19980706_1.docx

MINUTES OF DECISION MEETING
JULY 6, 1998 - 1:30 P.M.
In attendance were Commissioners Dennis Hansen, Ralph Nelson and Marsha H. Smith and staff members Don Howell, Weldon Stutzman, Ron Law, Cheri Copsey, David Scott, Bill Eastlake and Myrna Walters.    Also in attendance were Joe Miller, Attorney at Law; and John Souba of U S West.
Commissioner Hansen called the meeting to order.
Items listed on the Published July 7, 1998 Agenda were discussed and acted upon as follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items 1 - 5.
Asked if there were questions or comments regarding these items.
Commissioner Nelson said he would move approval of the Consent Agenda; vote taken; carried unanimously.
MATTERS IN PROGRESS
6. Cheri Copsey’s July 1, 1998 Decision Memorandum re: Motion for Extension of Time to File Comments Regarding Citizens Telecommunications Company of Idaho’s Application to Rebalance Rates for Telecommunications Services; Case No. CTC-T-98-3.
Cheri reviewed the decision memorandum. Is asking for extension of time until July 31 to file comments but will not disrupt the public hearing schedule. It will also give the public more time for comment.
Commissioner Hansen called for questions on the matter.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the requested time extension. Vote taken: motion carried unanimously.
7. Cheri Copsey’s July 2, 1998 Decision Memorandum re: General Policy Docket to Designate Telecommunications Services, in Addition to Basic Local Service, as Universal Service; Case No. GNR-T-98-7.
Cheri explained staff’s recommendation on opening a general policy docket. Staff is recommending modified procedure with respect  to what the services are.
Commissioner Smith said she had one thought - it is a pretty broad-reaching topic. Wonder if we should let them know we intend to adopt FCC recommendations  unless they have other inclinations.
Cheri said she would recommend that the order say that is what is being considered, in addition to any other proposals.
Commissioner Hansen made a motion to grand staff’s recommendation. Vote taken: motion carried unanimously.
8. Wayne Hart’s July 2, 1998 Decision Memorandum re: Apploication of U S West to Revise its Southern Idaho Basic Local Exchange Tariff to Eliminate the Recurring Charges for DID Numbers Ordered by Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers; Tariff Advice 98-05-S.
Wayne Hart reviewed the matter. Said this proposal was submitted to comply with the FCC order regarding cost-based rates. Staff reviewed the filing and the cost data submitted by the company, and it indicates that the cost for 20 numbers will be higher than the cost for 100 numbers. Staff is concerned that that may lead to carriers taking 100 when they only need 20. Said Illinois had a study regarding hording numbers. The staff there expressed their opinion that they could have delayed a new  area code if there had been more efficient use of assignment of  numbers. Staff thinks some non-price language is needed  to make sure that numbers are used efficiently and would like to suspend this and give time for company and staff to look at this.
Commissioner Hansen called for questions.
Commissioner Smith asked Wayne how long he thought it would take to review it? Suggested only suspending it for the time necessary.
Filing will be suspended.
Meeting was adjourned.
Dated at Boise, Idaho, this 15th day of July, 1998.
Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary