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South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Meeting
May 28, 2008, at 9:00 A.M.
State Capitol Building, Room 464
Pierre, South Dakota
MINUTES OF THE AD HOC COMMISSION MEETING
Vice Chairman Steve Kolbeck called the meeting to order. Present were: Commissioner Dusty Johnson; Executive Director Patty Van Gerpen; Deputy Executive Director Heather Forney; Commission Advisor Greg Rislov; Commission Attorneys John Smith and Rolayne Wiest; Staff Attorneys Karen Cremer and Kara Semmler; Staff Analysts Dave Jacobson, Bob Knadle, Terri LaBrie Baker and Brian Rounds; Consumer Affairs Supervisor Deb Gregg; and Administrative Secretary Demaris Axthelm.Also present were: Dave Gerdes, May, Adam, Gerdes and Thompson, representing TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP.
Joining the meeting by telephone were: Chairman Gary Hanson; Meredith Moore, Cutler and Donahoe, representing Reduced Rate Long Distance; and Kathy Ford, representing PrairieWave Black Hills, LLC and PrairieWave Telecommunications, Inc. (Knology)
Administration
Ms. Kara Semmler stated that Staff has a variety of Dockets that require extensive research. All items in the contract have been negotiated. Ms. Semmler asked that the Commission authorize Staff to enter into a consulting contract with Mr. Roger Oldenkamp.
Commissioner Johnson moved to authorize Staff to enter into a consulting contract with Mr. Roger Oldenkamp. Motion passed 3-0.
2. AA08-002 In the Matter of a Consulting Contract with GeoDecisions (Staff Analyst: Daris Ormesher)
Mr. Brian Rounds stated that the Legislature has given the PUC the responsibility to maintain electric utility territories. The current boundaries are kept in low resolution paper maps that are updated by hand. Staff asked the Commission for approval to enter into a contract with GeoDecisions to digitize the boundaries into a geospatial information system and to train Commission staff to maintain the boundaries once built.
Vice Chairman Kolbeck moved to authorize Staff to enter into a consulting contract with GeoDecisions. Motion passed 3-0.
Hydrocarbon Pipeline
1. HP07-001 In the Matter of the Application of TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP for a Permit under the South Dakota Energy Conversion and Transmission Facility Act to Construct the Keystone Pipeline Project. (Staff Analysts: Bob Knadle/Nathan Solem, Staff Attorney: Kara Semmler)
Mr. Dave Gerdes, representing TransCanada Keystone Pipeline stated that the parties have agreed upon the proposed rider of the bond and asked that the Commission approve the rider in form with the understanding that once the original rider with signatures is filed the process would be complete. Mr. John Smith agreed with Mr. Gerdes and asked that the Commission's motion of approval include the condition that the Applicant file the signed originals of the South Dakota Energy Facility Permit Act Bond and Rider No. 1 to Bond with the Commission prior to commencing construction in South Dakota.
Chairman Hanson moved to approve the Construction Bond subject to the condition that the Applicant file the signed originals of the South Dakota Energy Facility Permit Act Bond and Rider No. 1 to Bond with the Commission prior to commencing construction in South Dakota. Motion passed 3-0.
Telecommunications
Ms. Kathy Ford stated that Reduced Rate has agreed to a settlement with Staff. Knology is not in agreement with the settlement and Ms. Ford stated that Knology has its own complaint case pending and asks that the Commission grant Knology's petition to withdraw. Ms. Meredith Moore stated that Reduced Rate Long Distance has no objection to Knology's withdrawal. Ms. Kara Semmler stated that Staff has no objection to Knology's withdrawal and will proceed to the settlement that will come before the Commission for approval.
Vice Chairman Kolbeck moved to grant the petition to withdraw. Motion passed 3-0.
There being no further business, at the hour of 9:32 am the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Meeting adjourned.
/s/Demaris Axthelm________
Demaris Axthelm
Administrative Secretary
