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PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, April 1, 1997; 1:00 P.M.
State Capitol Building, Room 412
Pierre, South Dakota

MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION MEETING

Chairman Burg called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.  Present were Commissioner Laska Schoenfelder, Commissioner Pam Nelson, Executive Director Bill Bullard, General Counsel Rolayne Ailts Wiest, Staff Attorneys Karen Cremer and Camron Hoseck, Fixed Utilities Division Director Greg Rislov, Telecommunications Analyst Harlan Best, Utility Analysts Bob Knadle, Dave Jacobson, Steve Wegman and Tammi Stangohr, Engineer Martin Bettmann, Consumer Representative Leni Hook, Transportation/Warehouse Division Director Ed Anderson, Business Manager Sue Cichos, Paralegal intern Richard Keyes, and Administrative Secretary Shirleen Fugitt. 

Also present were Robert Miller, South Dakota Electric Utilities; Jon Lehner and Colleen Sevold, U S WEST; Audrey Ricketts, SDREA; John Lovald, AT&T; Bob Sahr, MCImetro Access Transmission Services, Inc.; and Ted Pins, Sioux Falls, SD. 

Joining the meeting by phone were Mary Lohnes and Tom Simmons, Midco Communications; Robert Marmet, DCT; Rick Johnson and Bruce Hanson, Ft. Randall Telephone Company; Suzan Stewart and Marv Sorenson, MidAmerican Energy; Don Ball, MDU; and Michele Engel, AT&T.         

Administration

1.         Approval Of The Minutes Of The Commission Meeting of March 4, 1997, And The Ad Hoc Commission Meetings Of March 17, March 24 and March 26, 1997.  (Staff:  Shirleen Fugitt.)

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to approve the four sets of minutes mentioned above.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

Consumer Affairs

1.         Status Report On Consumer Utility Inquiries And Complaints Recently Received By The Commission.  (Consumer Representative:  Leni Hook.)

Ms. Hook presented an update on consumer inquiries and complaints received since the last Commission meeting.         

Natural Gas

1.       NG97-001       IN THE MATTER OF THE FILING BY MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY FOR REVISIONS TO ITS GAS TRANSPORTATION TARIFF.  (Staff Analyst:  Dave Jacobson.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Mr. Jacobson explained the filing and recommended approval with an April 1, 1997, effective date. 
Commissioner Nelson moved to approve the tariff revisions and an April 1, 1997, effective date.  Commissioner Schoenfelder seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.
   

2.        NG97-002       IN THE MATTER OF THE FILING BY MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO., A DIVISION OF MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC. FOR APPROVAL OF A PURCHASED GAS COST ADJUSTMENT CHANGE FOR RATE 88 AND EAST RIVER SYSTEM PURCHASED GAS COST ADJUSTMENT RATE 89 TARIFFS.  (Staff Analyst:  Dave Jacobson.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Don Ball, MDU, explained the filing.  Mr. Jacobson presented further explanation and recommended approval. 

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to approve the filing.  Commissioner Burg seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0. 

 
3.             NG97-003       IN THE MATTER OF THE NOTICE OF NORTHERN BORDER PIPELINE COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT COMPRESSOR STATION NO. 11 IN DEUEL COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Engineer:  Martin Bettmann.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Mr. Hoseck recommended consideration of whether a public hearing is needed in this matter.

Commissioner Nelson moved to assess a filing fee and that a procedural schedule be set.  Chairman Burg seconded and Commissioner Schoenfelder concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.    

Telecommunications

1.        TC96-158        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF TELECARD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Ms. Stangohr recommended that the company be allowed to withdraw this application.

Chairman Burg moved to allow the company to withdraw this application and to close the docket.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Commissioner Schoenfelder concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

2.          TC96-159        IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ARBITRATION ON BEHALF OF DAKOTA TELECOM, INC. WITH U S WEST.  (Advisors to the Commission:  Commission Staff.)              

Robert Marmet, representing DCT, requested deferral.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to close the docket.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

3.            TC96-176        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF TOUCH 1 LONG DISTANCE, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)
           
Ms. Stangohr explained the application and recommended approval.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to approve the application.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

4.              TC96-186        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF USA GLOBAL LINK INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Dave Jacobson.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Mr. Jacobson explained the application and recommended approval.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to approve the application.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

5.           TC96-206        IN THE MATTER OF THE FILING BY U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR REVISIONS TO ITS EXCHANGE AND NETWORK CATALOG.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

John Lovald addressed AT&T's late-filed request for intervention.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to grant AT&T's late-filed intervention.  Chairman Burg seconded. Commissioner Nelson dissented.  Motion passed 2-1. 

