operate under the most appropriate form of organization.
Similarly, under certain circumstances, it may not be in the shareholders' interest to require a shareholder meeting to permit the Trustees to terminate a fund or class. For example, a fund may have insufficient assets to invest effectively or excessively high expense levels due to operational needs. Under such circumstances, absent viable alternatives, the Trustees may determine that terminating the fund is in the shareholders' interest and the only appropriate course of action. The process of obtaining shareholder approval of the fund's termination may, however, make it more difficult to complete the fund's liquidation and termination and, in general, will increase the costs associated with the termination. In such a case, it may be in the shareholders' interest to permit fund termination without incurring the costs and delays of a shareholder meeting.
As discussed above, before allowing a trust, fund or class reorganization or termination to proceed without shareholder approval, the Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to first determine that the proposed transaction is in the shareholders' interest. Any exercise of the Trustees' increased authority under the New Trust Instrument is also subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and Delaware law.Of course, in all cases, the New Trust Instrument would require that shareholders receive written notification of any proposed transaction.
The New Trust Instrument doesnot give the Trustees the authority to merge a fund or class with another operating mutual fund or sell all or a portion of a class or fund's assets to another operating mutual fund without first seeking shareholder approval. Under the New Trust Instrument, shareholder approval is still required for these transactions.
PROPOSAL 4. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRUSTEES TO ENTER INTO MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS ON BEHALF OF A NEW FUND.
The New Trust Instrument modifies Article VI, Section 6.01 of the Current Trust Instrument to allow the Trustees, on behalf of a new fund, to enter into a management contract with FMR subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified or interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Current Trust Instrument explicitly requires the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a fund to initially approve such a contract. The SEC permits the sole initial shareholder, usually FMR or an affiliate, to approve the initial management contract rather than the fund's public shareholders. The New Trust Instrument would clarify that approval by the sole initial shareholder is sufficient if permitted by the SEC.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the proposed adoption of the New Trust Instrument is in the best interest of the trust's shareholders. Accordingly, the Trustees unanimously recommend that the shareholders vote FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4 to authorize them to adopt and execute the New Trust Instrument. If Proposals 2, 3 and 4 are all approved by shareholders, the Trustees will adopt the form of New Trust Instrument attached as Exhibit 1. If some but not all of Proposals 2, 3 and 4 are approved, the Trustees will adopt a form of New Trust Instrument that reflects only those approved Proposals (and the nonmaterial changes shown in Exhibit 1). If none of Proposals 2, 3 or 4 are approved, the Current Trust Instrument will remain unchanged and in effect.As explained in Proposal 1, please note that, notwithstanding approval of Proposals 2, 3 or 4, if Proposal 1 is not approved, the Trustees will execute an amended and restated Trust Instrument incorporating the version ofArticle VII, Section 7.04 that was in effect prior to the September 14, 2000 amendment ofArticle VII, Section 7.04 by the Trustees.
5. TO ELECT A BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The purpose of this proposal is to elect a Board of Trustees of the trust. The Trustees have determined that the Board of Trustees should be expanded from a maximum of 12 to a maximum of 14 members and have fixed the number of Trustees at 13. Pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Instrument of Fidelity Court Street Trust II, the increase in the size of the Board of Trustees is subject to shareholder approval (see Proposal 2). If shareholders approve expansion of the Board of Trustees, it is intended that the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election as Trustees of the 13 nominees listed below unless such authority has been withheld in the proxy. Otherwise, the number of Trustees will continue to be fixed at 12 and the enclosed proxy will be voted for all nominees listed below except for William S. Stavropoulos, unless such authority has been withheld in the proxy.
Except for Mr. Stavropoulos, all nominees named below are currently Trustees ofFidelity Court Street Trust II and have served in that capacity continuously since originally elected or appointed.J. Michael Cook, Abigail P. Johnson, Marie L. Knowles, and Ned C. Lautenbach were selected by the trust's Nominating and Administration Committee (see page <R>39</R>)and were appointed to the Board onJanuary 1, 2001, June 15, 2001, January 1, 2001 and January 1, 2000, respectively. Mr. Stavropoulos is currently a Member of the Advisory Board of the trust. Mr. Stavropoulos was selected by the trust's Nominating and Administration Committee and was appointed as a Member of the Advisory Board onNovember 1, 2000.
Except for William O. McCoy and Mr. Stavropoulos, each of the nominees oversees 26<R>2</R> funds advised by FMR. Mr. McCoy oversees 26<R>4</R> funds advised by FMR and Mr. Stavropoulos oversees 20<R>2</R> funds advised by FMR.
If shareholders approve an increase in the size of the Board of Trustees, in the election of Trustees, those 13 nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast at the Meeting, provided a quorum is present, shall be elected. If shareholders do not approve an increase in the size of the Board of Trustees, in the election of Trustees, those 12 nominees (not including Mr. Stavropoulos) receiving the highest number of votes cast at the Meeting, provided a quorum is present, shall be elected.
Interested Nominees*:
Correspondence intended for each nominee who is an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) may be sent to 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation** | |
Edward C. Johnson 3d (72)*** | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1991 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Johnson is President of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. Mr. Johnson also serves as President of other Fidelity funds. He is Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; a Director of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.; Chairman and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.; Chairman (1998) and a Director (1997) of Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc.; and Chairman (2001) and a Director (2000) of FMR Co., Inc. | |
Abigail P. Johnson (40)*** | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Ms. Johnson is Senior Vice President of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. Ms. Johnson also serves as Senior Vice President of other Fidelity funds (2001). She is President and a Director of FMR (2001), Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (2001), FMR Co., Inc. (2001), and a Director of FMR Corp. Previously, Ms. Johnson managed a number of Fidelity funds. | |
Peter S. Lynch (59) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1991 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Lynch is Vice Chairman and a Director of FMR, and Vice Chairman (2001) and a Director (2000) of FMR Co., Inc. Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991), Vice President of Fidelity® Magellan® Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader, and Managing Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity Investments Corporate Services. In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield, John F. Kennedy Library, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. |
* Nominees have been determined to be "interested" by virtue of, among other things, their affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
*** Edward C. Johnson 3d, Trustee and President of the funds, is Abigail P. Johnson's father.
Non-Interested Nominees:
Correspondence intended for each non-interested nominee (that is, the nominees other than the interested nominees) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P. O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation* | |
J. Michael Cook (59) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Prior to Mr. Cook's retirement in May 1999, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte & Touche LLP (accounting/consulting), Chairman of the Deloitte & Touche Foundation, and a member of the Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He currently serves as a Director of AT&T (2001), International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (2000), Rockwell Automation International (2000), The Dow Chemical Company (2000), and HCA - The Healthcare Company (1999). He is a Member of the Advisory Board of the Securities Regulation Institute, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Catalyst (a leading organization for the advancement of women in business), a Director of the STAR Foundation (Society to Advance the Retarded and Handicapped), and is Chairman of the Accountability Advisory Panel to the Comptroller General of the United States. He also serves as a member of the Board of Overseers of the Columbia Business School and a Member of the Advisory Board of the Graduate School of Business of the University of Florida. | |
Ralph F. Cox (70) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1991 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Cox is President of RABAR Enterprises (management consulting for the petroleum industry). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr. Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of Waste Management Inc. (non-hazardous waste), CH2M Hill Companies (engineering), and Abraxas Petroleum (petroleum exploration and production, 1999). In addition, he is a member of advisory boards of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. | |
Phyllis Burke Davis (70) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1992 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mrs. Davis is retired from Avon Products, Inc. (consumer products) where she held various positions including Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Group Vice President of U.S. product marketing, sales, distribution, and manufacturing. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Toshiba International Advisory Group of Toshiba Corporation (2001) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Southampton Hospital in Southampton, N.Y. (1998).Previously, she served as a Director of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (diversified industrial), the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), Hallmark Cards, Inc., Nabisco Brands, Inc., and Standard Brands, Inc. | |
Robert M. Gates (58) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Gates is a consultant, educator, and lecturer. He was Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1991 to 1993. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Gates served as Assistant to the President of the United States and Deputy National Security Advisor. Mr. Gates is a Director of Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (non-profit), NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and manufacturing), TRW Inc. (automotive, space, defense, and information technology), and Parker Drilling Co., Inc. (drilling and rental tools for the energy industry, 2001). He also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of VoteHere.net (secure internet voting, 2001). Previously, Mr. Gates served as a Director of LucasVarity PLC (automotive components and diesel engines) and Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (1999-2001). Mr. Gates also is a Trustee of the Forum for International Policy. | |
Donald J. Kirk (69) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1991 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Kirk is a Public Governor of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and of the American Stock Exchange (2001), a Director and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Arts Stabilization Inc., a Trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Greenwich Hospital Association, and a Director of the Yale-New Haven Health Services Corp. (1998). Mr. Kirk was an Executive-in-Residence (1995-2000) and a Professor (1987-1995) at Columbia University Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Previously, Mr. Kirk served as a member and Vice Chairman of the Public Oversight Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice Section (1995-2002), a Director of General Re Corporation (reinsurance, 1987-1998) and as a Director of Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations). | |
Marie L. Knowles (55) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Prior to Ms. Knowles' retirement in June 2000, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (diversified energy, 1996-2000). From 1993 to 1996, she was a Senior Vice President of ARCO and President of ARCO Transportation Company. She served as a Director of ARCO from 1996 to 1998. She currently serves as a Director of Phelps Dodge Corporation (copper mining and manufacturing), URS Corporation (multidisciplinary engineering, 1999), and America West Holdings Corporation (aviation and travel services, 1999). Ms. Knowles is a Trustee of the Brookings Institution and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of the University of Southern California. | |
Ned C. Lautenbach (58) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Lautenbach has been a partner of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. (private equity investment firm) since September 1998. Previously, Mr. Lautenbach was with the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) from 1968 until his retirement in 1998. He was most recently Senior Vice President and Group Executive of Worldwide Sales and Services. From 1993 to 1995, he was Chairman of IBM World Trade Corporation, and from 1994 to 1998 was a member of IBM's Corporate Executive Committee. Mr. Lautenbach serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1999) and as a Director (1998) of Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment). He is also Co-Chairman and C.E.O. of Covansys, Inc. (global provider of business and technology solutions, 2000). In addition, he is a Director of Eaton Corporation (diversified industrial, 1997), Axcelis Technologies (semiconductors, 2000), and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida (1999). He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Fairfield University and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. | |
Marvin L. Mann (69) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1993 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Mann is Chairman of the non-interested Trustees (2001). He is Chairman Emeritus of Lexmark International, Inc. (computer peripherals) where he remains a member of the Board. Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice President of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries. Mr. Mann is a Board Member of Imation Corp. (imaging and information storage, 1997) and Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment, 1999). He is also a member of the Director Services Committee of the Investment Company Institute. In addition, Mr. Mann is a member of the President's Cabinet at the University of Alabama and the Board of Visitors of the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of Alabama. | |
William O. McCoy (68) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Trustee of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Prior to his retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice Chairman of the Board of BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and President of BellSouth Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty Corporation (holding company), Duke Realty Corporation (real estate), Progress Energy, Inc. (electric utility), and Acterna Corporation (communications test equipment, 1999). He is also a partner of Franklin Street Partners (private investment management firm, 1997) and a member of the Research Triangle Foundation Board. In addition, Mr. McCoy served as the Interim Chancellor (1999-2000) and a member of the Board of Visitors (1994-1998) for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina Health Care System and the Board of Visitors of the Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). He also served as Vice President of Finance for the University of North Carolina (16-school system, 1995-1998). | |
William S. Stavropoulos (63) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000 Member of the Advisory Board of Fidelity Court Street Trust II. Mr. Stavropoulos also serves as a Trustee (2001) or Member of the Advisory Board (2000) of other investment companies advised by FMR. He is Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee (2000) and a Director of The Dow Chemical Company. Since joining The Dow Chemical Company in 1967, Mr. Stavropoulos served in numerous senior management positions, including President (1993-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1995-2000). Currently, he is a Director of NCR Corporation (data warehousing and technology solutions, 1997), BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications, 1997), and the Chemical Financial Corporation. He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and Fordham University. In addition, Mr. Stavropoulos is a member of the American Chemical Society, The Business Council, J.P. Morgan International Council, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the University of Notre Dame Advisory Council for the College of Science. |
* Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
As of May 31, 2002, the nominees, Trustees and officers of the trust and each fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of each fund's outstanding shares.
If elected, the Trustees will hold office without limit in time except that (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) a Trustee may be removed at any Special Meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. In case a vacancy shall for any reason exist, the remaining Trustees will fill such vacancy by appointing another Trustee, so long as, immediately after such appointment, at least two-thirds of the Trustees have been elected by shareholders. If, at any time, less than a majority of the Trustees holding office has been elected by the shareholders, the Trustees then in office will promptly call a shareholders' meeting for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees. Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees. The Advisory Board Member holds office without limit in time except that any Advisory Board Member may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees.
The trust's Board, which is currently composed of three interested and nine non-interested Trustees, met 11times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001. It is expected that the Trustees will meet at least 11 times a year at regularly scheduled meetings. For additional information on the committees of the funds' Trustees, refer to the section entitled "Standing Committees of the Funds' Trustees beginning on page <R>38</R>.
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each nominee in each fund and in all Fidelity funds in the aggregate overseen by the nominee as of June 30, 2002.
Interested Nominees | |||
DOLLAR RANGE OF | Edward C. Johnson 3d | Abigail P. Johnson | Peter S. Lynch |
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none</R> |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 |
Non-Interested Nominees | |||||
DOLLAR RANGE OF | J. Michael Cook | Ralph F. Cox | Phyllis Burke Davis | Robert M. Gates | Donald J. Kirk |
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | over $100,000 | none | none | none | over $100,000</R> |
<R>Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 |
DOLLAR RANGE OF | Marie L. Knowles | Ned C. Lautenbach | Marvin L. Mann | William O. McCoy | William S. Stavropoulos |
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | none | $1 - $10,000 | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | none | none | none | none | none</R> |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 |
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board for his or her services for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, or calendar year ended December 31, 2001, as applicable.
Compensation Table | ||||||||
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION | Edward C. | Abigail P. | J. MichaelCook** | Ralph F. | Phyllis Burke Davis | Robert M. Gates | Donald J. Kirk | Marie L. Knowles*** |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 234 | $ 236 | $ 230 | $ 237 | $ 235 | $ 236 |
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 177 | $ 177 | $ 174 | $ 178 | $ 177 | $ 177 |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 311 | $ 312 | $ 304 | $ 314 | $ 312 | $ 312 |
Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 149 | $ 150 | $ 146 | $ 151 | $ 150 | $ 150 |
TOTAL COMPENSATION | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 256,500 | $ 256,500 | $ 250,500 | $ 259,500 | $ 256,500 | $ 256,500 |
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION | Ned C. | Peter S. Lynch* | Marvin L. Mann | William O. McCoy | Gerald C. | William S. | Thomas R. | |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 234 | $ 0 | $ 287 | $ 236 | $ 20 | $ 233 | $ 16 | |
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 177 | $ 0 | $ 216 | $ 177 | $ 13 | $ 176 | $ 11 | |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 310 | $ 0 | $ 380 | $ 313 | $ 26 | $ 308 | $ 21 | |
Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 149 | $ 0 | $ 182 | $ 150 | $ 13 | $ 148 | $ 10 | |
TOTAL COMPENSATION | $ 256,500 | $ 0 | $ 316,500 | $ 297,000 | $ 0 | $ 255,000 | $ 0 |
* Interested persons are compensated by FMR.
** During the period from March 16, 2000 through December 31, 2000, Mr. Cook served as a Member of the Advisory Board. Effective January 1, 2001, Mr. Cook serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees.
*** During the period from June 15, 2000 through December 31, 2000, Ms. Knowles served as a Member of the Advisory Board. Effective January 1, 2001, Ms. Knowles serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees.
**** Effective November 1, 2000, Mr. Stavropoulos serves as a Member of the Advisory Board.
***** Messrs. McDonough and Williams served on the Board of Trustees through December 31, 2000.
# Effective June 15, 2001, Ms. Johnson serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees.
AInformation is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2001 for 264 funds of 56 trusts in the complex. Compensation figures include cash, amounts required to be deferred, and may include amounts deferred at the election of Trustees. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2001, the Trustees accrued required deferred compensation from the funds as follows: J. Michael Cook, $111,000; Ralph F. Cox, $111,000; Phyllis Burke Davis, $111,000; Robert M. Gates, $111,000; Donald J. Kirk, $111,000; Marie L. Knowles, $111,000; Ned C. Lautenbach, $111,000; Marvin L. Mann, $141,000; William O. McCoy, $111,000; and William S. Stavropoulos, $26,734. Certain of the non-interested Trustees elected voluntarily to defer a portion of their compensation as follows: J. Michael Cook, $30,723; Ralph F. Cox, $30,723; Ned C. Lautenbach, $38,103; and William O. McCoy, $38,103.
Under a deferred compensation plan adopted in September 1995 and amended in November 1996 and January 2000 (the Plan), non-interested Trustees must defer receipt of a portion of, and may elect to defer receipt of an additional portion of, their annual fees. Amounts deferred under the Plan are treated as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in shares of a cross-section of Fidelity funds including funds in each major investment discipline and representing a majority of Fidelity's assets under management (the Reference Funds). The amounts ultimately received by the non-interested Trustees under the Plan will be directly linked to the investment performance of the Reference Funds. Deferral of fees in accordance with the Plan will have a negligible effect on a fund's assets, liabilities, and net income per share, and will not obligate a fund to retain the services of any non-interested Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the non-interested Trustee. A fund may invest in the Reference Funds under the Plan without shareholder approval.
6. TO APPROVE AN AMENDED MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees, including a majority of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the trust or FMR (the Non-Interested Trustees), has approved, and recommends that shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to adopt an amended management contract with FMR (the Amended Contract). The Amended Contract modifies the list of enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund under its existing management contract (the Present Contract) to include annual premiums (Annual Premiums) payable on or after January 1, 2004, if any, for insurance coverage (Insurance Coverage) provided by a mutual insurance company (the Mutual Insurance Company). In addition, the Amended Contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to modify the Management Contract subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Present Contract currently requires the vote of a majority of the fund's outstanding voting securities to authorize all amendments. See "Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions" on page <R>16</R> for more details. (For information on FMR, see "Activities and Management of FMR" on page <R>32</R>.)
The Mutual Insurance Company. The fund attempts to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. The possibility exists, however, that certain events, such as a material default on a security in a fund's investment portfolio, could cause the fund to sustain a loss that results in the net asset value of the fund falling below $1.00 per share. The fund may obtain insurance to minimize (but not eliminate) the risk of such a loss. Because insurance provided directly by a third-party insurer can be expensive, FMR has established a captive mutual insurance company to offer insurance to Fidelity money market funds effective January 1, 1999.
The Insurance Coverage. The Mutual Insurance Company was established to provide participating Fidelity money market funds with limited coverage (initially up to $100 million annually) against credit defaults and similar losses on securities in their investment portfolios. Certain other losses, such as those due to interest rate fluctuations, are not covered, and despite Insurance Coverage, the fund's net asset value still could fall below $1.00 per share. Fidelity money market funds may participate in the Insurance Coverage in a given year if they hold insurable assets as of the prior September 30, which is the date as of which portfolio assets are reviewed and Annual Premiums are calculated for the following year. Insurable assets include commercial paper, repurchase agreements and obligations of municipalities, banks and government agencies. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, annually reviews the Insurance Coverage and determines if continued Insurance Coverage is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders.
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund has participated in Insurance Coverage since it was initiated in 1999. For the 1999, 2000, and 2001 policy years, FMR bore the cost of the Annual Premiums for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, has determined, based on available rates and terms, not to obtain Insurance Coverage for the 2002 policy year. Insurance Coverage may be reinstated for future policy years.
If shareholders approve the Amended Contract, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, until December 31, 2003, and the fund will be required to pay Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, beginning in 2004. If shareholders of the fund do not approve the Amended Contract, FMR has the right either not to obtain coverage for a policy year in which it would otherwise do so or to cease paying any Annual Premiums immediately and terminate a fund's participation in the Insurance Coverage effective the following year. Participating funds may incur other expenses as described more fully below in the section "Present Management Contracts" on page <R>33</R>.
Proposed Amendments to the Present Management Contract. A copy of the Amended Contract, marked to indicate the proposed amendments, is supplied as Exhibit 2 on page <R>58</R>. Except for the modifications discussed above, it is substantially identical to the Present Contract. (For a detailed discussion of the fund's Present Contract, refer to the section entitled "Present Management Contracts" beginning on page <R>33</R>.) If approved by shareholders, the Amended Contract will take effect October 1, 2002 (or, if later, the first day of the first month following approval) and will remain in effect through May 31, 2003, and thereafter, but only as long as its continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose, of a majority of the Non-Interested Trustees and (ii) the vote of either a majority of the Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund. If the Amended Contract is not approved, the Present Contract will continue in effect through May 31, 2003, and thereafter only as long as its continuance is approved at least annually as above.
Current Management Fee. The fund's management fee is an annual percentage of the fund's average daily net assets, calculated and paid monthly. Under the Present Contract, the fund pays FMR an all-inclusive management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily net assets. FMR pays all the expenses involved in the operation of the fund, with the following exceptions: taxes; the fees and expenses of the Non-Interested Trustees; brokerage fees and commissions; interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the fund; and such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation the fund may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation. The fund's management fee is reduced by the amount of compensation that the fund pays to the Non-Interested Trustees.
Modification to Management Fee Calculation. Under the Amended Contract, the fund would become responsible for Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, payable on or after January 1, 2004. If the Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, determines that the fund should participate in the Insurance Coverage for the 2003 policy year, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, until December 31, 2003, provided shareholders approve the Amended Contract. For the policy year commencing January 1, 2001, the most recent policy year for which the Insurance Coverage was in effect, the Annual Premium of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund totaled $17,553.
Reasons for the Proposal. As noted above, from year to year the Board of Trustees may determine that Insurance Coverage is beneficial to the fund and its shareholders. FMR expects that, during years in which the Insurance Coverage is in effect, the aggregate Annual Premium for all participating funds will be less than the cost of comparable coverage provided directly by third-party insurers. If the Amended Contract is approved, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, if any, payable on or before December 31, 2003. Moreover, participating funds will receive a continuing benefit over time as premiums accumulate, assuming no or few losses occur. In particular, the build-up of premiums over time may permit the Mutual Insurance Company to lower premiums for the same coverage and/or increase coverage for the same premiums. See "Additional Information Regarding the Mutual Insurance Company" on page <R>14</R> for more details.
The Board of Trustees has recognized the potential benefits of Insurance Coverage to a fund that holds insurable assets and, given these benefits, believes that it is appropriate to amend the management contract of the fund to include Annual Premiums payable to the Mutual Insurance Company on or after January 1, 2004, if any, among the enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund. The Board of Trustees also has recognized that if shareholders of the fund do not approve the Amended Contract, FMR has the right either not to obtain coverage for a policy year in which it might otherwise do so or to cease paying any Annual Premiums immediately and terminate the fund's participation in the Insurance Coverage effective the following year.
Additional Information Regarding the Mutual Insurance Company. The Mutual Insurance Company is a Bermuda mutual insurance company that commenced operations on January 1, 1999. As a mutual insurance company, it does not issue stock; ownership interests in the Mutual Insurance Company belong only to the participating funds as policyholders.
The fund's Annual Premiums, if any, are based on the risk profile and dollar amount of the fund's insurable assets. In addition to Annual Premiums, in order to maximize coverage while maintaining low Annual Premiums, the Mutual Insurance Company's insurance policies are "assessable;" that is, if (but only if) a loss event occurs and the accumulated reserves of the Mutual Insurance Company are insufficient to cover the loss, all funds participating in the Insurance Coverage will be subject, in addition to their Annual Premium payment, to a special assessment premium of up to approximately 2.5 times their Annual Premium payment. The special assessment will be made on a pro rata basis in the same proportion as participating funds' then-current pro rata share of Annual Premiums. Special assessment premiums are considered a non-recurring and extraordinary type of expense. Therefore, a fund that participates in the Insurance Coverage would be responsible under both its Present Contract and the Amended Contract for payment of any special assessment premium as a non-recurring and extraordinary expense.
