Exhibit 10.31 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT -------------------- EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of December 2, 1996 between THE DIME SAVINGS BANK OF NEW YORK, FSB (the "Bank"), a federal stock savings bank having its principal executive offices at 589 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017, and FRED B. KOONS (the "Executive"). ___________ A. The Bank is desirous of employing the Executive upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. B. The Executive is desirous of being employed by the Bank upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. ____________ Therefore, the Bank and the Executive, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: 1. Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions of this ---------- Agreement, the Bank hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts such employment. 2. Term of Employment. (a) The term of the Executive's employment ------------------ under this Agreement shall be deemed to have commenced on the date of this Agreement and shall continue until the fifth anniversary of the date hereof unless this Agreement has been terminated prior thereto in accordance with its provisions. (As used in this Agreement, (i) "Term" shall mean the full five- year term of this Agreement and (ii) "remaining Term" shall mean the balance of the Term remaining at a specified time.) (b) The Executive's employment may be terminated during the Term of this Agreement by the Bank or the Executive in the manner specified in this Agreement. Any such termination of employment shall result in a termination of this Agreement on the Effective Date of Termination (as defined in Section 13); provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, any right of the Executive to any payments or benefits as a result of a termination of the Executive's employment (as provided in this Agreement) shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 3. Offices. During the first three years of the Term, the Executive ------- shall serve as an officer of the Bank and its parent corporation, Dime Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"). In addition, during the first three years of the Term, the Executive shall serve as an officer of the Bank's mortgage banking subsidiary, Dime Mortgage, Inc. (the "Subsidiary"). During the fourth and fifth years of the Term, the Executive shall serve as an executive employee of the Bank. During the Term, the Executive shall also serve, for any period for which the Executive may from time to time be elected, as an officer or director of subsidiaries or affiliates of the Bank. 4. Duties. (a) During the first two years of the Term, the Executive ------ shall serve as an Executive Vice President of the Bank and the Company and as the Chief Executive Officer of the Subsidiary and shall perform such duties in connection therewith as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank or the Company, as the case may be. (b) During the third year of the Term, the Executive shall continue to serve as an Executive Vice President of the Bank and the Company and perform the duties in connection therewith set forth in Section 4(a). In addition, during such third year of the Term the Executive 2 shall serve as transitional Chief Executive Officer of the Subsidiary and perform the duties in connection therewith set forth in Section 4(a) until a successor Chief Executive Officer of the Subsidiary is appointed during such third year. (c) During the fourth and fifth years of the Term, the Executive shall serve as an executive employee of the Bank and shall perform such duties in connection therewith as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. (d) During the first two years of the Term (except for periods of illness and vacation), substantially all of the Executive's business time, attention, skill and efforts shall be devoted to the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement. During the third year of the Term (except for periods of illness and vacation), not less than the equivalent of 120 full-time days of the Executive's business time, attention, skill and efforts shall be devoted to the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement. During the fourth and fifth years of the Term (except for periods of illness and vacation), not less than the equivalent of 60 full-time days of the Executive's business time, attention, skill and efforts shall be devoted to the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement. During the third, fourth and fifth years of the Term the Bank shall have the right, in its discretion, to designate the days or portions thereof on which the Executive shall be required to perform his duties under this Agreement. To the extent that the Executive engages in business activities during the third, fourth and fifth years of the Term in addition to his duties to the Bank set forth herein, it is understood and agreed that the Executive shall not engage in any activities which would materially interfere with his ability to perform his duties hereunder as requested from time to time by the Bank and shall not engage, directly or indirectly, as an officer, director, principal, employee, stockholder or consultant of any 3 corporation or other business entity which competes in any material respect with the businesses carried on by the Bank and its subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Executive will be permitted to own as a passive investor less than 5% of any class of publicly-traded securities of any entity which competes with the Bank and its subsidiaries without being deemed to have violated this Section 4(d). Subject to the foregoing restrictions and to the prior fulfillment of his obligations to the Bank hereunder, the Executive shall be entitled to perform consulting services for third parties during the third, fourth and fifth years of the Term with the prior written approval of the Bank, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. 5. Compensation. (a) The annual salary of the Executive during the ------------ first two years of the Term shall be $350,000 which shall, subject to the provisions of Section 5(g), be payable in installments in accordance with the prevailing general payroll practice of the Bank as it may exist from time to time. (b) The annual salary of the Executive during the third year of the Term shall be at the rate of $250,000 for the equivalent of 120 full-time days plus $2,500 per day for each full-time equivalent day during such year in excess of 120 days during which the Executive performs his duties hereunder, which shall, subject to the provisions of Section 5(g), be payable in installments in accordance with the prevailing general payroll practice of the Bank as it may exist from time to time. (c) The annual salary of the Executive during the fourth and fifth years of the Term shall be at the rate of $175,000 for the equivalent of 60 full-time days plus $2,500 per day for each full-time equivalent day during such years in excess of 60 days during which the Executive performs his duties hereunder, which shall, subject to the provisions of Section 5(g), 4 be payable in installments in accordance with the prevailing general payroll practice of the Bank as it may exist from time to time. (d) As used in this Agreement, "annual salary" shall mean, at any time, the annual rate of salary then payable to the Executive pursuant to this Section 5 (before deduction of any amounts deferred under any deferred compensation plan of the Bank, any voluntary contributions to the Retirement 401(k) Investment Plan of the Company or other similar qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (collectively, the "401(k) Plan"), or any other deductions from income) and shall be exclusive of bonuses, incentive compensation or other compensation or benefits paid to or accrued for the Executive other than pursuant to this Section 5. (e) Solely to the extent that the Executive does not accrue benefits pursuant to the qualified retirement plans of the Bank or the Benefit Restoration Plan of The Dime Savings Bank of New York, FSB (the "Benefit Restoration Plan") with respect to any period during his employment by the Bank following the second anniversary of this Agreement, and to the extent not otherwise provided pursuant to Section 11(g)(ii) or 11(g)(iii) or otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), unless the Executive terminates his employment prior thereto other than as contemplated by Sections 11(c)(ii) or 11(c)(iii) in connection with a Change in Control (as defined in Section 11(a)), the Executive shall be paid, within 120 days of the earlier to occur of (A) the Effective Date of Termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank (unless such termination is for "cause," as defined in Section 8(b)), or (B) the fifth anniversary of the date hereof, a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the following: (i) the excess of the Present Value (as defined below) of the benefits the Executive would have accrued and would have a vested 5 interest in under the Retirement Plan of Dime Bancorp, Inc. (the "Retirement Plan") and the related provisions of the Benefit Restoration Plan if the Executive had been otherwise employed as a full-time salaried employee through the remaining Term at the time of such termination (commencing with the date of this Agreement) earning the same amount of base pay as the annual salary (as described in this Section 5) which would have been paid to the Executive over such remaining Term in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, over the Present Value of the benefits the Executive actually accrued under the Retirement Plan and the related provisions of the Benefit Restoration Plan in which the Executive has a vested interest, plus (ii) the excess, if any, of the amount of Bank matching contributions that would have been made and in which the Executive would have a vested interest under the 401(k) Plan and the related provisions of the Benefit Restoration Plan, in each instance if the Executive had been otherwise employed as a full-time salaried employee of the Bank through the remaining Term at the time of such termination (commencing with the date of this Agreement) earning the same amount of base pay as the annual salary (as described in this Section 5) which would have been paid to the Executive over such remaining Term in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and assuming solely for these purposes that the Executive had made the maximum contributions permitted under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, over the amount actually accrued by the Executive with respect to Bank matching contributions under such 401(k) Plan and the related provisions of the Benefit Restoration Plan in which the Executive has a vested interest. For these purposes, the "Present Value" of benefits shall be determined as of the date of the termination of the Executive's employment with the Bank and shall be calculated in the same manner as then applies for purposes of determining lump sum benefits under the Retirement Plan. Further, in 6 determining the value of benefits described in clause (ii) above, such benefits shall be credited with the same deemed rate of earnings (or losses) as apply to the Executive's deemed investments of his 401(k) Plan Restoration Account under the Benefit Restoration Plan. (f) The Executive shall not have or acquire by virtue of this Agreement any rights to participate in, or receive benefits with respect to, any compensation or benefit plan or program of the Bank, except (i) that while employed by the Bank the Executive may participate in such plans or programs to the extent provided in such plans and programs and on the same basis as if the Executive's employment were not subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or (ii) as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement. (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing provisions, the payment of any amounts that would otherwise be payable to the Executive but which would be in excess of the amount which the Company, the Bank or the Subsidiary could deduct for federal income tax purposes if then paid, on account of the operation of Section 162(m) of the Code, shall be deferred to the extent that such deferral is required pursuant to a policy adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Company or the Bank and, to the extent so deferred, shall be payable pursuant to the relevant terms of the Dime Bancorp, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. 6. Disability. (a) The Bank may terminate the Executive's ---------- employment under this Agreement for "permanent disability" if (i) the Executive shall become physically or mentally disabled or incapacitated to the extent that the Executive has been absent from the Executive's duties with the Bank on account of such disabilities or incapacitation as determined in a manner consistent with the policy which applies generally to employees of the Bank on a 7 full-time basis for a period of six consecutive months, and (ii) within 30 days after written notice of proposed termination for permanent disability is given by the Bank to the Executive, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive's duties. (b) In the event of termination for "permanent disability," the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive an amount equal to the Executive's then annual salary pursuant to Section 5 (less any benefits that would have been payable to the Executive had the Executive elected the maximum available amount of disability insurance coverage available from the Bank) for a period commencing on the Effective Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary thereof (or the end of the remaining Term, if earlier). Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 6(b), any such payment shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (A) the date the Executive returns to the level of employment with the Bank otherwise contemplated by this Agreement; (B) the Executive's full-time employment by another employer; or (C) the Executive's death. In the event of termination for "permanent disability," the Bank also shall continue to provide until the end of the remaining Term (or the Executive's earlier death) the same level of life, medical and dental insurance coverage as is maintained by the Bank for full-time employees of the Bank, provided that the Executive shall continue to pay all amounts in respect of such coverage that other employees receiving the same level of coverage are required to pay. In the event of a termination of the Executive's employment for "permanent disability" during the Term at any time following a Change in Control (as defined in Section 11(a)), the provisions of Section 11 shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 6(b). (c) There shall be no reduction in the compensation payable to the Executive or the Executive's other rights under this Agreement during any period when the Executive is 8 incapable of performing some or all of the Executive's duties by reason of temporary or partial disability. 7. Death. In the event of the Executive's death during the Term, ----- this Agreement and all of the Bank's obligations under this Agreement shall terminate. 8. Termination by the Bank. (a) The Bank may terminate the ----------------------- Executive's employment under this Agreement at any time by giving the Executive written notice of such termination, provided that, except where termination is for "cause" (as defined in Section 8(b)), such notice shall be provided at least 30 days prior to the Effective Date of Termination. In the event of a termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank, other than a termination for "cause" (as defined in Section 8(b)), the Bank shall (subject to the provisions of Section 8(c)) (i) pay to the Executive, as a severance payment for services previously rendered to the Company and the Bank, a lump sum equal to the aggregate annual salary (as defined in Section 5(d)) payable to the Executive with respect to the remainder of the Term as of the Effective Date of Termination (assuming for this purpose that the Executive performed services hereunder for no more than the minimum number of full-time equivalent days required in years three, four and five of the Term) and (ii) maintain the same level of life, medical and dental insurance coverage as is maintained by the Bank for full-time employees of the Bank, provided that the Executive shall continue to pay all amounts in respect of such coverage that other employees receiving the same level of coverage are required to pay, for the remainder of the Term as of the Effective Date of Termination (or the Executive's earlier death). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such life, medical and dental insurance coverage shall cease upon the Executive's employment by another employer which provides coverage for the Executive which is no less favorable (in benefits and 9 duration) than that provided by the Bank (and if provided for a lesser duration, shall cease during the period such coverage is provided by another employer). In the event of a termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank during the Term following a Change in Control, the provisions of Section 11 shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(a). (b) The Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits under this Agreement for any period after the Effective Date of Termination if the Executive's employment is terminated for cause. As used in this Agreement, "cause" shall mean the Executive's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform assigned duties, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist order or material breach of any provision of this Agreement. (c) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8 or of Section 11, if at the Effective Date of Termination any statute, regulation, order, agreement, or regulatory interpretation thereof that is valid and binding upon the Bank (a "Regulatory Restriction") shall restrict, prohibit or limit the amount of any payment or the provision of any benefit that the Bank would otherwise be liable for under this Section 8 or under Section 11, then the amount that the Bank shall pay to the Executive hereunder shall not exceed the maximum amount permissible under such Regulatory Restriction; provided, that if such Regulatory Restriction shall subsequently be rescinded, superseded, amended or otherwise determined not to restrict, limit or prohibit payment by the Bank of amounts otherwise due the Executive hereunder, then the Bank shall promptly thereafter pay to such Executive any amounts (or the value of any benefit) previously withheld from such Executive as a result of such Regulatory Restriction. 10 (ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8 or of Section 11, in the event that any amount otherwise payable hereunder other than on account of events following a Hostile Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) would be deemed to constitute a parachute payment (a "Parachute Payment") within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and if any such Parachute Payment, when added to any other payments which are deemed to constitute Parachute Payments, would otherwise result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, the amounts payable hereunder (other than amounts payable on account of events following a Hostile Change in Control) shall be reduced by the smallest amount necessary to avoid the imposition of such excise tax. Any such limitation shall be applied to such compensation and benefit amounts, and in such order, as the Bank shall determine in its sole discretion. References to the Code in this Agreement shall be to the Code as presently in effect or to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding law (d) As of the date hereof, the principal place of business at which the Executive shall be based for the performance of his duties pursuant to this Agreement is located in Tampa, Florida. If the Bank shall relocate such principal place of business at which the Executive shall be based to a location which is more than 75 miles from Tampa, Florida, the Executive shall have the right, for a period of 30 days following such relocation, to elect to treat such relocation as a termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank without cause (as defined in Section 8(b)) by giving the Bank written notice of such election. In the event that the Executive fails to give notice within such 30- day period, he shall be deemed to have waived his right to make such an election with respect to such relocation. (e) Upon the termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank pursuant to 11 the provisions of this Section 8, to the extent not otherwise limited by Section 8(c) and except where termination is for "cause" (as defined in Section 8(b)), each outstanding Non-Accelerated Stock Option (as defined in Section 11(d)(ii)) and each share of restricted stock which has not previously vested that is held by the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such Non-Accelerated Stock Option or restricted stock was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter related to such Non-Accelerated Stock Option or restricted stock and regardless of the actual Effective Date of Termination, immediately vest and become exercisable, in the case of a Non- Accelerated Stock Option, and immediately vest, in the case of restricted stock. (f) If the Executive's employment is proposed to be terminated by the Bank for "cause" (as defined in Section 8(b)), the Bank shall, prior to delivering to the Executive a notice of termination, afford the Executive reasonable prior notice of such proposed termination and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard. 9. Voluntary Termination by the Executive. The Executive shall have -------------------------------------- the right to terminate the Executive's employment under this Agreement at any time upon at least 30 but not more than 60 days' prior written notice to the Bank. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, all of the Bank's obligations under this Agreement shall terminate and the Executive shall not be entitled to any compensation or benefits after the Effective Date of Termination, except to the extent provided in Section 11. 10. Additional Termination and Suspension Provisions. (a) If the ------------------------------------------------ Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank's affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 12 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1)), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the parties shall not be affected. (b) If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties. (c) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by the Director of Thrift Supervision or his or her designee (the "Director"), at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Director, at the time the Director approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action. (d) If the Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank's affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1)), the Bank's obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion (a) pay the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (b) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended. (e) The provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this Section 10 are required to 13 be set forth in this Agreement by regulations applicable to the Bank on the date of this Agreement. If any such regulation shall hereafter be amended or modified, or if any new regulation applicable to the Bank and effective after the date of this Agreement shall require the inclusion in this Agreement of a provision not presently included in this Agreement, then the foregoing provisions of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this Section 10 shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to give effect in this Agreement to any such amended, modified or new regulation. 11. Change in Control. (a) As used in this Agreement, a "Change in ----------------- Control" of the Bank shall mean (i) the merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Bank or the Company with any other entity (or the issuance by the Bank or the Company of its voting securities as consideration in a merger, consolidation or reorganization of a subsidiary of the Bank or the Company with any other entity) whether or not such merger, consolidation or reorganization shall have been affirmatively recommended to the Bank's stockholders or the Company's stockholders by action of the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company, respectively, other than such a merger, consolidation or reorganization which would result in the voting securities of the Bank or the Company (as the case may be) outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the other entity) at least 65% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Bank or the Company (as the case may be) or such other entity outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization; (ii) the approval by the stockholders of the Bank or the stockholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Bank or the Company, respectively (a "Plan of Liquidation"), or an agreement for the sale or 14 disposition by the Bank or the Company of all or substantially all of the Bank's assets or the Company's assets (an "Asset Sale Agreement"); (iii) the acquisition of more than 35% of the voting power of the Bank or the Company by any person or entity or any persons or entities acting as a group for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (iv) the occurrence of any circumstance having the effect that directors who were nominated for election as directors by the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company shall cease to constitute a majority of the authorized number of directors of the Bank or the Company, respectively; or (v) the execution by the Bank or the Company of a binding agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control of the type specified in clause (i) or (iii) of this Section 11(a) (an "Acquisition Agreement") or of an Asset Sale Agreement or the adoption by the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company of a Plan of Liquidation; provided however, that a Change in Control of the type specified in this clause (v) shall not be deemed to exist or have occurred as a result of the execution of such Acquisition Agreement or Asset Sale Agreement, or the adoption of such a Plan of Liquidation, from and after the Abandonment Date if the Executive's employment has not been terminated on or prior to the Abandonment Date. As used in this Section 11(a), the term "Abandonment Date" shall mean the date on which (A) an Acquisition Agreement, Asset Sale Agreement or Plan of Liquidation is terminated (pursuant to its terms or otherwise) without having been consummated, (B) the parties to an Acquisition Agreement or Asset Sale Agreement abandon the transactions contemplated thereby, (C) the Bank or the Company abandons a Plan of Liquidation or (D) a court or regulatory body having competent jurisdiction enjoins or issues a cease and desist or stop order with respect to or otherwise prevents the consummation of, or a 15 regulatory body notifies the Bank or the Company that it will not approve, an Acquisition Agreement, Asset Sale Agreement or Plan of Liquidation or the transactions contemplated thereby and such injunction, order or notice has become final and not subject to appeal. As used in this Agreement, a "Hostile Change in Control" shall mean (i) any of the events specified in Section 11(a)(i) if such transaction has not been affirmatively recommended to the Company's stockholders by action of the Board of Directors of the Company or (ii) any of the events specified in Section 11(a)(i) through (a)(iv) inclusive if the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank, as the case may be, finds that, for purposes of this Agreement, the happening of an event specified in such Sections constitutes or will constitute a Hostile Change in Control; provided, however, that if it is an express condition precedent to the consummation of any such Change in Control event or occurrence that the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank, as the case may be, refrain from making such a designation, the event or occurrence shall constitute a "Hostile Change in Control" without regard to any designation by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank, as the case may be. (b) If the Bank, the Company or the Subsidiary shall relocate the principal place of business at which the Executive shall be based for the performance of his duties pursuant to this Agreement to a location which is more than 75 miles from Tampa, Florida after a Change in Control of the Bank or the Company, respectively, and if the Executive shall, as a result, be required to change the Executive's principal residence, the Bank shall (i) promptly pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by the Executive as a result of such change in the Executive's principal residence, and (ii) indemnify the Executive against, and reimburse the Executive for, any loss incurred as a result of the sale of the 16 Executive's principal residence (which loss shall be computed for the purpose of this Agreement as the difference between the actual sales price (net of closing costs and brokerage fees) of such residence and the fair market value of such residence (computed as of the time such principal place of business is relocated) as determined by an independent real estate appraiser designated and paid by the Bank or the Company and acceptable to the Executive), provided that such sale of the Executive's principal residence occurs within six months after the Bank, the Company or the Subsidiary relocates the principal place of business at which the Executive shall be based. (c) (i) If a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 11 upon the subsequent termination of the Executive's employment, at any time during the remaining Term in effect at the time of the Change in Control, by the Bank (including, without limitation, a termination for permanent disability), other than a termination for cause, provided that the rights to any such compensation and benefits shall be subject to the limitations and provisions set forth in Section 8(c). (ii) If a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control of the type specified in (A) Section 11(a)(i) and (I) that has been affirmatively --- recommended to the Company's stockholders by action of the Board of Directors of the Company, and (II) immediately after giving effect to which, the voting --- securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the entity into which the Company has been merged, consolidated or reorganized) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such other entity outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization, and (III) that --- 17 does not constitute a Change in Control under any of subparagraphs 11(a)(ii), (iii) or (iv); or (B) Section 11(a)(v)) shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 11 (subject to the limitations and provisions set forth in Section 8(c)) upon the subsequent termination of the Executive's employment, at any time within the earlier to occur of 90 days after the occurrence of such Change in Control and the expiration of the remaining Term in effect at the time of the Change in Control, by the Executive. (iii) If (A) a Change in Control shall occur, and thereafter the Bank (notwithstanding its right to do so under Section 4 or Section 5) either (B) makes a material change in the Executive's functions, duties or responsibilities, which change would cause the Executive's position with the Bank to become one of lesser responsibility, importance or scope from that otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, or (C) reduces the Executive's annual salary below that otherwise contemplated by this Agreement (an event specified in clause (B) or (C) is hereafter referred to as a "Material Change"), the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 11 (subject to the limitations and provisions set forth in Section 8(c)) upon the subsequent termination of the Executive's employment, at any time during the remaining Term in effect at the time of the Change in Control, by the Executive. (iv) Only for purposes of determining whether there has been a termination of the Executive's employment during the remaining Term in effect at the time of a Change in Control or within 90 days after the occurrence of a Change in Control (as specified in paragraphs (c)(i), (c)(ii) and (c)(iii) of this Section 11, as the case may be) so as to entitle the Executive to the 18 compensation and benefits provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 11, a termination of the Executive's employment following a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred on such date during the remaining Term that notice of termination is given by the Bank or the Executive to the other (regardless of the Effective Date of Termination specified in such notice). Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the Executive shall continue to be employed by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement until the Effective Date of Termination specified in the notice of termination. (d)(i) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed by any termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Bank shall pay the Executive, as a severance payment for services previously rendered to the Bank, a lump sum equal to three times the Executive's annual salary (as defined in Section 5(d)) (assuming for this purpose that the Executive performed services hereunder for no more than the minimum number of full-time equivalent days required in each of years three, four and five of the Term). (ii) Upon the occurrence of (a) the termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank (unless such termination is for "cause" as defined in Section 8(b)) or (b) a Change in Control which is not a Hostile Change in Control followed by any termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c): (A) each Non-Accelerated Stock Option held by the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such Non- Accelerated Stock Option was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter related to such Non-Accelerated Stock Option and regardless of the actual Effective Date of Termination, vest and become exercisable 19 in accordance with the provisions of, and remain exercisable for the term specified in, such grant letter as if there had been no termination of the Executive's employment and the Executive remained in the employment of the Bank for the entire term of such Non-Accelerated Stock Option and (B) each Vested Stock Option held by the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such Vested Stock Option was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter related to such Vested Stock Option and regardless of the actual Effective Date of Termination, remain exercisable for the term specified in such grant letter as if there had been no termination of the Executive's employment and the Executive remained in the employment of the Bank for the entire term of such Vested Stock Option. As used in this Section 11(d)(ii) and Section 11(d)(iii), the term (I) "Non-Accelerated Stock Option" shall mean any stock option (including any tandem stock appreciation right) previously or hereafter granted to the Executive under a stock incentive or stock option plan of the Company that has not, pursuant to the provisions of such stock incentive or stock option plan or the grant letter pursuant to which such stock option was granted to the Executive, vested and become exercisable prior to the Effective Date of Termination and (II) "Vested Stock Option" shall mean any stock option (including any tandem stock appreciation right) previously or hereafter granted to the Executive under a stock incentive or stock option plan of the Company that vests and becomes exercisable prior to the Effective Date of Termination. (iii) Upon the occurrence of a Hostile Change in Control followed by any termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c)(i): (A) each Non-Accelerated Stock Option held by the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such Non- 20 Accelerated Stock Option was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter related to such Non-Accelerated Stock Option and regardless of the actual Effective Date of Termination, immediately vest and become exercisable in accordance with the provisions of, and remain exercisable for the term specified in, such grant letter as if there had been no termination of the Executive's employment and the Executive remained in the employment of the Bank for the entire term of such Non-Accelerated Stock Option and (B) each Vested Stock Option held by the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such Vested Stock Option was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter relating to such Vested Stock Option and regardless of the actual Effective Date of Termination, remain exercisable for the term specified in such grant letter as if there had been no termination of the Executive's employment and the Executive had remained in the employment of the Bank for the entire term of such Vested Stock Option. (iv) Upon the occurrence of (a) the termination of the Executive's employment by the Bank (unless such termination is for "cause" as defined in Section 8(b)) or (b) a Change in Control followed by any termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), each grant of restricted stock to the Executive shall (to the extent permitted by the plan under which such restricted stock was granted), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the grant letter related to such restricted stock, vest and become non- forfeitable by the Executive as if there had been no termination of the Executive's employment and the Executive remained in the employment of the Bank for the entire term of the vesting period applicable to such grant of restricted stock. (e) Any payment pursuant to Section 11(d)(i) or 11(g)(iii) shall be made to the 21 Executive within 30 days after the Effective Date of Termination. (f) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed by any termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Bank shall cause to be continued until the end of the remaining Term (or the Executive's earlier death) the same level of life, disability, medical and dental insurance coverage as is maintained by the Bank for full-time employees of the Bank, provided that the Executive shall continue to pay all amounts in respect of such coverage that other employees receiving the same levels of coverage are required to pay. (g)(i) In the event of termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Executive shall vest in the benefits under Section 5(e) hereof (but which shall then be calculated assuming that the benefits payable under the Retirement Plan, the 401(k) Plan and the Benefit Restoration Plan are fully vested). (ii) In the event of termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Executive shall be entitled to receive a benefit calculated pursuant to the provisions of the Retirement Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date of Termination), (A) without regard to any limitations set forth in such plan pursuant to Sections 401(a)(17) and 415 of the Code, and (B) assuming that the Executive's service at the Effective Date of Termination was sufficient to vest the Executive 100% in the benefit accrued under such plan. The benefit provided for in the preceding sentence (stated in the form of a single life annuity or such other 22 normal form of benefit as may be provided on an unreduced basis under the Retirement Plan) shall be offset by the benefit payable to the Executive and the Executive's beneficiaries (stated in the form of a single life annuity or such other normal form of benefit as may be provided on an unreduced basis) under the Retirement Plan (without regard to benefit reductions in that plan on account of benefits payable under qualified defined contribution plans, if any) and the Benefit Restoration Plan (solely to the extent the Benefit Restoration Plan supplements benefits under the Retirement Plan). The benefit provided pursuant to this Section 11(g)(ii) shall be payable at the same time and in the same form as benefits are payable to the Executive and the Executive's beneficiaries under the Benefit Restoration Plan that relate to Retirement Plan benefits (or would be so payable if the Executive were vested under such Plan). Except for the offset contemplated in this Section 11(g)(ii), the benefit provided for in this Section 11(g)(ii) shall be in addition to any benefits payable under any qualified or non-qualified pension plans or programs maintained by the Bank. If the Executive's termination of employment following a Material Change occurs by reason of the Executive's death, to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Executive's surviving spouse shall receive an annuity payable for the remainder of such spouse's lifetime equal to 100% of the benefit such spouse would have received had the Executive retired the day before the Executive's death and elected to have the Executive's pension benefit payable pursuant to this Section 11(g)(ii) paid, commencing upon such retirement, in the form of a 100% contingent annuity. Upon such surviving spouse's death, such benefit shall be paid to the Executive's children in the manner described in Section 5.4 of the Retirement Plan. (iii) In the event of termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to 23 Section 11(c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii), to the extent not otherwise limited pursuant to Section 8(c), the Executive shall be entitled to receive in a lump sum payment an amount equal to any amounts forfeited by the Executive under the 401(k) Plan and under the Benefit Restoration Plan (solely to the extent such Benefit Restoration Plan supplements benefits under the 401(k) Plan) as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date of Termination). (h)(i) If, following a Hostile Change in Control, any payment or other benefit paid or to be paid or any property transferred or to be transferred (collectively, a "Severance Payment") with respect to one or more calendar years by or on behalf of the Bank (or any affiliate of the Bank) to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the "Excise Tax"), then the Bank shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the "Gross Up Payment") such that the amount paid or transferred to the Executive, after deduction of any Excise Tax on the Severance Payment, and any federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax upon the Gross Up Payment, shall be equal to the Severance Payment. (ii) For purposes of determining under Section 11(h)(i) whether any portion of a Severance Payment will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (A) the Severance Payment and payment provided for in Section 11(h)(i) shall be treated as "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280(G)(b)(1) of the Code shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless and to the extent that tax counsel selected by the Bank's independent 24 auditors and acceptable to the Executive is of the opinion that the Severance Payment (in whole or in part) does not constitute a "parachute payment" or such "excess parachute payment" (in whole or in part) represents reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code in excess of the allocable base amount within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, or the Severance Payment is otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, (B) the amount of the Severance Payment that is treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the lesser of (X) the total amount of the Severance Payment and (Y) the amount of "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code (after applying clause (A) above), (C) any Gross Up Payment pursuant to Section 11(h)(i) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax in its entirety and (D) the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company's independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code. (iii) If in circumstances described in Section 11(h)(i), by reason of the filing by the Executive of an amended tax return, an audit by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority, or a final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is determined that "excess parachute payments" exceeding those previously reported in his tax returns were received by the Executive and as a result an additional Excise Tax (the "Additional Excise Tax") shall become due, the Bank shall pay the Executive an additional amount (the "Subsequent Gross Up Payment") such that the amount paid or transferred to the Executive after deduction of (A) any Additional Excise Tax and (B) on an after tax basis, any interest, additions and penalties with respect to the Additional Excise Tax and (C) any federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax upon the Subsequent Gross up Payment and (D) the payments provided for in 25 Section 11(h)(i), shall be equal to the Severance Payment. (iv) Any Gross Up Payment required hereunder shall be made at least ten days prior to the due date (without regard to extensions) of the Executive's federal income tax return for the year with respect to which the "excess parachute payment" is deemed made under the Code. Any Subsequent Gross Up Payment required hereunder shall be made to the Executive within 30 days after the amount thereof is determined. Notwithstanding the two immediately preceding sentences, the Bank shall pay any federal, state and local tax or taxes and employment taxes required to be withheld from the Executive's wages (within the meaning of Section 3121 and 3402 of the Code) with respect to the "excess parachute payment" and any such tax or taxes paid by the Company, the Bank or the Subsidiary to the Internal Revenue Service or state or local taxing authority shall constitute payment to the Executive (v) If the Excise Tax is finally determined (whether by the filing of an amended tax return by the Executive, by audit of the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority, or by a final determination of a court of competent jurisdiction) to be less than the amount paid to or on behalf of the Executive under the provisions of Sections 11(h)(i)-(iv) and the overpayment is refunded to the Executive, the Executive shall repay to the Bank, promptly following the receipt of the refund, the portion of the Gross Up Payment (and/or Subsequent Gross Up Payment) attributable to such reduction of the Excise Tax (plus the portion attributable to federal, state and local income tax and employment taxes imposed on the portion being repaid by the Executive but only to the extent that the repayment may result in a tax benefit to the Executive under Section 1341 of the Code and similar provisions of applicable state and local law). (vi) The provisions of this Section 11(h) shall inure to the benefit of the Executive 26 during the Term of this Agreement regardless of whether or not his employment is terminated, and if the Executive's employment is terminated, the rights and obligations of the Executive and the Bank under this Section 11(h) shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 12. Post-Termination Obligations of the Executive. (a) Upon any --------------------------------------------- termination of the Executive's employment during the Term of this Agreement or upon termination of the Executive's employment after the expiration of the Term of this Agreement or upon retirement, the Executive agrees (i) not to make any disclosure in violation of Section 12(b), (ii) to return to the Bank all material documents relating to the business of the Company, the Bank, the Subsidiary and their affiliates that are in the Executive's possession or under the Executive's control, and (iii) except if the termination or retirement occurs after a Change in Control, not to solicit (directly or indirectly), for one year following the Effective Date of Termination (or date of termination after the expiration of the Term) or retirement, the employment of any person who is an employee of the Company, the Bank, the Subsidiary or their affiliates on the Effective Date of Termination (or date of termination after the expiration of the Term) or retirement or who, within six months prior to the Effective Date of Termination (or date of termination after the expiration of the Term) or retirement, was an employee of the Company, the Bank, or Subsidiary or their affiliates, unless the Executive receives written permission from the Bank to engage in the activities proscribed by this Section 12(a) or by Section 12(b) or to be relieved of any obligation under Section 12(a)(ii). (b) The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that the confidential