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Home My WebLink About20050473.tiff Decision No. R05-0143 BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO DOCKET NO. 03A-496T IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO. RECOMMENDED DECISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WILLIAM J. FRITZEL APPROVING STIPULATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND GRANTING JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO Mailed Date: February 2, 2005 I. STATEMENT. FINDINGS.AND CONCLUSIONS 1. On November 14, 2003, an application was filed with the Commission by the joint action of the majority or the County Commissioners of Larimer and Weld Counties; mayors of Loveland, Windsor, Fort Collins, Timnath, La Salle, Kersey, Mead, Nunn, Evans, Estes Park, Milliken, and letters from various chambers of commerce and city administrators to expand the local calling area in Northern Colorado. Exchanges that would be affected by the proposed local calling area expansion are: Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Gilcrest, Greeley, Johnstown-Milliken, La Salle, Loveland, Mead, Platteville, Windsor of Qwest Corporation (Qwest), and the Nunn exchange of Nunn Telephone Company (Nunn Telephone). 2. On November 19, 2003,the Commission issued notice of the application. 3. On December 18, 2003, the Commission issued corrected notice of the application. /Cintitci/dtr 2005-0473 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No. R05-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T 4. By Decision No. C03-1350, mailed on December 3, 2003, the Commission named Qwest and Nunn Telephone as indispensable parties in this docket. The Commission further ordered Qwest and Nunn Telephone to perform necessary analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer set forth in 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-2-17.3.3.1, and to perform all necessary revenue and cost analyses pursuant to 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.5 in order to quantify the rate increment per customer for expanded local calling. 5. By Decision No. C03-1465, mailed on January 2, 2004, the Commission on its own motion waived the requirements of Rule 4 CCR 723-1-70(a) concerning the time in which the Commission must mail its decision on the status of the joint application in the instant docket. 6. Larimer County, the Staff of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (Staff), and the Colorado Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC)intervened in the case. 7. On January 30, 2004, Nunn Telephone filed the results of its analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer in the exchanges affected by the proposed expansion as well as revenue and cost analyses. 8. On January 30, 2004, Qwest also filed results of its analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer as well as revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer. 9. On March 17, 2004, at the Commission's Weekly Meeting, it referred the instant docket to an Administrative Law Judge for hearing or disposition. 10. On or about March 29, 2004, Nunn Telephone informed the Parties that it would not participate in the local calling area expansion. Nunn Telephone stated that it would offer its customers an optional plan to the larger calling area. For its customers who do not choose the optional plan, it would offer measured local service. 2 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No.R05-0143 DOCKET NO. 03A-496T 11. On April 1, 2004, the City of Loveland, Colorado (Loveland) filed a motion requesting that the Commission make an exception to 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.6.1 to require the local exchange providers, Qwest and Nunn Telephone to include commercial customers in the customer survey. 12. By Decision No. R04-0395-I, mailed on April 16, 2004, the motion was denied. 13. On April 23, 2004, Staff filed an Unopposed Motion for Enlargement of Time to File a Report in Response to Qwest Corporation's Cost Study. The motion was granted in Decision No. R04-0454-I, mailed on April 30, 2004. 14. On May 13, 2004, Staff filed its report to the Commission. 15. On April 9, 2004, Qwest filed a revised analyses to quantify known changes in the switched access carrier common line rates and capital investment associated with the proposed expansion. 16. In its report to the Commission concerning the cost study, Staff stated that it reviewed the cost study provided by Qwest. Staff stated that it believes that Qwest's revised cost study is complete and recommended that the revised cost study be accepted without further modifications. 17. By Interim Order No. R04-0515-I, ( May 21, 2004), the revised cost study filed on April 9, 2004 by Qwest was accepted and Qwest was ordered to proceed with a customer survey of all affected customers in northern Colorado. 18. On June 30, 2004, Qwest filed the survey results. Qwest mailed 1,600 surveys to a random selection of its residential customers. Qwest reported that of the 1,600 surveys mailed, 488 surveys or 30.5 percent were returned. Of the surveys that were returned, 387 or 79 percent 3 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No.R05-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T responded favorably to the proposed expanded calling area. 101 or 21 percent were opposed to the expansion.' 19. On August 10 and 18, 2004,prehearing conferences were held. 20. At the prehearing conference held on August 18, 2004, a procedural schedule was adopted and hearing of the matter was scheduled for December 9,2004. 21. On August 30, 2004, Loveland, Nunn Telephone, OCC, and Staff filed an Unopposed Joint Motion to Approve Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties. Under the terms of the Partial Settlement Agreement, the parties to the settlement stated that they had resolved the issue concerning whether joint applicants have demonstrated with clear and convincing evidence a community of interest under the alternative criteria for the community of interest standard contained in 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.3.2. Although not a party to the Partial Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, Qwest did not object to approval of the agreement. No other party opposed the Motion to Approve the Partial Settlement Agreement. 22. By Interim Order No. R04-1070-I, mailed on September 8, 2004, the Partial Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed on August 30, 2004 was accepted. Thus by acceptance of the Partial Settlement Agreement, it was found that the stipulated facts and Partial Settlement Agreement constituted clear and convincing evidence that a community of interest existed under the alternative criteria standard for the community of interest pursuant to 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.3.2. 23. On November 23, 2004, Qwest, Nunn Telephone, OCC, and Staff filed a Joint Unopposed Motion to Modify the Procedural Schedule. The moving parties stated that they have Under the provisions of 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.6.1 the survey results must demonstrate a 50 percent positive acceptance of the proposed local calling area expansion. 4 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado • Decision No.R0S-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T reached a settlement in principal, which if accepted, would resolve the remaining disputed issues in this docket. 24. By Interim Decision No. R04-1433-I (December 3, 2004), the Joint Motion to Modify Procedural Schedule was granted. The hearing date of December 9, 2004 was vacated. 25. On January 14, 2005, Qwest, Nunn Telephone Company, Staff, and OCC filed a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement. 26. On January 20, 2005, Qwest, Nunn Telephone, Staff, and OCC filed an Addendum to Joint Motion to Approve Stipulation, Errata to Stipulation and Settlement Agreement of the Parties, and Request for Waiver of Response Time. The moving parties stated that at the time the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed on January 14, 2005, the position of Loveland on the Settlement Agreement was unknown. The moving parties stated that Loveland has now stated that it will not oppose approval of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement. The moving parties also submitted an errata to the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed on January 14, 2005. The errata substitutes page 1 of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed on January 14, 2005. The errata deletes all parties listed on page 1 of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement except Qwest,Nunn Telephone, Staff and OCC. 27. The parties state in the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement that the Stipulation together with the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement accepted by the Commission by Decision No. R04-1070-I (September 8, 2004) resolves all of the contested issues in this docket. The Stipulation and Settlement Agreement resolves issues raised concerning the rate increases that Qwest will request prior to implementing the local calling area expansion. The Stipulation and Settlement Agreement also describes the unlimited, fiat rate 5 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No. R05-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T calling plan for local calling into the expanded calling area that Nunn Telephone will implement if the Commission approves the expansion. 28. Under the teens of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, the stipulating parties agree that Qwest may increase its rates upon implementation of the local calling area expansion. Qwest submitted all necessary revenue and cost analysis to quantify the rate increment per customer in accordance with Commission rules. The parties agree that the increases are within the rate caps adopted by the Commission in Docket No. 99A-540T. The parties also agree not to oppose the increased rates. The potential rate increase upon implementation of the local calling area expansion is outlined in paragraph No. 4 of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement of the parties attached to and incorporated in this decision as Attachment A. 29. Under the terms of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, Qwest will implement the local calling area expansion to areas identified in paragraph No. 2 of the previously approved Partial Settlement Agreement(Decision No. 1070-I) attached to and incorporated in this decision as Attachment B. 30. Although Nunn Telephone decided that it would not participate in the local calling area expansion, it agreed that it would offer to its customers an optional plan to the expanded calling area and measured local service to those who do not choose the optional plan. By its optional plan, Nunn Telephone agrees to offer an optional unlimited, flat rate calling plan for local calling into the expanded calling area for $11.25 per month, in addition to Nunn Telephone's current basic residential or business service rate. For those customers who do not choose the optional plan,Nunn Telephone will charge its customers 11 cents per minute for local calls into the expanded calling area. The stipulating parties agree that a waiver of 4 CCR 723-2- 6 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No.R05-0143. DOCKET NO. 03A-496T 17.3.6 which requires that a statistically valid survey be conducted by each local exchange provider of customers who will be affected by any proposed calling area expansion is appropriate for Nunn Telephone. 31. It is found and concluded that the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed with the Commission on January 14, 2005 is just, reasonable, and in the public interest. The Stipulation and Settlement Agreement should be accepted. 32. The Joint Application to Expand the Calling Area in Northern Colorado under the terms of the Partial Stipulation and Settlement Agreement and the January 14, 2005 Stipulation and Settlement Agreement is in the public interest and should be approved. 33. It is found that the Joint Application and supporting documentation demonstrates that there exists a community of interest among the calling areas proposed for expansion in the application. The joint applicants have demonstrated that under the alternate criteria standard contained in 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.3.2,there exists a community of interest. 34. Pursuant to § 40-6-109, C.R.S., it is recommended that the Commission enter the following order. II. ORDER A. The Commission Orders That: 1. The Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed on January 14, 2005 attached to this Recommended Decision as Attachment A is accepted. 2. The Joint Application to Expand the Local Calling Area in Northern Colorado under the terms outlined in the Partial Stipulation and Settlement Agreement approved on 7 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No.R05-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T September 8, 2004 and the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement filed on January 14, 2005 approved in this Recommended Decision is granted. 3. Rule 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723-2-17.3.6 requiring that a statistically valid survey be conducted by each local exchange provider is waived as it applies to Nunn Telephone Company in this docket. 4. Qwest Corporation and Nunn Telephone Company shall file with the Commission appropriate tariffs to implement the expanded calling area. 5. This Recommended Decision shall be effective on the day it becomes the Decision of the Commission, if that is the case, and is entered as of the date above. 6. As provided by § 40-6-109, C.R.S., copies of this Recommended Decision shall be served upon the parties,who may file exceptions to it. a) If no exceptions are filed within 20 days after service or within any extended period of time authorized, or unless the decision is stayed by the Commission upon its own motion, the recommended decision shall become the decision of the Commission and subject to the provisions of§ 40-6-114, C.R.S. b) If a party seeks to amend, modify, annul, or reverse basic findings of fact in its exceptions, that party must request and pay for a transcript to be filed, or the parties may stipulate to portions of the transcript according to the procedure stated in § 40-6-113, C.R.S. If no transcript or stipulation is filed, the Commission is bound by the facts set out by the administrative law judge and the parties cannot challenge these facts. This will limit what the Commission can review if exceptions are filed. 8 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Decision No.R05-0143 DOCKET NO.03A-496T 7. If exceptions to this Decision are filed, they shall not exceed 30 pages in length, unless the Commission for good cause shown permits this limit to be exceeded. (S E AL) THE PUBLIC UTILI11LS COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO pF Cptp% • �P = WILLIAM J. FRITZEL c, N Administrative Law Judge m 41 43' 4. U,Is ATTEST:A TRUE COPY Bruce N. Smith Director G:\ORDER\496T.doc:srs 9 • - - - Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 .. - February 2,2005 RECEIVE- Page 1 Of 15 STATE Or C0UNAD0 _!IC UTILI llr S C0HM BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Mb JAP,i4 . Pfl4: 23 Docket No.03A-496T IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE,LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO . JOINT MOTION TO APPROVE STIPULATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES Qwest Corporation ("Qwest"),Nunn Telephone Company("Nunn"),the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado ("Staff')and the Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC") (collectively"Joint Movants"),by and through their respective counsel, respectfully request that the Commission enter an order approving the Stipulation:and Settlement Agreement("Stipulation")filed contemporaneously herewith in this docket. This Stipulation, . . • together with the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties,accepted by • the Administrative Law Judge assigned to this docket in Decision No.R04-1070-I,effective September 8,2004,fully resolves the contested issues in this proceeding. 1. In general,the Stipulation resolves issues concerning the rate increases Qwest will seek before implementing the local calling area expansion. The Stipulation also outlines the unlimited,flat rate calling plan for local calling into the expanded calling area that Nunn intends to implement should the Commission approve the local calling area expansion. 2.. Counsel for Staff,the OCC and Nunn have authorized undersigned counsel for Qwest to sign it on their behalf. 3. As of the filing of this Joint Motion,counsel for the city of Loveland had not responded as to whether the city of Loveland would oppose or not oppose the Stipulation. Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 - - Page 2 Of 15 WHEREFORE,for good cause shown,the Joint Movants respectfully request that the Commission issue an order approving the Stipulation as filed contemporaneously herewith. Respectfully submitted this 14`h day of January, 2005. Respectfully Submitted, Qwest Corporation, By: avid W.McGann,# 4521 Qwest Services Corporation 1005 17th Street,Suite#200 Denver,CO 80202 (303) 896-3982 (303) 896-6095 (fax) david.mcRann@owest.com Attorney for Qwest Corporation 2 Attachment A Docket No.03A-096T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 3 Of 15 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that an original and 5 copies of the JOINT MOTION TO APPROVE STIPULATION AND SETTJ.EMENT AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES was hand delivered on this /4 day of January 2005 to the following: Bruce N. Smith,Executive Director Colorado Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Denver,CO 80203 Art and a copy was hand delivered,unless otherwise noted,this )I day of January, 2005, to the following addressees:' Renee Wheeler Pat Parker Assistant to the City Manager Rate/Financial Analyst. City of Loveland Office of Consumer Counsel 500.E. 3`d St. 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 Loveland,CO 80537. Denver, CO 80203 (via US. Mail) pat.parkerl7a,dora:state.co.us David P.Ayraud,Esq. P.B. Schechter Assistant County Attorney Rate/Financial Analyst. Lorimer County Board of County Office of Consumer Counsel Commissioners . 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 P.O. Box 1606 Denver, CO 80203 Fort Collins, CO 80522 (via, U.S. Mail) Sharon Podein Testimonial Staff Barry L. Hjort,Esq: Public Utilities Commission Hjort Law Firm 1580 Logan Street,OL-2 P.O. Box 461288 Denver, CO 80203 Glendale, CO.80246 (via, U.S. Mail) Gary Klug . Testimonial.Staff G. Harris Adams, Esq. Public Utilities Commission Assistant Attorney General . 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Office of Consumer Counsel Unit Denver,CO 80203 Office of the Attome1 General Garv.Kluga,dora.state.co.us 1525 Sherman St, 5` Floor Denver, CO 80203 harris.adamsO,state.co.us - Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 Becky Quintana Anne Botterud sq Page 4 Es . Page 4 O2,2005 Of 15 Advisory Staff Attorney General Office Public Utilities Commission 1525 Sherman Street, 5th Pb. 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Denver, CO 80203 Denver, CO 80203 anne.botterudna,state.co.us Becky.Ouintananu,dora.state.co.us Mike Zimmerman Advisory Staff Public.Utilities Commission . 1580 Logan Street,OL-2 Denver, CO 80203 • Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 ' February 2,2005 . „ Page 5Of15 BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Docket No. 03A-496T. • IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO STIPULATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES Qwest Corporation ("Qwest"), Nunn Telephone Company ("Nunn"), the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado ("Staff'), the Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC"), and Larimer County, Colorado; Weld County, Colorado; City of Loveland, Colorado; Loveland Chamber of, Commerce; City of Greeley, ,Colorado; Town of Windsor, Colorado; Windsor Chamber of Commerce; City of Fort Collins,Colorado;.Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce; Town of Ault, Colorado; Town of Timnath, Colorado; Town of LaSalle, Colorado; Town of Kersey, Colorado; Town of Mead, Colorado; Town of Nunn, Colorado: City of Evans, Colorado; Town of Eaton, Colorado; Town of Estes Park, Colorado; Town of Milliken, Colorado; Town of Platteville, Colorado; Town of Berthoud, Colorado; and Town of Johnstown, Colorado (collectively, the "Applicants"), each individually a "Party" and collectively "the Parties," by and through their respective counsel, submit this Stipulation and Settlement Agreement ("Stipulation") as more fully described herein. The Parties respectfully submit this Stipulation for approval by the Commission pursuant to Rule 723-1-83(a) (2000) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. This Stipulation, together with the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties, accepted by the Administrative Law Judge assigned to this docket in Decision No. R04-1070-I, effective September 8, 2004,fully resolves the contested issues in this proceeding. • - _ Attachment A • Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND February$2005 Page 6 O 15 On or about November 14, 2003, the underlying Joint Application Was filed seeking a Commission order expanding the Local Calling Area in Northern Colorado ("Joint Application"). The Commission published its Notice of Application Filed on or about November 19, 2003. By Decision'No. CO3-1350, Qwest and Nunn Telephone Company ("Nunn") were made indispensable . • parties to the Docket. Qwest and Nunn filed a joint Notice of Intervention, Entry of Appearance, and Request for Extension of Time onDecember 15, 2003. In the motion, Qwest and Nunn requested an extension of time to and including January 30, 2004 to perform and 'submit "all necessary analyses to quantify calling volumes per customer ... and all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer." The motion.was granted on December 17, 2003. OCC filed its Notice of Intervention on December 19, 2003. On or about December 30, 2003, Staff intervened. . • Also on December 30, 2003, the Commission on its own motion entered an order waiving the requirement that the.Commission mail its decision on the.status of the Joint Application by • January 5, 2004. See Decision No. CO3-1465 and 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.3.5. In that order, the • Commission enlarged the time in which the Joint Application would automatically be deemed complete without Commission action and extended the date by .which it must determine the completeness of the Joint Application to and including February 19, 2004. During the months of December of 2003 and January and February of 2004, non-disclosure agreements were filed on behalf of the OCC, Staff. Qwest, and various Applicants pursuant to Rule 723-16. On January 30, 2004, in accordance with Decision No. CO3-1350, Nunn filed the results of • its analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer in the exchanges affected by the Joint • • Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 7 O1 15 Application as well as all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer. The revenue and cost analyses demonstrated that expanding the local,calling area would equate to a gross annual rate increment of an additional $43,565 w be recovered from Nunn's customers. r.. On January 30, 2004, in accordance with Decision No. C03-1350, Qwest filed the results of its analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer in the exchanges affected by the Joint Application as well as all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer. On March 29, 2004, the Parties held a meeting at which Nunn informed the Parties that it would not participate in the local calling area expansion; instead, Nunn stated that it would offer its customers an optional plan to the larger calling area and measured local service to those who do not choose the optional plan.' At that time, Nunn did not,identify what the rates would be for the optional or measured minutes of use. Staff requested that Qwest revise its cost study to reflect known changes in ,the switched access carrier common line rates and the capital investment associated with the calling area expansion. On April 9, 2004, Qwest filed revised analyses to quantify known changes in the switched access carrier common line rates and the capital investment associated with such expansion. Further,.Qwest updated the study to reflect the 2003 separations, depreciation and maintenance factors;which became available prior to that filing. t Nunn has agreed to offer an optional unlimited calling area plan for calling into the expanded calling area for$11.25 per month. See Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties filed with the Commission for approval o*August 30,2004. For those customers not choosing the optional plan,Nunn will charge customers$.11 per minute for local calls into the expanded calling area. 3 Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 8Of15 On or about April 23, 2004, Staff filed its Unopposed Motion for Enlargement of Time to File a Report in Response to Qwest Corporation's Cost Study, and Request for Waiver of Response Time. That request was granted pursuant to Decision No. R04-0454-I. On May 13, 2004, Staff filed its Report Pursuant to 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.15. Staff confirmed that Nunn elected to offer an optional local calling area plan while Northern Colorado Qwest customers would receive a non-optional local calling area expansion that would include the Nunn exchange as part of the approval of the Joint Application. Staff further identified the revisions Qwest incorporated into its revised analyses filed with the Commission on August 9, 2004 that addressed Staff's concerns. Staff reported the revised study was complete for purposes of this docket and recommended the study be accepted without further modification. On May 21, 2004, the ALJ issued an order accepting Qwest's revised cost study filed on or about April 9, 2004 and ordering Qwest to proceed with the customer survey using the survey form approved in the order. See Decision No. R04-0515-I. On June 30, 2004, Qwest filed its Notice of Survey Results. Qwest reported that it mailed 1,600 surveys to a random selection of its residential customers throughout the exchange areas being considered for calling area expansion. Of the 1,600 surveys mailed,488 surveys (30.5%) were returned. Of those surveys that were returned, 387 responded yes (79%) and 101 responded no (21%). On August 30, 2004,the City of Loveland, Nunn, the OCC and Staff filed an.Unopposed Joint Motion to Approve Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties and Request for Waiver of Response Time. On September 8,2004,the ALI issued an order accepting the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties ("Partial Stipulation"). See Decision No. R04-1070-I.- Pursuant to the Partial Stipulation, these parties agreed that the 4 • • Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T , • Decision No.R05-0143 • • . February 2,2005 • . - Page 9 Of 15 stipulated facts contained in the Joint Application constitute clear and convincing evidence of a community of interest under the alternative criteria standard of 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.3.3.2. Qwest did • not object to the Commission's approval of thePartial Stipulation. The Parties believe that this further stipulation, if approved by the Commission, would • resolve all outstanding issues in this docket. THE AGREEMENT The Parties agree and stipulate as follows: 1. In an attempt to resolve the disputed issues in this docket and to promote • administrative efficiency, the Parties are entering into this Stipulation. 