Comparison of Management Fees. The following tables compare the fees and expenses of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund paid under the terms of the Present Contract for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, to the fees and expenses that the fund would have paid under an Amended Contract, assuming (1) that the Insurance Coverage had been in effect during that period; (2) that Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund had participated in the Insurance Coverage and paid Annual Premiums in the amount of the fund's Annual Premium prorated for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001 ($17,624); and (3) that FMR did not bear the cost of those Annual Premiums.
COMPARATIVE EXPENSE TABLE:
FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (as a percentage of average net assets)
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
<R>Management Fee | 0.5000 | 0.5000</R> |
Rule 12b-1 fee | None | None |
<R>Other Expenses | 0.0000 | 0.0030</R> |
<R>Total Operating Expenses | 0.5000 | 0.5030</R> |
Example: The following illustrates the expenses on a $10,000 investment under the fees and expenses stated above, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Present Contract | $ 51 | $ 160 | $ 280 | $ 628 |
<R>Amended Contract | $ 51 | $ 161 | $ 281 | $ 632</R> |
The purpose of this example and the table is to assist investors in understanding the various costs and expenses of investing in shares of the fund. The example above should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses of the fund. Actual expenses may vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than those shown above.
The following charts compare the fund's management fee under the terms of the Present Contract for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, to the management fee and Annual Premium that the fund would have incurred under an Amended Contract assuming (1) that the Insurance Coverage had been in effect during that period; (2) that Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund had participated in the Insurance Coverage and paid an Annual Premium in the amount of the fund's Annual Premium prorated for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001 ($17,624); and (3) that FMR did not bear the cost of the Annual Premium.
Present Contract | Amended Contract | Difference In | Difference |
$ 2,905,517 | $ 2,923,141 | $ 17,624 | 0.61% |
Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions. The Amended Contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to amend the Management Contract subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified or interpreted by the SEC. In contrast, the Present Contract explicitly requires the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund to authorize all amendments. Generally, the proposed modification to the Present Contract's amendment provisions will allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to amend the Management Contract without shareholder voteif the 1940 Act permits them to do so.For example, under current interpretations of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the Amended Contract would give FMR and the trust the ability to amend the Management Contract to immediately reflect a management fee decrease without the delay of having to first conduct a proxy solicitation, while a management fee increase still would require shareholder approval. In short, the proposed modification gives FMR and the trust added flexibility to amend the Management Contract subject to 1940 Act constraints. Of course, any future amendments to the Management Contract would continue to require the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees. The modifications to the Present Contract will make it consistent with the management contracts adopted or expected to be adopted by other Fidelity money market funds.
Matters Considered by the Board. The mutual funds for which the members of the Board of Trustees serve as Trustees are referred to herein as the "Fidelity funds." The Board of Trustees meets 11 times a year. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, believes that matters bearing on the appropriateness of the fund's management fees are considered at most, if not all, of <R>its</R> meetings. While the full Board of Trustees or the Non-Interested Trustees, as appropriate, act on all major matters, a significant portion of the activities of the Board of Trustees (including certain of those described herein) <R>is</R> conducted through committees. The Non-Interested Trustees meet frequently in executive session and are advised by independent legal counsel selected by the Non-Interested Trustees.
The proposal to present the Amended Contract to shareholders was approved by the Board of Trustees of the fund, including all of the the Non-Interested Trustees, on February 14, 2002. The Board of Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> received materials relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s</R> in advance of the meeting<R>s</R> at which the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s</R> w<R>ere</R> considered, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information in connection with such consideration.
Information Received by the Board of Trustees. In connection with their meetings the <R>Board of </R>Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> received materials specifically relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s</R>. These materials included (i) information on the investment performance of the fund, a peer group of funds and an appropriate index or combination of indices, (ii) sales and redemption data in respect of the fund, and (iii) the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which the fund invests. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, also consider<R>s</R> periodically other material facts such as (1) FMR's results and financial condition, (2) arrangements in respect of the distribution of the fund's shares, (3) the procedures employed to determine the value of the fund's assets, (4) the allocation of the fund's brokerage, if any, including allocations to brokers affiliated with FMR, the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay fund expenses and to pay for research and other similar services, and the allocation of brokerage to firms that sell Fidelity fund shares, (5) FMR's management of the relationships with the fund's custodian and subcustodians, (6) the resources devoted to and the record of compliance with the fund's investment policies and restrictions and with policies on personal securities transactions, and (7) the nature, cost and character of non-investment management services provided by FMR and its affiliates.
In response to questions raised by the Non-Interested Trustees, additional information was furnished by FMR including, among other items, information on and analysis of (a) the overall organization of FMR, (b) <R>investment performance, (c) </R>the choice of performance indices and benchmarks, (<R>d</R>) the composition of peer groups of funds, (<R>e</R>) transfer agency and bookkeeping fees paid to affiliates of FMR, (f) investment management staffing, (g) the potential for achieving further economies of scale, (h) operating expenses paid to third parties, (i) the information furnished to investors, including the fund's shareholders, and (j) information furnished by FMR concerning several aspects of the captive insurance structure including, among other items, information on and analysis of the allocation of costs between the funds and FMR.
In considering the <R>most recent annual renewal of the Present</R> Contract, the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling, and the following summary does not detail all the matters considered. Matters considered by the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees, in connection with <R>its</R> approval of the Amended Contract include the following:
Benefits to Shareholders. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the benefit to shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of a large family of funds offering a variety of investment disciplines and providing for a large variety of fund and shareholder services.
Investment Compliance and Performance. The Board of Trustees, <R>including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees, considered whether the fund has operated within its investment objective and its record of compliance with its investment restrictions<R>. It</R> also reviewed the fund's investment performance as well as the performance of a peer group of mutual funds, and the performance of an appropriate index or combination of indices.
FMR's Personnel and Methods. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> review<R>s</R> at least annually the background of the fund's portfolio manager and the fund's investment objective and discipline. The Non-Interested Trustees have also had discussions with senior management of FMR responsible for investment operations and the senior management of Fidelity's money market group. Among other things they considered the size, education and experience of FMR's investment staff, its use of technology, and FMR's approach to recruiting, training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel.
Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services performed by FMR and affiliated companies, both under the Present Contract and under separate agreements covering transfer agency functions and pricing, bookkeeping and securities lending services, if any. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>, has</R> also considered the nature and extent of FMR's supervision of third party service providers, principally custodians and subcustodians.
Expenses. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees, considered the fund's expense ratio<R>,</R> and expense ratios of a peer group of funds. <R>It</R> also considered the amount and nature of fees paid by shareholders.
Profitability. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the level of FMR's profits in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, including the fund. This consideration included an extensive review of FMR's methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the fund. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>, has</R> concluded that the cost allocation methodology employed by FMR has a reasonable basis and is appropriate in light of all of the circumstances. <R>It</R> considered the profits realized by FMR in connection with the operation of the fund and whether the amount of profit is a fair entrepreneurial profit for the management of the fund. <R>It</R> also considered the profits realized from non-fund businesses which may benefit from or be related to the fund's business. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered FMR's profit margins in comparison with available industry data, both accounting for and <R>excluding</R> marketing expenses.
Economies of Scale. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered whether there have been economies of scale in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, whether the Fidelity funds (including the fund) have appropriately benefitted from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, <R>has</R> concluded that any potential economies of scale are being shared between fund shareholders and FMR in an appropriate manner.
Other Benefits to FMR. <R>The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, also considered the character and amount of fees paid by the fund and the fund's shareholders for services provided by FMR and its affiliates, including fees for services like transfer agency, fund accounting and direct shareholder services. It also considered the allocation of fund brokerage to brokers affiliated with FMR and the receipt of sales loads and payments under Rule 12b-1 plans in respect of certain of the Fidelity funds, and benefits to FMR from the use of "soft dollar" commissions to pay for research and other similar services</R>. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered the revenues and profitability of FMR businesses other than its mutual fund business, including FMR's retail brokerage, correspondent brokerage, capital markets, trust, investment advisory, pension record keeping, insurance, publishing, real estate, international research and investment funds, and others. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the intangible benefits that accrue to FMR and its affiliates by virtue of their relationship with the fund.
Conclusion. In considering the Amended Contract, the Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, did not identify any single factor as all-important and the forgoing summary does not detail all of the matters considered. Based on their evaluation of all material factors and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the<R> Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested </R>Trustees<R>,</R> concluded (i) that the existing management fee structure is fair and reasonable and (ii) that the proposed modifications to the management fee structure, that is the proposed addition of Annual Premiums, if any, as an expense borne directly by the fund under the Management Contract beginning on January 1, 2004, and the proposed modification to the Present Contract's amendment provisions, are in the best interest of the fund's shareholders. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, voted to approve the submission of the Amended Contract to shareholders of the fund and recommends that shareholders of the fund vote FOR the Amended Contract. If approved, the Amended Contract will take effect on the first day of the first month following shareholder approval.
7. TO APPROVE AN AMENDED MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees, including a majority of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the trust or FMR (the Non-Interested Trustees), has approved, and recommends that shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to adopt an amended management contract with FMR (the Amended Contract). The Amended Contract reduces the management fee from 0.50% to 0.43% of the fund's average daily net assets, resulting in a net decrease of 0.07%. The Amended Contract also modifies the list of enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund under its existing management contract (the Present Contract) to include annual premiums (Annual Premiums) payable on or after January 1, 2004, if any, for insurance coverage (Insurance Coverage) provided by a mutual insurance company (the Mutual Insurance Company). In addition, the Amended Contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to modify the Management Contract subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Present Contract currently requires the vote of a majority of the fund's outstanding voting securities to authorize all amendments. See "Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions" on page 25 for more details.The Amended Contract will result in a management fee that is lower than the fee payable under the Present Contract. The proposed 0.07% reduction in the management fee rate was voluntarily adopted on October 31, 2001. (For information on FMR, see "Activities and Management of FMR" on page <R>32</R>.)
The Mutual Insurance Company. The fund attempts to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. The possibility exists, however, that certain events, such as a material default on a security in a fund's investment portfolio, could cause the fund to sustain a loss that results in the net asset value of the fund falling below $1.00 per share. The fund may obtain insurance to minimize (but not eliminate) the risk of such a loss. Because insurance provided directly by a third-party insurer can be expensive, FMR has established a captive mutual insurance company to offer insurance to Fidelity money market funds effective January 1, 1999.
The Insurance Coverage. The Mutual Insurance Company was established to provide participating Fidelity money market funds with limited coverage (initially up to $100 million annually) against credit defaults and similar losses on securities in their investment portfolios. Certain other losses, such as those due to interest rate fluctuations, are not covered, and despite Insurance Coverage, the fund's net asset value still could fall below $1.00 per share. Fidelity money market funds may participate in the Insurance Coverage in a given year if they hold insurable assets as of the prior September 30, which is the date as of which portfolio assets are reviewed and Annual Premiums are calculated for the following year. Insurable assets include commercial paper, repurchase agreements and obligations of municipalities, banks and government agencies. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, annually reviews the Insurance Coverage and determines if continued Insurance Coverage is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders.
Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund has participated in Insurance Coverage since it was initiated in 1999. For the 1999, 2000, and 2001 policy years, FMR bore the cost of the Annual Premiums for Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, has determined, based on available rates and terms, not to obtain Insurance Coverage for the 2002 policy year. Insurance Coverage may be reinstated for future policy years.
If shareholders approve the Amended Contract, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, until December 31, 2003, and the fund will be required to pay Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, beginning in 2004. If shareholders of the fund do not approve the Amended Contract, FMR has the right either not to obtain coverage for a policy year in which it would otherwise do so or to cease paying any Annual Premiums immediately and terminate a fund's participation in the Insurance Coverage effective the following year. Participating funds may incur other expenses as described more fully below in the section "Present Management Contracts" on page <R>33</R>.
Proposed Amendments to the Present Management Contract. A copy of the Amended Contract, marked to indicate the proposed amendments, is supplied as Exhibit 3 on page <R>51</R>. Except for the modifications discussed above, it is substantially identical to the Present Contract. (For a detailed discussion of the fund's Present Contract, refer to the section entitled "Present Management Contracts" beginning on page <R>33</R>.) If approved by shareholders, the Amended Contract will take effect October 1, 2002 (or, if later, the first day of the first month following approval) and will remain in effect through May 31, 2003, and thereafter, but only as long as its continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose, of a majority of the Non-Interested Trustees and (ii) the vote of either a majority of the Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund. If the Amended Contract is not approved, the Present Contract will continue in effect through May 31, 2003, and thereafter only as long as its continuance is approved at least annually as above.
Current Management Fee. The fund's management fee is an annual percentage of the fund's average daily net assets, calculated and paid monthly. Under the Present Contract, the fund pays FMR an all-inclusive management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily net assets. FMR pays all the expenses involved in the operation of the fund, with the following exceptions: taxes; the fees and expenses of the Non-Interested Trustees; brokerage fees and commissions; interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the fund; and such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including the costs of any litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation the fund may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation. The fund's management fee is reduced by the amount of compensation that the fund pays to the Non-Interested Trustees.
Modification to Management Fee Calculation. The Amended Contract for the fund would reduce the management fee from 0.50% to 0.43% of the fund's average daily net assets, resulting in a net decrease of 0.07%. The proposed reduction in the management fee rate was voluntarily adopted by FMR on October 31, 2001. Under the Amended Contract, the fund would also become responsible for Annual Premiums, if Insurance Coverage is reinstated, payable on or after January 1, 2004. If the Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, determines that the fund should participate in the Insurance Coverage for the 2003 policy year, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, until December 31, 2003, provided shareholders approve the Amended Contract. For the policy year commencing January 1, 2001, the most recent policy year for which the Insurance Coverage was in effect, the Annual Premium of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund totaled $17,066.
Reasons for the Proposal. As noted above, on October 31, 2001, FMR voluntarily agreed to reduce the fund's all-inclusive management fee from 0.50% to 0.43%. Shareholder approval is required to modify the management contract to reflect the voluntary reduction in the fund's management fee.
Also, as noted above, from year to year the Board of Trustees may determine that Insurance Coverage is beneficial to the fund and its shareholders. FMR expects that, during years in which the Insurance Coverage is in effect, the aggregate Annual Premium for all participating funds will be less than the cost of comparable coverage provided directly by third-party insurers. If the Amended Contract is approved, FMR will bear the cost of the fund's Annual Premiums, if any, payable on or before December 31, 2003. Moreover, participating funds will receive a continuing benefit over time as premiums accumulate, assuming no or few losses occur. In particular, the build-up of premiums over time may permit the Mutual Insurance Company to lower premiums for the same coverage and/or increase coverage for the same premiums. See "Additional Information Regarding the Mutual Insurance Company" on page <R>14</R> for more details.
The Board of Trustees has recognized the potential benefits of Insurance Coverage to a fund that holds insurable assets, and given these benefits, believes that it is appropriate to amend the management contract of the fund to include Annual Premiums payable to the Mutual Insurance Company on or after January 1, 2004, if any, among the enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund. The Board of Trustees also has recognized that if shareholders of the fund do not approve the Amended Contract, FMR has the right either not to obtain coverage for a policy year in which it might otherwise do so or to cease paying any Annual Premiums immediately and terminate the fund's participation in the Insurance Coverage effective the following year.
Additional Information Regarding the Mutual Insurance Company. The Mutual Insurance Company is a Bermuda mutual insurance company that commenced operations on January 1, 1999. As a mutual insurance company, it does not issue stock; ownership interests in the Mutual Insurance Company belong only to the participating funds as policyholders.
The fund's Annual Premiums, if any, are based on the risk profile and dollar amount of the fund's insurable assets. In addition to Annual Premiums, in order to maximize coverage while maintaining low Annual Premiums, the Mutual Insurance Company's insurance policies are "assessable;" that is, if (but only if) a loss event occurs and the accumulated reserves of the Mutual Insurance Company are insufficient to cover the loss, all funds participating in the Insurance Coverage will be subject, in addition to their Annual Premium payment, to a special assessment premium of up to approximately 2.5 times their Annual Premium payment. The special assessment will be made on a pro rata basis in the same proportion as participating funds' then-current pro rata share of Annual Premiums. Special assessment premiums are considered a non-recurring and extraordinary type of expense. Therefore, a fund that participates in the Insurance Coverage would be responsible under both its Present Contract and the Amended Contract for payment of any special assessment premium as a non-recurring and extraordinary expense.
Comparison of Management Fees. The following tables compare the fees and expenses of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund paid under the terms of the Present Contract for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, to the fees and expenses that the fund would have paid under an Amended Contract, assuming (1) that the Insurance Coverage had been in effect during that period; (2) that Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund had participated in the Insurance Coverage and paid Annual Premiums in the amount of the fund's Annual Premium prorated for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001 ($17,367); (3) that FMR did not bear the cost of those Annual Premiums; and (4) the management fee had been reduced from 0.50% to 0.43%.
COMPARATIVE EXPENSE TABLE:
SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (as a percentage of average net assets)
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
<R>Management Fee | 0.5000 | 0.4300</R> |
Rule 12b-1 fee | None | None |
<R>Other Expenses | 0.0000 | 0.0034</R> |
<R>Total Operating Expenses | 0.5000 | 0.4334</R> |
Example: The following illustrates the expenses on a $10,000 investment under the fees and expenses stated above, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period.
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Present Contract | $ 51 | $ 160 | $ 280 | $ 628 |
<R>Amended Contract | $ 44 | $ 139 | $ 243 | $ 546</R> |
The purpose of this example and the table is to assist investors in understanding the various costs and expenses of investing in shares of the fund. The example above should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses of the fund. Actual expenses may vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than those shown above.
The following charts compare the fund's management fee under the terms of the Present Contract for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, to the management fee and Annual Premium that the fund would have incurred under an Amended Contract assuming (1) that the Insurance Coverage had been in effect during that period; (2) that Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund had participated in the Insurance Coverage and paid an Annual Premium in the amount of the fund's Annual Premium prorated for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001 ($17,367); and (3) that FMR did not bear the cost of the Annual Premium; and (4) the management fee had been reduced from 0.50% to 0.43%.
Present Contract | Amended Contract | Difference In | Difference |
$2,455,547 | $2,128,883 | $ (326,664) | (13.30%) |
Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions. The Amended Contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to amend the Management Contract subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified or interpreted by the SEC. In contrast, the Present Contract explicitly requires the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund to authorize all amendments. Generally, the proposed modification to the Present Contract's amendment provisions will allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to amend the Management Contract without shareholder voteif the 1940 Act permits them to do so.For example, under current interpretations of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the Amended Contract would give FMR and the trust the ability to amend the Management Contract to immediately reflect a management fee decrease without the delay of having to first conduct a proxy solicitation, while a management fee increase still would require shareholder approval. In short, the proposed modification gives FMR and the trust added flexibility to amend the Management Contract subject to 1940 Act constraints. Of course, any future amendments to the Management Contract would continue to require the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees. The modifications to the Present Contract will make it consistent with the management contracts adopted or expected to be adopted by other Fidelity money market funds.
Matters Considered by the Board. The mutual funds for which the members of the Board of Trustees serve as Trustees are referred to herein as the "Fidelity funds." The Board of Trustees meets 11 times a year. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, believes that matters bearing on the appropriateness of the fund's management fees are considered at most, if not all, of <R>its</R> meetings. While the full Board of Trustees or the Non-Interested Trustees, as appropriate, act on all major matters, a significant portion of the activities of the Board of Trustees (including certain of those described herein) <R>is</R> conducted through committees. The Non-Interested Trustees meet frequently in executive session and are advised by independent legal counsel selected by the Non-Interested Trustees.
The proposal to present the Amended Contract to shareholders was approved by the Board of Trustees of the fund, including all of the the Non-Interested Trustees, on February 14, 2002. The Board of Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> received materials relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s</R> in advance of the meeting<R>s</R> at which the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s were</R> considered, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information in connection with such consideration.
Information Received by the Board of Trustees. In connection with their meetings the <R>Board of </R>Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> received materials specifically relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contract<R>s</R>. These materials included (i) information on the investment performance of the fund, a peer group of funds and an appropriate index or combination of indices, (ii) sales and redemption data in respect of the fund, and (iii) the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which the fund invests. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, also consider<R>s</R> periodically other material facts such as (1) FMR's results and financial condition, (2) arrangements in respect of the distribution of the fund's shares, (3) the procedures employed to determine the value of the fund's assets, (4) the allocation of the fund's brokerage, if any, including allocations to brokers affiliated with FMR, the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay fund expenses and to pay for research and other similar services, and the allocation of brokerage to firms that sell Fidelity fund shares. (5) FMR's management of the relationships with the fund's custodian and subcustodians, (6) the resources devoted to and the record of compliance with the fund's investment policies and restrictions and with policies on personal securities transactions, and (7) the nature, cost and character of non-investment management services provided by FMR and its affiliates.
In response to questions raised by the Non-Interested Trustees, additional information was furnished by FMR including, among other items, information on and analysis of (a) the overall organization of FMR, (b) <R>investment performance, (c) </R>the choice of performance indices and benchmarks, (<R>d</R>) the composition of peer groups of funds, (<R>e</R>) transfer agency and bookkeeping fees paid to affiliates of FMR, (f) investment management staffing, (g) the potential for achieving further economies of scale, (h) operating expenses paid to third parties, (i) the information furnished to investors, including the fund's shareholders, and (j) information furnished by FMR concerning several aspects of the captive insurance structure including, among other items, information on and analysis of the allocation of costs between the funds and FMR.
In considering the <R>most recent annual renewal of the Present</R> Contract, the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling, and the following summary does not detail all of matters considered. Matters considered by the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees, in connection with <R>its</R> approval of the Amended Contract include the following:
Benefits to Shareholders. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the benefit to shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of a large family of funds offering a variety of investment disciplines and providing for a large variety of fund and shareholder services.
Investment Compliance and Performance. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered whether the fund has operated within its investment objective and its record of compliance with its investment restrictions. <R>It</R> also reviewed the fund's investment performance as well as the performance of a peer group of mutual funds, and the performance of an appropriate index or combination of indices.
FMR's Personnel and Methods. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> review<R>s</R> at least annually the background of the fund's portfolio manager and the fund's investment objective and discipline. The Non-Interested Trustees have also had discussions with senior management of FMR responsible for investment operations and the senior management of Fidelity's money market group. Among other things they considered the size, education and experience of FMR's investment staff, its use of technology, and FMR's approach to recruiting, training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel.
Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services performed by FMR and affiliated companies, both under the Present Contract and under separate agreements covering transfer agency functions and pricing, bookkeeping and securities lending services, if any. The Board of Trustees<R>, including </R>the Non-Interested Trustees<R>, has</R> also considered the nature and extent of FMR's supervision of third party service providers, principally custodians and subcustodians.
Expenses. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees, considered the fund's expense ratio<R>,</R> and expense ratios of a peer group of funds. <R>It</R> also considered the amount and nature of fees paid by shareholders.
Profitability. The Board of Trustees<R>, including </R>the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the level of FMR's profits in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, including the fund. This consideration included an extensive review of FMR's methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the fund. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> <R>has</R> concluded that the cost allocation methodology employed by FMR has a reasonable basis and is appropriate in light of all of the circumstances. <R>It</R> considered the profits realized by FMR in connection with the operation of the fund and whether the amount of profit is a fair entrepreneurial profit for the management of the fund. <R>It</R> also considered the profits realized from non-fund businesses which may benefit from or be related to the fund's business. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered FMR's profit margins in comparison with available industry data, both accounting for and <R>excluding</R> marketing expenses.
Economies of Scale. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered whether there have been economies of scale in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, whether the Fidelity funds (including the fund) have appropriately benefitted from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> ha<R>s</R> concluded that any potential economies of scale are being shared between fund shareholders and FMR in an appropriate manner.
Other Benefits to FMR. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered the character and amount of fees paid by the fund and the fund's shareholders for services provided by FMR and its affiliates, including fees for services like transfer agency, fund accounting and direct shareholder services. <R>It</R> also considered the allocation of fund brokerage to brokers affiliated with FMR and the receipt of sales loads and payments under Rule 12b-1 plans in respect of certain of the Fidelity funds<R>, and benefits to FMR from the use of "soft dollar" commissions to pay for research and other similar services</R>. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered the revenues and profitability of FMR businesses other than its mutual fund business, including FMR's retail brokerage, correspondent brokerage, capital markets, trust, investment advisory, pension record keeping, insurance, publishing, real estate, international research and investment funds, and others. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the intangible benefits that accrue to FMR and its affiliates by virtue of their relationship with the fund.
Conclusion. In considering the Amended Contract, the Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, did not identify any single factor as all-important and the forgoing summary does not detail all of the matters considered. Based on their evaluation of all material factors and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the <R>Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested </R>Trustees<R>,</R> concluded (i) that the existing management fee structure is fair and reasonable and (ii) that the proposed modifications to the management fee structure, that is the reduction of the management fee, the proposed addition of Annual Premiums, if any, as an expense borne directly by the fund under the Management Contract beginning on January 1, 2004, and the proposed modification to the Present Contract's amendment provisions, are in the best interest of the fund's shareholders. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, voted to approve the submission of the Amended Contract to shareholders of the fund and recommends that shareholders of the fund vote FOR the Amended Contract. If approved, the Amended Contract will take effect on the first day of the first month following shareholder approval.
8. TO APPROVE AN AMENDED MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees, including the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the trust or of FMR (the Non-Interested Trustees), has approved, and recommends that shareholders of each fund approve, a proposal to adopt an amended management contract with FMR (collectively, the Amended Contracts). The Amended Contracts modify the management fee that FMR receives from each fund to provide for lower fees when FMR's assets under management exceed certain levels.In addition, the Amended Contracts allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of each fund, to modify the Management Contract subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. The existing Management Contract (collectively, the Present Contracts) currently requires the vote of a majority of the fund's outstanding voting securities to authorize all amendments. See "Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions" on page <R>25</R> for more details.The Amended Contracts will result in a management fee that is the same as, or lower than, the fee payable under the Present Contracts.(For information on FMR, see the section entitled "Activities and Management of FMR" on page <R>32</R>.)
Proposed Amendments to the Present Management Contracts. A copy of the Amended Contracts, marked to indicate the proposed amendment(s), are supplied as Exhibits 4 and 5 beginning on pages <R>54</R> and <R>68</R>, respectively. Except for the modifications discussed above and for nonmaterial changes intended to clarify certain language in the Present Contracts, the Amended Contracts are substantially identical to the Present Contracts. (For a detailed discussion of each fund's Present Contracts, refer to the section entitled "Present Management Contracts" beginning on page <R>33</R>.) If approved by shareholders, the Amended Contracts will take effect on October 1, 2002 (or, if later, the first day of the first month following approval) and will remain in effect through May 31,2003 and thereafter, but only as long as their continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose, of a majority of the Non-Interested Trustees and (ii) the vote of either a majority of the Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund. If the Amended Contracts are not approved, the Present Contracts will continue in effect through May 31, 2003, and thereafter only as long as its continuance is approved at least annually as above.
The management fee is an annual percentage of each fund's average net assets (the management fee rate), calculated and paid monthly. The management fee rate is the sum of two components: a Group Fee Rate, which varies according to assets under management by FMR, and a fixed Individual Fund Fee Rate. The Amended Contracts modify the Group Fee Rate by providing for lower fee rates if FMR's assets under management remain above $587 billion.
Modification to Group Fee Rate. The Group Fee Rate varies based upon the monthly average of the aggregate net assets of all registered investment companies having management contracts with FMR (assets under management by FMR). For example, as assets under management by FMR increase, the Group Fee Rate declines. The Amended Contracts would not change the group fee calculation for assets under management by FMR of $587 billionor less. Above $587 billionin assets under FMR's management, the Group Fee Rate declines under both the Present Contracts and the Amended Contracts, but under the Amended Contracts, it declines faster. Group Fee Rates that are lower than those contained in each fund's Present Contracts have been voluntarily implemented by FMR onAugust 1, 1999.
The Group Fee Rate is calculated according to a graduated schedule providing for different rates for different levels of assets under management by FMR. The rate at which the Group Fee Rate declines is determined by fee "breakpoints" that provide for lower fee rates when assets increase. The Amended Contracts add nine newfee breakpoints for assets under FMR's management above $587 billion as illustrated in the following table. (For an explanation of how the Group Fee Rate is used to calculate the management fee, see the section entitled "Present Management Contracts" beginning on page <R>33</R>.)
GROUP FEE RATE BREAKPOINTS | |||
PRESENT CONTRACTS | AMENDED CONTRACTS | ||
Average Group | Present | Average Group | Amended |
Over 516 | .1100% | 516 - 587 | .1100% |
587 - 646 | .1080% | ||
646 - 711 | .1060% | ||
711 - 782 | .1040% | ||
782 - 860 | .1020% | ||
860 - 946 | .1000% | ||
946 - 1,041 | .0980% | ||
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960% | ||
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940% | ||
over - 1,260 | .0920% |
The result at various levels of group net assets is illustrated by the table below.
EFFECTIVE ANNUAL GROUP FEE RATES | ||
Group Net | Present | Amended |
150 | 0.1736% | .1736% |
200 | 0.1652% | .1652% |
250 | 0.1587% | .1587% |
300 | 0.1536% | .1536% |
350 | 0.1494% | .1494% |
400 | 0.1459% | .1459% |
450 | 0.1427% | .1427% |
500 | 0.1399% | .1399% |
550 | 0.1372% | .1372% |
600 | 0.1350% | .1349% |
650 | 0.1330% | .1328% |
700 | 0.1314% | .1309% |
750 | 0.1300% | .1291% |
800 | 0.1287% | .1275% |
850 | 0.1276% | .1260% |
900 | 0.1266% | .1246% |
950 | 0.1258% | .1233% |
1,000 | 0.1250% | .1220% |
1,050 | 0.1243% | .1209% |
1,100 | 0.1236% | .1197% |
1,150 | 0.1230% | .1187% |
1,200 | 0.1225% | .1177% |
1,250 | 0.1220% | .1167% |
1,300 | 0.1215% | .1158% |
1,350 | 0.1211% | .1149% |
1,400 | 0.1207% | .1141% |
* Does not reflect voluntary adoption of extended group fee rate schedules by FMR onAugust 1, 1999.
Average assets under FMR's management for May 31, 2002 were approximately $767 billion.
Comparison of Management Fees. For the month ended May 31, 2002, average assets under management by FMR were approximately $767 billion. Each fund's management fee rate under the Amended Contracts, for the month ended May 31, 2002, would have been 0.3783%, compared to 0.3793% under the Present Contracts. The management fee rate remains the same under both the Present Contracts and the Amended Contracts until assets under FMR's management exceed $587 billion, at which point the managementfee rate under the Amended Contracts begins to decline relative to the Present Contracts.
The following chart compares each fund's management fee as calculated under the terms of the Present Contracts for fiscal 2001 to the management fee the fund would have incurred if the Amended Contracts had been in effect, and shows the difference between the two as a percentage of the management fee paid under the Present Contracts.
FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
Management Fee* | Management Fee | Percentage Difference |
<R> $ 2,934,184 | $ 2,925,354 | (0.30%)</R> |
FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
Management Fee* | Management Fee | Percentage Difference |
$ 3,915,969 | $ 3,904,253 | (0.30%) |
* Does not reflect voluntary adoption of extended group fee rate schedules by FMR onAugust 1, 1999.
The following chart compares each fund's management fee under the terms of the Present Contracts for the twelve month period ended May 31, 2002 to the management fee each fund would have incurred if the Amended Contracts had been in effect, and shows the difference between the two as a percentage of the management fee paid under the Present Contracts.
FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
Management Fee* | Management Fee | Percentage Difference |
$ 3,135,279 | $ 3,126,893 | (0.27%) |
FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Present Contract | Amended Contract | |
Management Fee* | Management Fee | Percentage Difference |
$ 4,221,559 | $ 4,210,252 | (0.27%) |
* Does not reflect voluntary adoption of extended group fee rate schedules by FMR onAugust 1, 1999.
Modification of Management Contract Amendment Provisions.The Amended Contracts allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of each fund, to amend each Management Contract subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified or interpreted by the SEC. In contrast, the Present Contracts explicitly require the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each fund to authorize all amendments. Generally, the proposed modification to the Present Contracts' amendment provisions will allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of each fund, to amend the Management Contracts without shareholder voteif the 1940 Act permits them to do so. For example, under current interpretations of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the Amended Contracts would give FMR and the trust the ability to amend the Management Contracts to immediately reflect a management fee decrease without the delay of having to first conduct a proxy solicitation, while a management fee increase still would require shareholder approval. In short, the proposed modification gives FMR and the trust added flexibility to amend the Management Contracts subject to 1940 Act constraints. Of course, any future amendments to the Management Contracts would require the approval of each fund's Board of Trustees.
Matters Considered by the Board.The mutual funds for which the members of the Board of Trustees serve as Trustees are referred to herein as the "Fidelity funds." The Board of Trustees meets 11 times a year. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, believes that matters bearing on the appropriateness of each fund's management fees are considered at most, if not all, of <R>its</R> meetings. While the full Board of Trustees or the Non-Interested Trustees, as appropriate, act on all major matters, a significant portion of the activities of the Board of Trustees (including certain of those described herein) <R>is</R> conducted through committees. The Non-Interested Trustees meet frequently in executive session and are advised by independent legal counsel selected by the Non-Interested Trustees.
The proposal to present the Amended Contracts to shareholders was approved by the Board of Trustees of each fund, including all of the Non-Interested Trustees, on February 14, 2002. The Board of Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> considered and approved the modifications to the Group Fee Rate schedule during the two month period from September to October 1999. The Board of Trustees<R>, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> received materials relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contracts in advance of the meeting<R>s</R> at which the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contracts were considered, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information in connection with such consideration.
Information Received by the Board of Trustees. In connection with their meetings the <R>Board of </R>Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, received materials specifically relating to the <R>Present and </R>Amended Contracts. These materials included (i) information on the investment performance of each fund, a peer group of funds and an appropriate index or combination of indices, (ii) sales and redemption data in respect of each fund, and (iii) the economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the markets in which each fund invests. The Board of Trustees<R>, including </R>the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considers periodically other material facts such as (1) FMR's results and financial condition, (2) arrangements in respect of the distribution of each fund's shares, (3) the procedures employed to determine the value of each fund's assets, (4) the allocation of each fund's brokerage, if any, including allocations to brokers affiliated with FMR, the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay fund expenses and to pay for research and other similar services, and the allocation of brokerage to firms that sell Fidelity fund shares, (5) FMR's management of the relationships with each fund's custodian and subcustodians, (6) the resources devoted to and the record of compliance with each fund's investment policies and restrictions and with policies on personal securities transactions and (7) the nature, cost and character of non-investment management services provided by FMR and its affiliates.
I<R>n response to questions raised by the Non-Interested Trustees, additional information was furnished by FMR including, among other items, information on and analysis of (a) the overall organization of FMR, (b) investment performance, (c) the choice of performance indices and benchmarks, (d) the composition of peer groups of funds, (e) transfer agency and bookkeeping fees paid to affiliates of FMR, (f) investment management staffing, (g) the pote</R>ntial for achieving further economies of scale, (h) operating expenses paid to third parties, and (i) the information furnished to investors, including each fund's shareholders.
In c<R>onsidering the most recent annual renewal of the Prese</R>nt Contracts, the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling, and the following summary does not detail all the matters considered. Matters considered by the Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> in connection with <R>its </R>approval of the Amended Contracts include the following:
Benefits to Shareholders. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the benefit to shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of a large family of funds offering a variety of investment disciplines and providing for a large variety of fund and shareholder services.
Investment Compliance and Performance.The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered whether each fund has operated within its investment objective and its record of compliance with its investment restrictions. It also reviewed each fund's investment performance as well as the performance of a peer group of mutual funds, and the performance of an appropriate index or combination of indices.
FMR's Personnel and Methods. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> review<R>s</R> at least annually the background of each fund's portfolio manager and each fund's investment objective and discipline. The Non-Interested Trustees have also had discussions with senior management of FMR responsible for investment operations and the senior management of Fidelity's money marketgroup. Among other things they considered the size, education and experience of FMR's investment staff, its use of technology, and FMR's approach to recruiting, training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel.
Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board of Trustees, includingthe Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative and shareholder services performed by FMR and affiliated companies, both under the Present Contracts and under separate agreements covering transfer agency functions and pricing, bookkeeping and securities lending services, if any. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> has also considered the nature and extent of FMR's supervision of third party service providers, principally custodians and subcustodians.
Expenses. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered each fund's expense ratio<R>,</R> and expense ratios<R>,</R> of a peer group of funds. <R>It </R>also considered the amount and nature of fees paid by shareholders.
Profitability. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered the level of FMR's profits in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, including each fund. This consideration included an extensive review of FMR's methodology in allocating its costs to the management of each fund. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> has concluded that the cost allocation methodology employed by FMR has a reasonable basis and is appropriate in light of all of the circumstances. It considered the profits realized by FMR in connection with the operation of each fund and whether the amount of profit is a fair entrepreneurial profit for the management of each fund. It also considered the profits realized from non-fund businesses which may benefit from or be related to each fund's business. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered FMR's profit margins in comparison with available industry data, both accounting for and <R>excluding</R> marketing expenses.
Economies of Scale. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> considered whether there have been economies of scale in respect of the management of the Fidelity funds, whether the Fidelity funds (including each fund) have appropriately benefitted from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Board of Trustees and the Non-Interested Trustees ha<R>s</R> concluded that any potential economies of scale are being shared between fund shareholders and FMR in an appropriate manner. The Non-Interested Trustees has also concluded that the existing group fee structure should be continued but determined that it would be appropriate to change the group fee structure as proposed herein.
Other Benefits to FMR. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered the character and amount of fees paid by each fund and each fund's shareholders for services provided by FMR and its affiliates, including fees for services like transfer agency, fund accounting and direct shareholder services. <R>It </R>also considered the allocation of fund brokerage to brokers affiliated with FMR and the receipt of sales loads and payments under Rule 12b-1 plans in respect of certain of the Fidelity funds, and benefits to FMR from the use of "soft dollar" commissions to pay for research and other similar services. The Board of Trustees<R>, including</R> the Non-Interested Trustees<R>,</R> also considered the revenues and profitability of FMR businesses other than its mutual fund business, including FMR's retail brokerage, correspondent brokerage, capital markets, trust, investment advisory, pension record keeping, insurance, publishing, real estate, international research and investment funds, and others. <R>The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees,</R> considered the intangible benefits that accrue to FMR and its affiliates by virtue of their relationship with each fund.
Conclusion. Based on their evaluation of all material factors and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the <R>Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, </R>concluded (i) that the existing management fee structure is fair and reasonable and (ii) that the proposed modifications to the management fee structure, that is the reduction of the Group Fee Rate schedule, and the proposed modification to the Present Contracts' amendment provisions, are in the best interest of each fund's shareholders. The Board of Trustees, including the Non-Interested Trustees, voted to approve the submission of the Amended Contracts to shareholders of the fund and recommends that shareholders of the fund vote FOR the Amended Contracts. If approved, the Amended Contracts will take effect on the first day of the first month following shareholder approval.
9. TO MODIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL 80% INVESTMENT POLICY OF FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to modify the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption.
The fund's fundamental 80% investment policy currently reads as follows:
"Under normal conditions, at least 80% of the fund's income distributions will be exempt from federal income tax and at least 80% of the fund's assets will be invested in state tax-free obligations."
If the proposal is approved, the fund would adopt the following fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"[Under normal conditions,]The fund normally invests at least 80% of [the fund's income distributions will be]its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federaland Connecticut personal incomes taxes [and at least 80% of the fund's assets will be invested in state tax-free obligations]."
Because the foregoing investment policy is fundamental, it cannot be modified without shareholder approval.
Discussion of Proposed Modification.If the proposal is approved, the fund's 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would move from an 80% "income test" to an 80% "asset test," which is standard for other Fidelity municipal money market funds. Adopting an asset-based 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would facilitate FMR's compliance monitoring efforts.
Modifying the fundamental investment policy as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that modifying the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption as described above is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. If approved by shareholders, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders, the fund's current fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption discussed above will not change.
10. TO MODIFY A FUNDAMENTAL 80% INVESTMENT POLICY OF FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to modify the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption.
The fund's fundamental 80% investment policy currently reads as follows:
"The fund will normally invest so that at least 80% of its income distributions are free from federal income tax. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from Florida income tax, if any."
If the proposal is approved, the fund would adopt the following fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"[The fund will normally invest so that at least 80% of its income distributions are free from federal income tax.] The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt fromfederal and Florida income taxes, if any."
Because the foregoing investment policy is fundamental, it cannot be modified without shareholder approval.
Discussion of Proposed Modification. If the proposal is approved, the fund's 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would move from an 80% "income test" to an 80% "asset test," which is standard for other Fidelity municipal money market funds. Adopting an asset-based 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would facilitate FMR's compliance monitoring efforts.
Modifying the fundamental investment policy as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that modifying the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption as described above is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. If approved by shareholders, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the fund's shareholders, the fund's current fundamental 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption discussed above will not change.
11. TO ELIMINATE A FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICY OF FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal that would eliminate a fundamental investment policy of the fund.
The fund's current fundamental investment objective and a fundamental investment policy <R>currently</R> reads as follows:
"Florida Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal income tax, as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity by investing in high-quality, short-term municipal obligations."
If the proposal is approved, the fund's fundamental investment objective would remain unchanged, but the fundamental investment policy would be eliminated as follows (deleted language is [bracketed]):
"Florida Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal income tax, as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity [by investing in high-quality, short-term municipal obligations]."
Discussion of Proposed Modification. <R>By e</R>liminating the foregoing fundamental policy<R>,</R> the fund<R> will be able</R> to more clearly <R>differentiate between</R> its investment objective<R>, on the one hand, and the</R> investment<R> policies and</R> strategies <R>used to achieve its investment objective, on the other hand,</R> in a manner consistent with other Fidelity funds with similar investment disciplines.
If the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to invest in compliance with industry-standard requirements for money market funds for the quality, maturity, and diversification of investments. In addition, if the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to rely on its existing non-fundamental policy of normally investing the fund's assets in municipal money market securities. Fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated only with shareholder approval, while non-fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated without shareholder approval. Changes in non-fundamental policies, however, are still subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Eliminating the fundamental investment policy as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that eliminating the fundamental investment policy as described above is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. If approved by shareholders, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the fund's shareholders, the fund's current fundamental investment policy discussed above will not change.
12. TO MODIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal that would modify the fund's fundamental investment objective.
The fund's fundamental investment objective currently reads as follows:
"New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal income tax and the New Jersey Gross Income Tax, as is consistent with preservation of capital."
If the proposal is approved, the fund's fundamental investment objective would be modified as follows (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal [income tax] and [the] New Jersey [Gross Income Tax]personal income taxes, as is consistent with preservation of capital."
Discussion of Proposed Modification.The terms "New Jersey Gross Income Tax" and "New Jersey Personal Income Tax" are equivalent terms. The proposed changes would make the fund's investment objective consistent with other Fidelity state municipal funds.
If the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to invest in compliance with industry-standard requirements for money market funds for the quality, maturity, and diversification of investments. In addition, if the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to rely on its existing non-fundamental policy of normally investing the fund's assets in municipal money market securities. Fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated only with shareholder approval, while non-fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated without shareholder approval. Changes in non-fundamental policies, however, are still subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Modifying the fundamental investment objective as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that modifying the fund's fundamental investment objective as described above is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. If approved by shareholders, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the fund's shareholders, the fund's current fundamental investment objective discussed above will not change.
13. TO MODIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL 80% INVESTMENT POLICY OF FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to modify the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy.
The fund's fundamental 80% investment policy currently reads as follows:
"Under normal conditions, at least 80% of the fund's income will be exempt from both federal income tax and New Jersey Gross Income Tax."
If the proposal is approved, the fund would adopt the following fundamental investment policy (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"[Under normal conditions],The fund normally invests at least 80% of [the fund's income will be]its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from [both] federal [income tax] and New Jersey [Gross Income Tax]personal income taxes."
Discussion of Proposed Modifications. If the proposal is approved, the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy would move from an 80% "income test" to an 80% "asset test," which is standard for other Fidelity municipal money market funds. Adopting an asset-based 80% investment policy would facilitate FMR's compliance monitoring efforts.
The terms "New Jersey Gross Income Tax" and "New Jersey Personal Income Tax" are equivalent terms. The proposed change would also make the fund's 80% investment policy consistent with other Fidelity state municipal funds.
Fundamental policies can be changed only with shareholder approval. The modification of the current fundamental policy is not expected to have a material affect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees believes that modifying the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy will benefit the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. Upon shareholder approval, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders of the fund, the fund's current fundamental 80% investment policy will remain unchanged.
14. TO MODIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal that would modify the fund's fundamental investment objective.
The fund's fundamental investment objective currently reads as follows:
"Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal income tax and, to the extent possible, from the New Jersey Gross Income Tax, as is consistent with preservation of capital by investing in high-quality short-term municipal obligations."
If the proposal is approved, the fund's fundamental investment objective would be modified as follows (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund seeks as high a level of current income, exempt from federal [income tax] and [, to the extent possible , from the] New Jersey [Gross Income Tax]personal income taxes, as is consistent with preservation of capital [by investing in high-quality, short-term municipal obligations]."
Because the foregoing investment objective is fundamental, it cannot be modified without shareholder approval.
Discussion of Proposed Modifications. The terms "New Jersey Gross Income Tax" and "New Jersey Personal Income Tax" are equivalent terms. The proposed changes would make the fund's investment objective consistent with other Fidelity state municipal funds.
If the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to invest in compliance with industry-standard requirements for money market funds for the quality, maturity, and diversification of investments. In addition, if the proposal is approved, the fund will continue to rely on its existing non-fundamental policy of normally investing the fund's assets in municipal money market securities. Fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated only with shareholder approval, while non-fundamental policies can be changed or eliminated without shareholder approval. Changes in non-fundamental policies, however, are still subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Modifying the fundamental investment objective as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that modifying the fund's fundamental investment objective as described above is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. If approved by shareholders, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the fund's shareholders, the fund's current fundamental investment objective discussed above will not change.
15. TO MODIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL 80% INVESTMENT POLICY OF SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND.
The Board of Trustees has approved, and recommends that the shareholders of the fund approve, a proposal to modify the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy.
The fund's fundamental 80% investment policy currently reads as follows:
"Under normal conditions, the fund will invest so that at least 80% of its income is exempt from federal income tax. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from the New Jersey Gross Income Tax."
If the proposal is approved, the fund would adopt the following fundamental investment policy (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"[Under normal conditions, the fund will invest so that at least 80% of its income is exempt from federal income tax.] The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt fromfederal and [the] New Jersey [Gross Income Tax]personal income taxes."
Discussion of Proposed Modifications. If the proposal is approved, the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy would move from an 80% "income test" to an 80% "asset test," which is standard for other Fidelity municipal money market funds. Adopting an asset-based 80% investment policy would facilitate FMR's compliance monitoring efforts.
The terms "New Jersey Gross Income Tax" and "New Jersey Personal Income Tax" are equivalent terms. The proposed change would also make the fund's 80% investment policy consistent with other Fidelity state municipal funds.
Fundamental policies can be changed only with shareholder approval. The modification of the current fundamental policy is not expected to have any material affect on the way the fund is managed.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees believes that modifying the fund's fundamental 80% investment policy will benefit the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. Upon shareholder approval, the change will become effective when the prospectus is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders of the fund, the fund's current fundamental 80% investment policy will remain unchanged.
16. TO AMEND FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATION CONCERNING BORROWING.
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's current fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowingstates:
"The fund may not borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (less liabilities other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets by reason of a decline in total assets will be reduced within three days (exclusive of Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation."
The Trustees recommend that shareholders of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund vote to replace the fund's current fundamental investment limitation with the following amended fundamental investment limitation governing borrowing (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"The fund may not borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of [the value of] its total assets(including the amount borrowed) [(]less liabilities(other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed [33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets by reason of a decline in total assets]this amount will be reduced within three days [exclusive of](not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation"
The primary purpose of the proposal is to revise the fund's fundamental borrowing limitation to conform to a limitation that is expected to become standard for all funds managed by FMR. If the proposal is approved, the amended fundamental borrowing limitation cannot be changed without the approval of shareholders.
Adoption of the proposed fundamental limitation concerning borrowing is not expected to affect the way in which the fund is managed, the investment performance of the the fund, or the securities or instruments in which the fund invests. However, the proposed fundamental limitation would clarify one point. Under the proposed limitation, the fund must reduce borrowings that come to exceed 33 1/3% of its total assets for any reason, while under the current limitation, the fund must reduce borrowings that come to exceed 33 1/3% of total assets only when there is a decline in net assets.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the proposal will benefit the fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. Upon shareholder approval, the amended fundamental limitation will become effective when the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders of the fund, the fund's current limitation will remain unchanged.
17. TO AMEND EACH FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATION CONCERNING UNDERWRITING.
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's current fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting states:
"The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others (except to the extent that the fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities)."
The Trustees recommend that shareholders of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund vote to replace this limitation with the following amended fundamental investment limitation governing underwriting (additional language isunderlined; deleted language is [bracketed]):
"The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, [(]except to the extent that the fund may be [deemed to be]considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities[)]or in connection with investments in other investment companies."
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund's current fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting states:
"The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities."
The Trustees recommend that shareholders of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund fund vote to replace this limitation with the following amended fundamental investment limitation governing underwriting (additional language isunderlined):
"The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securitiesor in connection with investments in other investment companies."
Discussion of Proposed Modifications. The primary purpose of the proposal is to clarify that each fundis not prohibited from investing in other investment companies, even if as a result of such investment, each fundis technically considered an underwriter under federal securities laws.
The proposal also serves to conform each fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting to a limitation which is expected to become standard for all funds managed by FMR or its affiliates. If the proposal is approved, the new limitation may not be changed without the approval of shareholders.
Adoption of the proposed limitation concerning underwriting is not expected to affect the way in which each fund is managed, the investment performance of each fund, or the securities or instruments in which each fund invests.
Conclusion.The Board of Trustees has concluded that the proposal will benefit each fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. Upon shareholder approval, the amended fundamental limitation will become effective when disclosure is revised to reflect the changes. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders of a fund, that fund's current limitation will remain unchanged.
18. TO AMENDEACH FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATION CONCERNING LENDING.
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund's current fundamental investment limitation concerning lending is as follows:
"The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements."
The Trustees recommend that the shareholders of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund vote to replace each fund's limitation with the following amended fundamental investment limitation governing lending (additional language isunderlined):
"The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments."
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's current fundamental investment limitation concerning lending is as follows:
"The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (but this limit does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements)."
The Trustees recommend that the shareholders of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund vote to replace each fund's limitation with the following amended fundamental investment limitation governing lending (additional language isunderlined, deleted language is [bracketed]):
"The fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, [(]but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements[)], or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments."
Discussion of Proposed Modifications. The primary purpose of this proposal is to reviseeach fund's fundamental lending limitation to conform to a limitation expected to become standard for all funds managed by FMR or its affiliates. If the proposal is approved, the new fundamental lending limitation cannot be changed without the approval of shareholders.
Adoption of the proposed limitation on lending is not expected to affect the way in whicheach fund is managed, the investment performance of each fund, or the instruments in whicheach fund invests. However, the proposed limitation would clarify that acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other debt instruments are not considered lending.
As income earned from loans is generally subject to federal tax, each fund has no current intention of making loans, other than through the purchase of debt securities.
Each fund currently has a non-fundamental limit that restricts the fund from engaging in repurchase agreements and making loans other than by purchasing debt securities.
The Trustees may change non-fundamental limitations in response to regulatory, market, legal or other developments without the approval of shareholders.
Conclusion. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the proposal will benefit each fund and its shareholders. The Trustees recommend voting FOR the proposal. Upon shareholder approval, the amended fundamental limitation will become effective when the prospectus and/or statement of additional information are revised to reflect it. If the proposal is not approved by the shareholders of a fund, that fund's current limitation will remain unchanged.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board knows of no other business to be brought before the Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention that proxies that do not contain specific instructions to the contrary will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons therein designated.
ACTIVITIES AND MANAGEMENT OF FMR
FMR, a corporation organized in 1946, serves as investment adviser to a number of investment companies. Information concerning the advisory fees and average net assets of funds with investment objectives similar to Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund and advised by FMR is contained in the Table of Average Net Assets and Expense Ratios in Exhibit 6 beginning on page <R>72</R>.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Trustees, from time to time have transactions with various banks, including the custodian banks for certain of the funds advised by FMR. Those transactions that have occurred to date have included mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
The Directors of FMR are Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee; Abigail P. Johnson, President; and Peter S. Lynch, Vice Chairman. Each of the Directors is also a Trustee of thetrust. Mr. Johnson 3d, Ms. Johnson, John H. Costello, Maria F. Dwyer, Paul F. Maloney, Thomas J. Simpson, Eric D. Roiter, Dwight D. Churchill, Stanley N. Griffith, and Boyce I. Greerare currently officers of the trust and officers or employees of FMR or FMR Corp.With the exception of <R>Mr. Costello, Ms. Dwyer, Mr. Maloney, and Mr. Simpson</R>, all of these persons hold or have options to acquire stock of FMR Corp. The principal business address of each of the Directors of FMR is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
All of the stock of FMR is owned by its parent company, FMR Corp., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which was organized on October 31, 1972.Members of Mr. Edward C. Johnson 3d and Ms. Abigail P. Johnson's family are the predominant owners of a class of shares of common stock, representing approximately 49% of the voting power of FMR Corp., and, therefore, under the 1940 Act may be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
During the period December 1, 2001 through April 30, 2002, no transactions were entered into by Trustees and nominees as Trustee of the trust involving more than 1% of the voting common, non-voting common and equivalent stock, or preferred stock of FMR Corp.
ACTIVITIES AND MANAGEMENT OF FIMM
FIMM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR formed in 1997 to provide portfolio management services to certain Fidelity funds and investment advice with respect to fixed-income instruments.
Funds with investment objectives similar to Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund for which FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FIMM, and the net assets of each of these funds, are indicated in the Table of Average Net Assets and Expense Ratios in Exhibit 6 beginning on page <R>72</R>.
The Directors of FIMM are Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman of the Board, and Abigail P. Johnson, President. Mr. Johnson 3d is also President and a Trustee of the trust and of other funds advised by FMR; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of FMR Corp.; Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; a Director of FMR; Chairman of the Board and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research Far East Inc.(FMR Far East) and FMR Co., Inc. (FMRC). In addition, Ms. Johnson is Senior Vice Presidentand a Trustee of the trust and of other funds advised by FMR; President and a Director of FMR and FMRC; and a Director of FMR Corp. Each of the Directors is a stockholder of FMR Corp. The principal business address of the Directors is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
PRESENT MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
Each fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services. Under its management contract with each fund, FMR acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs the investments of each fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies, and limitations. FMR also provides each fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing each fund's investments, compensates all officers of each fund and all Trustees who are "interested persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of each fund or FMR performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of each fund. These services include providing facilities for maintaining each fund's organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and other persons dealing with each fund; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining each fund's records and the registration of each fund's shares under federal and state laws; developing management and shareholder services for each fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees. Services provided by affiliates of FMR will continue under the proposed management contract described in proposals 6, 7, and 8.
In addition to the management fee payable to FMR, Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund reimburse Citibank, N.A. (Citibank) for its services as each fund's custodian, transfer agent, and service agent. Although Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's current management contracts provide that each fund will pay for typesetting, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices, and reports to shareholders, the trust, on behalf of each fund has entered into a revised transfer agent agreement with Citibank, pursuant to which Citibank bears the costs of providing these services to existing shareholders. Other expenses paid by each fund include interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and each fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. Each fund is also liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify the trust's officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
Effective June 21, 1999, Citibank has entered into a sub-agreement with Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FMR, under the terms of which FSC performs the processing activities associated with providing transfer agency, dividend disbursing and shareholder servicing functions for each fund. (Prior to June 21, 1999, UMB had a sub-agreement with FSC.) Under the sub-agreements, FSC bears the expense of typesetting, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other reports, notices, and statements to shareholders, except proxy statements. FSC also pays all out-of-pocket expenses associated with transfer agent services. Transfer agent fees and pricing and bookkeeping fees, including reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, paid to FSC by Citibank on behalf of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001 were $920,111 and $1,386,984 respectively.
Each fund also has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts corporation organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Each distribution agreement calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at net asset value per share. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
FDC received no payments from each fund pursuant to Distribution and Service Plans under Rule 12b-1. The Plans do not authorize payments by the funds other than those that are to be made to FMR under their management contracts.
FMR is Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund's, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's manager pursuant to each fund's management contract dated January 1, 1998, July 16, 1992, January 1, 1998, and January 10, 1998, respectively. FMR is Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's manager pursuant to management contracts dated January 1, 1998, which were approved by shareholders on December 17, 1997. The management contracts were submitted to shareholders in connection with a proposal to provide for lower fees when FMR's assets under management exceed certain levels. For Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, FMR approved the management contract, as the then sole shareholder of Spartan Florida Municipal Money Market Portfolio. On January 10, 1998, shareholders of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund approved a new management contract per an agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated November 17, 1997.
FMR is responsible for the payment of all operating expenses of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund with certain exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FMR include expenses for typesetting, printing and mailing proxy materials to shareholders; legal expenses, fees of the custodian, auditor, and interested Trustees; each fund's proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. Each fund's management contract further provides that FMR will pay for typesetting, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, notices and reports to shareholders; however, under the terms of each fund's transfer agent agreement, the transfer agent bears the costs of providing these services to existing shareholders. FMR also pays all fees associated with transfer agency, dividend disbursing, and shareholder services, pricing and bookkeeping services.
FMR pays all other expenses of each fund with the following exceptions: fees and expenses of all Trustees of the trust who are not "interested persons" of the trust or FMR (the non-interested Trustees), interest, taxes, brokerage commissions (if any), insurance premiums, if any, payable on or after January 1, 2004, to a mutual insurance company, and such nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any litigation to which a fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
For the services of FMR under each management contract, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund pay FMR a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of its average net assets throughout the month. Effective October 31, 2001, FMR voluntarily agreed to reduce Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's management fee rate from 0.50% to 0.43%. See Proposal 7 for a description of proposed amendments to Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's present management contract. Fees received by FMR, after reduction of fees and expenses paid by each fund to the non-interested trustees, for the fiscal year ended 2001 from each fund were $2,905,517 for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund and $2,421,107 for Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund pays FMR a monthly management fee which has two components: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of all of the registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts and is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate schedule shown below on the left. The schedule below on the right shows the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For example, the effective annual fee rate at $775 billion of group net assets - the approximate level for November 2001 - was 0.1283%, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up to $775 billion.
On August 1, 1999, FMR voluntarily modified the breakpoints in the group fee rate schedules. The revised group fee rate schedules, depicted below, provides for lower management fee rates as FMR's assets under management increase.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE | EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES | ||
Average Group | Annualized | Group Net | Effective Annual |
0 - $3 billion | .3700% | $ 1 billion | .3700% |
3 - 6 | .3400 | 50 | .2188 |
6 - 9 | .3100 | 100 | .1869 |
9 - 12 | .2800 | 150 | .1736 |
12 - 15 | .2500 | 200 | .1652 |
15 - 18 | .2200 | 250 | .1587 |
18 - 21 | .2000 | 300 | .1536 |
21 - 24 | .1900 | 350 | .1494 |
24 - 30 | .1800 | 400 | .1459 |
30 - 36 | .1750 | 450 | .1427 |
36 - 42 | .1700 | 500 | .1399 |
42 - 48 | .1650 | 550 | .1372 |
48 - 66 | .1600 | 600 | .1349 |
66 - 84 | .1550 | 650 | .1328 |
84 - 120 | .1500 | 700 | .1309 |
120 - 156 | .1450 | 750 | .1291 |
156 - 192 | .1400 | 800 | .1275 |
192 - 228 | .1350 | 850 | .1260 |
228 - 264 | .1300 | 900 | .1246 |
264 - 300 | .1275 | 950 | .1233 |
300 - 336 | .1250 | 1,000 | .1220 |
336 - 372 | .1225 | 1,050 | .1209 |
372 - 408 | .1200 | 1,100 | .1197 |
408 - 444 | .1175 | 1,150 | .1187 |
444 - 480 | .1150 | 1,200 | .1177 |
480 - 516 | .1125 | 1,250 | .1167 |
516 - 587 | .1100 | 1,300 | .1158 |
587 - 646 | .1080 | 1,350 | .1149 |
646 - 711 | .1060 | 1,400 | .1141 |
711 - 782 | .1040 | ||
782 - 860 | .1020 | ||
860 - 946 | .1000 | ||
946 - 1,041 | .0980 | ||
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960 | ||
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940 | ||
over - 1,260 | .0920 |
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's individual fund fee rate is 0.25%. Based on the average group net assets of the funds advised by FMR for November 2001, each fund's annual management fee rate would be calculated as follows:
Fund Name | Group Fee Rate | Individual Fund Fee Rate | Management Fee Rate | ||
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | 0.1283% | + | 0.25% | = | 0.3783%</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | 0.1283% | + | 0.25% | = | 0.3783%</R> |
One-twelfth of this annual management fee rate is applied to each fund's net assets averaged for the most recent month, giving a dollar amount, which is the fee for that month.
During fiscal 2001, FMR received $2,925,354 and $3,904,253 for its services as investment adviser to Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, respectively. This fee was equivalent to 0.38% and 0.38%, respectively, of the average net assets of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily agree to reimburse all or a portion of each fund's total operating expenses, (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. These arrangements can be discontinued by FMR at any time.
FMR has voluntarily agreed, subject to revision or discontinuance, to reimburse Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's voluntary expense limitation to the extent that its total operating expenses, as a percentage of its respective average net assets exceed 0.48%.
FMR has voluntarily agreed, subject to revision or discontinuance, to reimburse Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund's voluntary expense limitation to the extent that its total operating expenses, as a percentage of its respective average net assets exceed 0.55%.
FMR has voluntarily agreed, subject to revision or discontinuance, to reimburse Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund to the extent that its total operating expenses, as a percentage of its respective average net assets exceed 0.35%.
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
On behalf of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreement<R>s</R> dated February 28, 1992, July 16, 1992, February 28, 1992 and January 10, 1998, respectively, with FIMM (the successor to FMR Texas). Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FIMM is primarily responsible for choosing investments for each fund.
<R> The sub-advisory agreements for Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund were approved by shareholders on December 11, 1991 to reflect the conversion of the funds from a series of a Massachusetts business trust to a series of a Delaware business trust. FMR approved the sub-advisory agreement for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, as the then sole shareholder of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, on July 8, 1992. On December 17, 1997, shareholders of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, approved a new agreement per an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated November 19, 1997.</R>
Under the terms of the sub-advisory agreements for each fund, FMR pays FIMM fees equal to 50% of the management fee payable to FMR under its management contract with each fund after payments, if any, made by FMR pursuant to each fund's Distribution and Service Plan. The fees paid to FIMM are not reduced by any voluntary or mandatory expense reimbursements that may be in effect from time to time.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, fees paid to FIMM on behalf of each fund are shown in the table below.
Fees Paid to FIMM | |
<R>Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 1,464,680</R> |
<R>Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 1,453,789</R> |
<R>Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 1,952,127</R> |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 1,252,442</R> |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of each fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the management contract.
FMR is authorized to allocate portfolio transactions in a manner that takes into account assistance received in the distribution of shares of the funds or other Fidelity funds and to use the research services of brokerage and other firms that have provided such assistance. FMR may place trades with certain brokers with which it is under common control, including National Financial Services LLC (NFS), provided it determines that these affiliates' products, services, and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, each fundpaid no brokerage commissions.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS
The executive officers of the funds include: Mr. Johnson, Ms. Johnson, Dwight D. Churchill, Boyce I. Greer, Eric D. Roiter, Maria F. Dwyer, Stanley N. Griffith, John H. Costello, Paul F. Maloney, and Thomas J. Simpson. Additional information about Mr. Johnson 3d and Ms. Johnson can be found in Proposal 5. Additional information about other executive officers of the funds can be found in the following table.
The executive officers hold office without limit in time, except that any officer may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Correspondence intended for each executive officer may be sent to 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name, Age; Principal Occupation* | |
Dwight D. Churchill (48) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2000 Vice President of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. He serves as Head of Fidelity's Fixed-Income Division (2000), Vice President of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (2000), Vice President of Fidelity's Bond Funds (1997), and Senior Vice President of FIMM (2000) and FMR (1997). Mr. Churchill joined Fidelity in 1993 as Vice President and Group Leader of Taxable Fixed-Income Investments. | |
Boyce I. Greer (46) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1997 Vice President of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. He serves as Executive Vice President of Fidelity's Fixed-Income Division (2000), Vice President and Group Leader of Fidelity's Money Market Funds (1997), Senior Vice President of FMR (1997), and Vice President of FIMM (1998). Previously, Mr. Greer served as Vice President and Group Leader of Fidelity's Municipal Fixed-Income Investments (1995-1997) and Vice President and Group Leader of Fidelity's Municipal Bond Funds (2000). | |
Eric D. Roiter (53) | |
Year of Election or Appointment:1998 Secretary of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. He also serves as Secretary of other Fidelity funds (1998); Vice President, General Counsel, and Clerk of FMR Co., Inc. (2001) and FMR (1998); Vice President and Clerk of FDC (1998); Secretary of Fidelity Southwest Company (1998); Assistant Clerk of Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (2001) and Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (2001); and Assistant Secretary of Fidelity Investments Money Management Inc. (2001). Prior to joining Fidelity, Mr. Roiter was with the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton, as an associate (1981-1984) and as a partner (1985-1997), and served as an Assistant General Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1979-1981). Mr. Roiter was an Adjunct Member, Faculty of Law, at Columbia University Law School (1996-1997). | |
Maria F. Dwyer (43) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2002 Treasurer of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. She also serves as Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2002) and is a Vice President (1999) and an employee (1996) of FMR. Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Dwyer served as Director of Compliance for MFS Investment Management. | |
Stanley N. Griffith (55) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1998 Assistant Vice President of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. Mr. Griffith is Assistant Vice President of Fidelity's Fixed-Income Funds (1998), Assistant Secretary of FIMM (1998), Vice President of Fidelity Investments' Fixed-Income Division (1998), and is an employee of FMR. | |
John H. Costello (55) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1988, 1989, 1990, or 1992 Assistant Treasurer of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund (1989), Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund (1992), Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund (1988), and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund (1990). Mr. Costello also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR. | |
Paul F. Maloney (52) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 2001 Assistant Treasurer of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. Mr. Maloney also serves as Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2001) and is an employee of FMR. Previously, Mr. Maloney served as Vice President of Fidelity Reporting, Accounting and Pricing Services (FRAPS). | |
Thomas J. Simpson (44) | |
Year of Election or Appointment: 1996 Assistant Treasurer of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund. Mr. Simpson is Assistant Treasurer of other Fidelity funds (2000) and an employee of FMR (1996). Prior to joining FMR, Mr. Simpson was Vice President and Fund Controller of Liberty Investment Services (1987-1995). |
* Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE FUNDS' TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to non-interested Trustees, each fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board of Trustees has 10 standing committees.
The Committee on Operations is composed of all of the non-interested Trustees, with Mr. Mann currently serving as Chairman. The committee normally meets monthly and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to the non-interested Trustees. The committee also considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates and reviews proposed contracts and continuations of contracts between the Fidelity funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding transfer agent agreements, insurance coverage, and custody agreements. The committee also monitors additional issues including the level of service provided to shareholders, significant litigation, and the voting of proxies of portfolio companies. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001,the committee held 11 meetings.
The Fair Value Oversight Committee is composed of all of the non-interested Trustees, with Mr. Mann serving as Chairman. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Fair Value Oversight Committee monitors and establishes policies concerning procedures and controls regarding the valuation of fund investments and their classification as liquid or illiquid. The committee provides oversight regarding the investment policies and Fidelity funds' investment in non-traditional securities. The committee also reviews actions taken by FMR's Fair Value Committee. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001,the committee held four meetings.
The Board of Trustees has established three fund oversight committees: the Equity Committee (composed of Messrs. McCoy (Chairman), Cox, Lautenbach, and Lynch), the Fixed-Income/International Committee (composed of Messrs. Gates (Chairman) and Kirk and Ms. Knowles), and the Select Committee (composed of Ms. Davis (Chairman) and Messrs. Cook and Stavropoulos). Each committee's members confer periodically and normally meet monthly. Each committee oversees investment advisory services provided by FMR to the relevant funds and monitors the investment objectives, policies, and practices of the relevant Fidelity funds. Each committee also monitors compliance by each fund with its investment policies, appropriate benchmarks, competitive universes, and investment performance. The Fixed-Income/International Committee also receives reports required under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, each fund oversight committee held 11meetings.
The Committee on Service Fees is composed of Messrs. McCoy (Chairman), Cook, Kirk, and Lautenbach. The committee members confer periodically and meet at least annually. The committee considers the structure of the Fidelity funds' transfer agency fees, direct fees to investors, and the specific services rendered by FMR and its affiliates in consideration of these fees. The committee also considers fee structures for other non-investment management services rendered to the Fidelity funds by FMR and its affiliates. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, the committee held one meeting.
The Brokerage Committee is composed of Messrs. Cox (Chairman), Cook, McCoy, and Stavropoulos and Ms. Davis. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The committee monitors and recommends policies concerning the securities transactions of the Fidelity funds. The committee periodically reviews the policies and practices with respect to efforts to achieve best execution and commissions paid to firms supplying research and brokerage services, providing sales support, or paying fund expenses. The committee also monitors brokerage and other relationships between the Fidelity funds and firms affiliated with FMR which participate in the execution of securities transactions. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, the committee held six meetings.
The Committee on Distribution Channels is composed of Messrs. Cox (Chairman), Gates, and Stavropoulos and Msses. Davis and Knowles. The committee members confer periodically and hold meetings at least annually. The committee considers issues bearing on the various distribution channels employed by the Fidelity funds, including issues regarding Rule 18f-3 plans and related consideration of classes of shares, sales load structures, load waivers, selling concessions and service charges paid to intermediaries, Rule 12b-1 plans, contingent deferred sales charges, and finders' fees. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, the committee held four meetings.
The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Kirk (Chairman), Gates,and Lautenbach and Ms. Knowles. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The committee oversees and monitors each Fidelity fund's internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process, including the resolution of material reporting issues. The committee recommends to the full Board of Trustees the appointment of auditors for the Fidelity funds. It reviews audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of auditors, including non-audit services to be performed. It reviews the qualifications of key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors auditor independence. The committee plays an oversight role in respect of each fund's investment compliance procedures and the code of ethics. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, the committee held four meetings. For additional information on each fund's auditor, refer to the section entitled "Independent Accountants" beginning on page <R>39</R>.
The Nominating and Administration Committee is composed of Messrs. Mann (Chairman), Cox, and Gates. The committee members confer periodically and hold meetings as required. The committee makes nominations for non-interested Trustees, for Members of the Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee periodically reviews procedures and policies of the Board of Trustees and its committees and periodically reviews compensation of non-interested Trustees. It acts as the administrative committee under the Retirement Plan for non-interested Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for non-interested Trustees. It monitors the performance of legal counsel employed by the Fidelity funds and the non-interested Trustees. On behalf of the non-interested Trustees, the committee will make such findings and determinations as to the independence of counsel for the non-interested Trustees as may be appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee monitors compliance with, and acts as the administrator of, the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the non-interested Trustees. The Nominating and Administration Committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the committee in care of the Secretary of the Fidelity funds. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, the committee held one meeting.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has been selected as independent accountants for each fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in accordance with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (ISB No.1), has confirmed to the trust's Audit Committee that they are independent accountants with respect to the funds.
The independent accountants examine annual financial statements for the funds and provide other non-audit and tax-related services to the funds. The trust's Audit Committee does not consider other non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to be incompatible with maintaining the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in its audit of the funds, taking into account representations from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in accordance with ISB No.1, regarding its independence from the funds and its related entities. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPare not expected to be present at the Meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.
Fund-Related Fees
Audit Fees. For the funds' fiscal year ended November 30, 2001,the approximate fee for professional services rendered forthe audit of annual financial statements for each fund is shown in the table below.
Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 23,000 |
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 23,000 |
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 24,000 |
Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund | $ 22,000 |
<R> The approximate annual aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the year ended November 30, 2001 were $8,100,000.</R>
<R>All Other Fees. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2001, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was also paid approximately $5,000 for tax-related services rendered to the funds. The approximate annual aggregate fees paid by all of the funds in the Fidelity Group of Funds audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for tax-related services for the year ended November 30, 2001 were $300,000.</R>
Non-Fund Related Fees
<R>Audit Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2001, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was also paid approximately $1,900,000 for professional services rendered for the audits of financial statements for FMR, FMR Corp., the parent company of FMR, and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds. </R>
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was also paid approximately $500,000 for designing or implementing financial information hardware or software systems on behalf of FMR, FMR Corp., and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds.
All Other Fees. For the year ended November 30, 2001, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was also paid approximately $11,000,000 for all other non-audit services rendered on behalf of FMR, FMR Corp., and entities under common control with FMR Corp. that provide services to any fund in the Fidelity Group of Funds. These fees can be sub-categorized as follows:
- $<R>3,800,000</R> for designing or implementing hardware or software management information systems;
- $<R>2,700,000</R> for consulting on information systems relating to internal operations (other than financial or management information systems);
- $<R>2,600,000</R> for data retention and retrieval consulting;
- $<R>1,600,000</R> for tax services; and
- $<R>300,000</R> for audit-related professional services.
SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
The trust does not hold annual shareholder meetings. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent shareholder meeting should send their written proposals to the Secretary of the Trust, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
NOTICE TO BANKS, BROKER-DEALERS AND
VOTING TRUSTEES AND THEIR NOMINEES
Please advise the trust, in care of Fidelity Service Company, Inc., P.O. Box 789, Boston, MA 02109, whether other persons are beneficial owners of shares for which proxies are being solicited and, if so, the number of copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Reports you wish to receive in order to supply copies to the beneficial owners of the respective shares.
EXHIBIT 1
The language to be added to the current Trust Instrument isunderlined, and the language to be deleted is set forth in [brackets]. Headings that were underlined in the Trust's current Trust Instrument remain underlined in this Exhibit.
FORM OF
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST INSTRUMENT
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST INSTRUMENT, made [September 14, 2000]_______,20__by each of the Trustees whose signature is affixed hereto (the "Trustees").
WHEREAS, the Trustees desire to amend and restate this Trust Instrument for the sole purpose of supplementing the Trust Instrument to incorporate amendments duly adopted; [and]
WHEREAS, this Trust was initially made on June 20, 1991 by Edward C. Johnson 3d, J. Gary Burkhead and John E. Ferris in order to establish a trust for the investment and reinvestment of funds contributed thereto;and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees declare that all money and property contributed to the [t]Trust hereunder shall be held and managed in trust under this Amended and Restated Trust Instrument as herein set forth below.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
NAME
Section 1.01. The name of the [t]Trust created hereby is the "Fidelity Court Street Trust II."
DEFINITIONS.
Section 1.02. Wherever used herein, unless otherwise required by the context or specifically provided:
(a) "Bylaws" means the Bylaws referred to in Article IV, Section 4.01(e) hereof, as from time to time amended;
(b) The term "Commission" has the meaning given it in the 1940 Act. The terms "Affiliated Person," "Assignment," "Interested Person" and "Principal Underwriter" shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretive releases of the Commission thereunder. "Majority Shareholder Vote" shall have the same meaning as the term "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities" is given in the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretive releases of the Commission thereunder;
(c) The "Delaware Act" refers to Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code entitled "Treatment of Delaware Business Trusts," as it may be amended from time to time;
(d) "Net Asset Value" means the net asset value of each Series of the Trust determined in the manner provided in Article IX, Section 9.03 hereof;
(e) "Outstanding Shares" means those Shares shown from time to time in the books of the Trust or its Transfer Agent as then issued and outstanding, but shall not include Shares which have been redeemed or repurchased by the Trust and which are at the time held in the treasury of the Trust;
(f) "Series" means a series of Shares of the Trust established in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 2.06 hereof;
(g) "Shareholder" means a record owner of Outstanding Shares of the Trust;
(h) "Shares" means the equal proportionate transferable units of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest of each Series of the Trust or class thereof shall be divided and may include fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares;
(i) The "Trust" refers to Fidelity Court Street Trust II and reference to the Trust, when applicable to one or more Series of the Trust, shall refer to any such Series;
(j) The "Trustees" means the person or persons who has or have signed this Trust Instrument, so long as he or they shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other persons who may from time to time be duly qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the provisions of Article III hereof and reference herein to a Trustee or to the Trustees shall refer to the individual Trustees in their capacity as Trustees hereunder;
(k) "Trust Property" means any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account of one or more of the Trust or any Series, or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust or any Series; and
(l) The "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Section 2.01. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into such transferable Shares of one or more separate and distinct Series or classes of a Series as the Trustees shall from time to time create and establish. The number of Shares of each Series, and class thereof, authorized hereunder is unlimited. Each Share shall have no par value. All Shares issued hereunder, including without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a split or reverse split of Shares, shall be fully paid and nonassessable.
ISSUANCE OF SHARES
Section 2.02. The Trustees in their discretion may, from time to time, without vote of the Shareholders, issue Shares, in addition to the then issued and outstanding Shares and Shares held in the treasury, to such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, subject to applicable law, including cash or securities, at such time or times and on such terms as the Trustees may deem appropriate, and may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with, the assumption of liabilities) and businesses. In connection with any issuance of Shares, the Trustees may issue fractional Shares and Shares held in the treasury. The Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in the Trust. Contributions to the Trust may be accepted for, and Shares shall be redeemed as, whole Shares and/or 1/1,000th of a Share or integral multiples thereof.
REGISTER OF SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
Section 2.03. A register shall be kept at the principal office of the Trust or an office of the Trust's transfer agent which shall contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders of each Series, the number of Shares of that Series (or any class or classes thereof) held by them respectively and a record of all transfers thereof. As to Shares for which no certificate has been issued, such register shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares and who shall be entitled to receive dividends or other distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein or in the Bylaws provided, until he has given his address to the transfer agent or such other officer or agent of the Trustees as shall keep the said register for entry thereon. The Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the issuance of share certificates and promulgate appropriate rules and regulations as to their use. Such certificates may be issuable for any purpose limited in the Trustees discretion. In the event that one or more certificates are issued, whether in the name of a shareholder or a nominee, such certificate or certificates shall constitute evidence of ownership of Shares for all purposes, including transfer, assignment or sale of such Shares, subject to such limitations as the Trustees may, in their discretion, prescribe.
TRANSFER OF SHARES
Section 2.04. Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only by the record holder thereof or by his agent thereunto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or the Trust's transfer agent of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with a Share certificate, if one is outstanding, and such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of such other matters as may be required by the Trustees. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereunder and neither the Trustees nor the Trust, nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.
TREASURY SHARES
Section 2.05. Shares held in the treasury shall, until reissued pursuant to Section 2.02 hereof, not confer any voting rights on the Trustees, nor shall such Shares be entitled to any dividends or other distributions declared with respect to the Shares.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SERIES
Section 2.06. The Trust created hereby shall consist of one or more Series and separate and distinct records shall be maintained by the Trust for each Series and the assets associated with any such Series shall be held and accounted for separately from the assets of the Trust or any other Series. The Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion, and without obtaining any prior authorization or vote of the Shareholders of any Series of the Trust, to establish and designate and to change in any manner any such Series of Shares or any classes of initial or additional Series and to fix such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges of such Series or classes thereof as the Trustees may from time to time determine, to divide or combine the Shares or any Series or classes thereof into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued Shares or any Series or classes thereof into one or more Series or classes of Shares, and to take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable. The establishment and designation of any Series shall be effective upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the Trustees setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such Series, whether directly in such resolution or by reference to, or approval of, another document that sets forth such relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such Series including, without limitation, any registration statement of the Trust, or as otherwise provided in such resolution. A Series may issue any number of Shares and need not issue shares. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular Series previously established and designated, the Trustees may by a majority vote abolish that Series and the establishment and designation thereof.
All references to Shares in this Trust Instrument shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all Series, or classes thereof, as the context may require. All provisions herein relating to the Trust shall apply equally to each Series of the Trust, and each class thereof, except as the context otherwise requires.
Each Share of a Series of the Trust shall represent an equal beneficial interest in the net assets of such Series. Each holder of Shares of a Series shall be entitled to receive his pro rata share of distributions of income and capital gains, if any, made with respect to such Series. Upon redemption of his Shares, such Shareholder shall be paid solely out of the funds and property of such Series of the Trust.
INVESTMENT IN THE TRUST
Section 2.07. The Trustees shall accept investments in any Series of the Trust from such persons and on such terms as they may from time to time authorize. At the Trustees' discretion, such investments, subject to applicable law, may be in the form of cash or securities in which the affected Series is authorized to invest, valued as provided in Article IX, Section 9.03 hereof. Investments in a Series shall be credited to each Shareholder's account in the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the investment is received; provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, (a) fix the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial capital contribution, (b) impose a sales charge or other fee upon investments in the Trust in such manner and at such time determined by the Trustees or (c) issue fractional Shares.
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF SERIES
Section 2.08. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall be held and accounted for separately from the other assets of the Trust and of every other Series and may be referred to herein as "assets belonging to" that Series. The assets belonging to a particular Series shall belong to that Series for all purposes, and to no other Series, subject only to the rights of creditors of that Series. In addition, any assets, income, earnings, profits or funds, or payments and proceeds with respect thereto, which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be allocated by the Trustees between and among one or more of the Series in such manner as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes, and such assets, income, earnings, profits or funds, or payments and proceeds with respect thereto shall be assets belonging to that Series. The assets belonging to a particular Series shall be so recorded upon the books of the Trust, and shall be held by the Trustees in trust for the benefit of the holders of Shares of that Series. The assets belonging to each particular Series shall be charged with the liabilities of that Series and all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series. Any general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees between or among any one or more of the Series in such manner as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.08, but subject to the right of the Trustees in their discretion to allocate general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves as herein provided, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the assets of such Series only, and not against the assets of the Trust generally. Notice of this limitation on inter-Series liabilities may, in the Trustee's sole discretion, be set forth in the certificate of trust of the Trust (whether originally or by amendment) as filed or to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Act, and upon the giving of such notice in the certificate of trust, the statutory provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act relating to limitations on inter-Series liabilities (and the statutory effect under Section 3804 of setting forth such notice in the certificate of trust) shall become applicable to the Trust and each Series. Any person extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against any Series may look only to the assets of that Series to satisfy or enforce any debt, liability, obligation or expense incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to that Series. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall have a claim on or any right to any assets allocated or belonging to any other Series.
NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
Section 2.09. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Trust or the Trustees, whether of the same or other Series.
PERSONAL LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 2.10. Each Shareholder of the Trust and of each Series shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or by or on behalf of any Series. The Trustees shall have no power to bind any Shareholder personally or to call upon any Shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the Shareholder may at any time personally agree to pay by way of subscription for any Shares or otherwise. Every note, bond, contract or other undertaking issued by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees relating to the Trust or to a Series shall include a recitation limiting the obligation represented thereby to the Trust or to one or more Series and its or their assets (but the omission of such a recitation shall not operate to bind any Shareholder or Trustee of the Trust).
ASSENT TO TRUST INSTRUMENT
Section 2.11. Every Shareholder, by virtue of having purchased a Share shall become a Shareholder and shall be held to have expressly assented and agreed to be bound by the terms hereof.
ARTICLE III
THE TRUSTEES
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Section 3.01. The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation as may be permitted by this Trust Instrument. The Trustees shall have power to conduct the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without the State of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the District of Columbia, in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, or possessions of the United States of America, and in any foreign jurisdiction and to do all such other things and execute all such instruments as they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of the Trust although such things are not herein specifically mentioned. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Trust Instrument, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.
The enumeration of any specific power in this Trust Instrument shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power. The powers of the Trustees may be exercised without order of or resort to any court.
Except for the Trustees named herein or appointed to fill vacancies pursuant to Section 3.04 of this Article III, the Trustees shall be elected by the Shareholders owning of record a plurality of the Shares voting at a meeting of Shareholders. Such a meeting shall be held on a date fixed by the Trustees. In the event that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by Shareholders, the Trustees then in office will call a Shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
INITIAL TRUSTEES
Section 3.02. The initial Trustees shall be the persons named herein. On a date fixed by the Trustees, the Shareholders shall elect at least three but not more than [twelve]fourteen Trustees, as specified by the Trustees pursuant to Section 3.06 of this Article III.
TERM OF OFFICE OF TRUSTEES
Section 3.03. The Trustees shall hold office during the lifetime of this Trust, and until its termination as herein provided; except (a) that any Trustee may resign his trust by written instrument signed by him and delivered to the other Trustees, which shall take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein; (b) that any Trustee may be removed at any time by written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective; (c) that any Trustee who requests in writing to be retired or who has died, become physically or mentally incapacitated by reason of disease or otherwise, or is otherwise unable to serve, may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees, specifying the date of his retirement; and (d) that a Trustee may be removed at any meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust by a vote of Shareholders owning at least two-thirds of the outstanding Shares.
VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
Section 3.04. In case of the declination to serve, death, resignation, retirement, removal, physical or mental incapacity by reason of disease or otherwise, or a Trustee is otherwise unable to serve, or an increase in the number of Trustees, a vacancy shall occur. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled, the other Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and the certificate of the other Trustees of such vacancy shall be conclusive. In the case of an existing vacancy, the remaining Trustees shall fill such vacancy by appointing such other person as they in their discretion shall see fit consistent with the limitations under the 1940 Act. Such appointment shall be evidenced by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees in office or by resolution of the Trustees, duly adopted, which shall be recorded in the minutes of a meeting of the Trustees, whereupon the appointment shall take effect.
An appointment of a Trustee may be made by the Trustees then in office in anticipation of a vacancy to occur by reason of retirement, resignation or increase in number of Trustees effective at a later date, provided that said appointment shall become effective only at or after the effective date of said retirement, resignation or increase in number of Trustees. As soon as any Trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall have accepted this trust, or at such date as may be specified in the acceptance whenever made, the trust estate shall vest in the new Trustee or Trustees, together with the continuing Trustees, without any further act or conveyance, and he shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The power to appoint a Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.04 is subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF TRUSTEE
Section 3.05. Any Trustee may, by power of attorney, delegate his power for a period not exceeding six months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees, provided that in no case shall less than two Trustees personally exercise the other powers hereunder except as herein otherwise expressly provided.
NUMBER OF TRUSTEES
Section 3.06. The number of Trustees shall be at least three, and thereafter shall be such number as shall be fixed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees, provided, however, that the number of Trustees shall in no event be more than [twelve (12)]fourteen (14).
EFFECT OF DEATH, RESIGNATION, ETC. OF A TRUSTEE
Section 3.07. The declination to serve, death, resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity, or inability of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to terminate the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Trust Instrument.
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS OF THE TRUST
Section 3.08. The assets of the Trust and of each Series shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. Legal title in all of the assets of the Trust and the right to conduct any business shall at all times be considered as vested in the Trustees on behalf of the Trust, except that the Trustees may cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by, or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any person as nominee. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or of any Series or any right of partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have, except as otherwise provided for herein, a proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the Trust or Series. The Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth in this Trust Instrument.
ARTICLE IV
POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES
POWERS
Section 4.01. The Trustees in all instances shall act as principals, and are and shall be free from the control of the Shareholders. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to do any and all acts and to make and execute any and all contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the management of the Trust. The Trustees shall not in any way be bound or limited by present or future laws or customs in regard to trust investments, but shall have full authority and power to make any and all investments which they, in their sole discretion, shall deem proper to accomplish the purpose of this Trust without recourse to any court or other authority. Subject to any applicable limitation in this Trust Instrument or the Bylaws of the Trust, the Trustees shall have power and authority:
(a) To invest and reinvest cash and other property, and to hold cash or other property uninvested, without in any event being bound or limited by any present or future law or custom in regard to investments by [t]Trustees, and to sell, exchange, lend, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, write options on and lease any or all of the assets of the Trust;
(b) To operate as and carry on the business of an investment company, and exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such operations;
(c) To borrow money and in this connection issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property; to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of an obligation or engagement of any other Person and to lend Trust Property;
(d) To provide for the distribution of interests of the Trust either through a principal underwriter in the manner hereinafter provided for or by the Trust itself, or both, or otherwise pursuant to a plan of distribution of any kind;
(e) To adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with this Trust Instrument providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them to the extent that they do not reserve that right to the Shareholders; such Bylaws shall be deemed incorporated and included in this Trust Instrument;
(f) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate;
(g) To employ one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are members of a national securities exchange or such other entities as the Commission may permit as custodians of any assets of the Trust subject to any conditions set forth in this Trust Instrument or in the Bylaws;
(h) To retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing agents, or both;
(i) To set record dates in the manner provided herein or in the Bylaws;
(j) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officers of the Trust and to any investment adviser, manager, custodian, underwriter or other agent or independent contractor;
(k) To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust, subject to the provisions of Article XI, [Section 11.04(b)]Sections 11.05, 11.06, and 11.07 hereof;
(l) To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to stock or other securities or property; and to execute and deliver powers of attorney to such person or persons as the Trustees shall deem proper, granting to such person or persons such power and discretion with relation to securities or property as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(m) To exercise powers and rights of subscription or otherwise which in any manner arise out of ownership of securities;
(n) To hold any security or property in a form not indicating any trust, whether in bearer, book entry, unregistered or other negotiable form; or either in the name of the Trust or in the name of a custodian or a nominee or nominees, subject in either case to proper safeguards according to the usual practice of Delaware business trusts or investment companies;
(o) To establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes in accordance with the provisions of Article II hereof and to establish classes of such Series having relative rights, powers and duties as they may provide consistent with applicable law;
(p) Subject to the provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act, to allocate assets, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series or class thereof or to apportion the same between or among two or more Series or classesthereof, provided that any liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series or class thereof shall be payable solely out of the assets belonging to that Series as provided for in Article II hereof;
(q) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization, consolidation or merger of any corporation or concern, any security of which is held in the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or sale of property by such corporation or concern, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect to any security held in the Trust;
(r) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;
(s) To make distributions of income and of capital gains to Shareholders in the manner hereinafter provided;
(t) To establish, from time to time, a minimum investment for Shareholders in the Trust or in one or more Series or class, and to require the redemption of the Shares of any Shareholders whose investment is less than such minimum upon giving notice to such Shareholder;
(u) To establish one or more committees, to delegate any of the powers of the Trustees to said committees and to adopt a committee charter providing for such responsibilities, membership (including Trustees, officers or other agents of the Trust therein) and any other characteristics of said committees as the Trustees may deem proper. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article IV, and in addition to such provisions or any other provision of this Trust Instrument or of the Bylaws, the Trustees may by resolution appoint a committee consisting of less than the whole number of Trustees then in office, which committee may be empowered to act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust, as if the acts of such committee were the acts of all the Trustees then in office, with respect to the institution, prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or investigation of any action, suit or proceeding which shall be pending or threatened to be brought before any court, administrative agency or other adjudicatory body;
(v) To interpret the investment policies, practices or limitations of any Series;
(w) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, to invest all or a portion of the assets of any series in one or more open-end investment companies, including investment by means of a transfer of such assets in an exchange for an interest or interests in such investment company or companies or by any other method approved by the Trustees;
(x) To establish a registered office and have a registered agent in the state of Delaware; and
(y) In general to carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment of any object or the furtherance of any power hereinbefore set forth, either alone or in association with others, and to do every other act or thing incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the aforesaid business or purposes, objects or powers.
The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and powers, and the foregoing enumeration of specific powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the general powers of the Trustees. Any action by one or more of the Trustees in their capacity as such hereunder shall be deemed an action on behalf of the Trust or the applicable Series, and not an action in an individual capacity.
The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in obligations maturing before the possible termination of the Trust.
No one dealing with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to make any inquiry concerning the authority of the Trustees, or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trustees or upon their order.
ISSUANCE AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
Section 4.02. The Trustees shall have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, and otherwise deal in Shares and, subject to the provisions set forth in Article II and Article IX, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property of the Trust, or the particular Series of the Trust, with respect to which such Shares are issued.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS AS SHAREHOLDERS
Section 4.03. Any Trustee, officer or other agent of the Trust may acquire, own and dispose of Shares to the same extent as if he were not a Trustee, officer or agent; and the Trustees may issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold Shares to and buy such Shares from any such person or any firm or company in which he is interested, subject only to the general limitations herein contained as to the sale and purchase of such Shares; and all subject to any restrictions which may be contained in the Bylaws.
ACTION BY THE TRUSTEES
Section 4.04. The Trustees shall act by majority vote at a meeting duly called or by unanimous written consent without a meeting or by telephone meeting provided a quorum of Trustees participate in any such telephone meeting, unless the 1940 Act requires that a particular action be taken only at a meeting at which the Trustees are present in person. At any meeting of the Trustees, a majority of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum. Meetings of the Trustees may be called orally or in writing by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees or by any two other Trustees. Notice of the time, date and place of all meetings of the Trustees shall be given by the party calling the meeting to each Trustee by telephone, telefax, or telegram sent to his home or business address at least twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting or by written notice mailed to his home or business address at least seventy-two hours in advance of the meeting. Notice need not be given to any Trustee who attends the meeting without objecting to the lack of notice or who executes a written waiver of notice with respect to the meeting. Any meeting conducted by telephone shall be deemed to take place at the principal office of the Trust, as determined by the Bylaws or by the Trustees. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trustees by majority vote may delegate to any one or more of their number their authority to approve particular matters or take particular actions on behalf of the Trust. Written consents or waivers of the Trustees may be executed in one or more counterparts. Execution of a written consent or waiver and delivery thereof to the Trust may be accomplished by telefax.
CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES
Section 4.05. The Trustees shall appoint one of their number to be Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Trustees, shall be responsible for the execution of policies established by the Trustees and the administration of the Trust, and may be (but is not required to be) the chief executive, financial and/or accounting officer of the Trust.
PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS
Section 4.06. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a member acting as principal, or have any such dealings with any investment adviser, distributor or transfer agent for the Trust or with any Interested Person of such person; and the Trust may employ any such person, or firm or company in which such person is an Interested Person, as broker, legal counsel, registrar, investment adviser, distributor, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, custodian or in any other capacity upon customary terms.
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
TRUSTEE REIMBURSEMENT
Section 5.01. Subject to the provisions of Article II, Section 2.08 hereof, the Trustees shall be reimbursed from the Trust estate or the assets belonging to the appropriate Series for their expenses and disbursements, including, without limitation, fees and expenses of Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the Trust, interest expense, taxes, fees and commissions of every kind, expenses of pricing Trust portfolio securities, expenses of issue, repurchase and redemption of shares, including expenses attributable to a program of periodic repurchases or redemptions, expenses of registering and qualifying the Trust and its Shares under Federal and State laws and regulations or under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction, charges of third parties, including investment advisers, managers, custodians, transfer agents, portfolio accounting and/or pricing agents, and registrars, expenses of preparing and setting up in type prospectuses and statements of additional information and other related Trust documents, expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses sent to existing Shareholders, auditing and legal expenses, reports to Shareholders, expenses of meetings of Shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor, insurance expenses, association membership dues and for such non-recurring items as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust (or a Trustee acting as such) is a party, and for all losses and liabilities by them incurred in administering the Trust, and for the payment of such expenses, disbursements, losses and liabilities the Trustees shall have a lien on the assets belonging to the appropriate Series, or in the case of an expense allocable to more than one Series, on the assets of each such Series, prior to any rights or interests of the Shareholders thereto. This section shall not preclude the Trust from directly paying any of the aforementioned fees and expenses.
ARTICLE VI
INVESTMENT ADVISER, PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND TRANSFER AGENT
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Section 6.01.Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted or interpretative releases of the Commission thereunder, [T]the Trustees may in their discretion, from time to time, enter into an investment advisory or management contract or contracts with respect to the Trust or any Series whereby the other party or parties to such contract or contracts shall undertake to furnish the Trustees with such management, investment advisory, statistical and research facilities and services and such other facilities and services, if any, and all upon such terms and conditions, as the Trustees may in their discretion determine[; provided, however, that the initial approval and entering into of such contract or contracts shall be subject to a Majority Shareholder Vote]. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Instrument, the Trustees may authorize any investment adviser (subject to such general or specific instructions as the Trustees may from time to time adopt) to effect purchases, sales or exchanges of portfolio securities, other investment instruments of the Trust, or other Trust Property on behalf of the Trustees, or may authorize any officer, agent, or Trustee to effect such purchases, sales or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of the investment adviser (and all without further action by the Trustees). Any such purchases, sales and exchanges shall be deemed to have been authorized by all of the Trustees.
The Trustees may authorize, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, including those relating to Shareholder approval, the investment adviser to employ, from time to time, one or more sub-advisers to perform such of the acts and services of the investment adviser, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any reference in this Trust Instrument to the investment adviser shall be deemed to include such sub-advisers, unless the context otherwise requires.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Section 6.02. The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into an exclusive or non-exclusive underwriting contract or contracts providing for the sale of Shares, whereby the Trust may either agree to sell Shares to the other party to the contract or appoint such other party its sales agent for such Shares. In either case, the contract shall be on such terms and conditions, if any, as may be prescribed in the Bylaws, and such further terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VI, or of the Bylaws; and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale of Shares by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust.
TRANSFER AGENT
Section 6.03. The Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more transfer agency and Shareholder service contracts whereby the other party or parties shall undertake to furnish the Trustees with transfer agency and Shareholder services. The contract or contracts shall be on such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not inconsistent with the provisions of this Trust Instrument or of the Bylaws.
PARTIES TO CONTRACT
Section 6.04. Any contract of the character described in Sections 6.01, 6.02 and 6.03 of this Article VI or any contract of the character described in Article VIII hereof may be entered into with any corporation, firm, partnership, trust or association, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party to the contract, and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered void or voidable by reason of the existence of any relationship, nor shall any person holding such relationship be disqualified from voting on or executing the same in his capacity as Shareholder and/or Trustee, nor shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust under or by reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VI or Article VIII hereof or of the Bylaws. The same person (including a firm, corporation, partnership, trust, or association) may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Sections 6.01, 6.02 and 6.03 of this Article VI or pursuant to Article VIII hereof, and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 6.04.
PROVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS
Section 6.05. Any contract entered into pursuant to Sections 6.01 or 6.02 of this Article VI shall be consistent with and subject to the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act or other applicable Act of Congress hereafter enacted with respect to its continuance in effect, its termination, and the method of authorization and approval of such contract or renewal thereof, and no amendment to any contract, entered into pursuant to Section 6.01 of this Article VI shall be effective unless assented to in a manner consistent with the requirements of said Section 15, as modified by any applicable rule, regulation or order of the Commission.
ARTICLE VII
SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
VOTING POWERS
Section 7.01. The Shareholders shall have power to vote only (i) for the election of Trustees as provided in Article III, Sections 3.01 and 3.02 hereof, (ii) for the removal of Trustees as provided in Article III, Section 3.03(d) hereof, (iii) with respect to any investment advisory or management contract as provided in Article VI, Sections 6.01 and 6.05 hereof, and (iv) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may be required by law, by this Trust Instrument, or the Bylaws or any registration of the Trust with the Commission or any State, or as the Trustees may consider desirable.
On any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares shall be voted separately by individual Series, except (i) when required by the 1940 Act, Shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Series; and (ii) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects the interests of more than one Series, then the Shareholders of all such Series shall be entitled to vote thereon. The Trustees may also determine that a matter affects only the interests of one or more classes of a Series, in which case any such matter shall be voted on by such class or classes. A shareholder of each Series shall be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value (number of shares owned times net asset value per share) of such Series on any matter on which such shareholder is entitled to vote and each fractional dollar amount shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy or in any manner provided for in the Bylaws. A proxy may be given in writing. The Bylaws may provide that proxies may also, or may instead, be given by any electronic or telecommunications device or in any other manner. Notwithstanding anything else herein or in the Bylaws, in the event a proposal by anyone other than the officers or Trustees of the Trust is submitted to a vote of the Shareholders of one or more Series or of the Trust, or in the event of any proxy contest or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to any proposal by the officers or Trustees of the Trust, Shares may be voted only in person or by written proxy. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted by law, this Trust Instrument or any of the Bylaws of the Trust to be taken by Shareholders.
MEETINGS
Section 7.02. The first Shareholders' meeting shall be held in order to elect Trustees as specified in Section 3.02 of Article III hereof at the principal office of the Trust or such other place as the Trustees may designate. Meetings may be held within or without the State of Delaware. Special meetings of the Shareholders of any Series may be called by the Trustees and shall be called by the Trustees upon the written request of Shareholders owning at least one-tenth of the Outstanding Shares entitled to vote. Whenever ten or more Shareholders meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, seek the opportunity of furnishing materials to the other Shareholders with a view to obtaining signatures on such a request for a meeting, the Trustees shall comply with the provisions of said Section 16(c) with respect to providing such Shareholders access to the list of the Shareholders of record of the Trust or the mailing of such materials to such Shareholders of record, subject to any rights provided to the Trust or any Trustees provided by said Section 16(c). Shareholders shall be entitled to at least fifteen (15) days' notice of any meeting.
QUORUM AND REQUIRED VOTE
Section 7.03. One-third of Shares entitled to vote in person or by proxy shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at a Shareholders' meeting, except that where any provision of law or of this Trust Instrument permits or requires that holders of any Series shall vote as a Series (or that holders of a class shall vote as a class), then one-third of the aggregate number of Shares of that Series (or that class) entitled to vote shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by that Series (or that class). Any lesser number shall be sufficient for adjournments. Any adjourned session or sessions may be held, within a reasonable time after the date set for the original meeting, without the necessity of further notice. Except when a larger vote is required by law or by any provision of this Trust Instrument or the Bylaws, a majority of the Shares voted in person or by proxy shall decide any questions and a plurality shall elect a Trustee, provided that where any provision of law or of this Trust Instrument permits or requires that the holders of any Series shall vote as a Series (or that the holders of any class shall vote as a class), then a majority of the Shares present in person or by proxy of that Series or, if required by law, a Majority Shareholder Vote of that Series (or class), voted on the matter in person or by proxy shall decide that matter insofar as that Series (or class) is concerned. Shareholders may act by unanimous written consent. Actions taken by Series (or class) may be consented to unanimously in writing by Shareholders of that Series.
DERIVATIVE ACTIONS
Section 7.04. In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder may bring derivative action on behalf of the Trust only if the Shareholder or Shareholders first make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such action is excused. A demand on the Trustees shall only be excused if a majority of the Board of Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, has a personal financial interest in the action at issue. A Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal financial interest in an action or otherwise be disqualified from ruling on a Shareholder demand by virtue of the fact that such Trustee receives remuneration from his service on the Board of Trustees of the Trust or on the boards of one or more investment companies with the same or an affiliated investment advisor or underwriter.
ARTICLE VIII
CUSTODIAN
APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES
Section 8.01. The Trustees shall at all times employ a bank, a company that is a member of a national securities exchange, or a trust company, each having capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000) as custodian with authority as its agent, but subject to such restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be contained in the Bylaws of the Trust:
(1) to hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver the same upon written order or oral order confirmed in writing, or by such electro-mechanical or electronic devices as are agreed to by the Trust and the custodian, if such procedures have been authorized in writing by the Trust;
(2) to receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit the same in its own banking department or else where as the Trustees may direct;
(3) to disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers;
and the Trust may also employ such custodian as its agent:
(4) to keep the books and accounts of the Trust or of any Series or class and furnish clerical and accounting services; and
(5) to compute, if authorized to do so by the Trustees, the Net Asset Value of any Series, or class thereof, in accordance with the provisions hereof; all upon such basis of compensation as may be agreed upon between the Trustees and the custodian.
The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the custodian, and upon such terms and conditions, as may be agreed upon between the custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees, provided that in every case such sub-custodian shall be a bank, a company that is a member of a national securities exchange, or a trust company organized under the laws of the United States or one of the states thereof and having capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000) or such other person as may be permitted by the Commission, or otherwise in accordance with the 1940 Act.
CENTRAL CERTIFICATE SYSTEM
Section 8.02. Subject to such rules, regulations and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the custodian to deposit all or any part of the securities owned by the Trust in a system for the central handling of securities established by a national securities exchange or a national securities association registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or such other person as may be permitted by the Commission, or otherwise in accordance with the 1940 Act, pursuant to which system all securities of any particular class or series of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such securities, provided that all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal only upon the order of the Trust or its custodians, subcustodians or other agents.
ARTICLE IX
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 9.01.
(a) The Trustees may from time to time declare and pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Series. The amount of such dividends or distributions and the payment of them and whether they are in cash or any other Trust Property shall be wholly in the discretion of the Trustees.
(b) Dividends and other distributions may be paid or made to the Shareholders of record at the time of declaring a dividend or other distribution or among the Shareholders of record at such other date or time or dates or times as the Trustees shall determine, which dividends or distributions, at the election of the Trustees, may be paid pursuant to a standing resolution or resolutions adopted only once or with such frequency as the Trustees may determine. The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend reinvestment plans, cash dividend payout plans or related plans as the Trustees shall deem appropriate.
(c) Anything in this Trust Instrument to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustees may at any time declare and distribute a dividend of stock or other property pro rata among the Shareholders of a particular Series, or class thereof, as of the record date of that Series fixed as provided in Section (b) hereof.
REDEMPTIONS
Section 9.02. In case any holder of record of Shares of a particular Series desires to dispose of his Shares or any portion thereof, he may deposit at the office of the transfer agent or other authorized agent of that Series a written request or such other form of request as the Trustees may from time to time authorize, requesting that the Series purchase the Shares in accordance with this Section 9.02; and the Shareholder so requesting shall be entitled to require the Series to purchase, and the Series or the principal underwriter of the Series shall purchase his said Shares, but only at the Net Asset Value thereof (as described in Section 9.03 of this Article IX). The Series shall make payment for any such Shares to be redeemed, as aforesaid, in cash or property from the assets of that Series and payment for such Shares less any applicable deferred sales charge and/or fees shall be made by the Series or the principal underwriter of the Series to the Shareholder of record within seven (7) days after the date upon which the request is effective. Upon redemption, shares shall become Treasury shares and may be re-issued from time to time.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS
Section 9.03. The term "Net Asset Value" of any Series shall mean that amount by which the assets of that Series exceed its liabilities, all as determined by or under the direction of the Trustees. Such value shall be determined separately for each Series and shall be determined on such days and at such times as the Trustees may determine. Such determination shall be made with respect to securities for which market quotations are readily available, at the market value of such securities; and with respect to other securities and assets, at the fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees; provided, however, that the Trustees, without Shareholder approval, may alter the method of valuing portfolio securities insofar as permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules, regulations and interpretations thereof promulgated or issued by the Commission or insofar as permitted by any Order of the Commission applicable to the Series. The Trustees may delegate any of their powers and duties under this Section 9.03 with respect to valuation of assets and liabilities. The resulting amount, which shall represent the total Net Asset Value of the particular Series, shall be divided by the total number of shares of that Series outstanding at the time and the quotient so obtained shall be the Net Asset Value per Share of that Series. At any time, the Trustees may cause the Net Asset Value per Share last determined to be determined again in similar manner and may fix the time when such redetermined value shall become effective. If, for any reason, the net income of any Series, determined at any time, is a negative amount, the Trustees shall have the power with respect to that Series (i) to offset each Shareholder's pro rata share of such negative amount from the accrued dividend account of such Shareholder, or (ii) to reduce the number of Outstanding Shares of such Series by reducing the number of Shares in the account of each Shareholder by a pro rata portion of that number of full and fractional Shares which represents the amount of such excess negative net income, or (iii) to cause to be recorded on the books of such Series an asset account in the amount of such negative net income (provided that the same shall thereupon become the property of such Series with respect to such Series and shall not be paid to any Shareholder), which account may be reduced by the amount, of dividends declared thereafter upon the Outstanding Shares of such Series on the day such negative net income is experienced, until such asset account is reduced to zero; (iv) to combine the methods described in clauses (i) and (ii) and (iii) of this sentence; or (v) to take any other action they deem appropriate, in order to cause (or in order to assist in causing) the Net Asset Value per Share of such Series to remain at a constant amount per Outstanding Share immediately after each such determination and declaration. The Trustees shall also have the power not to declare a dividend out of net income for the purpose of causing the Net Asset Value per Share to be increased. The Trustees shall not be required to adopt, but may at any time adopt, discontinue or amend the practice of maintaining the Net Asset Value per Share of the Series at a constant amount.
SUSPENSION OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
Section 9.04. The Trustees may declare a suspension of the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment as permitted under the 1940 Act. Such suspension shall take effect at such time as the Trustees shall specify but not later than the close of business on the business day next following the declaration of suspension, and thereafter there shall be no right of redemption or payment until the Trustees shall declare the suspension at an end. In the case of a suspension of the right of redemption, a Shareholder may either withdraw his request for redemption or receive payment based on the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the termination of the suspension. In the event that any Series is divided into classes, the provisions of this Section 9.04, to the extent applicable as determined in the discretion of the Trustees and consistent with applicable law, may be equally applied to each such class.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Section 9.05. The Trustees may require Shareholders to redeem Shares for any reason under terms set by the Trustees, including, but not limited to, (i) the determination of the Trustees that direct or indirect ownership of Shares of any Series has or may become concentrated in such Shareholder to an extent that would disqualify any Series as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor statute thereto), (ii) the failure of a Shareholder to supply a tax identification number if required to do so, or (iii) the failure of a Shareholder to pay when due for the purchase of Shares issued to him. The redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and in the manner provided in this Article IX.
The holders of Shares shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of Shares as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, or to comply with the requirements of any other taxing authority.
ARTICLE X
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Section 10.01. Neither a Trustee nor an officer of the Trust when acting in such capacity, shall be personally liable to any person other than the Trust or a beneficial owner for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust, any Trustee or any officer of the Trust. Neither a Trustee nor an officer of the Trust shall be liable for any act or omission or any conduct whatsoever in his capacity as Trustee or officer of the Trust, provided that nothing contained herein or in the Delaware Act shall protect any Trustee or any officer of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee or Officer hereunder.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.02.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Section (b) below:
(i) every Person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office,
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement;
(B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or
(C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry);
provided, however, that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees or by independent counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Covered Persons, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this Section 10.02 may be paid by the Trust or Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the Trust or Series if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02; provided, however, that either (a) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (b) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments or (c) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02.
SHAREHOLDERS
Section 10.03. In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder of such Series and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, on behalf of the affected Series, shall, upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
TRUST NOT A PARTNERSHIP
Section 11.01. It is the intention of the Trustees to create a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Act. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment, or any form of legal relationship other than a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Act. No Trustee hereunder shall have any power to bind personally either the Trust's officers or any Shareholder. All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series or (if the Trustees shall have yet to have established Series) of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Shareholders nor the Trustees, nor any of their agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor. Nothing in this Trust Instrument shall protect a Trustee against any liability to which the Trustee would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee hereunder.
TRUSTEE'S GOOD FAITH ACTION, EXPERT ADVICE, NO BOND OR SURETY
Section 11.02. The exercise by the Trustees or the officers of the Trust of their powers and discretions hereunder in good faith and with reasonable care under the circumstances then prevailing shall be binding upon everyone interested. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof and to Section 11.01 of this Article XI, the Trustees or the officers of the Trust shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees and the officers of the Trust may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Trust Instrument, and subject to the provisions of Article X hereof and Section 11.01 of this Article XI, shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice. The Trustees and the officers of the Trust shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is obtained.
ESTABLISHMENT OF RECORD DATES
Section 11.03. The Trustees may close the Share transfer books of the Trust for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for the payment of any dividends or other distributions, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go into effect; or in lieu of closing the stock transfer books as aforesaid, the Trustees may fix in advance a date, not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, or the date for payment of any dividend or other distribution, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go into effect, as a record date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend or other distribution, or to any such allotment of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any such change, conversion or exchange of Shares, and in such case such Shareholders and only such Shareholders as shall be Shareholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and to vote at, such meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend or other distribution, or to receive such allotment or rights, or to exercise such rights, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any Shares on the books of the Trust after any such record date fixed as aforesaid.
[TERMINATION]DURATION OF THE TRUST
[Section 11.04.]
[(a)]Section 11.04. This Trust shall continue without limitation of time but subject to the provisions [of sub-section (b)] of this [Section 11.04]Article XI.
[(b) The Trustees may, subject to a Majority Shareholder Vote of each Series affected by the matter or, if applicable, to a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust, and subject to a vote of a majority of the Trustees,]
TERMINATION OF THE TRUST, A SERIES OR A CLASS
Section 11.05.
[(i) sell and convey all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any affected Series to another trust, partnership, association or corporation, or to a separate series of shares thereof, organized under the laws of any state which trust, partnership, association or corporation is an open-end management investment company as defined in the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, for adequate consideration which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, of the Trust or any affected Series, and which may include shares of beneficial interest, stock or other ownership interests of such trust, partnership, association or corporation or of a series thereof; or]
(a) Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trust or any Series or class thereof may be terminated (i) by Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust, each Series affected, or each class affected, as the case may be; or (ii) without the vote or consent of Shareholders by a majority of the Trustees either at a meeting or by written consent. The Trustees shall provide written notice to the affected Shareholders of a termination effected under clause (ii) above. Upon the termination of the Trust or the Series or class, (i) the Trust or the Series or class shall carry on no business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs; (ii) the Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust or the Series or class, and all of the powers of the Trustees under this Trust Instrument shall continue until the affairs of the Trust shall have been wound up, including the power to fulfill or discharge the contracts of the Trust or the Series or class thereof; collect its assets; sell, convey, assign, exchange, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust property or Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or class to one or more persons at public or private sale for consideration that may consist in whole or in part of cash, securities, or other property of any kind; discharge or pay its liabilities; and do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its business; provided that any sale, conveyance, assignment, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all the Trust property or Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or class (other than as provided in (iii) below) shall require Shareholder approval in accordance with Section 11.06 below; and (iii) after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities, and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining Trust property or the remaining property of the terminated Series or class, in cash or in kind or partly each, among the Shareholders of the Trust or the Series or class according to their respective rights; and
[(ii) at any time sell and convert into money all of the assets of the Trust or any affected Series.
Upon making reasonable provision, in the determination of the Trustees, for the payment of all such liabilities in either (i) or (ii), by such assumption or otherwise, the Trustees shall distribute the remaining proceeds or assets (as the case may be) of each Series (or class) ratably among the holders of Shares of that Series then outstanding.]
[(c)](b) Upon completion of the distribution of the remaining proceeds or the remaining assets as provided in sub-section [(b)](a), the Trust or any affected Seriesor class thereof shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be discharged of any and all further liabilities and duties hereunder and the right, title and interest of all parties with respect to the Trust [or Series], Series or class shall be cancelled and discharged. Upon termination of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business, the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the Trust's certificate of trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act, which certificate of cancellation may be signed by any one Trustee.
[MERGERS]
MERGER; CONSOLIDATION; AND SALE OF ASSETS
[Section 11.05. (a) Notwithstanding anything else herein, the Trustees, in order to change the form of organization of the Trust, may, without prior Shareholder approval, (i) cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more trusts, partnerships (general or limited), associations, limited liability companies or corporations so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, or is a Series thereof, that will succeed to or assume the Trust's registration under that Act and which is formed, organized or existing under the laws of a state, commonwealth, possession or colony of the United States or (ii) cause the Trust to incorporate under the laws of Delaware.
(b) The Trustees may, subject to a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust, and subject to a vote of a majority of the Trustees, cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more trusts, partnerships (general or limited), associations, limited liability companies or corporations.
(c) Any agreement of merger or consolidation or certificate of merger or consolidation may be signed by a majority of Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid.]
[(d)]Section 11.06. Subject to applicable Federal and state law and except as otherwise provided in Section 11.07 below, the Trust or any Series or class thereof may merge or consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust, or other organization or may sell, lease, or exchange all or a portion of the Trust property or Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or class, including its good will, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration when and as authorized at any meeting of Shareholders called for such purpose by a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Trust or affected Series or class, as the case may be. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sale of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the Trustees. Any agreement of merger or consolidation or certificate of merger may be signed by a majority of Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid. Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Trust Instrument, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees in accordance with [paragraphs (a) or (b) of] this Section [11.05]11.06 may effect any amendment to the Trust Instrument or effect the adoption of a new Trust Instrument of the Trust if it is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation.
INCORPORATION; REORGANIZATION
Section 11.07. Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trustees may without the vote or consent of Shareholders cause to be organized or assist in organizing a corporation or corporations under the laws of any jurisdiction or any other trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other organization to take over all or a portion of the Trust property or all or a portion of the Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or class or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall directly or indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey and transfer the Trust property or the Trust property allocated or belonging to such Series or class to any such corporation, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association, or organization in exchange for the shares or securities thereof or otherwise, and to lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of, and enter into any contracts with any such corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or organization, or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, association, or organization in which the Trust or such Series holds or is about to acquire shares or any other interest. Subject to applicable Federal and state law, the Trustees may also cause a merger or consolidation between the Trust or any successor thereto or any Series or class thereof and any such corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, or other organization. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring approval of Shareholders for the Trustees to organize or assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, or other organizations and selling, conveying, or transferring the Trust property or a portion of the Trust property to such organization or entities; provided, however, that the Trustees shall provide written notice to the affected Shareholders of any transaction whereby, pursuant to this Section 11.07, the Trust or any Series or class thereof sells, conveys, or transfers all or a portion of its assets to another entity or merges or consolidates with another entity. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sale of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the Trustees. Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Trust Instrument, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees in accordance with this Section 11.07 may effect any amendment to the Trust Instrument or effect the adoption of a new Trust Instrument of the Trust if it is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation.
