Opinion ID: 2087782
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Whether the City's Request to Modify the Trust is Permissible.

Text: In applying cy pres under section 633A.5102, we must keep in mind it is a liberal rule of construction used to carry out, not defeat, the [settlors'] intent. Rothrock, 452 N.W.2d at 405-06. Thus, we cannot approve a cy pres modification that would defeat the settlors' intent. The City has only requested the trust be modified so its funds may be used for the maintenance of the garden at a new location. The record indicates this new location is to be very close to the original location, and the size of the garden is to be about the same. In addition, the record reveals the City would use the memorial plaques and any other vestige from the prior location, including the construction of a new fountain, to accompany the garden at the new location. Our statute clearly allows for such a modification, and we see no reason why this would defeat the settlors' intent in this case. In fact, it is precisely our belief that it would fulfill the settlors' intent. Of course, should the City, trustee or any other interested party wish to further modify the trust beyond the scope of what was requested here, another application for cy pres must be made.