2. The Commission's rules provide for the expansion of local calling areas•throughout • a community of interest for the benefit of affected local exchange customers. The process avoids future costs for customers (due to an increasing need.to place toll calls within their community of interest). The benefit to customers in Northern Colorado of the requested expansion will have at least two significant impacts on Qwest: (1) Loss of present revenue that may include; but is not limited to, revenues associated with access service rates paid by toll providers and loss of present revenues associated with long distance rates paid by end-user customers 2; and, ( 2 ) Increased infrastructure networking costs created by the need to reinforce local trunking and network capacity • due to increased local calling. The Staff and Qwest believe that § 40-15-502(3)(b)(III), C.R.S. ("the rate cap statute");and the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement reached between Staff, Qwest and the OCC and approved by the Commission in Docket No. 97A-540T'(the"540T Stipulation") permit Qwest,upon review and approval by the Commission, to recover present-day costs associated with the expansion of local calling areas through an increase in basic local • • 2 .Excluding the High Cost Fund support deficiency due to the elimination of the Cartier Common Line Charges(CCLC)associated with the Colorado High Cost Fund calculation. Future Colorado High Cost Fund calculations will be adjusted to reflect the CCLC impacts. -' • 5 Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 • - - February 2,2005 Page 10 Of 15 exchange rates. The OCC does not agree with Staff and Qwest; in addition, the OCC opposes any make-whole rate increase because Qwest is not under traditional rate-of-return regulation. The OCC acknowledges that Qwest may raise rates in accordance with the stipulation in Docket No. 99A-540T and Colorado law: 3. Qwest conducted and submitted all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer in accordance with Commission rules. The Parties have reviewed this study and its supporting information. The Parties do not oppose use of the analyses for appropriate purposes in this docket. Qwest's projected net revenue requirement associated with the local calling area expansion requested by the Joint Applicants was filed under seal with the Commission. 4. Qwest may increase the rates identified below upon implementation of the local calling area expansion. The Parties agree that the increases are within the rate caps, where applicable, adopted by the Commission in Docket No. 99A-540T. Further, the Parties agree not to oppose the following rate increases: Rate Local Switching Rate Element- Switched Access from $0.012362 to$0.013019 Directory listings Non-listed _ from $1.80 to $2.00 Non-published from $2.50 to$2.55 Basic business line service $0.17 increase PBX trunks $1.10 increase 5. Qwest will implement the local calling area expansion only upon Commission approval of the rate increases identified in Paragraph 4. Qwest will negotiate an implementation 6 Attachment A Docket No.03A-96T - - - Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 • Page 11 Of 15 date with the other service providers in the proposed expanded local calling area and will inform the Commission of the proposed implementation date. Qwest is legally bound by agreements with other service providers to provide a 120-day notification process for trunk rearrangement and augmentation: Because.Qwest is the incumbent local exchange carrier, it is Qwest's responsibility to investigate each service provider's interconnection with Qwest and ultimately implement this expanded local calling area without disruption of service to both wholesale and retail customers of Qwest and other service providers. 6. Upon the filing of tariffs to effectuate the rate increases outlined in paragraph 4 above, Qwest will give notice of the proposed rate increases to its retail customers pursuant to § 40- 3-104, C.R.S. 7. The parties agree that waiver of Commission Rule 723-2-17.3.6 which requires that a statistically valid survey be conducted by each local exchange provider whose customers will be affected by any proposed calling area expansion is appropriate for Nunn Telephone Company in this docket. They further agree that if this Stipulation and the associated Application for expanded local calling is approved by the Commission, the parties will support Nunn's compliance tariff filing offering its customers the option to elect an unlimited, flat rate calling plan for local calling into the expanded calling area for a flat rate of$11_25 per month, which amount will be in addition to the Nunn current basic residential service rate of$20.56 per month or in addition to the current basic business service rate of$30.86 per month. It is understood that Nunn's current residential and business basic service rates will not change for those customers who do not elect to take the optional calling plan. It is further agreed that for those.Nunn customers who do not take the optional calling plan, calling by such customers who make calls into the expanded local calling area will be billed at the rate of$.11 per minute. • Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 12 Of 15 8. This Stipulation is a settlement of the disputed issues of fact and law in this docket, and is made for settlement purposes only. This Stipulation, together with the Partial Stipulation, fully resolves the contested issues in this proceeding: Except for settlement purposes in this docket, no Party concedes the validity or correctness of any regulatory principle or methodology directly or indirectly incorporated in this Stipulation. Furthermore, this Stipulation does not constitute an agreement, by any Party, that any principle or methodology contained within this Stipulation may be applied to any situation other than the above-captioned docket. No precedential effect or other significance, except as may be necessary to enforce this Stipulation or a Commission order concerning this Stipulation, shall attach to any principle or methodology contained in this Stipulation. 9. Except as provided herein, the Parties agree to support all aspects of the stipulations and agreements embodied in this Stipulation in any hearing or proceeding conducted to determine whether the.Commission should approve this Stipulation, including, but not limited to, any pleadings, comments filed, or testimony given in such a proceeding, or in any appeal of the decision. Each Party also agrees that it will take no action in any administrative or judicial proceeding, or otherwise, which would have the effect, directly or indirectly, of contravening the provisions or purposes of this Stipulation. Furthermore, each Partyrepresents that,except as expressly provided in this Stipulation, in any proceeding in which this Stipulation or its subject matter may be raised by a non-party, it will support the continued effectiveness of this Stipulation. Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Parties and each,of them expressly reserve the right to advocate positions different from those stated in this Stipulation in any proceeding other than one necessary to enforce or obtain approval of this Stipulation or a Commission order concerning this • Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 13 Of 15 Stipulation. Nothing in this Stipulation shall constitute a waiver by the Parties or any of them with respect to any matter not specifically addressed in this Stipulation. 10. This Stipulation shall not become effective and shall be of no force and effect until the issuance of a final Commission order approving this Stipulation and not containing any material modification of this Stipulation that is deemed unacceptable by any of the Parties. In the event the Commission modifies this Stipulation in a manner unacceptable to any Party,that.Party may withdraw from this Stipulation and shall so notify the Commission and the other Parties in writing within ten (10) days of the date of the Commission order- In the event a Party exercises its right to withdraw from this Stipulation, this Stipulation shall be null and void and of no effect in these or any other proceedings, and the above-captioned docket shall be set for hearing and a procedural schedule established. 11. In the event this Stipulation becomes null and void, or in the event the Commission - does not approve this Stipulation, this Stipulation, as well as the negotiations and discussions undertaken in conjunction with this Stipulation,shall not be admissible into evidence in these or any other proceedings. 12. •The Parties stipulate that they have reached this Stipulation by means of a negotiated. process in the public interest and that the results reflected herein are just, reasonable, and in the public interest. The Parties agree that approval by the Commission of this Stipulation shall constitute a Commission determination that the stipulations and agreements contained herein are a just, equitable, and reasonable resolution of the issues described herein. The Parties agree to the specific waiver of any Commission rule identified in this Stipulation, and the waiver of any such additional Commission rule(s), to the extent necessary to implement or effectuate this Stipulation. 9 Attachment A • Docket No.03A-4961 Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 14 Of 15 13. This Stipulation shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. 14. This Stipulation is an agreement that may not be altered by the unilateral determination of any Party and which shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their successors and assigns. 15. This Stipulation may be executed in separate counterparts,and the counterparts taken together shall constitute the whole of this Stipulation. 16. This Stipulation may be executed by facsimile transmission. Signatures obtained through facsimile transmission shall be valid and binding as if they were original signatures. Attorneys and other representatives and agents signing on behalf of the Parties represent and warrant that each has the authority to bind the Party to the terms of this Stipulation. STIPULATED AND AGREED UPON this _th day of January 2005. Staff of the Commission: Office of Consumer Counsel: Gary A. Klug Patricia A. Parker Senior Professional Engineer Rate/Financial Analyst 1580 Logan St., OL1 1580 Logan St., OL7 Denver, CO 80203 Denver 802 303.894.2 30 . 4.2 26 Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Anne K. Botterud G. Harris Adams Reg. No.20726 Reg. No. 19668 Office of the Attorney General Office of the Attorney General 1525 Sherman Street, 7th Floor 1525 Sherman St., 5'h Floor Denver, CO 80203 Denver, CO 80203 303.8663867 303.866.5441 10 " l#3038q Attachment A Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.805.0143 Fchruary 2,2005 • - Page 15 Of 15 Qwest Corporation: Nunn Telsphone Cotagy;,ham _ Paul R. McDaniel Name: Cc GtV Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Title: 1005.17`St.,Suite 200 - P. O.Box 249 Denver,CO 80202 Nunn, Co. 80648-0249 303.896.4552 Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: David W.McGann Barry L.Hjort,Reg.No. 19551 Reg.No. 34521 P.O. Box 300 1005 17th St.,Suite 200 Littleton,Co. 80160 Deny ,CO 80202 303.795.8080 3 .89 .3892 C 11 • Attachments Docket NorO3A=496T. _ Decision No R05-0143 February 2,2005. Page 1 Of 42 Decision No. R04-1070-I BEFORE 1•HE PUBLIC UTILITILS COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO DOCKET NO. 03A-496T IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO. RECOMMENDED DECISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WILLIAM J.FRITZEL ACCEPTING PARTIAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Mailed Date: September 8,2004 I. STATEMENT,FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS 1. On August 30, 2004, Nunn Telephone Company, the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, the Office of Consumer Counsel, and the City of Loveland, Colorado (Joint Movants) filed an Unopposed Joint Motion to Approve Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement;Agreement of the Parties,and Request for Waiver of Response Time. On the same date, Joint Movants filed a Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement. 2. Joint Movants state that they have resolved the issue in this docket concerning whether the Applicants have demonstrated clear and convincing evidence of a community of interest under the alternative criteria for the community of interest standard contained in 4 Code of Colorado Regulations(CCR)723-2-17.3.3.2. The Joint Movants also state that any issues that are not specifically addressed in the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement, attached to and incorporated in this order,will be addressed at the hearing of this matter. Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Page 2Of42 Decision No.R04-1070-I DOCKET NO.03A-496T 3. Joint Movants stipulate with the Applicants to the facts contained in the Joint Application. The parties agree that the stipulated facts constitute clear and convincing evidence of the community of interest under the alternative criteria standard for the community of interest contained in 4 CCR 723-2-17.3.3.2. 4. Qwest Corporation, though not a party to the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement does not object to the approval Agreement. Thus, no party opposes the Motion to Approve the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement. 5. It is found that the Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement filed on August 30, 2004 is just,reasonable, and in the public interest. 