business activities and plans for business activities of the Bank and its subsidiaries and affiliates, as they may exist from time to time, are valuable, special and unique assets of the Bank. The Executive 27 shall not, during or at any time after the Executive's employment, disclose any knowledge of the past, present or planned business activities of the Bank or its subsidiaries or affiliates that are of a confidential nature (collectively, the "Bank's Confidential Activities") to any person, firm, corporation, bank, thrift institution or other entity for any reason or purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 12(b) to the contrary, the Executive (i) may disclose any knowledge of banking, financial and/or economic principles, concepts or ideas that are not derived from the Bank's Confidential Activities, and (ii) shall not be precluded from disclosures respecting the Bank's Confidential Activities that are (A) made pursuant to compulsory legal process or when required by an appropriate governmental agency; (B) public knowledge or become public without the Executive's breach of this Section 12(b); (C) already known to the party to whom the Executive makes such disclosures; or (D) approved by the Bank for disclosure. (c) The parties, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank, its business and property in the event of the Executive's breach or threatened breach of Section 12(a) or (b), agree that in the event of such breach or threatened breach by the Executive, the Bank will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages that may be available, to seek and obtain an injunction to restrain the violation of Section 12(a) or (b) by the Executive. 13. Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing ------- and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, (a) to the Bank, at its address set forth above (to the attention of its Chief Executive Officer) and (b) to the Executive, at the Executive's residence address as appearing in the records of the Bank, or to such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing in the manner provided in 28 this Section 13. All notices under this Agreement shall be deemed given (i) upon receipt if delivered personally or (ii) two days after deposit in a facility of the U.S. Postal Service with postage prepaid. As used in this Agreement, the term "Effective Date of Termination" shall mean the date specified in a notice hereunder on which such Executive's employment is to terminate, provided, however, that no such notice shall specify an Effective Date of Termination that is prior to the date on which any such notice is given. 14. Complete Understanding. This Agreement, together with the ---------------------- Agreement Regarding Initial Employment Terms attached hereto as Exhibit A, constitute the complete understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and merge and supersede all prior oral and written agreements and understandings and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, including, without limitation, any other employment agreement heretofore executed by the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. In the event of any conflict between the express provisions of this Agreement and such Agreement Regarding Initial Employment Terms, the express provisions of this Agreement shall be controlling. This Agreement may not be amended, terminated or rescinded except in a writing signed by the party to be charged. 15. No Waiver. The failure of either party at any time to require --------- performance by the other party of a provision of this Agreement or to resort to a remedy at law or in equity or otherwise shall in no way affect the right of such party to require full performance or to resort to such remedy at any time thereafter nor shall a waiver by either party of the breach of any provision of this Agreement be taken or held to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of such 29 provision unless expressly so stated in writing. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged. 16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of ------------- the State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles applied in the State of New York. 17. Headings. The headings to the Sections of this Agreement are for -------- convenience of reference only and shall not be given any effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. 18. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a ------------ court or other authority having competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, by reason of any applicable law, statute or regulation or any interpretation thereof, then (a) the remainder of the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated and (b) the provision so held to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable shall be deemed modified in amount, duration, scope or otherwise to the minimum extent necessary so that such provision shall not be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable by reason of such law, statute, regulation or interpretation and such provision, as so modified, shall remain in full force and effect. 19. Payment of Legal Fees. If any legal action or proceeding is --------------------- commenced to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, or to recover damages for its breach, all reasonable legal fees, disbursements and court costs paid or incurred by the Executive arising out of or resulting from such action or proceeding shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Bank, provided the Executive shall be the prevailing party in such action or proceeding. 20. Assumption by Company. This Agreement shall be assumable by the --------------------- 30 Company at its election. Following any such election, the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall become the obligations of the Company. 21. Taxes. Any payments due to the Executive pursuant to this ----- Agreement shall be reduced by all applicable federal, state, city or other taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments. 22. Limitation on Payments. Any payments made to the Executive ---------------------- pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with 12 USC (S) 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder. THE DIME SAVINGS BANK OF NEW YORK, FSB By: /s/ Lawrence J. Toal ------------------------------------- Name: Title: Dated: 2/27/97 /s/ Fred B. Koons ------------- ------------------------------------ FRED B. KOONS 31 [Letterhead of The Dime Savings Bank of New York, FSB] As of December 2, 1996 Mr. Fred B. Koons 3308 Jean Circle Tampa, Florida 33629 Re: Agreement Regarding Initial Employment Terms -------------------------------------------- Dear Fred: As we discussed, this Letter Agreement is intended to detail several elements of your initial compensation arrangements with The Dime Savings Bank of New York, FSB (the "Bank"). To the extent, however, that it describes benefits requiring the approval of the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors of the Bank or of Dime Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), it is subject to that approval, and to changes that may be determined by such Committee(s) or such Board(s) from time to time, and participation in the various plans described will be pursuant to the terms of those plans, as they may be revised (and subject to their termination) from time to time by the Bank or the Company. The benefits described herein are also subject to other limitations described in further detail below. As of the date hereof, all of the benefits set forth below are permitted by the terms of the various plans described. 1. Restricted Stock Award As soon as possible following the date ---------------------- hereof, you will be awarded the right to purchase such number of whole shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Dime Bancorp, Inc. 1991 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") as shall have an aggregate value on the date of award of approximately $350,000, with such restricted stock vesting 50% on the first anniversary of the date hereof and 50% on the second anniversary of the date hereof, subject to earlier vesting under the circumstances described in section 15.1 of the Plan. The purchase price for each share of restricted stock, described in the preceding sentence, shall be equal to $1.00 per share. The Company agrees to pay to you an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the aggregate purchase price for the restricted stock awarded hereunder and (ii) the Federal, state and local income tax liability that the Bank determines would arise from the payment referred to in (i). 