6.        TC97-014        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FILED BY DAKOTA COOPERATIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC., DAKOTA TELECOM, INC., AND DAKOTA TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. REQUESTING THE COMMISSION TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT OBJECTS TO A WAIVER BY THE FCC OF THE DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA.  (Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.) 

Discussion was held on how to proceed in this matter.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved that a briefing schedule be set.  Commissioner Nelson seconded  and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

7.                TC97-015        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Ms. Stangohr recommended granting a Certificate of Authority.

Commissioner Nelson moved to grant a Certificate of Authority.  Commissioner Schoenfelder seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

8.               TC97-020        IN THE MATTER OF THE FILING BY U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR REVISIONS TO ITS ACCESS SERVICE TARIFF.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Colleen Sevold, U S WEST, explained the filing.  Ms. Stangohr recommended approval.  Commissioner Schoenfelder requested a deferral.  Action was deferred.

 
9.            TC97-022        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF MCIMETRO ACCESS TRANSMISSION SERVICES, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Ms. Cremer and Ms. Wiest recommended granting intervention to SDITC.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to grant intervention to SDITC and to instruct the executive director to set a procedural schedule.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

10.        TC97-023        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF ATLAS COMMUNICATIONS, LTD. FOR AN AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE RESOLD LOCAL EXCHANGE SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Ms. Stangohr and Ms. Wiest recommended granting intervention to SDITC.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to grant intervention to SDITC and to instruct the executive director to set a procedural schedule.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

11.         TC97-024        IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF U.S. REPUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN SOUTH DAKOTA.  (Staff Analyst:  Tammi Stangohr.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Ms. Stangohr recommended approval of the application with restrictions on deposits, prepaid calling cards and advance payments. 

Commissioner Nelson moved to grant approval with the restrictions mentioned above.  Commissioner Schoenfelder seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

Addendum

Telecommunications

1.            TC96-125        IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION OF U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC., GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE, HANSON COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND BALTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE REGARDING THE SALE OF EIGHT TELEPHONE EXCHANGES BY U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC.  (Staff Analyst:  Dave Jacobson.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Ms. Wiest recommended allowing DCT to withdraw its petition for a rehearing in this matter. 

Commissioner Nelson moved to grant DCT's request to withdraw its petition for a rehearing in this matter and to close the docket.  Commissioner Schoenfelder seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

2.          TC97-021        IN THE MATTER OF THE FILING BY BROOKINGS TELEPHONE FOR APPROVAL OF ITS REVISED SERVICE TERRITORY AS A RESULT OF ANNEXATION.  (Staff Analyst:  Harlan Best.  Staff Attorney:  Karen Cremer.)

Mr. Best explained the filing.

Chairman Burg moved to approve the revisions requested by Brookings Telephone Company.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Commissioner Schoenfelder concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

Transportation/Warehouse

1.         IN THE MATTER OF THE REQUEST BY COMMISSION STAFF TO OPEN A RULEMAKING DOCKET PURSUANT TO SDCL 49-28-33, 49-42-1.2 AND 49-45-6.  (Division Director:  Ed Anderson.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Mr. Anderson requested that a rulemaking docket be opened and noted that the last time Transportation/Warehouse rules were addressed was in 1986.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to open a rulemaking docket.  Commissioner Nelson seconded and Chairman Burg concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

Miscellaneous

1.         IN THE MATTER OF COMMISSION INVOLVEMENT BEFORE THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION REGARDING FILINGS OF WILLISTON BASIN INTERSTATE PIPELINE COMPANY.  (Staff Analyst:  Dave Jacobson.  General Counsel:  Rolayne Wiest.)

Mr. Jacobson recommended the Commission continue with its involvement in Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by providing funding for consultants.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved to continue the involvement in Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company proceedings and to approve a new contract with Alan Roth of Spiegel McDiarmid for an amount up to $50,000.  Chairman Burg seconded and Commissioner Nelson concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

Addendum

Miscellaneous

1.         IN THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY FOR A STUDY OF MUNICIPAL WATER-BASED HEAT PUMP HEATING AND/OR COOLING SYSTEMS.  (Staff Analyst:  Steve Wegman.  Staff Attorney:  Camron Hoseck.)

Mr. Wegman explained the proposed study of water-based heat pump heating and cooling systems.  Mr. Hoseck noted some problems with the contract.  Ms. Wiest recommended that changes be made in the contract prior to approval.

Commissioner Schoenfelder moved that changes be made in the contract prior to approval.  Chairman Burg seconded and Commissioner Nelson concurred.  Motion passed 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned.

 

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Shirleen Fugitt
Administrative Secretary