6. Pursuant to Section 40-6-109, C.R.S., it is recommended that the following order by entered. IL ORDER A. The Commission Orders That: 1. The Unopposed Joint Motion to Approve Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement is granted. Response time to the motion is waived. 2. The Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement filed on August 30, 2004,attached to this Order as Exhibit A is accepted. 3. This Recommended Decision shall be effective on the day it becomes the Decision of the Commission,if that is the case,and is entered as of the date above. 4. As provided by § 40-6-109, C.R.S., copies of this Recommended Decision shall be served upon the parties, who may file exceptions to it. 2 Attachment B Docket No 03A-496T Decision No.R05.0143 • February2,2005 • Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado Page 3 Of 42 Decision No.R04-1070-I DOCKET NO.03A-496T a) If no exceptions are filed within 20 days after service or within any extended period of time authorized, or unless the decision is stayed by the Commission upon its own motion, the recommended decision shall become the decision of the Commission and subject to the provisions of§ 40-6-114, C.R.S. b) If a party seeks to amend, modify, annul, or reverse basic findings of fact in its exceptions, that party must request and pay for a transcript to be filed, or the parties may stipulate to portions of the transcript according to the procedure stated in § 40-6-113, C.R.S. If no transcript or stipulation is filed, the Commission is bound by the facts set out by the administrative law judge and the parties cannot challenge these facts. This will limit what the Commission can review if exceptions are filed. 5. If exceptions to this Decision are filed, they shall not exceed 34 pages in length, unless the Commission for good cause shown permits this limit to be exceeded. (S E A L) . THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO .�Sr Oc COLO�te 5 WILLIAM J. FRITZEL yy . Administrative Law Judge rt triltnIES ATTEST:A TRUE COPY Bruce N. Smith Director GAORDER\496T.docars 3 • Attachment B • Docket No.03A-496T • Decision No.R05-0143 .0.f • _ - February 2,2005 • Page4Of42 BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO • Docket No. 03A-496T . IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND'THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO • r PARTIAL STIPULATION AND PARTIAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES Nunn Telephone Company ("Nunn"), the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado ("Staff"),.the Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC"),. and Larimer County, • • Colorado; Weld County, Colorado; City of Loveland, Colorado; Loveland Chamber of Commerce; City-of Greeley, Colorado; Town of Windsor, Colorado; Windsor Chamber of Commerce; City of 'Fort Collins, Colorado; Fort Collins-Chamber of Commerce; Town of Ault, Colorado; Town of Tininath, Colorado; Town of LaSalle, Colorado; .Town of Kersey,, Colorado; Town of Mead, • • Colorado; Town of Nunn, Colorado; City of Evans, Colorado; Town of Eaton, Colorado; Town of Estes. Park, Colorado; .Town of Milliken, Colorado; Town of Platteville, Colorado; Town of Berthoud, Colorado; and Town of Johnstown, Colorado (collectively, the "Applicants"); each • • individually a "Party" and collectively ."the Parties," by and through their respective counsel, • submit this Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement ("Partial Stipulation") as more fully described herein. The Parties.respectfully submit this Partial Stipulation for approval by the Commission pursuant to. Rule 723-1-83(a) (2000) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND • . On or. about November 14, 2003, the Applicants filed a Joint Application to Expand the Local Calling Area in Northern Colorado ("Joint Application"). The Commission published its Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T • - Decision No.R05-0143 _ - - Febmary 2,2005 Page 50f42 ' Notice of Application Filed on or about November 19, 2003. By Decision No. CO3-1350, Qwest• and Nunn were made indispensable parties to the Docket. Qwest and Nunn filed a joint Notice of Intervention, Entry of Appearance, and Request for Extension of Time on December 15, 2003. In the motion, Qwest and Nunn requested an.extension'of time to and including January 30, 2004 to perfoim and submit "all necessary analyses to quantify-calling volumes per customer ... and all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer." The motion was granted on December 17,2003. OCC filed its Notice of Intervention on December 19, 2003. On or about December 30, 2003, Staff intervened in the Joint Application. Also on December 30, 2003, the Commission on its own motion entered an order waiving the requirement that the Commission mail its decision on the status of the Joint Application by January 5, 2004. See Decision No. CO3-1465 and 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.3.5. In that order, the - Commission enlarged the time in which the-Joint Application would automatically be deemed complete without Commission action and extended the date by which it must determine the completeness of the Joint Application to and including February 19, 2004. • During the months of December of 2003 and January and February of 2004, non-disclosure agreements were filed on behalf of the OCC, Staff, Qwest, and various Applicants pursuant to Rule 723-16. • On January 30, 2004, in accordance with Decision No. CO3-1350, Nunn filed the results of its analyses to quantify the calling volumes'per customer in the exchanges affected by the Joint Application as well as all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment per customer. The revenue and cost analyses demonstrated that expanding the local calling area would equate to a gross annual rate increment of an additional $43,565 to be recovered from Nunn's customers. • 2 • Attachment B Docket No.03A-4961 Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 • Page 6 Of 42 On January 30,2004, in accordance with Decision No. C03-1350, Qwest filed the results of its analyses to quantify the calling volumes per customer in the exchanges affected by the Joint Application as well.as all necessary revenue and cost analyses,to quantify the rate increment per customer. The revenue and cost analyses demonstrated that expanding the local calling area would equate to a rate increment of an additional $.06 per access line per month that could be added to all of Qwest's residential and business local phone service rates for all customers in its Colorado service territory. . On March 29, 2004, the Parties held'a meeting at which Nunn informed the Parties that it would not participate in the local calling area expansion;instead,Nunn stated that it would offer its •customers an optional plan to the larger calling area and measured local service to those who do not choose the optional plan. At that time, Nunn did not identify what the rates would be for the optional or measured minutes f use. Staff.requested._that Qwest revise its cost-study.to reflect known changes in the switched access carrier common line rates and the capital investment associated with the calling area expansion. • On or about April 23, 2004, Staff filed its Unopposed Motion for Enlargement of Time to File a Report in Response to Qwest Corporation's Cost Study, and Request for Waiver of Response Time. •That request was granted pursuant to Decision No. R04-0454-I. On April 9, 2004, Qwest filed revised analyses to quantify known changes in the switched access carrier common line rates and the capital investment associated with such expansion. Further, Qwest updated the study to reflect the 2003 factors, which became available prior to that filing. Based upon the revised revenue and cost analysis of June 2003 though August 2003, the costs and lost revenues to Qwest from expanding the local calling area would equate to a rate • • - • Attachment B Docket No.03A-4961 • Decision No.R05-01'3 February 2,2005 Page 7 Of 42 increment of an additional $.06 per access line per month to Qwest's residential and business local phone service rates for all customers in its Colorado service territory. On May 13,2004, Staff filed its Report Pursuant to 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.3.5. Staff confirmed that Nunn elected to offer an optional local calling area plan while Northern Colorado Qwest customers would receive a non-optional local calling area expansion that would include.the Nunn exchange as part of the approval of the Joint Application. Staff submitted a copy of Nunn's correspondence confirming its intentions, a copy of which is attached as Attachment A. Staff further identified the revisions Qwest incorporated into its revised analyses filed with the Commission on August 9, 2004 that addressed Staff's concerns. Staff reported the revised study was complete for purposes of this docket and recommended the study be accepted without further modification. . - - - On May 21, 2004,the Administrative Law-Judge issued an order accepting Qwest'srevised cost study filed on or about April 9,2004 and ordering Qwest to proceed with the customer survey using the survey form approved in the order. See Decision No.R04-0515-I. On June 30,2004, Qwest filed its Notice of Survey Results. Qwest reported that it mailed 1,600 surveys to a random selection of its residential customers throughout the exchange areas being considered for calling area expansion. Of the 1,600 surveys mailed,488 surveys (30.5%) were returned. Of those surveys that were returned, 387 responded yes (79%)and 101 responded no (21%). • THE AGREEMENT The Parties agree and stipulate as follows: 1. Summary of Agreement. In an attempt to narrow the disputed issues in this docket and to promote administrative efficiency, the Parties are entering into this Partial Stipulation to 4 . - Attachment Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 8 Of 42 resolve specific factual and legal issues described herein. All remaining issues are reserved and will be determined by the Commission. • 2. R nested Ex anion of Local Callin Area. The Applicants propose that the local calling area expansion occur between the following exchanges: From Qwest Exchan e: To Exchan e: ' • Berthoud La Salle Nunn Exchan e Eaton-Ault Estes Park,Ft. Collins Loveland,Mead Estes Park Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Greeley,Johnstown-Milliken, La Salle,Mead, • Platteville, Windsor,Nunn Exchan e Fort Collins Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Greeley,Johnstown-Milliken, La Salle,Mead, Platteville • Gilcrest Estes Par Ft. Collins, Loveland, Nunn Exchan e • . • Greeley(Evans Estes Park,Ft. Collins,Loveland &Kersey)' Johnstown- Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Nunn Exchange Milliken • La Salle Berthoud,Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Loveland, Nunn Exchange - • Loveland Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Greeley, La Salle, Platteville, Windsor, Nunn Exchan e Mead Eaton-Ault, Estes Park, Ft. Collins, Windsor,Nunn Exchange Platteville • Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Loveland,Nunn Exchan e Windsor Estes Park, Loveland,Mead,Nunn Exchan e 3. Community of Interest Standard. The Applicants seek approval of the local calling . expansion pursuant to the alternative criteria standard set forth in Rule 723-2-17.3.3.2. Rule 723-2- 17.3.3.2 provides that, when evaluating such a request, "the Commission shall consider community of interest issues dictated by urban growth patterns, and the present and future availability of - essential services in rural areas." 4 C.C.R 723-2-17.3.3.2. In making its determination, the Commission shall consider the following criteria: (a) the local calling area principles of Rule 723- 2-17.3.1; (b) customer calling patterns; (c) the location of serving transportation centers; (d) demographic profiles of the residents of the exchange(s); and (e) the location of primary centers of • Attachment Docket No.03A-096T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 9 0f 42 business activity and employment centers, and the location of employee residences. See 4 C.C.R 723-2-17.3.3.2. In addition; "Nile Commission may consider other pertinent factors such as the availability and feasibility of optional calling plans, and the local and long distance competition" 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17-3.3.2. The Parties note that Rule 723-2-17.3.1 provides that, in general and to the extent possible, each local calling area should: (a) allow customers to place and receive calls without payment of a toll charge to 9-1-1, their county seat, municipal government, elementary and secondary school districts, libraries, primary centers of business activity, police and fire departments, and essential medical and emergency services; (b) be provided in both directions between the two exchange areas; and (c) not exhibit any discontinuities. See 4 C.C.R. 723-2- 17.3.1. 4. Conformity with Alternate Criteria Standard. Relying upon the information contained-in the Joint Application,.Nunn,-Staff, and the OCC.stipulate with the Applicants to the _ - facts contained therein. The Parties agree that the stipulated facts constitute clear and convincing evidence of a community of interest under the alternative criteria standard. A copy of the Joint Application, excluding exhibits, is attached hereto as Attachment B and is incorporated herein by reference. 5. Pt ose of th_isAgreenat. This Partial Stipulation is a partial settlement of specific disputed issues of fact and law, and is made for settlement purposes only. All other issues remain in dispute. Except for settlement purposes in this docket, no Party concedes the validity or correctness of any regulatory principle or methodology directly or indirectly incorporated in this Partial Stipulation. Furthermore, this Partial Stipulation does not constitute an agreement, by any • Party, that any principle or methodology contained within this Partial Stipulation may be applied to any situation other than the above-captioned docket. No precedential effect or other significance, 6 Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 • Page 10 Of 42 except as may be necessary to enforce this Partial Stipulation or a Commission order concerning this Partial Stipulation, shall attach to any principle or methodology contained in this Partial Stipulation. 6. Support by Parties. Except as provided herein, the Parties agree to support all aspects of the stipulations and agreements embodied in this Partial Stipulation in any hearing or proceeding conducted to determine whether the Commission should approve this Partial Stipulation, including, but not limited to, any pleadings, comments filed, or testimony given in such a proceeding, or in any appeal of the decision. Each Party also agrees that it will take no action in any administrative or judicial proceeding, or otherwise, which would have the effect, directly or indirectly, of contravening the provisions or purposes of this Partial Stipulation. Furthermore, each Party represents that, except as expressly provided in this Partial Stipulation, in any proceeding in which-this Partial-Stipulation or its subjeet-matter-may-be-raised by a non=party, it will support the - continued effectiveness of this Partial Stipulation. Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Parties and each of them expressly reserve the right to advocate positions different from those stated in this Partial Stipulation in any proceeding other than one necessary to enforce or obtain approval of this Partial Stipulation or a Commission order concerning this Partial Stipulation. Nothing in this Partial Stipulation shall constitute a waiver by the Parties or any of them with respect to any matter not specifically addressed in this Partial Stipulation. 7. Final Commission Order. This Partial Stipulation shall not become effective and shall be of no force and effect until the issuance of a final Commission order approving this Partial Stipulation and not containing any material modification of this Partial Stipulation that is deemed unacceptable by any of the Parties. In the event the Commission modifies this Partial Stipulation in a manner unacceptable to any Party, that Party may withdraw from this Partial Stipulation and shall 7 Attachment B .. _ Docket No.03A-4961 Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 - - - Page 11 Of 42 so notify the Commission and the other Parties in writing within ten (10) days of the date of the Commission order. In the event a Party exercises its right to withdraw from this Partial Stipulation, this Partial Stipulation shall be null and void and of no effect in these or any other proceedings, and the above-captioned docket shall be set for hearing and a procedural schedule established. 8. Inadmissibility. In the event this Partial Stipulation becomes null and void, or in the event the Commission does not approve this Partial Stipulation, this Partial Stipulation, as well as the negotiations and discussions undertaken in conjunction with this Partial Stipulation, shall not be admissible into evidence in these or any other proceedings. 9. Public Interest. The Parties stipulate that they have reached this Partial Stipulation by means of a negotiated process in the public interest and that the results reflected herein are just, reasonable, and in the public interest. The Parties agree that approval by the Commission of this - --- —Partial Stipulation shall constitute a Commission determination-that the stipulations-and-.agreements - contained herein are a just, equitable, and reasonable resolution of the issues described herein. The Parties agree to the specific waiver of any Commission rule identified in this Partial Stipulation, and the waiver of any such additional Commission rule(s), to the extent necessary to implement or effectuate this Partial Stipulation. 10. Construction and •Enforcement. This Partial Stipulation shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. 11. Integrated and Binding Agreement. This Partial Stipulation is an integrated agreement that may not be altered by the unilateral determination of any Party and which shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their successors and assigns. • 12. Counterparts. This Partial Stipulation may be executed in separate counterparts, and the counterparts taken together shall constitute the whole of this Stipulation. 8 • Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T - - Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 12 O£42 13. Facsimile Execution and Signature Authority. This Partial Stipulation may be executed by facsimile transmission. Signatures obtained through facsimile transmission shall be valid and binding as if they were original signatures. Attorneys and other representatives and agents signing on behalf of the Parties represent and warrant that each has the authority to bind the Party to the terms of this Partial Stipulation. . : ,. - -- • • 9 • Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 13 Of42 STIPULATED AND AGREED UPON this 30th day of August, 2004. Staff of the Commission: Office of Consumer Counsel: Geraldine G. Santos-Rach Patricia A. Parker Chief of Fixed Utilities . Rate/Financial Analyst • 1580 Logan St., OLl 1580 Logan St., OL7 • Denver, CO 80203 • Denver, CO 80203 303.894.2533 303.894.2126 X; • • Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Anne IC. Botterud G. Harris Adams Reg. No:20726 Reg.No. 19668 Office of the Attorney General Office of the Attomey General 1525 Sherman Street,7th Floor • 1525 Sherman St., 5m Floor • Denver, CO 80203 Denver, CO 80203 303.866.3867 303.866.5441 Nunn Telephone Company: Qwest Corporation: • Name: Paul R.McDaniel • Title: Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs P.O. Box 249 Denver, CO 80202 Nunn, CO 80648-0249 303.896.4552 Approved as to form: Approved as to Form: Barry L. Hjort David W. McGann Reg. No. 19551 Reg.No. 34521 P.O. Box 300 1005 17th St., Suite 200 Littleton, Co. 80160 . Denver, CO 80202 • 303.795.8080 303.896.3892 • • • • 10 Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 14Of42 STIPULA LED AND AGREED UPON this 30th day of August, 2004. • • Staff of the Commission: Office of Consumer Counsel: . Geri Santos-Rach Kenneth V.Reif,Director Chief of Fixed Utilities Office of Consumer Counsel 1580 Logan St., OL2 1580 Logan St., OL7 • Denver,CO 80203 Denver, CO 80203 • 303.894.2533 303.89 121 • • Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Anne K.Botterud G.Hauls Adams Reg.No. 20726 Reg.No: 19668 Office of the Attorney General. Office of the Attorney General • 1525 Sherman Street, 7th Floor 1525 Sherman St., 5 Floor Denver,CO 80203 Denver, CO 80203 303,866.3867 303.866.5441 - Nunn Telephone Company: • Name: Title: P.O. Box 249 Nunn, CO 80648-0249 • • Approved as to form: • Barry L.Hjort Reg. No: 19551 P.O.Box 300 Littleton, CO 80160 . 303.795.8080 • 10 • • 08/90/04 MON 11:55 FAX AttacbmentB .00/30/200{ 12:54 970097r/27 Docket No.03A-496T NUNh4 TELEPHat co Decision No.R05-0143 • February Z 2005 Page 15 Of 42 , • • STIPULATED AND AGREED UPON this 30th day of August, 2004. Staff of the Commission: Office of Consumer Counsel: Geri Swims-Ranh Patricia A.Parker • Chief of.Fixed Utilities 1580 Logan St., OT 2 1580 o Rate/FinancialLan St.,, OL7st Denver, CO 80203 gan 7 • 3 03.894-2533 Delver, CO 80203 303.894.2126 • Approved as to Fonn: • Approved as to Fonn: Anne K Bottcaud G.Harris Adams• ' keg.No. 20726 Reg. No. 19668 • Office of the Attorney General 1525 Sherman Street, 7th Floor 1525 Offic of the Attorney General Denver, CO 80203 n Sherman 203 g 'Floor 303.866.3867 Denver, CO. 80203 303.866.544 a - H - . • • P.O.Box 249 • Nunn, CO 80648-0249 Approved o fo Barry L.'tort Reg. No. 19551 P.O. Box 300 • Littleton, CO 80160 303.795.8080 • • • • • • 10 AUG-30-2004 MON 10:35 AM FAX NO, Attachment Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 16 Of 42 Latimer County, Colorado: Weld County, Colorado: • Name: _ • NName: Title: Title; Address: -• Address; Telephone: —_ Telephone: Signature Signature Approved as to holm: Approved as to Form: • Name: R Name: Title: Title: Reg, No,: Reg. No.: Address: Address: Telephone:. Telephone: Signature Signature • City of Loveland, Colorado: Loveland Chamber of Commerce: • Name: DON F. .WILLIAMS Name: . Title; CITY MANAGER Title: • Address: XO0 EAST THIRD ST, Address: LOVELAND, CO 80537 Telephone: 970-962-2306 Telephone: Signature Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name; _SHQ.ROpI,CITI NO Name: Title: ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Title: Reg. No.: 32800 Reg. No.: Address:•5S10—EAST I RD ST Address; LOVELAND, CO 80537 Telephone; 971:2622542 —. Telephone: Salt I? Octet_ Signature Signature • 11 Attachment B • Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05.0143 February 2,2005 . Page 17 Of 42 City of Greeley, Colorado: Town of Windsor, Colorado: Name: Name: Title: Title: Address: Address: Telephone: Telephone: • Signature Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name: Name: Title: Title: Reg. No.: Reg.No.: Address: • Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature Windsor Chamber of Commerce: ..City of Fort Collins, Colorado: Name: Title: Name: Address: Title: Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature • Approved as to Form: Approved.as to Form: Name: Name: Title: Title: Reg. No.: Reg.No.: Address: Address: Telephone: Telephon • e: Signature Signature • • 12 • Attachment B • Docket No.03A-496T - Decision No.R05-0143 • - February 2,2005 Page 18 Of42 • Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce: Town of Ault, Colorado: • Name: Name:. Title: Title: Address: Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: . Name: Name: Title: • Title: Reg.No.: Reg.No.: Address: Address: Telephone: Telephone: • Signature Signature Town of Timnath, Colorado: Town of LaSalle, Colorado: Name: Name: Title: Title: Address: • Address: Telephone: • Telephone: • Signature • Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name: Name: Title: Title: • Reg.No.: Reg.No.: Address: • Address: • Telephone: .. Telephone: Signature Signature • • • 13 Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 -- Page 19 Of 42 Town of Kersey, Colorado: Town of Mead, Colorado: Name: Name: Title: Title: Address: Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name: Name: Title: Title: Reg. No.: Reg.No.: Address: • Address: Telephone: .Telephone: • Signature Signature Town of Nunn, Colorado: City of Evans, Colorado: Name: Name: Title: Title: Address: Address:. • Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature . Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name: Nanie: Title: Title: Reg. No.: Reg. No.: Address: • Address: Telephone:• Telephone: Signature Signature • • 14 • Attachment B ' Aug 30 04 01 : 50p Gregory A White 9706672527 Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 t Aug 30 2004 8: 40AM HP LASERJET FRX February 2,2005 - Page 20 Of 42 • • Town of Eaton,Colorado: Ton of Estes Park, Colorado: Name. Name: %Ls B,wore Title: • Title: erlAYo t. Address: Address: •Pv. Sc /Zoo fs7cs Pow !e Fbsi7 Telephone: • Telephone: 920-577 -37b4 • • • Signature G� Signature • Approved as to Forth: • Approved as to Form: • \\ • • • Name: Name: G-vt , (....A.:}-1-„.._ Title: Title: "]'o,..., 14 4-Ea vn ti Reg.No.: Reg. No.: c--3 K p Address: . . Address:. l q Li / L./. 2.9 la S4. Ln..c� C•.a. .1 4L.A P' as—Z cr Telephone: •• Telephone: T. C. 7- S ? 1 0 • • • Signature Signature Town ofMilliken,Colorado: Town of Platteville,Colorado: Name: • Name: Title: Title: • Address: Address: • Telephone: Telephone: • • Signature . Signature • Approved as to Form: Approved as to Forul: Name: Name: Title: • Title: Reg No,: Reg.No.: Address:- Address: . Telephone: Telephone: - • • • . Signature Signature • • 15 Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T - - Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 21 Of 42 Town of Berthoud, Colorado: Town of Johnstown, Colorado: Name: Name: Title: Address: Title: Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature Approved as to Form: Approved as to Form: Name: Title: - Name: Reg. No.: Title: Address: - Reg. No.: Address: Telephone: Telephone: Signature Signature • 16 • Attachme-4- A Attachment B Docket No.03A•496T Nl'`? Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 • cT £ CO!I0ra&Oelecommunications rill MAY I ,9 11,'14 I:_t___ ____ Association a '• ; `Companies Connecting Colorado.' May 12, 2004 G.Harris Adams, J.D., C.P.A Assistant Attorney General Office of the Attorney General 1525 Sherman Street, 5th Floor Denver, CO 80203 Anne IC Bottemd,Esq. - Assistant Attorney General . Office of the Attorney General 1525 Sherman Street;5th Floor • . Denver, CO 80203 Re: Docket No. 03A-496T:Nunn" - Dear Harris&Anne: As I indicated I would do in our recent meeting concerning several of the pending issues involved in the proposed Northern Colorado Calling Area expansion docket, I am providing the following information concerning Nunn Telephone Company's intentions with respect to the calling plan(s) it intends to offer in the event that the COPUC approves the proposed expansion. You will recall that our discussion in this regard focused on your requests for specific information as to Nunn's intentions and Nunn's request that the Staff Report to the Commission incorporate a proposed waiver of Commission Rule 723-2-17.3.6 which requires that a statistically valid survey be conducted by each local exchange provider whose customers will be affected by any proposed expansion. If the proposed calling area expansion affecting Nunn is approved,Nunn intends to offer its customers the option to elect an unlimited, flat rate calling plan for local calling into the expanded calling area for a flat rate of$11.25_per month, which amount will be in addition to the Nunn current basic residential service rate of$20.56 per month or in addition to the current basic business service rate of $30.86 per month. The current residential and business basic service rates will not change for those customers who do not elect to take the optional calling!Aar.. • € DCHIBI" ?.`.1. !ao.. -.._2& .. vcs.:_tdai<_. :.osorant• 8024( ` _ 3Ca.733.801iw; 'T&:, ,.• 301l.795.1266 (Fax') a 303.556.4772, (Cell) _ J .-nne-er,gq.ley anti rem e nnrrc, not nrai%.....r,,,.. nn • Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 23 Of 42 For those Nunn customers who do not take the optional calling plan, calling by such customers who make calls into the expanded local.calling area will be billed at the rate of$.11 per minute. Nunn is also considering making a concurrent tariff filing that would provide its customers who do not elect the optional calling plan with a blocking option that would permit its customers to avoid the imposition of toll charges for'calls which they might otherwise believe to be local into the expanded calling area. (This proposal would likely be very similar to the • blocking option that Strasburg Telephone Company has provided to its customers.) Nunn is aware that the Commission's rules require that expanded calling be established on a"two-way" basis. Thus once COPUC approval is granted for the calling area expansion, calls made by subscribers located outside the Nunn service area, but inside the expanded local calling area to Nunn's customers will be made as local,toll-free calls. • • I have not included detail here concerning the access charge loss and other costs that Nunn will incur as a consegnence of the proposed calling area expansion. If you have questions in that regard, or require additional detail—I suggest that you contact Nunn's consultant: Kevin Kelly at 719.266.4334. It is my understanding that the above information meets your needs, and that as a result Staff will recommend waiver of the oustonier survey requirement for Nunn in its Report to the CONIC. If you have additional questions, please contact me. Very truly yours, • • !/ Barry L. Hj • cc Greg Grablander, Nunn Telephone Kevin Kelly, TCA Gary Klug, COPUC • Pat Parker,•OCC Attachment B AttaChnent I Docket No 03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 . February 2,2005 Page 24 Of 42 APPLICATION TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPANDING THE LOCAL CALLING AREA. Executive Summary This application is a joint Northern Colorado filing for expansion of the local calling area. We would like two-way calling between each of the communities listed in the current calling area and the proposed calling area listed in the attached exhibit(Exhibit Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request): The application is based on the alternate criteria standards for the community of interest. The communities in support of the application have attached letters. The letters indicate that there is substantial support • for this effort. The county letters have a majority of the county commissioner signatures, as required. • The current calling area for Loveland includes the following exchange areas: Fort Collins, Estes Park,Loveland,Berthoud, and Johnstown-Milliken. This application is a request to add the following exchange areas: Windsor, Eaton-Ault; Greeley; Lasalle; Evans;Platteville; and northern exchange area dissected by Highway 85 (area bordered by the northern state line,the Fort Collins exchange area on the west, the Eaton-Ault exchange area on the eastand the Windsor exchange area on the south). A map has been included in the attached material. - -- Residents and businesses in Northern Colorado truly support a regional economy in every aspect of their lives. Evidence of the interdependence of the business centers in the Northern Colorado region has been found to exist in every segment of the economy. • > Growth management areas for Northern Colorado communities are contiguous. . There is substantial travel between :76=z-ft' i .au three main business centers for Regional Travel Patterns both employment and shopping. teller' -7 aim= r > Short distances,short travel times, In' accessible• _roadways, and moderate ` !' im ;:e•;;1-.! • travel traffic volumes between ,L ' ri__ tt.: business centers in Northern - „sae, rtery� al'g, i. Colorado are factors that ,,SPA"uMia'dri �ti-ta + perpetuate interdependence. — a �`- Source:North theta Range M.wpattan Planning Organisation • • > Businesses are buying local. 45%inputs used by primary employers to generate goods and services are purchased from local businesses in the region. > The regional North Front Range Transportation& Air Quality Planning Council exists due to regional cooperation of the communities in Northern Summary- 1 • Attachment B Docket No.03A496T fir_ .=.DUSicat on :r =::ianslon • loci:. . 11_n'1 :Sea Decision No.RO5-0143 Executive Summary February 2,2005 Page 25 Of 42 Colorado,particularly related to transportation initiatives. • > Regional economic development organizations exist because of the salability of the regional concept for recruiting businesses. > Utility providers have a dependence upon resources and customers throughout the-region. ➢ Two major hospital.systems(locations in Greeley,Loveland, and Fort Collins)provide services for patients throughout the region and are major • employers in the region. > Educational entities serve overlapping county areas for kindergarten through 12th grade. Windsor residents that attend Thompson Valley (Loveland)schools. > Universities and comniunity colleges serve the entire region. These institutions are sewing a role in continuing education for the businesses in the area and are amongst the largest employers in the region. > Non-profit agencies,Latimer and Weld counties work together to address human service needs of the-region, as well as support the strong - . .agricultural business segment of the region through extension services. • > Regional leisure destinations attract users from the entire region providing a well-rounded,higher quality of life. . • • It is understood that there could be an incremental increase to the monthly bill for each • customer throughout the calling area based on infrastructure costs to make the expansion • possible. It is our hope that given the number of customers included in the proposed area each customer's proportional share would be very small. We believe the elimination of • monthly cost of long distance between the exchanges included in the application and the cost of service alternatives to avoid long distance calls would substantially reduce monthly financial obligations of businesses and residents in our region. It is our hope that the Public Utilities Commission will see the value of the body of evidence that has been submitted to establish a community of interest. • • • • Summary-2 _err). Sed Local C 1 , gm-Area Expansion - rr Telephone Exchanges • Min TYPE • . an lanai . . {{��tltl , C7 wl dCa. tbS.y ®r+ n f46L�tlli 1 1 ww.eyu. 48 ®r.enwnw �' MS• . ®wrw.iu WCVIN • Larimer011110100314 "a°E 121322 mearernia ..�. .ww Mc`r mammas n _ aL Jacks n Y . �JS�" • if EMUS .ge15r6W ifAILE . I�t a sro;M«_ iuEa eramam ®„ earnan - €sr peat, o r 0 I p Eu .,.n..w Cr fi il ga • rend r�o�. . MAIr' ' IF' ��L...�_.-� wwcwr.s.Nu N2 M: °`�P 'o 3rT Rtizog Boulder atop oCp n Nggti: {AEiRME _ b a �- /IaRIE6tNG.411 a w-1MGMFORT LIPTON - Hmbr Ea≤ i KW f -pa . Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T • Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 27 O£42 Sxftibir Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request- Exhibit I Exchange Current Calling Areas Proposed Calling Areas (Extension) 'Berthoud Eaton-Ault,Estes,Ft. Collins, La Salle.Nunn Tele. Gilcrest, Greeley,Johnstown- Milliken,Longmont,Loveland, Mead,Platteville,Windsor • Eaton-Ault Berthoud, Gilcrest, Greeley, Estes Park,Ft. Collins,Loveland Johnstown-Milliken,LaSalle, Platteville,Windsor,Nunn wire • center,Briggsdale&Grover wire centers of Wiggins. Estes Park Allenspark,Berthoud, Ft. Collins, Eaton-Ault,Gilcrest, Greeley,Johnstown • Loveland,Lyons Milliken,La Salle, Platteville,Windsor, Nunn Tele. Fort Collins ' Berthoud,Estes Park, Loveland, Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Greeley,Johnstown- (Harmony& Windsor,Nunn wire center(Nunn Milliken,La Salle, Platteville, Wellington) • Tele.),Red Feathers &Walden wire centers(CenturyTei) Gilcrest. Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Greeley, Estes Park,Ft. Collins,Loveland,•Nunn Johnstown-Milliken,La Salle, Tele. Mead,Platteville, Windsor _ Greeley (Evans) , Berthoud, Baton-Ault, Gilcrest, . Estes Park,Ft. Collins,Loveland- - . • Hudson,Johnstown-Milliken, • • Keenesburg,La Salle,Mead,. . . • Platteville,Weldona, Windsor, Roggen wire center,Nunn wire center,Briggsdale, Grover,Hoyt, . New Raymer&Wiggins wire 'centers of Wiggins, Stoneham wire • center. Johnstown- Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Estes Park,Ft. Collins,Nunn Tele. Milliken Greeley, LaSalle,Loveland,Mead, • • Platteville,Windsor La Salle Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest,.Greeley, Berthoud, Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Loveland, • Hudson, Johnstown-Milliken, Nunn Tele. Keenesburg,Mead, Platteville, ' Windsor Loveland • Berthoud, Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Eaton-kilt, Gilcrest, Greeley,La Salle, • Johnstown-Milliken,Mead . Platteville,Windsor,Nunn Tele. • , . • • • Exhibit 1 -Page 1' of 2 Attachment B • Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 28 Of 42 Exhibit Table to.Clarify Coiling Area Expansion Request-Exhibit 1 .Zxchange ' Current Calling Areas _ Proposed Calling g Areas (Extension) �Platteviile Berthoud,Eaton-Ault,Ft. Lupton, Estes Park,Ft. Collins, Loveland,Nunn Gilcrest, Greeley, Johnstown- Tele. Milliken, La Salle, Longmont, Mead,Windsor Windsor Berthoud,Eaton-Ault,Ft:Collin§, Estes Park,Loveland,Nunn Tele. Gilcrest, Greeley, Johnstown- Milliken, La Salle, Platteville • Nunn Tele. of At least to Greeley,Eaton-Ault,Ft. Berthoud,Estes Park,Gilcrest, Johnstown- CenturyTel Collins Milliken,La Sale,Loveland,Platteville, Windsor • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Exhibit l -Page 2 of 2 • Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 29 Of 42 APPLICATION TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPANDING THE LOCAL CALLING AREA. This application is a joint filing for expansion of the local calling area in Northern Colorado. The current calling area includes the following exchanges: Fort Collins, Estes Park, Loveland, Berthoud, and Johnstown-Milliken. This expansion application is to add the following exchanges: northern exchange area around Highway 85 (area bordered by the northern state line,the Fort Collins exchange area on the west, the Eaton-Ault exchange area on the east and the Windsor exchange area on the south); Windsor; Eaton- Ault; Greeley; Lasalle;Evans; and Platteville. We are requesting two-way calling between all communities in the current and proposed exchange areas as indicated in the map below. ®�111NrA li Telephone r Exchanges INIIIIIIii L A -i [T'w ?,SC R am itiLaShg Letters of support are intended to be"signatures"for the application. Several communities are participating in this joint application as indicated by the "Exhibit Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request-Exhibit 1". Letters of support have been signed by a majority of the county commissioners in both Weld and Larimer Counties. We believe the evidence presented in this application meets the alternate criteria standard for a community of interest. Northern Colorado is a regional economy with local calling . area needs. 1 :m: ., ::iiie shines t...rvnts: •. AttachmentB 7. .... ir. ..e-.^. •_btoraao L„ca L-than ':aansmty - Docket No 03A-496T 3••rea Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 30 0f 42 REGIONAL ECONOMY Interdependence of Business Centers The Northern Colorado area is a regional economy. Its interdependence is much like the Denver Metro area. Urban Growth Areas,Growth Mane.ement Areas,C Limits The North Front Range wilPira Transportation &Air gftfrill Quality Planning Council ' ir staff collected information 'a9; r ■ l,'°, about growth areas. These areas are called Urban .',c --— Growth areas in some -;..• —. communities and Growth �` ..=a>i► �a/ Management Areas in t. TM' .raa+ .mix _ others. The map to the left ` ',_ t• M1 � indicates plans for the �1 a .�.. =�-�— u 4i. = communities to annex and o. " incorporate the areas into E their city limits. It clearly 4' no indicates that the , communities are forming a geographic regional relationship. The next graphic indicates that the regional economy . already exists. It is the commuter patterns and tells the tale well. According to the 2001 . Regional Household Travel I '.• ..,...memos i l A i ALA A Survey Overview, allorth Front q ' RPM Range Metropolitan Planning -.--a— Regional Travel Patterns g P i1�inas II ■ assarwa�—.a Organization(NFRMPO) ,1■� m assa s% study: ��y'`a- ao1.■o■■irwum,� e' lliMai • 30% of Greeley's W' a •a: •§■s ?_ jra>•a,..rjj rle I rA •i a� nana workforce commutes . u •e veil.. �Gutat�rG:�ll outside Greeley o, -, ' _ ' .- F�;�: mr.r--rrrr 0 ' .. S& Ji r7 r r . ;man� rpil:lr • 45/o of Loveland's �'�natal t ! oral armi:�um workforce commutes or-um � �''EI�Irt— ..16-a....-21"2":1 a-1 IUafl 71st aaaaw_ —.v:.� outside of Loveland a ,m,er- le I li LI! talt''at!■ri!"cr t s ti �%n•r��-q • 17%of Fort Collins' .�, esei a mr��P-�� ..tea■rratar�� workforce commutes - Lam,nit ja � ', .' lll: outside of Fort CollinsIN • Attachment B •........ tin:r: ., Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 Thrraer• ,iorettu c....... _,.:ictg arca cxp::a:..;: February 2,2005 Page 31 Of 42 Regionalism'relates to the close proximity of the business centers. If Fort Collins were used as the point of origination the following chart indicates the short distances in miles and times for communities in the region. Ch' ;llih^.e • /inule.r Loveland 8 • Greeley • 29 Windsor • 10 According to the NFRMPO, "many residents in Northern Colorado are spending much of their time driving. If the average number of household trips per day is 6.25 trips and the average trip length is 18.64 minutes, each resident in Northern Colorado is spending an • average of 116.5 minutes or almost two hours traveling in one day." The point is that residents in Northern Colorado are accustom to driving and think very little of driving for their needs and desires throughout Northern Colorado. • • The Northern Colorado Economic Development Council produced and distributed a ,:report in June,2003,Northern Colorado Primary Employers Research Project. The purpose of the project is.to determine existing businesses' 3hility to do business in Northern Colorado and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of business activity in _ Northern Colorado from the perspective of the firms themselves. The project was based on an interview approach with thirty-eight primary employers. Primary employers are defined by their products-goods or services that are exported out of the region and that result in net"new" dollars returning to the region. There were several findings with regard to regional business issues. Two of the most important as it pertains to the need to communicate between counties are workforce commuters and supplier relationships for business in the region. • • Larimer County Residents Who Work In The report provided information about Other Counties the Larimer County workforce that supports regionalism. 21,206 • Adams employees or 16%of the total Larimer Other sx County workforce lives in Larimer • 19% County and works in other counties. 1Boulder 6,290 or 30% of them commute to Weld�'`.� Sex Weld County.• • 30% Denver • 10% The Smart Trips program reports that there are approximately 1,500 . • participants in the Smart Trips - commuter program. The study indicated that on the average commuters travel in excess 20 miles one way to work. • Attachment B •aiic .,n Docket No.03A-496T • %Jrr, :a Wu%;�t4J r.Jc::: . ,:ii:,a?,:nu :Jnns::;n Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 32 Of 42 The NCEDC Primary Employers report also international e_ found that"45% of the National inputs used by local business included in the Regional(between 50.250 mi.) research are purchased from businesses within Local 50 mi.) the region and almost 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 40%of the goods Source of Supplies by Percentage produced from those inputs are sold with Northern Colorado. This,indeed, shows the interconnectivity of Northern Colorado's economy." • There were several findings in the report that suggest the regional economy will continue to thrive. • According to the report 16%rated the local business climate better today than five years ago. - • 80% felt that the local business climate five years form today will be better than it is at the present • 42%have been increasing investment in the facility, while almost 40%have had a steady rate of investment • Job growth is anticipated,primarily in the manufacturing sector • 39%of the employers stated that there would be come expansion in the employment base and nearly 53% said they would remain at the same level of employment • 80% of the primary employers are predicting at least some growth in sales • Since a little less than 3% of the essential 55&older workforce is described as near retirement the trends are expected to continue. 35-55 re - - 35 yrs old -- - or less . 0 20 40 60 SO Percentage of Workforce 4 Attachment B '�=:• ':" .� =::c:ic ,ur.. ; Docket No.03A-4961 . , •orrnern Colorado Local '_d[t.8 -a La: ans:on Decision No.R0S-0143 y.; February 2,2005 Page 33 Of 42 • The Center for Business and Economic Development and the State Demographer indicate that job growth in Northern Colorado will be above the state and national levels over the aezt 20 years further supporting the notion that the current patterns will continue into the • future. • North Front Range is the modeling area for the regional transportation study. The study that was commissioned indicated that there will be a 70%job growth in Larimer County by 2030. Weld County will see a job growth of 95%over the same time period. Regional Transportation Planning The North Front Range Transportation&Air Quality Planning Council is an association of local governments was formed in.1987 to address transportation and air quality planning issues in Colorado's North Front Range. It is responsible for transportation planning in the region that consists of the most populous parts of Larimer and Weld • Counties, including-the cities of Fort Collins,Greeley,Loveland,Evans and the towns of Berthoud, Garden City,Johnstown,LaSalle, Timnath and Windsor. This council has developed a$606.3 million transportation plan based on the regional interdependence founded in employment, shopping and entertainment. The plans focus on regionally significant corridors. These corridors are defined as a corridor that serves:as an important link between major communities and destinations within or outside the North Front Range. Corridors are identified as tar north as Wellington, east to Kersey, south to Gilcrest and across to the Boulder County line south of Berthoud, and west into the Poudre and Thompson Canyons. It includes highway projects, transit projects,bike and pedestrian projects,rail projects,Transportation Demand Management projects and Transportation System Management projects spread throughout the region: The - organization is working on the means to finance the plan that requires significant coordination efforts between member communities in both Larimer and Weld Counties. There is currently an effort to develop support for a funding mechanism and a North Front Range Transportation Authority to manage funds made up of Berthoud,Evan,Fort Collins, Garden City, Greeley, Johnstown,Loveland,Milliken, Timnath Windsor and the unincorporated areas of Weld and Larimer Counties. Regional Economic Development The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation(NCEDC) is a 501(c) 6 designated,public/private,not-for-profit corporation serving Northern Colorado.Funded by investments front regional businesses and government entities, the focus of the NCEDC is to leverage public and private funds to strengthen existing employers, support expansion projects,provide critical research for decision-making, and recruit new employers who create primary jobs, invest capital, and add vitality to the economy. The organization has many investors from various sectors of the community and is served by • a 27-member Board of Directors, CEO, and staff that work closely with local resources and business service providers. • • • Attachment B i • Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 or:nerr. :,;toraaa ...;a.;: .:sing Arca 3.nan:,.o;t February 2,2005 Page 34 Of 42 They strive to enhance the region's future by supporting existing businesses and recruiting new businesses to our vibrant communities. They are focused`bn increasing the number of primary jobs in our region,which will ultimately create exported goods and services that, in return,will draw new business and industry into our area. Another economic development effort that crosses the county lines and therefore the calling area lines is the Weld/Larimer Revolving Loan Fund program. The loan fund was established to assist with the financial needs of the companies expanding or locating to the rural areas of Weld or Larimer County. The program is funded through the State of Colorado Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) allocation and is administered by the Greeley/Weld Economic Development(EDAP) agency. Larimer County has an intergovernmental agreement with Weld County for the CDBG Loan Fund. A copy of that agreement has been attached(Exhibit 2). Economic development of the Northern Colorado region involves a considerable amount of communication for the benefit of the regional economy. Utilities • By law Platte River Power Authority can only provide service to Estes Park,Fort Collins, • Longmont and Loveland. However there are operational dependencies on Weld County. • 13% of the Platte River Authority workforce lives in Weld County and works in T facilities in Larimer County. • • Over the last two years, Platte River has done business with 58 Weld County vendors. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District is a public agency created in 1937. It provides water for agricultural,municipal, domestic and industrial uses in northeastern Colorado. .NCWCD encompasses 1.5 million acres in portions of Boulder, Larimer, Weld,Broomfield,Morgan,Logan,Washington, and Sedgwick counties. Most of the 95 full time positions work in Loveland and will move to Berthoud once that facility is complete. • The Little Thompson Water District has a 300 square mile service area generally bound by the City of Loveland on the north, Longs Peak Water District on the south,the City of Greeley, the South Platte River and the St. Vrain River on the east, and the foothills on the west. It also now includes the former Arkins Association and the Town of Mead. They provide treated water to about 6,500 homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. . The organization is a user-Owned,not for profit public utility with customers in Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties. Healthcare Providers • The major hospital systems in the area serve the entire Northern Colorado region as well as southern Wyoming and southwestern Nebraska. They have provided information. 6 • • Attachment B • Docket No.03A-496T rniicc::e:• :o�•:vti;: Decision No.R0S-0143 • ifinnern t..:ivradv _Dent .ailing,.rea :manse n - • - - February 2,2005 • Page 35 Of 42 • • about their patients and their workforce that indicates that Northern Colorado communication is important. Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins • 'Larimer County Facility Patient'Care(Overnight Employees stays in 2001) Portion from Weld • 1045 257— 10%of • County • workforce; 101 367 from the greater Greeley area and 678 from of them from • Windsor Windsor/Jolmstown/Millrken Poudre Valley Health Systems Health Systems of Fort Coiling, Colorado and Regional West Medical Center of Scottsblug Nebraska are joining efforts to build a$200 million • regional hospital immediately south'of the Fort Collins Loveland airport. Service provisions will be specialized: heart care and surgery,neurosurgery, and trauma. It will be a 115-bed facility with 500 employees. Its service area is expected to be northern Colorado,southern Wyoming and southwestern Nebraska. • -• • Banner Health Care System in Larimer and Weld Counties '- Facility Patient Care Employees(work in one county and live In the other) McKee Medical 400 or 6%inpatient 100 or 10% of Center-Loveland, .1255 or 6%emergency workforce Larimer County 2600 or 5%outpatient Northern 730 or 5%inpatient 263 or .5%of Colorado Medical 640 or 2% emergency. workforce Center—Greeley, 1811 or 2%outpatient Weld County • Banner Health Care System has announced plans for a two-phase $70 million expansion. The expansion will include a new Intensive Care/Telemetry unit, expand birthing suites iri the obstetrics department, add two additional surgical suites and enlarge the Pen Auesthesia Care Unit. . Both hospital systems have made a substantial commitment to the Northern Colorado region. They provide excellent patient care and are amongst the largest employees is the area. Communications within the region are particularly important in this industry. • • • • Attachment . ortnen. t'wn•auc _uc::: _sling_irv:a e:.cpt.t:st:. Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 February 2,2005 Page 36 Of 42 Primary Education (K— 12) The map to the right " :a illustrates the issue with n Jid overlapping boundaries. The brown line is the - , e P �7 easterly border of the Thompson Valley 1 School District. There - — are several Windsor ; 4 rd,' _ - students in the proposed • calling area expansion (light green)that attend I r� Thompson Valley Schools. It is a long JINNI distance school to contact the school or for the students to call home. Sports conferences have been set up by the schools districts, one designated for the football league and one for all other sports. The Tri-Valley 3A Football Conference includes: Berthoud, Fort Lupton,Fort Morgan,Mountain View (Loveland),Northridge (Greeley), Silver Creek(Longmont),Sterling and Windsor. District 4 sports conference for all other sports includes several Northern Colorado teams. This conference includes: Berthoud,Fort Lupton,Fort Morgan, Greeley Central, Greeley West, Longmont,Niwot, Skyline(Longmont), Sterling, and Windsor. Communication amongst Northern Colorado schools becomes critically important as these teams schedule games,juggle facility availability and set up coaches meetings for a variety of other administrative tasks. Communication between parents, coaches and athletes because important throughout the year as well. Secondary Education . Colorado State University Colorado State University is a land-grant institution and a Carnegie DoctoraUResearch University-Extensive. 24,000 students from every state and 95 foreign countries. 150 programs of study are offered within eight colleges. • 163 employees that live in Weld County . • 69 students (generally first year students that still claim parents address) • 12 active Colorado alumni chapters • Extension Offices in 59 of 64 Colorado Counties, including Weld and Larimer Counties 8 Attachment B s:on !n;tunic '.:':;r r .)?:r:i:.. :..n Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 rrrrnern Coioraao Locat Galling.Arca£'panatun • February 2,2005 Page 37 Of 42 • Events in the athletic, music, theater&dance departments draw audiences primarily from the entire Northern Colorado region • o Rams field teams in 15 intercollegiate sports o Hughes Stadium with capacity for 30,000 fans • o Moby Arena with capacity for 9,000 fans o 300+performances, exhibits,'and other arts events annually University of Northern Colorado Single campus in Greeley, Colorado • 11,000 students from 47 states and 52 nations • 40 undergraduate degree programs with 103 emphasis areas and 52 graduate • degree programs with 90 emphasis areas • 1,035 Latimer County residents were enrolled as students in 2002. • UNC does business with 400-450 Latimer County commercial vendors annually • 123 of their 1,382 employees live in Latimer County(9%) • • 794 undergraduate and 241 graduate students attend UNC and live in Latimer County • Front Range Community College • • Front Range Community College has campuses in Boulder,Boulder County, Brighton, Latimer(Fort Collins),Estes-Park, Longmont,and Westminster. The Latimer Campus in - -. Fort Collins provides education and is an employer in Latimer County that draws from the entire Northern Colorado region. There are 4,698 students enrolled at the Larimer Campus and the enrollment has tripled in 10 years. 146 of those students live in Weld • County and commute to Fort Collins to attend classes. • FRCC-Larimer has strong partnerships with Colorado State University and the three public school districts in the county-Park,Poudre, and Thompson.FRCC's Veterinary Technology program is a partner with the Program of Excellence at CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science. It provides continuing education for several major area employers: CSU, Hewlett- Packard, Poudre School District, Eastman Kodak,Poudre Valley Hospital,Woodward Governor, the City of Fort Collins,Latimer County,Teledyne Water Pik,LSI Logic and Anheuser-Busch. Eastman Kodak located in Windsor is currently a long distance call. .Ainuu Community College • Aims Community College is one of the largest and most comprehensive two-year colleges in Colorado. The main campus is located in Greeley, Colorado. Since 1967 Aims has established three campuses—Greeley,Fort Lupton, and Loveland. Today . 14,000 students who annually attend the college choose from 60 degree and certificate • programs. In addition, Aims helps businesses and industry assess employee job skills .and improve work productivity. The Aims student body is, on the average, older than 9 • Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T .::;.! . -•.will. ?ilium, ' .;m:-:.,. Decision No.R05-0143 orthe:•• C.n.uado Bacai calling-:r:a....:pa:t:'.on February 2,2005 Page 38 Of 42 most community colleges. The average Aims student is age 34, is female, works part- time and has a family.This particular demographic has special, low-cost, communication needs. Aims teaches recent high school graduates, senior corporate officials, first graders in the summer college for Kids program, and instructs 90-year-olds on how to keep number in Senior Shape-Up classes. Aims Community College is truly a college for the community. Student Database Information • 529 of the 1,029 -(51%) students that reside in Larimer County commute to either the Greeley or Fort Lupton campuses • 121 of 4,679(3%)of the students that reside in Weld County commute to the Loveland campus. . • • Workforce Database Information • • 68 of 125 (54%) employees reside in Larimer County and commute to the • Greeley or.Fort Lupton campuses to work • 18 of 529(3%) employees reside in Weld County and commute to the Loveland • campus to work Non-Profit Agency Coordination of Service Delivery Many of the United Way agencies that provide service in Larinier County have administrative offices in Greeley. Catholic Charities Northern, Consumer Credit • Counseling Services, Hope Counseling Center, Lutheran Family-Services, and RVNA Home Care Services all operated from.both counties. Additionally,United Way Offices collaborate on many dual county projects such as the Funders Fair on July 31E.This event brings together well over 200 nonprofit agencies from Larimer and Weld Counties to meet with fenders from across the state to explore new funding opportunities. • The Loveland Community Health Center is a nonprofit organization that serves the • uninsured and underinsured members of communities throughout the Northern Colorado • Region. Over the last year(2002) 304 of 6,934 of their patients were from Weld County. This is fairly substantial since it is a Larimer County service entity sponsored by the McKee Medical Foundation. • • Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, Ina is the only substance abuse treatment center for the Weld and Larimer County area. The Larimer County contract is attached for your review(Exhibit 3). The Island Grove Treatment Center provides fro non- • hospital based substance abuse detoxification services to Larimer and Weld County residents through the appropriate governmental agencies(i.e., Loveland Police Department, Larimer County Health and Human Services, Greeley Police Department). Local Calling Area communication to provide timely assistance for individuals in need • and coordinating the transportation to the treatment center is critical. 10 Attachment B :.n:it.:::nn to ••::,, : mime",nr. - Docket No.03A-496T Decision No.R05-0143 or.nern .torso _acct Calling.trea _:nansion - February 2,2005 Page 39 Of 42 • • County Relationships • There are intergovernmental relationships between Larimer and Weld Counties. Two good examples are: 4-H programs, and extension service horticulture education. • There is a common perception that 4-H group membership is aligned with the county of residence. However, Larimer County indicates that there are 68 Weld County families involved in the Larimer County 4-H program,which represents 97 members and 42 adult leaders. The reverse is true as well. The only stipulation is that residents of either county can only belong to one 4-H program. Larimer County has four master gardeners in the horticulture education program who live in Weld County. The professionals in the extension services for Larimer and Weld counties have different areas of expertise and_commonly refer questions from residents "across county lines". Larimer County indicates that they get 10-15 calls per week from people who identify themselves as Weld County residents. • Since public health and environmental issues generally do not align themselves with county borders, they require a collaborative effort. Funding available to address these cbncems is always a scarcity. The cost of necessary communication is a concern. . _ Regional Leisure Destinations • • The Northern Colorado region is rich with leisure destinations that enhance the quality of . life. Because the relative travel time within the region is manageable, each destination serves the entire area. • The Ranch ' Larimer County completed construction on a 7,200-seat events center September 2003 directly across Interstate 25 from the airport. It is already substantially"booked"for the • year. Colorado's professional hockey team,the Avalanche,have already agreed to play exhibition games as this facility. A minor league hockey team and women's professional basketball team have committed to play home games at the facility. Events that have • already been announced include: Bill Cosby(comedy), Scott Hamilton and Friends (ice skating), Kenny Rogers (singer),Motocross on Ice,Disney on Ice,Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live, and Lipizzaner Stallions. The facility will host concerts, professional rodeos, and many other events that will attract performers from around the nation and attract fans from the entire region,possibly the state. There are several other venues-that attract visitors from around the region. Events that call these venues home are related to animal best-in-breed competitions, product shows, sports activities and arts activities. Island Grove Regional Park, Colorado Marketplace, and a facility at CSU hold animal and product shows (i.e. animal competitions,boat shows, RV shows, and the like). • • 11 Attachment B Dniication:o Pubib: :rtilities C.jmmc,::;- - Docket No.03A-496T • Decision No.R05-0143 ` ortrrrn Coiurauu _ocat Calling.,+'::.:--;;.xr,..:::a February 2,2005 Page 40 0f 42 several sports complexes and golf courses (too numerous to mention) in the region serve as the location for tournament play with participants at all age groups that reside throughout Northern Colorado. • The Union Colony Civic Center (Greeley), Lincoln Center(Fort Collins) and the Rialto Theater(Loveland)bring the arts to the Northern Colorado region. They provide a . nationally acclaimed entertainment for a variety of tastes and preferences. Some of the performers/performances included in the 2003-2004 seasons include: Natalie Cole,B.B. King,Bob Newhart,SeussicaI, the Musical;Michael Flatley's Lord of the.Dance, and Kiss Me Kate. Just to name a few. , . • Conclusion Residents and businesses in Northern Colorado truly support a regional economy in every aspect of their lives. It is our hope that the Public Utilities Commission will see the value. of the body of evidence that has been submitted to establish a"community of interest": Evidence of the interdependence of the business centers in the Northern Colorado region • has been found to exist in every segment of the economy. > Growth management areas for Northern Colorado communities are • . • contiguous. ➢ There is substantial travel between three main business centers for both . employment and shopping. • - • ➢ Short distances, short travel times, accessible roadways,and moderate • travel traffic volumes between business centers in Northern Colorado are • factors that perpetuate interdependence. . > Businesses are buying local. 45%inputs used by primary employers to . generate goods and services are purchased from local businesses in the " region. - > The regional North Front Range Transportation& Air Quality Planning Council exists due to regional cooperation of the communities in Northern Colorado,particularly related to transportation initiatives. ➢ Regional economic development organizations exist because of the salability of the regional concept for recruiting businesses. • . > Utility providers have a dependence upon resources and customers throughout the region. • > Two major hospital systems (locations in Greeley, Loveland, and Fort Collins)provide services for patients throughout the region and are major employers in the region. \ . .• 12 Attachment B Docket No.03A-496T o _rm^nss[at Decision No.R05-0143 .r�plic-'ion to . ^b+ic E :iliti_t • February 2,2005 :i>rrherr. :.oiUrnuu Local :.:»: :g-,�eu::xpun:''.'-i+ Page 41 Of 42 • > Educational entities serve overlapping county areas for kindergarten through 12th grade. Windsor residents that attend Thompson Valley (Loveland) schools. > Universities and community colleges serve the entire region. These institutions are serving a role in continuing education for the businesses in the area and are amongst the largest employers in the region. • > Non-profit agencies,Larimer and Weld counties work together to address human service needs of the region, as well as support the strong agricultural business segment of the region through extension services. > Regional leisure destinations attract users from the entire region providing • a well-rounded,higher quality of life. • The Northern Colorado region is a regional economy. We understand that there'could be an incremental increase to the monthly bill for each customer throughout the calling the area based on infrastructure costs to make the expansion possible. It is our hope that given i number of customers included in the proposed area each customer's proportional share • would be very small. We believe the monthly cost of long distance between the exchanges included in the application and the cost of service alternatives to avoid long distance calls would substantially reduce monthly financial obligations of businesses and • residents in our region.. • • • • • • • 13 • Attachment B • Docket No.203A-096T ,DDUCCQ071 lC "lf)]tC rtflaZlPS -11117n 1CS.UII Decision No.ROS-0143 .:ormern '2oioraao Locus C'atmg Area 2.xpans:o it - February 2,2005 Page 42 Of 42 Sources of Information Contained in this Report: 1. Exchange Area maps were provided by Edie Ortega,Public Affairs Manager, Qwest 331 Eastbrook Drive,Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 2. Urban Growth Areas/Growth Management Areas/City Limits map provided by Margie Joy,Public Participation and Outreach Manager,North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. 3. Regional Travel Patterns graphic provided by Margie Joy,Public Participation and Outreach Manager,North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. 4. 2001 Regional Household.Trawl Survey.Overview, conducted for The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization prepared by ETC Institute, Olthe,KS and Bucher,Willis &Ratliff, January 2002: 5. Northern Colorado Primary Employers Research Project, Final Analysis Report, prepared by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation, Loveland,Colorado,June,2003. • The consolidated Telephone Exchange.'map was prepared by Steve Holmes,Land Records Manager, City of Loveland. Web sites were"consulted"for basic descriptive and statistical information about the organizations. • _ North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization htty://www.nfrmvo.orW • Platte River Authority httti://www.vrpaorgL • Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District httn://www.ncwcd.orz/ • • Little Thompson Water.District htty://www.ltwd.org/ • Northern Colorado Economic Development Council htty://www.ncedc.com • Colorado State University http://welcome.colostate.edu/ • • • University of.Northern Colorado htty://www.unco.edu/ • • Front Range Community College htty://frcc.cc.co.us/ • Aims Community College htty://www.aims.edu/ • • All other information was made available by organizations mentioned in the document based on an interview process performed via e-mail,in person, or over the telephone. Interviews were conducted by Renee Wheeler, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Loveland. • • 14 Hello