2. Annual Incentive Opportunity. You will be eligible to ---------------------------- participate in the Bank's Officer Incentive Plan during 1998, with a target incentive opportunity of $100,000, and the opportunity to earn up to 150% of such target incentive based on extraordinary performance. The final determination of the incentive to be paid to you shall be made in the discretion of the Bank's Board of Directors. 3. Sign-On Bonus. You shall receive an initial cash bonus of ------------- $100,000 which shall be paid within 30 days of the later of the execution and delivery of your Employment Agreement with the Bank, dated as of December 2, 1996 (the "Employment Agreement"), and the commencement of your employment with the Bank. 2 4. Long-Term Incentive Opportunity. During the first two years of ------------------------------- the term of your Employment Agreement, to the extent approved, as appropriate, from time to time by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company's Senior Management Incentive Plan (the "Senior Management Incentive Plan"), with a long- term incentive in the form of stock options equal in value (as determined by the Bank) to 60% of your base annual salary. In the event of the termination of your employment for any reason (other than for "cause" as defined in the Employment Agreement), such options shall continue to be exercisable, to the extent vested, for their full 11-year term as if no such termination had occurred. To the extent you are granted stock options pursuant to your participation in the Senior Management Incentive Plan, you will not be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividends, if any, that are declared and paid by the Company on the number of shares for which you hold options that have not yet lapsed or been exercised unless such dividend equivalents are generally paid by the Bank to executive officers at a comparable level of responsibility to you holding stock options. 5. Deferred Compensation Plan. To the extent approved by the -------------------------- Compensation Committee of the Bank or the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Dime Bancorp, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. 6. Automobile Allowance. For purposes of enabling you to travel to -------------------- and from the Bank's offices and elsewhere for business purposes, the Bank will provide you during the term of your Employment Agreement with the use of a Bank- owned or Bank-leased automobile of a make and model commensurate with that being provided under the Bank's policies as in effect on the date hereof to officers of the Bank of comparable rank and responsibility, and will reimburse you for all costs, including tolls and gasoline, incurred by you during such period in connection with the business operation of the vehicle, subject to the Bank's policies, as in effect from time to time, concerning personal use of the automobile. 7. Costs of Legal Review. The Bank will reimburse you promptly upon --------------------- request and the submission of appropriate invoices for the reasonable fees and disbursements of your counsel incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of your Employment Agreement and this Letter Agreement. 8. Dues Reimbursement. The Bank will reimburse you during the term ------------------ of your employment for the reasonable annual (or less frequent) membership fees for two country, social, business, luncheon or fitness clubs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any statute, regulation, order, agreement or regulatory interpretation thereof that is valid and binding upon the Bank, including, without limitation, 12 USC (S)1828(k) and regulations thereunder (each a "Regulatory Restriction") restricts, prohibits or limits the amount of any payment or the provision of any benefit that the Bank would otherwise be liable for pursuant to this Letter Agreement, then the amount that the Bank will pay to you will not exceed the maximum amount permissible under such Regulatory Restriction; provided, that if such Regulatory Restriction shall subsequently be rescinded, superseded, amended or otherwise determined not to restrict, limit or prohibit payment by the 3 Bank of amounts otherwise due you hereunder, the Bank shall promptly thereafter pay to you any amounts (or the value of any benefit) previously withheld from you as a result of such Regulatory Restriction. The provisions and limitations set forth in Section 10 of your Employment Agreement, to the extent required by law, are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Further, if any amount otherwise payable hereunder other than upon events following a Hostile Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) would be deemed to constitute a parachute payment (a "Parachute Payment") within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and if any such Parachute Payment, when added to any other payments other than upon events following a Hostile Change in Control which are deemed to constitute Parachute Payments, would otherwise result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, the amounts payable hereunder shall be reduced by the smallest amount necessary to avoid the imposition of such excise tax. Any such limitation shall be applied in a manner that considers the benefits that are to be paid pursuant to the Employment Agreement or otherwise, and such limitation shall be applied to such compensation and benefit amounts, and in such order, as the Bank shall determine in its sole discretion. References to the Code hereunder shall be to the Code as presently in effect or to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding law. This Letter Agreement is intended solely to detail certain of your initial compensation arrangements with the Bank. Nothing in this Letter Agreement (a) confers upon you the right to continue in the employment of the Bank or the right to hold any particular office or position with the Bank, (b) requires the Bank to pay you, or entitles you to receive, any specified annual salary or interferes with or restricts in any way the right of the Bank to decrease your annual salary at any time, (c) requires the Bank to continue to provide any of the benefit plans or arrangements described above, or (d) interferes with or restricts in any way the right of the Bank to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause. In the event of any conflict between the express provisions of this Letter Agreement and the Employment Agreement, the express provisions of the Employment Agreement shall be controlling. Any payments due you hereunder shall be reduced by all applicable withholding and other taxes. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles applied in the State of New York. If any provision of this Letter Agreement is held by a court or other authority having competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, by reason of any applicable law, statute or regulation or any interpretation thereof, then the remainder of the provisions of this Letter Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and in no way affected, impaired or invalidated. This Agreement may be assumed by the Company at its election. Following any such election, the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall become the obligations of the Company. Except as otherwise provided above, this Letter Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by both parties hereto. 4 Please indicate your acceptance to the terms of this Letter Agreement by signing below. Very truly yours, THE DIME SAVINGS BANK OF NEW YORK, FSB By: /s/ Lawrence J. Toal ----------------------------------------- AGREED AND ACCEPTED /s/ Fred B. Koons - --------------------------- Fred B. Koons Date: 2/27/97