FILING OF COPIES, REFERENCES, HEADINGS
Section [11.06.]11.08. The original or a copy of this Trust Instrument and of each amendment hereof or Trust Instrument supplemental hereto shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be inspected by any Shareholder. A supplemental trust instrument executed by any one Trustee may be relied upon as a Supplement hereof. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by an officer or Trustee of the Trust as to whether or not any such amendments or supplements have been made and as to any matters in connection with the Trust hereunder, and with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer or Trustee of the Trust to be a copy of this Trust Instrument or of any such amendment or supplemental Trust Instrument. In this Trust Instrument or in any such amendment or supplemental Trust Instrument, references to this Trust Instrument, and all expressions like "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder," shall be deemed to refer to this Trust Instrument as amended or affected by any such supplemental Trust Instrument. All expressions like "his", "he" and "him", shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter, as well as masculine, genders. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and in case of any conflict, the text of this Trust Instrument, rather than the headings, shall control. This Trust Instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original.
APPLICABLE LAW
Section [11.07.]11.09. The trust set forth in this instrument is made in the State of Delaware, and the Trust and this Trust Instrument, and the rights and obligations of the Trustees and Shareholders hereunder, are to be governed by and construed and administered according to the Delaware Act and the laws of said State; provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees or this Trust Instrument (a) the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property, (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal, (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets, or (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards or responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees set forth or referenced in this Trust Instrument. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a "business trust", and without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under Delaware law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by trusts under the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such actions.
AMENDMENTS
Section [11.08.]11.10. Except as specifically provided herein, the Trustees may, without shareholder vote, amend or otherwise supplement this Trust Instrument by making an amendment, a Trust Instrument supplemental hereto or an amended and restated Trust Instrument. Shareholders shall have the right to vote (i) on any amendment which would affect their right to vote granted in Section 7.01 of Article VII hereof, (ii) on any amendment to this Section [11.08]11.10, (iii) on any amendment as may be required by law or by the Trust's registration statement filed with the Commission and (iv) on any amendment submitted to them by the Trustees. Any amendment required or permitted to be submitted to Shareholders which, as the Trustees determine, shall affect the Shareholders of one or more Series shall be authorized by vote of the Shareholders of each Series affected and no vote of shareholders of a Series not affected shall be required. Notwithstanding anything else herein, any amendment to Article 10 hereof shall not limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided therein with respect to action or omission of Covered Persons prior to such amendment.
FISCAL YEAR
Section [11.09.]11.11. The fiscal year of the Trust shall end on a specified date as set forth in the Bylaws, provided, however, that the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval, change the fiscal year of the Trust.
USE OF THE WORD "FIDELITY"
Section [11.10.]11.12. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") has consented to, and granted a non-exclusive license for, the use by any Series or by the Trust of the identifying word "Fidelity" or "Spartan" in the name of any Series or of the Trust. Such consent is subject to revocation by FMR in its discretion, if FMR or subsidiary or affiliate thereof is not employed as the investment adviser of each Series of the Trust. As between the Trust and FMR, FMR controls the use of the name of the Trust insofar as such name contains the identifying word "Fidelity" or "Spartan." FMR may, from time to time, use the identifying word "Fidelity" or "Spartan" in other connections and for other purposes, including, without limitation, in the names of other investment companies, corporations or businesses which it may manage, advise, sponsor or own or in which it may have a financial interest. FMR may require the Trust or any Series thereof to cease using the identifying word "Fidelity" or "Spartan" in the name of the Trust or any Series thereof if the Trust or any Series thereof ceases to employ FMR or a subsidiary or affiliate thereof as investment adviser.
PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW
Section [11.11.]11.13. The provisions of this Trust Instrument are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Trust Instrument; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Trust Instrument or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. If any provision of this Trust Instrument shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provisions in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Trust Instrument in any jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being all of the Trustees of the Trust, have executed this instrument as of the date set forth above.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
EXHIBIT 2
UNDERLINED LANGUAGE WILL BE ADDED
[BRACKETED LANGUAGE WILL BE DELETED]
FORM OF
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II:
[SPARTAN]FIDELITY FLORIDA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET
[PORTFOLIO]FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
AGREEMENT [made]AMENDED and RESTATED as of this [16th] ___ day of [July, 1992] _______, by and between Fidelity Court Street Trust II, aDelaware business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of [Spartan]Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market [Portfolio]Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Fidelity Management & Research Company, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser")as set forth in its entirety below.
Required authorization and approval byshareholders and Trustees having been obtained, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, and the Adviser hereby consent, pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the existing Management Contract dated July 16, 1992, to a modification of said Contract in the manner set forth below. TheAmendedand Restated Management Contract shall, when executed by duly authorized officers of the Fund and Adviser, take effect on _______.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser undertakes to pay all expenses involved in the operation of the Portfolio, except the following, which shall be paid by the Portfolio: (i) taxes; (ii) the fees and expenses of all Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the Portfolio; [and] (v) such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is or is threatened to be a party and the legal obligation that the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto; and (vi) annual insurance premiums payable on or after January 1, 2004 to a mutual insurance company for insurance coverage relating to certain assets held by the Portfolio. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Portfolio, including charges for exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates.
(d) The Adviser[, at its own expense,] shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, at the annual rate of ..50% of the averagedaily net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the [Fund's] Trust Instrument) [determined as of the close of business on each day] throughout the month; provided that the fee, so computed, shall be reduced by the compensation, including reimbursement of expenses, paid by the Portfolio to those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
In case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the feefor that month shall be reduced proportionately [based] onthe basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any securityor other investment instrument.
5. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 5, this Contract shall continue in force until [June 30]May 31, [1993]2003 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent[, such consent on the part of the Fund to be authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio]subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the Commission.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 5, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund'sDeclaration of Trust [Instrument]or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under theDeclaration of Trust [Instrument]or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
7. This [contract]Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders as may be granted by the [Securities and Exchange] Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
EXHIBIT 3
UNDERLINED LANGUAGE WILL BE ADDED
[BRACKETED LANGUAGE WILL BE DELETED]
FORM OF
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II:
SPARTAN NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
AGREEMENT [made]AMENDED and RESTATED as of this [10th] __ day of [January, 1998] _______, by and between Fidelity Court Street Trust II, aDelaware business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund(hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Fidelity Management & Research Company, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser")as set forth in its entirety below.
Required authorization and approval byshareholders and Trustees having been obtained, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, and the Adviser hereby consent, pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the existing Management Contract dated January 10, 1998, to a modification of said Contract in the manner set forth below. TheAmendedand Restated Management Contract shall, when executed by duly authorized officers of the Fund and Adviser, take effect on _______.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser undertakes to pay all expenses involved in the operation of the Portfolio, except the following, which shall be paid by the Portfolio: (i) taxes; (ii) the fees and expenses of all Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) interest expenses with respect to borrowings by the Portfolio; [and] (v) such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise, including actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is or is threatened to be a party and the legal obligation that the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto; and (vi) annual insurance premiums payable on or after January 1, 2004 to a mutual insurance company for insurance coverage relating to certain assets held by the Portfolio. It is understood that service charges billed directly to shareholders of the Portfolio, including charges for exchanges, redemptions, or other services, shall not be payable by the Adviser, but may be received and retained by the Adviser or its affiliates.
(d) The Adviser[, at its own expense,] shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. For the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder, the Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, at the annual rate of0.43% [.50%] of the averagedaily net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the [Fund's] Trust Instrument) [determined as of the close of business on each day] throughout the month; provided that the fee, so computed, shall be reduced by the compensation, including reimbursement of expenses, paid by the Portfolio to those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or the Adviser.
In case of initiation or termination of this Contract during any month, the feefor that month shall be reduced proportionately [based] on thebasis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any securityor other investment instrument.
5. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 5, this Contract shall continue in force until May 31, [1998]2003 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent[, such consent on the part of the Fund to be authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio]subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the Commission.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 5, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund'sDeclaration of Trust [Instrument]or other organizational documents and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under theDeclaration of Trust [Instrument]or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
7. This [contract]Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders as may be granted by the [Securities and Exchange] Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
EXHIBIT 4
UNDERLINED LANGUAGE WILL BE ADDED
[BRACKETED LANGUAGE WILL BE DELETED]
FORM OF
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II:
FIDELITY CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
[AMENDMENT made]AGREEMENT AMENDED and RESTATED as of this [1st] __ day of [January 1998] _______, by and between Fidelity Court Street Trust II, a Delaware business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Fidelity Management & Research Company, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
Required authorization and approval byshareholders and Trustees having been obtained, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, and the Adviser hereby consent, pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the existing Management Contract dated [February 28, 1992]January 1, 1998, to a modification of said Contract in the manner setforth below. TheAmendedand Restated Management Contract shall, when executed by duly authorized officers of the Fund and Adviser, take effect on [January 1, 1998 or the first day of the month following approval] _______.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. The Adviser will be compensated on the following basis for the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder. The Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, composed of a Group Fee and an Individual Fund Fee.
(a) Group Fee Rate. The Group Fee Rate shall be based upon the monthly average of the net assets of the registered investment companies having Advisory and Service or Management Contracts with the Adviser (computed in the manner set forth in the fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month. The Group Fee Rate shall be determined on a cumulative basis pursuant to the following schedule:
Average [Net] | Annualized [Fee] Rate |
0 - $3 billion | .3700% |
3 - 6 | .3400 |
6 - 9 | .3100 |
9 - 12 | .2800 |
12 - 15 | .2500 |
15 - 18 | .2200 |
18 - 21 | .2000 |
21 - 24 | .1900 |
24 - 30 | .1800 |
30 - 36 | .1750 |
36 - 42 | .1700 |
42 - 48 | .1650 |
48 - 66 | .1600 |
66 - 84 | .1550 |
84 - 120 | .1500 |
120 - 156 | .1450 |
156 - 192 | .1400 |
192 - 228 | .1350 |
228 - 264 | .1300 |
264 - 300 | .1275 |
300 - 336 | .1250 |
336 - 372 | .1225 |
372 - 408 | .1200 |
408 - 444 | .1175 |
444 - 480 | .1150 |
480 - 516 | .1125 |
[Over 516] | [.1100] |
516 - 587 | .1100 |
587 - 646 | .1080 |
646 - 711 | .1060 |
711 - 782 | .1040 |
782 - 860 | .1020 |
860 - 946 | .1000 |
946 - 1,041 | .0980 |
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960 |
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940 |
over1,260 | .0920 |
(b) Individual Fund Fee Rate. The Individual Fund Fee Rate shall be 0.25%.
The sum of the Group Fee Rate, calculated as described above to the nearest millionth, and the Individual Fund Fee Rate shall constitute the Annual Management Fee Rate. One-twelfth of the Annual Management Fee Rate shall be applied to the average of the net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month.
(c) In case of termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. It is understood that the Portfolio will pay all its expenses, which expenses payable by the Portfolio shall include, without limitation, (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iii) fees and expenses of the Fund's Trustees other than those who are "interested persons" of the Fund or the Adviser; (iv) legal and audit expenses; (v) custodian, registrar and transfer agent fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses related to the registration and qualification of the Fund and the Portfolio's shares for distribution under state and federal securities laws; (vii) expenses of printing and mailing reports and notices and proxy material to shareholders of the Portfolio; (viii) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Portfolio's shareholders, including proxy solicitations therefor; (ix)its proportionate share [a pro rata share, based on relative net assets of the Portfolio and other registered investment companies having Advisory and Service or Management Contracts with the Adviser, of 50% of] of insurance premiums [for fidelity and other coverage]; (x) its proportionate share of association membership dues; (xi) expenses of typesetting for printing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto; (xii) expenses of printing and mailing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders; and (xiii) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is a party and the legal obligation which the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
5. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 6, this Contract shall continue in force until May 31, [1998]2003 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent[, such consent on the part of the Fund to be authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio]subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the Commission.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 6, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
7. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
8. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders as may be granted by the Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
EXHIBIT 5
UNDERLINED LANGUAGE WILL BE ADDED
[BRACKETED LANGUAGE WILL BE DELETED]
FORM OF
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
between
FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II:
FIDELITY NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND
and
FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY
[AMENDMENT made]AGREEMENT AMENDED and RESTATED as of this [1st] __ day of [January 1998] _______, by and between Fidelity Court Street Trust II, a Delaware business trust which may issue one or more series of shares of beneficial interest (hereinafter called the "Fund"), on behalf of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund (hereinafter called the "Portfolio"), and Fidelity Management & Research Company, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called the "Adviser") as set forth in its entirety below.
Required authorization and approval byshareholders and Trustees having been obtained, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, and the Adviser hereby consent, pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the existing Management Contract dated [February 28, 1992]January 1, 1998, to a modification of said Contract in the manner setforth below. TheAmendedand Restated Management Contract shall, when executed by duly authorized officers of the Fund and Adviser, take effect on [January 1, 1998 or the first day of the month following approval] _______.
1. (a) Investment Advisory Services. The Adviser undertakes to act as investment adviser of the Portfolio and shall, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, direct the investments of the Portfolio in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations as provided in the Portfolio's Prospectus or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended from time to time (the "1940 Act"), and such other limitations as the Portfolio may impose by notice in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser shall also furnish for the use of the Portfolio office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Portfolio; and shall pay the salaries and fees of all officers of the Fund, of all Trustees of the Fund who are "interested persons" of the Fund or of the Adviser and of all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities. The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Portfolio, to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Portfolio. The investment policies and all other actions of the Portfolio are and shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
(b) Management Services. The Adviser shall perform (or arrange for the performance by its affiliates of) the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, perform various services for the Portfolio, including but not limited to: (i) providing the Portfolio with office space, equipment and facilities (which may be its own) for maintaining its organization; (ii) on behalf of the Portfolio, supervising relations with, and monitoring the performance of, custodians, depositories, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable; (iii) preparing all general shareholder communications, including shareholder reports; (iv) conducting shareholder relations; (v) maintaining the Fund's existence and its records; (vi) during such times as shares are publicly offered, maintaining the registration and qualification of the Portfolio's shares under federal and state law; and (vii) investigating the development of and developing and implementing, if appropriate, management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Portfolio as an investment vehicle.
The Adviser shall also furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Fund as the Fund's Board of Trustees may request from time to time or as the Adviser may deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Fund's Board of Trustees with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Trustees. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board of Trustees, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Contract.
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Portfolio's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Portfolio and at commission rates which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Portfolio and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Portfolio which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustees of the Fund shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Portfolio to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Portfolio.
The Adviser shall, in acting hereunder, be an independent contractor. The Adviser shall not be an agent of the Portfolio.
2. It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise.
3. The Adviser will be compensated on the following basis for the services and facilities to be furnished hereunder. The Adviser shall receive a monthly management fee, payable monthly as soon as practicable after the last day of each month, composed of a Group Fee and an Individual Fund Fee.
(a) Group Fee Rate. The Group Fee Rate shall be based upon the monthly average of the net assets of the registered investment[s] companies having Advisory and Service or Management Contracts with the Adviser (computed in the manner set forth in the fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month. The Group Fee Rate shall be determined on a cumulative basis pursuant to the following schedule:
Average [Net] | Annualized [Fee] Rate |
0 - $3 billion | .3700% |
3 - 6 | .3400 |
6 - 9 | .3100 |
9 - 12 | .2800 |
12 - 15 | .2500 |
15 - 18 | .2200 |
18 - 21 | .2000 |
21 - 24 | .1900 |
24 - 30 | .1800 |
30 - 36 | .1750 |
36 - 42 | .1700 |
42 - 48 | .1650 |
48 - 66 | .1600 |
66 - 84 | .1550 |
84 - 120 | .1500 |
120 - 156 | .1450 |
156 - 192 | .1400 |
192 - 228 | .1350 |
228 - 264 | .1300 |
264 - 300 | .1275 |
300 - 336 | .1250 |
336 - 372 | .1225 |
372 - 408 | .1200 |
408 - 444 | .1175 |
444 - 480 | .1150 |
480 - 516 | .1125 |
[Over 516] | [.1100] |
516 - 587 | .1100 |
587 - 646 | .1080 |
646 - 711 | .1060 |
711 - 782 | .1040 |
782 - 860 | .1020 |
860 - 946 | .1000 |
946 - 1,041 | .0980 |
1,041 - 1,145 | .0960 |
1,145 - 1,260 | .0940 |
over 1,260 | .0920 |
(b) Individual Fund Fee Rate. The Individual Fund Fee Rate shall be 0.25%.
The sum of the Group Fee Rate, calculated as described above to the nearest millionth, and the Individual Fund Fee Rate shall constitute the Annual Management Fee Rate. One-twelfth of the Annual Management Fee Rate shall be applied to the average of the net assets of the Portfolio (computed in the manner set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month.
(c) In case of termination of this Contract during any month, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of business days during which it is in effect, and the fee computed upon the average net assets for the business days it is so in effect for that month.
4. It is understood that the Portfolio will pay all its expenses [other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Adviser hereunder], which expenses payable by the Portfolio shall include, without limitation, (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other investment instruments; (iii) fees and expenses of the Fund's Trustees other than those who are "interested persons" of the Fund or the Adviser; (iv) legal and audit expenses; (v) custodian, registrar and transfer agent fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses related to the registration and qualification of the Fund and the Portfolio's shares for distribution under state and federal securities laws; (vii) expenses of printing and mailing reports and notices and proxy material to shareholders of the Portfolio; (viii) all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the Portfolio's shareholders, including proxy solicitations therefor; (ix)its proportionate share [a pro rata share, based on relative net assets of the Portfolio and other registered investment companies having Advisory and Service or Management Contracts with the Adviser, of 50% of] of insurance premiums [for fidelity and other coverage]; (x) its proportionate share of association membership dues; (xi) expenses of typesetting for printing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto; (xii) expenses of printing and mailing Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information and supplements thereto sent to existing shareholders; and (xiii) such non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Portfolio is a party and the legal obligation which the Portfolio may have to indemnify the Fund's Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
5. The services of the Adviser to the Portfolio are not to be deemed exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other activities, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Contract, interfere, in a material manner, with the Adviser's ability to meet all of its obligations with respect to rendering services to the Portfolio hereunder. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Portfolio or to any shareholder of the Portfolio for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other investment instrument.
6. (a) Subject to prior termination as provided in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph 6, this Contract shall continue in force until May 31, [1998]2003 and indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as the continuance after such date shall be specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
(b) This Contract may be modified by mutual consent[, such consent on the part of the Fund to be authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio]subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the 1940 Act, as modified by or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the Commission.
(c) In addition to the requirements of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 6, the terms of any continuance or modification of this Contract must have been approved by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Contract or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(d) Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other, terminate this Contract, without payment of any penalty, by action of its Trustees or Board of Directors, as the case may be, or with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. This Contract shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
7. The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust or other organizational document and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Fund pursuant to this Contract shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Portfolio or any other Portfolios of the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Portfolio under the Declaration of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Portfolios.
8. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the choice of laws provisions thereof.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "assignment," and "interested persons," when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and subject to such orders as may be granted by the [Securities and Exchange] Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this instrument to be signed in their behalf by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date written above.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
EXHIBIT 6
<R>Funds Advised by FMR - Table of Average Net Assets and Expense Ratios (a)</R>
<R>Investment | Fiscal | Average | Ratio of Net | |
<R>Municipal Money Market(d) | </R> | |||
<R>Municipal Money Market | 8/31/01 | $ 8,909.6 | 0.28%</R> | |
<R>Arizona Municipal Money Market | 8/31/01 | 105.3 | 0.50</R> | |
<R>Spartan Municipal Money Fund | 8/31/01 | 2,313.3 | 0.43(z)</R> | |
<R>Tax-Exempt Fund(x) | </R> | |||
<R> Capital Reserves Class | 10/31/01 | 263.2 | 0.25</R> | |
<R> Daily Money Class | 10/31/01 | 537.8 | 0.25</R> | |
<R> Tax-Free Money Market Fund | 10/31/01 | 51.0 | 0.25</R> | |
<R>Connecticut Municipal Money Market | 11/30/01 | 775.2 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Florida Municipal Money Market | 11/30/01 | 579.8 | 0.50</R> | |
<R>New Jersey Municipal Money Market | 11/30/01 | 1,034.0 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market | 11/30/01 | 491.6 | 0.49(z)</R> | |
<R>Michigan Municipal Money Market | 12/31/01 | 517.4 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Ohio Municipal Money Market | 12/31/01 | 535.7 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Spartan Pennsylvania Municipal | </R> | |||
<R> Money Market | 12/31/01 | 220.8 | 0.50</R> | |
<R>Massachusetts Municipal Money Market | 1/31/02 | 3,047.6 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>New York Municipal Money Market | 1/31/02 | 2,138.1 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Spartan Massachusetts Municipal Money Market | 1/31/02 | 950.4 | 0.47</R> | |
<R>Spartan New York Municipal | </R> | |||
<R> Money Market | 1/31/02 | 957.1 | 0.47</R> | |
<R>California Municipal Money Market | 2/28/02 | 2,211.9 | 0.38</R> | |
<R>Spartan California Municipal Money Market | 2/28/02 | 1,035.8 | 0.45</R> | |
<R>Tax-Exempt Portfolio(x) | </R> | |||
<R> Class I | 3/31/02 | 2,261.3 | 0.20</R> | |
<R> Class II | 3/31/02 | 40.1 | 0.20</R> | |
<R> Class III | 3/31/02 | 86.8 | 0.20</R> | |
<R> Select Class(f) | 3/31/02 | 0.1 | 0.20(e)</R> |
<R>(a) All fund data are as of the fiscal year end noted in the chart or as of April 30, 2002, if fiscal year end figures are not yet available. </R>
<R>(b) Average net assets are computed on the basis of average net assets of each fund or class at the close of business on each business day throughout its fiscal period.</R>
<R>(c) Reflects reductions for any expense reimbursement paid by or due from Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) pursuant to voluntary or state expense limitations. Funds so affected are indicated by a (z). For multiple class funds, the ratio of net advisory fees to average net assets is presented gross of reductions for certain classes, for presentation purposes. Funds so affected are indicated by a (x).</R>
<R>(d) FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc., with respect to each fund.</R>
<R>(e) Annualized.</R>
<R>(f) Less than a complete fiscal year.</R>
Fidelity, Spartan, and Magellan are registered trademarks of FMR Corp.
COUII-PXS-0702 | CUSIP #316089408/ #418 |
1.773881.100 | CUSIP #316090109/ #428 |
CUSIP #316089309/ #417 | |
CUSIP #316048206/ #423 |
Form of Proxy Card: Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity Investments®(logo) | Vote this proxy card TODAY! | |
Your prompt response will save the expense | ||
PO Box 770001 Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002 | of additional mailings | |
Vote by Touch-Tone Phone, by Mail, or via the Internet!! | ||
CALL: | To vote by phone call toll-free1-888-221-0697 and use the control number on the front of your proxy card. | |
LOG-ON: | Vote on the internet at www.proxyweb.com | |
*** CONTROL NUMBER: ____________ *** | MAIL: | Return the signed proxy card in the |
[TRUST: FUND]
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE TRUSTEES
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Edward C. Johnson 3d, Eric D. Roiter and Marvin L. Mann, or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Fidelity Court Street Trust II as indicated above which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the fund to be held at an office of the trust at 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, on September 18, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one. This Proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified on the reverse side. Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | (down arrow)Date _____________________ | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET. | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature(s) (Title(s), if applicable) NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. When signing in a fiduciary capacity, such as executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, guardian, etc., please so indicate. Corporate and partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized person indicating the person's title. | |
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II |
Please refer to the Proxy Statement discussion of each of these matters.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDFOR THE PROPOSALS.
As to any other matter, said attorneys shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) |
Please fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil.(square3) PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
1. | To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 1. | ||
2. | To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 2. | ||
3. | To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regardingreorganization or termination. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 3. | ||
4. | To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 4. | ||
5. | To elect the thirteen nominees specified below as Trustees: | ||||||
(01) J. Michael Cook (02) Ralph F. Cox (03) Phyllis Burke Davis (04) Robert M. Gates (05) Abigail P. Johnson | (06) Edward C. Johnson 3d (07) Donald J. Kirk (08) Marie L. Knowles (09) Ned C. Lautenbach | (10) Peter S. Lynch (11) Marvin L. Mann (12) William O. McCoy (13) William S. Stavropoulos | FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary at left) (_) | WITHHOLD authority to vote for all nominees (_) | 5. | ||
___________________________________________________________ (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the name(s) of the nominee(s) on the line above.) | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
8. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 8. | ||
<R>9. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 9.</R> | ||
16. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowing. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 16. | ||
17. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 17. | ||
18. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 18. |
(down arrow) | .FCT-PXC-0702 | 418 | (down arrow) |
Form of Proxy Card: Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity Investments®(logo) | Vote this proxy card TODAY! | |
Your prompt response will save the expense | ||
PO Box 770001 Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002 | of additional mailings | |
Vote by Touch-Tone Phone, by Mail, or via the Internet!! | ||
CALL: | To vote by phone call toll-free1-888-221-0697 and use the control number on the front of your proxy card. | |
LOG-ON: | Vote on the internet at www.proxyweb.com | |
*** CONTROL NUMBER: ____________ *** | MAIL: | Return the signed proxy card in the |
[TRUST: FUND]
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE TRUSTEES
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Edward C. Johnson 3d, Eric D. Roiter and Marvin L. Mann, or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Fidelity Court Street Trust II as indicated above which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the fund to be held at an office of the trust at 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, on September 18, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one. This Proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified on the reverse side. Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | (down arrow)Date _____________________ | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET. | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature(s) (Title(s), if applicable) NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. When signing in a fiduciary capacity, such as executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, guardian, etc., please so indicate. Corporate and partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized person indicating the person's title. | |
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II |
Please refer to the Proxy Statement discussion of each of these matters.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDFOR THE PROPOSALS.
As to any other matter, said attorneys shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) |
Please fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil.(square3) PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
1. | To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 1. | ||
2. | To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 2. | ||
3. | To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regardingreorganization or termination. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 3. | ||
4. | To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 4. | ||
5. | To elect the thirteen nominees specified below as Trustees: | ||||||
(01) J. Michael Cook (02) Ralph F. Cox (03) Phyllis Burke Davis (04) Robert M. Gates (05) Abigail P. Johnson | (06) Edward C. Johnson 3d (07) Donald J. Kirk (08) Marie L. Knowles (09) Ned C. Lautenbach | (10) Peter S. Lynch (11) Marvin L. Mann (12) William O. McCoy (13) William S. Stavropoulos | FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary at left) (_) | WITHHOLD authority to vote for all nominees (_) | 5. | ||
___________________________________________________________ (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the name(s) of the nominee(s) on the line above.) | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
6. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 6. | ||
10. | To modify a fundamental 80% investment policy for the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 10. | ||
11. | To eliminate a fundamental investment policy of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 11. | ||
17. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 17. | ||
18. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 18. |
(down arrow) | FFL-PXC-0702 | 428 | (down arrow) |
Form of Proxy Card: Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity Investments®(logo) | Vote this proxy card TODAY! | |
Your prompt response will save the expense | ||
PO Box 770001 Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002 | of additional mailings | |
Vote by Touch-Tone Phone, by Mail, or via the Internet!! | ||
CALL: | To vote by phone call toll-free1-888-221-0697 and use the control number on the front of your proxy card. | |
LOG-ON: | Vote on the internet at www.proxyweb.com | |
*** CONTROL NUMBER: ____________ *** | MAIL: | Return the signed proxy card in the |
[TRUST: FUND]
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE TRUSTEES
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Edward C. Johnson 3d, Eric D. Roiter and Marvin L. Mann, or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Fidelity Court Street Trust II as indicated above which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the fund to be held at an office of the trust at 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, on September 18, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one. This Proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified on the reverse side. Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | (down arrow)Date _____________________ | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET. | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature(s) (Title(s), if applicable) NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. When signing in a fiduciary capacity, such as executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, guardian, etc., please so indicate. Corporate and partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized person indicating the person's title. | |
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II |
Please refer to the Proxy Statement discussion of each of these matters.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDFOR THE PROPOSALS.
As to any other matter, said attorneys shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) |
Please fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil.(square3) PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
1. | To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 1. | ||
2. | To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 2. | ||
3. | To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regardingreorganization or termination. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 3. | ||
4. | To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 4. | ||
5. | To elect the thirteen nominees specified below as Trustees: | ||||||
(01) J. Michael Cook (02) Ralph F. Cox (03) Phyllis Burke Davis (04) Robert M. Gates (05) Abigail P. Johnson | (06) Edward C. Johnson 3d (07) Donald J. Kirk (08) Marie L. Knowles (09) Ned C. Lautenbach | (10) Peter S. Lynch (11) Marvin L. Mann (12) William O. McCoy (13) William S. Stavropoulos | FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary at left) (_) | WITHHOLD authority to vote for all nominees (_) | 5. | ||
___________________________________________________________ (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the name(s) of the nominee(s) on the line above.) | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
8. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 12. | ||
12. | To modify the fundamental investment objective of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 12. | ||
13. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 13. | ||
17. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 17. | ||
18. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 18. |
(down arrow) | FNJ-PXC-0702 | 417 | (down arrow) |
Form of Proxy Card: Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund, Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity Investments®(logo) | Vote this proxy card TODAY! | |
Your prompt response will save the expense | ||
PO Box 770001 Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0002 | of additional mailings | |
Vote by Touch-Tone Phone, by Mail, or via the Internet!! | ||
CALL: | To vote by phone call toll-free1-888-221-0697 and use the control number on the front of your proxy card. | |
LOG-ON: | Vote on the internet at www.proxyweb.com | |
*** CONTROL NUMBER: ____________ *** | MAIL: | Return the signed proxy card in the |
[TRUST: FUND]
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE TRUSTEES
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Edward C. Johnson 3d, Eric D. Roiter and Marvin L. Mann, or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Fidelity Court Street Trust II as indicated above which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the fund to be held at an office of the trust at 82 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, on September 18, 2002 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one. This Proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified on the reverse side. Receipt of the Notice of the Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | (down arrow)Date _____________________ | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET. | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature(s) (Title(s), if applicable) NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. When signing in a fiduciary capacity, such as executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, guardian, etc., please so indicate. Corporate and partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized person indicating the person's title. | |
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) | |
........................................................................... | ........................................................................... | FIDELITY COURT STREET TRUST II |
Please refer to the Proxy Statement discussion of each of these matters.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDFOR THE PROPOSALS.
As to any other matter, said attorneys shall vote in accordance with their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
(down arrow) | ........................................................................... | (down arrow) |
Please fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil.(square3) PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
1. | To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 1. | ||
2. | To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 2. | ||
3. | To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regardingreorganization or termination. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 3. | ||
4. | To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 4. | ||
5. | To elect the thirteen nominees specified below as Trustees: | ||||||
(01) J. Michael Cook (02) Ralph F. Cox (03) Phyllis Burke Davis (04) Robert M. Gates (05) Abigail P. Johnson | (06) Edward C. Johnson 3d (07) Donald J. Kirk (08) Marie L. Knowles (09) Ned C. Lautenbach | (10) Peter S. Lynch (11) Marvin L. Mann (12) William O. McCoy (13) William S. Stavropoulos | FOR all nominees listed (except as marked to the contrary at left) (_) | WITHHOLD authority to vote for all nominees (_) | 5. | ||
___________________________________________________________ (Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the name(s) of the nominee(s) on the line above.) | |||||||
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||
7. | To approve an amended management contract for the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 7. | ||
14. | To modify the fundamental investment objective of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 14. | ||
15. | To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of the fund. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 15. | ||
17. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 17. | ||
18. | To amend the fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending. | (_) | (_) | (_) | 18. |
<R>(down arrow) | SNJ-PXC-0702 | 423 | (down arrow)</R> |
Important Proxy Materials
PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!
Fidelity® Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Spartan® New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to let you know that a special meeting of shareholders of the Fidelity funds mentioned above will be held on September 18, 2002. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on several important proposals that affect the funds and your investment in them. As a shareholder, you have the opportunity to voice your opinion on the matters that affect your fund(s). This package contains information about the proposals and the materials to use when voting by mail.
Please read the enclosed materials and cast your vote on the proxy card(s).Please vote and return your card(s) promptly. Your vote is extremely important, no matter how large or small your holdings may be.
All of the proposals have been carefully reviewed by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees, most of whom are not affiliated with Fidelity, are responsible for protecting your interests as a shareholder. The Trustees believe these proposals are in the best interests of shareholders. They recommend that you votefor each proposal.
The following Q&A is provided to assist you in understanding the proposals. Each of the proposals is described in greater detail in the enclosed proxy statement.
Voting is quick and easy. Everything you need is enclosed. To cast your vote, simply complete the proxy card(s) enclosed in this package. Be sure to sign the card(s) before mailing it in the postage-paid envelope. You may also vote your shares by touch-tone telephone by calling the toll-free number printed on your proxy card(s) and following the recorded instructions.
If you have any questions before you vote, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-3198. We'll be glad to help you get your vote in quickly. Thank you for your participation in this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Edward C. Johnson 3d
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Important information to help you understand and vote on the proposals
Please read the full text of the enclosed proxy statement. Below is a brief overview of the proposals to be voted upon. Your vote is important. We appreciate your placing your trust in Fidelity and look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals.
What proposals am I being asked to vote on?
You may be asked to vote on the following proposals:
1.To continue the effectiveness of Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument.
2.To authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees.
3.To authorize the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regarding reorganization or termination.
4.To authorize the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund.
5.To elect a Board of Trustees.
6.To approve an amended management contract for Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
7.To approve an amended management contract for Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
8.To approve an amended management contract for Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
9.To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund.
10.To modify a fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
11.To eliminate a fundamental investment policy of Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund.
12.To modify the fundamental investment objective of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
13.To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
14.To modify the fundamental investment objective of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
15.To modify the fundamental 80% investment policy of Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund.
16.To amend Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowing.
17.To amend each fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting.
18.To amend each fund's fundamental investment limitation concerning lending.
What is Article VII, Section 7.04 of the Trust Instrument? (Proposal 1)
Section 7.04 of Article VII allows shareholders to bring a derivative action on behalf of the Trust only after making a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action. A pre-suit demand on the Trustees is excused only if the majority of the Trustees have a personal financial interest in the action.
The Trustees seek to ensure that they retain the ability to manage the affairs of the funds, including control of derivative actions that are brought on behalf of the funds. This provision in the amendment will resolve any legal uncertainty by expressly stating that a Trustee shall not be deemed to have a personal financial interest or otherwise be disqualified from considering a pre-suit demand due to his or her service on multiple fund boards of trustees. Continuing the effectiveness of the amendment will not alter in any way the Trustees' existing fiduciary obligation to act with due care and in shareholders' interests.
Why are the funds proposing to authorize the Trustees to increase the maximum number of Trustees? (Proposal 2)
The Trustees would like to increase the maximum number of Trustees from twelve to fourteen. This increase is intended to enhance the flexibility of the Board to organize itself and its committees in overseeing management of the Fidelity Funds and to expand the Board's expertise.
Why are the funds authorizing the Trustees to clarify the scope of the Trustees' authority regarding reorganization or termination? (Proposal 3)
Under the current Trust Instrument, the Trustees cannot effectuate a potentially beneficial reorganization without first conducting a shareholder meeting and incurring the attendant costs and delays. In contrast, the new Trust Instrument gives the Trustees the flexibility to reorganize all or a portion of the trust or any of its series or classes and achieve potential shareholder benefits without incurring the delay and potentials costs of a proxy solicitation. Such flexibility should help to assure that the trust and its funds operate under the most appropriate form of organization.
Why are the funds authorizing the Trustees to enter into management contracts on behalf of a new fund? (Proposal 4)
The new Trust Instrument modifies Article VI, Section 6.01 of the current Trust Instrument to allow the Trustees, on behalf of a new fund, to enter into a management contract with Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR). The current trust requires the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a fund to initially approve such a contract. The SEC permits the sole initial shareholder, usually FMR or an affiliate, to approve the initial management contract rather that the fund's public shareholders. The new trust instrument would clarify that approval by the sole initial shareholder is sufficient if permitted by the SEC.
What role does the Board play? (Proposal 5)
The Trustees oversee the investment policies of each fund. Members of the Board are fiduciaries and have an obligation to serve the best interests of shareholders, including approving policy changes such as those proposed in the proxy statement. In addition, the Trustees review fund performance, oversee fund activities, and review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the funds. If Proposal 2 is approved, the thirteen nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the Board. If Proposal 2 is not approved, those twelve nominees (not including Mr. Stavropoulos) receiving the highest number of votes, shall be elected.
Why is Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund proposing an amended management contract? (Proposal 6)
The amended contract modifies the list of enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund under its existing management contract to include annual premiums payable on or after January 1, 2004, if any, for insurance converge provided by a mutual insurance company. In addition, the amended contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to modify the management contract subject to the requirements of the 1940 act. Please refer to the proxy statement for specific details of the fund's amended management contract proposal.
Why is Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund proposing an amended management contract? (Proposal 7)
The amended management contract would reduce the fund's management fee from 0.50% to 0.43% of the funds' average daily net assets, resulting in a net decrease of 0.07%. The amended contract also modifies the list of enumerated expenses borne directly by the fund under its existing management contract to include annual premiums payable on or after January 1, 2004, if any, for insurance coverage provided by a mutual insurance company. In addition, the amended contract allows FMR and the trust, on behalf of the fund, to modify the management contract subject to the requirements of the 1940 act. Please refer to the proxy statement for specific details of the fund's amended management contract proposal.
Why are Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund and Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund proposing amended management contracts? (Proposal 8)
The amended management contracts would modify the management fee that FMR receives from each fund to provide for lower fees when FMR's assets under management exceed certain levels. The amended contracts will result in a management fee that is the same as, or lower than, the fee payable under the present contracts. In addition, the amended contracts allow FMR and the trust, on behalf of each fund, to modify the management contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Please refer to the proxy statement for specific details of each fund's amended management contract proposals.
Why are the funds proposing to modify fundamental 80% investment policies? (Proposals 9, 10, 13, 15)
If the proposal is approved, each funds' 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would move from an 80% "income test" to an 80% "asset test," which is standard for other Fidelity municipal money market funds. Adopting an asset-based 80% investment policy regarding federal tax exemption would facilitate the compliance monitoring efforts of FMR. Modifying each fundamental investment policy as proposed is not expected to have a material effect on the way each fund is managed.
Why is Fidelity Florida Municipal Money Market Fund proposing to eliminate a fundamental investment policy? (Proposal 11)
The primary purpose of the proposed amendment is to allow the fund to more clearly differentiate between its investment objective, on the one hand, and the investment policies and strategies used to achieve its investment objective, on the other hand, in a manner consistent with other Fidelity funds with similar investment disciplines. This change is not expected to have any material effect on the way the fund is managed.
Why are Fidelity New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund and Spartan New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund modifying their fundamental investment objectives? (Proposals 12, 14)
The proposed change would align the funds' objectives with the funds' fundamental policy of investing at least 80% of assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from New Jersey personal income taxes. The proposed change would also make the funds consistent with other Fidelity state municipal funds and facilitate compliance monitoring. Modifying each fundamental investment objective as proposed is not expected to have any material effect on the way each fund is currently managed.
Why is Fidelity Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund amending its fundamental investment limitation concerning borrowing? (Proposal 16)
Adoption of the proposed fundamental limitation concerning borrowing is not expected to affect the way in which the fund is managed, the investment performance of the fund, or the securities or instruments in which the fund invests. However, the proposed fundamental limitation would clarify one point. Under the proposed limitation, the fund must reduce borrowings that come to exceed 33 1/3% of its total assets for any reason. While under the current limitations, the fund must reduce borrowings that come to exceed 33 1/3% of total assets only when there is a decline in net assets.
Why is each fund amending its fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting? (Proposal 17)
The primary purpose of the proposal is to clarify that the funds are not prohibited from investing in other investment companies. The proposal also serves to conform the funds' fundamental investment limitation concerning underwriting to a limitation which is expected to become standard for all funds managed by FMR or its affiliates. Adoption of the proposed limitation is not expected to affect the way in which the funds are managed, the investment performance of the funds, or the securities or instruments in which the funds invest.
Why is each fund amending its fundamental investment limitation concerning lending? (Proposal 18)
The primary purpose of this proposal is to revise each fund's fundamental lending limitation to conform to a limitation expected to become standard for all funds managed by FMR or its affiliates. Adoption of the proposed limitation on lending is not expected to affect the way in which the funds are managed, the investment performance of the funds, or the instruments in which the funds invest. However, the proposed limitation would clarify that acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other debt instruments are not considered lending.
Has the fund's Board of Trustees approved each proposal?
Yes. The Board of Trustees has unanimously approved all of the proposals and recommends that you vote to approve them.
How many votes am I entitled to cast?
As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value you own of a fund on the record date. The record date is July 22, 2002.
How do I vote my shares?
You can vote your shares by completing and signing the enclosed proxy card(s) and mailing it in the enclosed postage paid envelope. You may also vote by touch-tone telephone by calling the toll-free number printed on your proxy card(s) and following the recorded instructions. If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposals or how to vote your shares, please call Fidelity at 1-800-544-3198.
How do I sign the proxy card?
Individual Accounts: Shareholders should sign exactly as their names appear on the account registration shown on the card.
Joint Accounts: Either owner may sign, but the name of the person signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration.
All Other Accounts: The person signing must indicate his or her capacity. For example, a trustee for a trust or other entity should sign, "Ann B. Collins, Trustee."
FORM OF
SCRIPT FOR REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE VOTING
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS
When connected to the toll-free number, shareholder will hear:
Speech 1 | Welcome. Please enter the control number located on the upper portion of your proxy card. |
When shareholder enters the control number, he/she will hear:
Speech 2 | To vote as the[Fund Name]Board of Trustees recommends on all proposals, press 1 now. To vote on each proposal separately, press 0 now. |
If shareholder has pressed 1, he/she will hear:
Speech 3 | You voted as the Board of Trustees recommended for every proposal affecting your fund. If correct, press 1. If incorrect, press 0. |
If the shareholder elects to vote each proposal separately, he/she will hear:
Speech 4 | Proposal 1: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 5 | Proposal 2: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 6 | Proposal 3: To vote FOR all nominees, press 1. To WITHHOLD for all nominees, press 9. To WITHHOLD for an individual nominee, press 0. |
If the shareholder presses 0 to withhold from an individual nominee, he/she will hear:
Speech 7 | Enter the two digit number that appears next to the nominee you DO NOT wish to vote for. |
After the Shareholder enters the first nominee number, he/she hears:
Speech 8 | Press 1 to withhold for another nominee or Press 0 if you have completed voting for Trustees. |
Speech 9 | Proposal 4: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
Speech 10 | Proposal 5: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9, ABSTAIN, press 0 |
When shareholder has finished voting on all proposals, he/she will hear:
Speech 11 | You voted as follows: (Vote for each proposal is given). If this is correct, Press 1 now. If incorrect, Press 0 |
If shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, Speech 2 will be repeated.
If shareholder presses 1, he/she will hear:
Speech 11 | If you have received more than one proxy card, you must vote each card separately. If you would like to vote another proxy, press 1 now. To end this call, press 0. |
If shareholder elects to vote another proxy, he/she is returned to Speech 1. If shareholder elects to end the call he/she will hear:
Speech 12 | Thank you for voting. |
FORM OF
SCREEN SCRIPT FOR REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER INTERNET VOTING
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS
[Upon login to www.ProxyWeb.com shareholder sees Screen 1]
SCREEN 1
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Input A
Please Enter Control Number from Your Proxy Card:
Input B
Check here [ ] to vote all proposals as the Board recommends,
then click the VOTE button below.
-OR-
Input C
To vote each proposal separately, click the VOTE button only.
[VOTE]
Graphic I - Example Proxy Card (left justified)
Text 2 - (right justified)
proxyweb.com is a service of:
MIS, an ADP company
Full service proxy specialists
This site is best viewed using
Netscape or Internet Explorer versions 3.0 or higher
and using a display resolution of 800 X 600.
Graphic II - (right justified)
[Upon input of control number and selection of input B or input C shareholder is directed to ProxyWeb Voting Ballot (Screen 2) ]
SCREEN 2
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Proxy Voting Form
Fidelity Investments
[Trust Name: Fund Name]
Text 2 - (left justified)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS :
Text 3 - (left justified)
When using ´For all except' response, enter the number(s) of the nominee(s) you wish to withhold on, separated by a comma, in the text field.
Input A - (left justified)
Proposal 1. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input B - (left justified)
Proposal 2. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input C - (left justified)
Proposal 3. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR ALL][WITHHOLD ALL] [FOR ALL EXCEPT: ] |
Input D - (left justified)
Proposal 4. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Input E - (left justified)
Proposal 5. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Text 4 - (centered)
Please refer to the proxy statement for discussion of each of these matters.
If no specification is made on a proposal, the proposal will be voted "For".
Input F - (centered)
You will have an opportunity to confirm that your selections were properly recorded after you submit your vote. If you would also like to receive an email confirmation, enter your email address here:
Text 5 - (centered)
Please review your selections carefully before voting.
If you vote more than once on the same Proxy, only your last (most recent) vote will be considered valid.
Input G - (centered)
Click here to sign and [SUBMIT] your proxy vote and to appoint [Proxy Agents 1, 2, and 3 ] or any one or more of them, attorneys, with full power of substitution, to vote all Fund shares that you are entitled to vote.
[ Upon submission of vote shareholder is directed to ProxyWeb Confirmation Screen (Screen 3) ]
SCREEN 3
Text 1 - (centered)
Internet Proxy Voting Service
Proxy Voting Form
Fidelity Investments
[Trust Name: Fund Name]
Thank you! Your vote has been submitted
Text 2 - (left justified)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS :
Text 3 - (left justified)
Proposal 1. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 2. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 3. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR ALL][WITHHOLD ALL] [FOR ALL EXCEPT: ] |
Proposal 4. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Proposal 5. | [Title of proposal to be inserted] | [FOR][AGAINST][ABSTAIN] |
Text 4 - (centered)
Please refer to the proxy statement for discussion of each of these matters.
Text 5 - (centered)
[If no email confirmation was requested]: No email confirmation has been sent.
[If email confirmation was requested ]: Your email confirmation has been sent to: [internet address]
Hyperlink 1 - (left justified)
[Change Vote]
[Directs shareholder to Screen 2 to change vote]
Hyperlink 2 - (centered)
[Exit Internet Voting Service]
[Directs shareholder to www.Fidelity.com]
Hyperlink 3 -(left justified)
[Vote Another Proxy]
[Directs shareholder to Screen 1]
[ If shareholder requests email confirmation, a confirmation in the following form will be sent to the designated email address ]
Form Of
ProxyWeb Email Confirmation
Text - (left justified)
Your vote for Control Number [control number] has been submitted to
MIS, the proxy tabulator for [trust name: fund name], as follows:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal 1. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 2. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 3. [proposal title].......... [FOR ALL] [WITHHOLD ALL][FOR ALL EXCEPT: ]
Proposal 4. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Proposal 5. [proposal title].......... [FOR] [AGAINST][ABSTAIN]
Thank you for voting.