19960930_2.docx

Minutes of Decision Meeting
September 30, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.
In attendance were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis Hansen and staff members Scott Woodbury, Weldon Stutzman, Susan Hamlin, Randy Lobb, Bev Barker, Bill Eastlake, Terri Carlock, Birdelle Brown, Don Oliason, Stephanie Miller, Bob Smith, Marge Maxwell and Myrna Walters. Also in attendance were Skip Worthan  and Mike McGrath of Intermountain Gas Company and Conley Ward, Attorney at Law.
Commission President Ralph Nelson called the meeting to order.  
ITEMS FROM THE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 DECISION MEETING AGENDA WERE DISCUSSED AND ACTED UPON AS FOLLOWS.
1. Marge Maxwell’s September 24, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Idaho Power Company’s Tariff Advice No. 96-07; Revision to Schedule 95 to Reflect 1% Franchise Fee for City of Mountain Home.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve the tariff; Commissioner Smith seconded the motion; Commissioner Nelson concurred.
2. Bob Smith’s September 4, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Caravell Water Complaint & Investigation (Small Water System near Bayview, ID.) - held from 9-17-96 Decision Meeting and Scott Woodbury’s September 27, 1996 Decision Memorandum in this matter.
Commissioner Smith said she still wanted to know if this could be unregulated? Said she was hoping this was not “holding themselves out to the public”.
Commissioner Nelson said the problem is we have had a serious complaint about this. Is willing to accept the analysis and he has to decide how to treat this.
Commissioner Hansen agreed.
Commissioner Smith asked if there was only the one complaint?
Scott Woodbury replied - yes.
Commissioner Nelson said we need to encourage him to do something.
**Further information is coming.
3. Scott Woodbury’s September 26, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. INT-G-96-5 Transportation Implementation Agreement IGC/Eastern Energy Marketing, Inc.
Commissioner Nelson commented it appeared staff and the company had worked out their differences.
Commissioner Hansen said he would recommend approval.
Commissioners Smith and Nelson agreed.
4. Scott Woodbury’s September 26, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. CAP-W-96-2 Application for Temporary Rate Increase.
Staff’s recommendation was suspension of the rates and a hearing.
Scott commented the base rate right now is $9.25; looking to raise it to $12.35.
**Staff will work with the company on scheduling.
Commissioner Smith said she thought this was a good opportunity for staff to meet with the customers Might be good to have an informal meeting. Have company set out details so customers understand, so that when a hearing is held on the rates, people can then assess if they want to approve them.
Scott commented the Company is treating the water at this time.
Commissioner Hansen said he liked the proposal if it is going to get people out and involved. How are you going to get the people out?
Randy Lobb said there has already been a case opened to examine water quality of this company.  All of the issues will be the same for both cases. Don’t know if it is proper to do one before the other. We don’t have the information. Think these are issues in  the rate case.
Commissioner Nelson said he thought combining the cases would be a good idea and maybe have meeting with the customers and staff.
Commissioner Hansen said he agreed.
5. Scott Woodbury’s September 27, 1997 Decision Memorandum re: Staff Investigation Earl Reamy Water system (Post Falls, ID) Discuss re: Status.
Scott reviewed the matter. Said Mr. Reamy wanted to explore all options. On March 6 he spoke to the Homeowners Association. Now apparently there is no Association and another complaint is in-house.
Commissioner Nelson said he would accept the suggestion that he either give information on Homeowners or file for a certificate.
Other commissioners concurred with this decision.
6. Weldon Stutzman’s September 27, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Complaint filed by Rocky Mountain Communications, Inc. against U S West; Motion for Order to Show Cause; Case No. USW-T-96-12.
Decision was: Wait for U S West’s response before scheduling a Show Cause Hearing.
7. Case No. GNR-T-96-4 Summary of Comments on the Proposed Procedural Order.  
Commissioner Hansen said he wanted to look into some of the issues. Asked if this matter could be held.
Will be held until next Decision Meeting.
8. Terri Carlock’s September 27, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Intermountain Gas Company Reauthorization of Existing Debt Line, Case No. INT-G-96-6.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to approve the filing; seconded by Commissioner Smith; concurred to by Commissioner Nelson.
Items 9-13 - Terri Carlock’s September 27, 1996 Decision Memorandums regarding Financing for Purchase from U S West by Albion, Cambridge, Fremont, Midvale and Rockland Telephone Companies were considered as a group.
Commissioner Nelson commented that the concerns the commission had were highlighted in the financing.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve items 9-13; Commissioner Hansen seconded the motion; Commissioner Nelson concurred.
Meeting was adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 1st day of October, 1996.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary