Opinion ID: 883960
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Is VPI entitled to summary judgment?

Text: In the usual summary judgment case where we reverse an order of the district court granting summary judgment, that resolution is based on our conclusion that genuine issues of material fact exist which preclude the moving party's entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. Under that circumstance, a reversal of the district court necessitates a remand for trial in which the factual issues will be determined by the trier of fact. Where all of the facts bearing on the resolution of the legal issues are before us, however, this Court has the power to reverse a district court's grant of summary judgment and direct it to enter summary judgment in favor of the other party. Matter of Estate of Langendorf (1993), 262 Mont. 123, 128, 863 P.2d 434, 438; Duensing v. Traveler's Companies (1993), 257 Mont. 376, 386, 849 P.2d 203, 210. As stated above, the parties in the present case agree that the material facts are undisputed. We concluded in Issue 1 that Covenant II(Q) is clear and unambiguous in prohibiting installation of television satellite receiving dishes except by VPI or its designate and that it is sufficiently connected to the general plan for the village of St. Marie to be enforceable. Based on those conclusions, we hold that VPI is entitled to summary judgment in its favor on the enforceability of Covenant II(Q). 3. Did the District Court abuse its discretion in issuing a permanent injunction enjoining enforcement of Covenant II(Q)? We review a district court's grant or denial of an injunction to determine if the court abused its discretion. See Butler v. Germann (1991), 251 Mont. 107, 114, 822 P.2d 1067, 1072; Sampson v. Grooms (1988), 230 Mont. 190, 194, 748 P.2d 960, 963. In addressing the foregoing issues, we held that the District Court erred in granting Jarrett summary judgment and, further, that VPI is entitled to summary judgment in its favor on the enforceability of Covenant II(Q). On those bases, we also hold that the District Court abused its discretion in permanently enjoining VPI from enforcing Covenant II(Q). We reverse the District Court's grant of summary judgment in Jarrett's favor and vacate its related award of attorney's fees. We remand for entry of summary judgment in favor of VPI on the enforceability of Covenant II(Q) and for proceedings on VPI's entitlement to attorney's fees pursuant to the Protective Covenants. NELSON, TRIEWEILER and ERDMANN, JJ., concur.