19961213_1.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
December 13, 1996- 1:30 p.m.
In attendance at this time were Commissioners Ralph Nelson, Marsha H. Smith and Dennis Hansen. Also in attendance were staff members: Don Howell, Weldon Stutzman, Stephanie Miller, Bev Barker, Bill Eastlake, Rick Sterling, Stephanie Miller, Gary Richardson, Tonya Clark, Joe Cusick, Jim Long, Ron Law, Birdelle Brown, Syd Lansing, Marge Maxwell and Myrna Walters. Also present were Mary Hobson and Jim Wozniak of U S West; Jeanette Bowman of Idaho Power Company, Joe Miller, Attorney at Law and Eileen Benner of AT&T.
Items from the December 13, 1996 Agenda were discussed and acted upon as follows.
1. Regulated Carrier Division Agenda dated December 13, 1996.
Approved.
2. Brad Purdy’s December 6, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Application of Washington Water Power Company for Order Approving Accounting and Ratemaking Treatment of Wood Power, Inc. Termination Costs. Case No. WWP-E-96-8.
Approved putting it out on modified procedure.
3. Birdelle Brown’s December 9, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Century Telephone of Idaho, Inc. Advice 96-2 to Add Dedicated Digital Data and High Capacity Data Services to its Tariff, effective December 13, 1996.
All three commissioners approved filing.
3A. Jim Long’s December 10, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Lake Hazel Middle School’s Request for Removal of Ringing on Incoming Pay Telephone Calls.
Commissioner Smith said she thought Jim Long’s recommendation was okay - to grant removal of the ringing on incoming pay telephone calls.
Commissioner Hansen asked where this phone was located?
Jim replied it was outside the principal’s office.
Commissioner Hansen asked if there was one by the gym? His only concern was could parents get hold of kids at practice?
Jim Long indicated the office was open during and after school activities and there was a pay phone outside.
Commissioners then approved the request.
4.  Marge Maxwell’s December 11, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Washington Water Power company’s Tariff IPUC No. 25; Revision to Sheet 58 to Reflect a 1% Franchise Fee for Electricity to the City of Kamiah.
Accepted for filing.
5. Scott Woodbury’s December 9, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. UPL-E-95-5 1995 Electric Integrated Resource Plan and 6. Scott Woodbury’s December 10, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. IPC-E-95-8 1995 Electric Integrated Resource Plan.
These items were held at this time.
7. Weldon Stutzman’s December 11, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: Case No. GTE-T-96-1 GTE’s Motion to Lift Temporary Status and Approve Tariff.
Approved - case can now be closed.
8. U S West’s Motion for an Extension to File Rebuttal Testimony and Staff Response to U S West’s Motion for Extension of Time - Case No. USW-S-96-5.
Don Howell reviewed the four supporting documents.
Commissioner Hansen asked if the difference was January 14 or 28? There are two other aspects of AT&T. Discovery deadlines and shortening by one week briefs and final order.
Commissioner Smith said it was her suggestion to take the January dates that were originally set for hearing and use them for further progress of this case. Seemed logic since the time was already set aside. (Change it to settlement conference or whatever) Think it would be more difficult do so it a week earlier. Don’t see need to change that. Hearing date is fine with her. Other deadlines don’t affect commissioners. Did have some sympathy for AT&T.
Mary Hobson of U S West spoke to the negotiated dates. They would be willing to work with AT&T on their dates.
Commissioner Smith asked if there would be any way to shorten the time between settlement conference and rebuttal?
Commissioner Nelson wondered about the 21st.
Mary Hobson spoke to the timing.
Commissioner Nelson suggested moving the discovery deadline and moving staff filing back a week. Move staff and intervenors to the 28th.
Eileen Benner of AT&T said one other factor is the arbitration proceeding of AT&T and U S West. AT&T proposed the dates for both cases. Arbitration needs prehearing. That needs to occur early. Has suggested moving it to the week of January 6 and holding it concurrently with the rate case settlement conference. On the settlement conference for the rate case, if it is too narrow the issues, that should occur earlier rather than later. Makes sense to move that conference up (to the week of the 6th). Rebuttal could be January 14. None of these have been talked out very well between the parties because the parties haven’t had the opportunity to discuss them.
Commissioner Smith suggested that if the hearing dates are okay, the rest of the dates be hashed out with the parties. It shouldn’t be necessary to discussion them at a decision meeting.
**Extension for U S West will be granted.
9. Don Howell’s December 11, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: U S West’s Compliance with Restoration of Local Service Rule 503, Case No. USW-N-95-2.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion that the case be closed and U S West should be congratulated fore bringing it up to the 90% standard.
Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.
Commissioner Nelson suggested they only report when they are not in compliance.
10. U S West Communications Advice No. 96-07-N Cable, Wire and Service Termination Policy (Bev Barker’s November 8, 1996 Decision Memorandum was held from November 12, 1996 Decision Meeting). Is back on the agenda per her request.
Commissioners approved staff recommendation.
10A. Terri Carlock’s December 11, 1996 Decision Memorandum re: United Water Idaho, Inc. Application for Authority to Issue Additional Shares of Common Stock; Case No. UWI-W-96-7.
Approved.
Fully Submitted Matters
11. Petition for Clarification or Reconsideration of Procedural Order No. 26665 in Case No. GNR-T-96-4.  
Commissioner Smith suggested granting rehearing.
Don Howell commented that would give the Commissioners 13 weeks.
Decision was to grant rehearing - limited to one issue.
Meeting adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 2nd day of January, 1997.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary