Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20042993 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 DIRECT TESTIMONY AND EXHIBIT OF RENEE WHEELER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF LOVELAND, COLORADO September 30, 2004 2004-2993 n /0 - )H Ups nn - px OO3y TABLE OF CONTENTS I. IDENTIFICATION OF WITNESS AND PURPOSE OF TESTIMONY 1 II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2 III. COMMUNITY OF INTEREST STANDARD 8 IV. COST STUDY 10 V. CUSTOMER SURVEY 10 VI. REQUEST 11 APPENDIX A: STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFIDAVIT EXHIBIT RW-1 (60 PAGES-BOUND SEPARATELY) City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 1 of 12 1 I. IDENTIFICATION OF WITNESS AND PURPOSE OF TESTIMONY 2 3 Q. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS. 4 A. My name is Renee Wheeler, and my business address is 500 East Third Street, 5 Loveland, Colorado 80537. 6 7 Q. BY WHOM ARE YOU EMPLOYED AND IN WHAT CAPACITY? 8 A. I am employed by the City of Loveland, Colorado ("City") as the Assistant to the 9 City Manager. My responsibilities include public information and community 10 relations, policy research and development, and intergovernmental relations. I 11 also serve as the City of Loveland's state government legislative liaison. As the 12 Assistant to the City Manager, I assume project leadership for the City of 13 Loveland on issues common to Northern Colorado communities. 14 15 Q. HAVE YOU PREPARED A STATEMENT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AND 16 QUALIFICATIONS? 17 A. Yes. It is attached as Appendix A to this testimony. 18 19 Q. ARE YOU GENERALLY FAMILIAR WITH THE FILINGS IN DOCKET 20 NO. 03A-496T? 21 A. Yes. I authored the Northern Colorado Joint Application to Expand the Local 22 Calling Area filed November 14, 2003 ("Joint Application") and am generally 23 familiar with the other filings in this Docket No. 03A-496T. City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No.03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 2 of 12 1 2 Q. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR TESTIMONY? 3 A. My testimony provides background information regarding the Public Utilities 4 Commission ("Commission") rules applicable to this Docket No. 03A-496T, the 5 Joint Application, the cost studies filed by Nunn Telephone Company ("Nunn") 6 and Qwest Corporation ("Qwest"), and the customer survey performed by Qwest. 7 My testimony also discusses the evidence offered by the Applicants to meet their 8 burden of proof with regard to the community of interest alternative criteria 9 standard; the City of Loveland's position with regard to Qwest's cost study and 10 proposed rate increment of$.06 per access line; the City of Loveland's position 11 with regard to the customer survey; and the Applicants' request for an order of the 12 Commission expanding the local calling area in Northern Colorado as set forth in 13 the Joint Application. 14 15 II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 16 17 Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND TO BE THE COMMISSION RULES 18 APPLICABLE TO DOCKET NO. 03A-496T? 19 A. The Joint Application was filed pursuant to Rule 723-2-17.3.2, "Process for 20 Expanding a Local Calling Area," which provides, in part, that the Commission 21 will consider the expansion of a local calling area upon the petition of a body 22 politic within the soliciting exchange area. The Joint Application seeks an order 23 of the Commission expanding the local calling area in Northern Colorado based City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 3 of 12 1 on a finding of a community of interest under the alternative criteria standard set 2 forth in Rule 723-2-17.3.3.2. This rule provides as follows: 3 The Commission may consider requests for consideration of the 4 establishment of a new local calling area based upon clear and 5 convincing evidence that a community of interest exists among the 6 exchanges that do not currently meet the criteria of Rule 17.3.3.1 7 [Calling Volume Standard]. In evaluating such a request, the 8 Commission shall consider community of interest issues dictated 9 by urban growth patterns, and the present and future availability of 10 essential services in rural areas. Criteria to be used by the 11 Commission in making its determination shall include: (a) the local 12 calling area principles of Rule 17.3.1 [which provides that, "in 13 general and to the extent possible, each local calling area . . . 14 should: (.1) allow customers to place and receive calls without 15 payment of a toll charge to 9-1-1, their county seat, municipal 16 government, elementary and secondary school districts, libraries, 17 primary centers of business activity, police and fire departments, 18 and essential medical and emergency services; (.2) be provided in 19 both directions between the two exchange areas; and (.3) not 20 exhibit any discontinuities"]; (b) customer calling patterns; (c) the 21 location of serving transportation centers; (d) demographic profiles 22 of the residents of the exchange(s); and (e) location of primary 23 centers of business activity and employment centers, and the 24 location of employee residences. The Commission may consider 25 other pertinent factors such as the availability and feasibility of 26 optional calling plans, and the local and long distance competition. 27 28 Once the Joint Application is deemed complete, "any provider furnishing 29 service in and between the exchange areas being considered for inclusion in the 30 local calling area shall perform all necessary revenue and cost analyses to 31 quantify the rate increment per customer" ("cost study") pursuant to Rule 723-2- 32 17.3.5. 33 Once the cost study has been accepted by the Commission, the affected 34 local exchange provider(s) must perform "a statistically valid survey of all 35 residential customers in the exchange areas being considered for calling area City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 4 of 12 1 expansion" ("customer survey") pursuant to Rule 723-2-17.3.6. Under this rule, 2 "[t]he survey results must demonstrate at least a 50% positive acceptance of the 3 local calling area at the stated rate levels." 4 Once the customer survey has been accepted by the Commission, the 5 matter is set for public hearing, if required, pursuant to Rule 723-2-17.3.7. 6 7 Q. PLEASE PROVIDE SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT 8 THE JOINT APPLICATION FILED IN THIS DOCKET NO. 03A-496T. 9 A. On November 14, 2003, a Joint Application to Expand the Local Calling Area in 10 Northern Colorado was filed with the Commission by the following entities: 11 Larimer County, Colorado; Weld County, Colorado; City of Loveland, Colorado; 12 Loveland Chamber of Commerce; City of Greeley, Colorado; Town of Windsor, 13 Colorado; Windsor Chamber of Commerce; City of Fort Collins, Colorado; Fort 14 Collins Chamber of Commerce; Town of Ault, Colorado; Town of Timnath, 15 Colorado; Town of LaSalle, Colorado; Town of Kersey, Colorado; Town of 16 Mead, Colorado; Town of Nunn, Colorado; City of Evans, Colorado; Town of 17 Eaton, Colorado; Town of Estes Park, Colorado; Town of Milliken, Colorado; 18 Town of Platteville, Colorado; Town of Berthoud, Colorado; and Town of 19 Johnstown, Colorado (collectively, the "Applicants"). A copy of the Joint 20 Application is attached as Exhibit RW-1 to this testimony as a separately bound 21 document. 22 In brief, the Applicants seek an order of the Commission requiring an 23 expansion of the local calling area in Northern Colorado pursuant to Rule 723-2- City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 5 of 12 1 17.3.2 based on a finding of a community of interest under the alternative criteria 2 standard set forth in Rule 723-2-17.3.3.2. If ordered, this expansion would allow 3 for two-way calling between each of the communities listed in the Exhibit to the 4 Joint Application entitled "Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request." 5 On November 19, 2003, the Commission published its Notice of 6 Application Filed. By Decision No. C03-1350, Qwest and Nunn were made 7 indispensable parties to this docket. On December 15, 2003, Qwest and Nunn 8 filed a joint Notice of Intervention, Entry of Appearance, and Request for 9 Extension of Time and Waiver of Response Time. On December 19, 2003, the 10 Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC") filed its Notice of Intervention of Right, 11 Entry of Appearance and Request for Hearing. On December 30, 2003, the Staff 12 of the Public Utilities Commission ("Staff') filed its Notice of Intervention, Entry 13 of Appearance, Notice Pursuant to Rule 9(d) and Rule 24(a)(1) and Request for 14 Hearing. 15 The Joint Application was deemed automatically complete on February 16 19, 2004 pursuant to Decision No. C03-1465. 17 On August 30, 2004, the Applicants, Staff, the OCC, and Nunn filed a 18 Partial Stipulation and Partial Settlement Agreement of the Parties ("Partial 19 Stipulation") in which they stipulated to the facts set forth in the Joint Application 20 and agreed that said facts constitute clear and convincing evidence of a 21 community of interest under the alternative criteria standard. Although not a 22 party to the Partial Stipulation, Qwest did not object to approval of the Partial 23 Stipulation. In Decision No. R04-1070-I, Administrative Law Judge William J. City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No.03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 6 of 12 1 Fritzel found the Partial Stipulation to be just, reasonable, and in the public 2 interest and accepted the Partial Stipulation. No exceptions to the recommended 3 decision have been filed. 4 5 Q. DID NUNN AND QWEST FILE COST STUDIES IN ACCORDANCE 6 WITH RULE 723-2-17.3.5? 7 A. Yes. Nunn and Qwest filed the results of their respective analyses to quantify the 8 calling volumes per customer in the exchanges affected by the Joint Application 9 as well as all necessary revenue and cost analyses to quantify the rate increment 10 per customer on January 30, 2004. Nunn's cost study demonstrated that 11 expanding the local calling area would equate to a gross annual rate increment of 12 an additional $43,565 to be recovered from Nunn's customers. Qwest's cost 13 study demonstrated that expanding the local calling area would equate to a rate 14 increment of an additional $.06 per access line per month that could be added to 15 all of Qwest's residential and business local phone service rates for all customers 16 in its Colorado service territory. 17 Subsequent to the submittal of the cost studies, meetings were held with 18 the parties. As a result of those meetings, it was determined that Nunn would 19 offer an optional calling area plan while Northern Colorado Qwest customers 20 would receive a non-optional local calling area expansion that would include the 21 Nunn exchange. In addition, it was agreed that Qwest would revise its cost study. 22 Qwest filed its revised cost study on April 9, 2004. The revisions included 23 updated separation factors to reflect calendar year 2003, updated lost access City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 7 of 12 1 revenue data to reflect the decrease in access rates effective April 1, 2004, and 2 added expense components for property taxes, uncollectible expense, and reduced 3 Commission fees. 4 On May 13, 2004, Staff filed its Report Pursuant to 4 C.C.R. 723-2-17.3.5 5 in which it recommended that Qwest's revised cost study be accepted without 6 further modification. 7 On May 21, 2004, Administrative Law Judge Fritzel issued Decision No. 8 R04-0515-I in which he accepted Qwest's revised cost study filed on April 9, 9 2004 and ordered Qwest to proceed with the customer survey using the survey 10 form approved in the order. 11 12 Q. DID QWEST PERFORM A CUSTOMER SURVEY PURSUANT TO RULE 13 723-2-17.3.6 IN ACCORDANCE WITH DECISION NO. R04-0515-I? 14 A. Yes. Qwest filed its Notice of Survey Results on June 30, 2004. Qwest reported 15 that it mailed 1,600 surveys to a random selection of its residential customers 16 throughout the exchange areas being considered for calling area expansion. 17 Qwest further reported that of the 1,600 surveys mailed, 488 surveys (30.5%) 18 were returned, and of those surveys that were returned, 387 responded yes (79%) 19 and 101 responded no (21%). This result demonstrates a positive acceptance of 20 the local calling area at the stated rate levels in excess of the 50% required under 21 Rule 723-2-17.3.6.1. 22 City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 8 of 12 1 III. COMMUNITY OF INTEREST STANDARD 2 3 Q. WHAT FACTS HAVE THE APPLICANTS ESTABLISHED TO 4 DEMONSTRATE THAT A COMMUNITY OF INTEREST EXISTS 5 AMONG THE COMMUNITIES REQUESTING EXPANSION OF THE 6 LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO? 7 A. As stated in the Joint Application, Northern Colorado residents and businesses 8 support an interdependent, regional economy in every way. For example: 9 (1) Growth management areas for Northern Colorado communities are 10 contiguous. 11 (2) K-12 school districts in Northern Colorado serve overlapping county 12 areas; for example, some Windsor residents attend schools in the 13 Thompson Valley School District, located in Loveland. 14 (3) Northern Colorado universities and community colleges serve the entire 15 region, provide continuing education to area businesses, and are major 16 employers in the region. 17 (4) There is substantial travel between three main business centers (located in 18 Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland) for employment and shopping. 19 (5) Northern Colorado businesses buy locally; 45% of inputs used by primary 20 employers to generate goods and services are purchased from local 21 businesses. 22 (6) Regional economic development organizations exist due to the salability 23 of the regional concept for recruiting businesses. City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 9 of 12 1 (7) Nonprofit agencies, Larimer County, and Weld County work together to 2 address human services needs and support agricultural businesses in 3 Northern Colorado. 4 (8) Two major hospitals systems (located in Fort Collins, Greeley, and 5 Loveland) provide services for patients throughout Northern Colorado and 6 are major employers in the region. 7 (9) The regional North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality Planning 8 Council exists due to cooperation among Northern Colorado communities 9 on transportation initiatives. 10 (10) Utility providers are dependent upon resources and customers throughout 11 Northern Colorado. 12 (11) Northern Colorado leisure destinations attract users from the entire region. 13 As previously noted, the Applicants, Staff, the OCC, and Nunn have 14 stipulated to these and all other facts set forth in the Joint Application and agreed 15 that said facts constitute clear and convincing evidence of a community of interest 16 under the alternative criteria standard, and Qwest, although not a party to the 17 Partial Stipulation, did not object to its approval. Administrative Law Judge 18 Fritzel has issued a recommended decision finding the Partial Stipulation to be 19 just, reasonable, and in the public interest and accepting the Partial Stipulation. 20 No exceptions to the recommended decision have been filed. Therefore, I believe 21 the Applications have met their burden of proof on the community of interest, 22 alternative criteria standard. 23 City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 10 of 12 1 IV. COST STUDY 2 3 Q. DOES THE CITY OF LOVELAND ACCEPT THE COST STUDY FILED 4 BY QWEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS DOCKET NO. 03A-496T? 5 A. Yes. The City of Loveland takes no issue with the cost study filed by Qwest. 6 7 Q. WHAT IS THE CITY OF LOVELAND'S POSITION WITH REGARD TO 8 QWEST'S REQUEST FOR A RATE INCREASE OF $.06 PER ACCESS 9 LINE SHOULD THE COMMISSION ORDER THAT THE LOCAL 10 CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO BE EXPANDED? 11 A. The City of Loveland does not oppose Qwest's request to recover $.06 per access 12 line should the expansion be approved. 13 14 V. CUSTOMER SURVEY 15 16 Q. DOES THE CITY OF LOVELAND ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THE 17 CUSTOMER SURVEY CONDUCTED BY QWEST AS A 18 STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY OF ALL RESIDENTIAL 19 CUSTOMERS IN THE EXCHANGE AREAS BEING CONSIDERED FOR 20 EXPANSION IN CONFORMANCE WITH RULE 723-2-17.3.6? 21 A. Yes. The City of Loveland takes no issue with the customer survey conducted by 22 Qwest. As I previously noted, the customer survey demonstrated a 79% approval 23 rating among those residents who returned the survey, which satisfies the City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 11of12 1 requirements that the survey demonstrate at least a 50% positive acceptance of the 2 local calling area at the stated rate levels set forth in Rule 723-2-17.3.6.1. 3 4 VI. REQUEST 5 6 Q. WHAT DO YOU REQUEST OF THE COMMISSION? 7 A. I request that the Commission: 8 (1) Find that the Applicants have met their burden of proof by establishing 9 clear and convincing evidence of a community of interest among Northern 10 Colorado communities under the alternative criteria standard set forth in 11 Rule 723-2-17.3.3.2. 12 (2) Find that the cost study performed by Nunn pursuant to Rule 723-2-17.3.5 13 meets the requirements of and is acceptable under the rule. 14 (3) Find that the cost study performed by Qwest pursuant to Rule 723-2- 15 17.3.5 meets the requirements of and is acceptable under the rule. 16 (4) Find that the rate increment of$.06 per access line as proposed by Qwest 17 is a reasonable and fair apportionment of the costs associated with the 18 expansion pursuant to Rule 723-1-17.3.3.3. 19 (5) Find that the customer survey performed by Qwest pursuant to Rule 723- 20 2-17.3.6, which survey found that 79% of the residents in the local calling 21 area favor the expansion with a $.06 increase per access line, is 22 statistically valid and represents a favorable response that would support 23 an order by the Commission requiring expansion. City of Loveland—Renee Wheeler Docket No. 03A-496T Direct Testimony Page 12 of 12 1 (6) Order that the local calling area in Northern Colorado be expanded as 2 requested in the Joint Application. 3 4 Q. DOES THIS CONCLUDE YOUR TESTIMONY AT THIS TIME? 5 A. Yes. APPENDIX A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS OF RENEE WHEELER I received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Clear Lake, Texas and a Masters of Business Administration from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. I have been a Certified Government Finance Officer since 1998, a professional designation issued by the national Government Finance Officers Association for tested proficiency in five finance administration competencies and government finance service experience. I was a member of the Government Finance Officers Association for many years and reviewed budgets from around the nation and Canada for the Distinguished Budget Presentation awards program from 1993 to 2003. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement and Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County and meet regularly with the City Managers in the Northern Colorado region. I have 19 years of local government experience, beginning with a collegiate internship in 1985 to my current position with the City of Loveland. From July, 2001 to April, 2003, I was employed as Budget Manager by the City and County of Broomfield, where I was responsible for the management of the budget and performance measurement. From June, 1994 to July, 2001, I was employed as an Assistant to the City Manager by the City of Greeley, where my duties included budget management, performance management, capital projects planning, and overseeing projects related to community diversity and organizational strategy. As an Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Loveland, I manage the City's public information and public relations, coordinate various policy development and research committees, and am charged with developing an organization legislative agenda and working with Colorado legislators related to bills proposed during the legislation session. I am also responsible for coordinating projects related to regional efforts in the Northern Colorado area, which has included research, development, and coordination associated with filing the Joint Application to expand the local calling area in Northern Colorado. BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO DOCKET NO. 03A-469T IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE LOCAL CALLING AREA IN NORTHERN COLORADO I, Renee Wheeler, being duly sworn, state that the attached testimony and exhibits were prepared by me or under my supervision, control, and direction; that the testimony and exhibits are true and correct to the best of my information, knowledge, and belief; and that I would give the same testimony orally and would present the same exhibits if asked under oath. — R ee Wheeler Subscribed and sworn to before me in the County of Larimer, State of Colorado this 30`h day of September, 2004. • 1+ Notary Public GLORIA D.BYRD • • i My Commission expires on '‘, OF CO.,' 1 '4e� c2 // op, w IWases7- � '—" 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 EXHIBIT RW-1 TO DIRECT TESTIMONY OF RENEE WHEELER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF LOVELAND, COLORADO September 30, 2004 fI I Public Utilities Commission Application to Expand the Local Calling Area Northern Colorado Joint Application November 12, 2003 Authored and Coordinated by: Renee Wheeler Assistant to the City Manager City of Loveland, • 500 East 3`d Street Loveland, Colorado 80537 • 970-962-2704 fax 970-962-2900 wheelr(&,ci.loveland.co.us f Public Utilities Commission Application to Expand the Local Calling Area Northern Colorado Joint Application November 12, 2003 Executive Summary Map Table of Calling Area Expansion Request by Community • Detail Application Exhibits Letters of Support 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 east and 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 three main business centers for {�. ( Regional Travel Patterns both employment and shopping. �r�Tl M%Htt ?'%%%Y/ - > Short distances, short travel times, I accessible roadways, and moderate r ., travel traffic volumes between business centers in Northern '" `"'^" -A A Colorado are factors that 1 Y ,F.,y� ,,, perpetuate interdependence. Source:North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization > 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 PUC Application for Expansion of Local Calling Area Executive Summary 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 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. 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 Pro seal (Lo ac l Ca li _ g,Area Expansion -- ------ --1---------_— ---- --- Telephone Exchanges LEGEND TYPE GROVER CIE= q Nux« �� nape..N.e.aa Ini ling cif un FORI CO ®ram la n.eia un ®sfmrt«unn EMEa Sala In ®OSYLNan ®r.cYu. . . .. [D a«paw PfALE — a.-NRw aXNM fAION A«Li AIL1`T `nS 14ViGE T.,GY :'''J e d+° ,-,--/ ��'�\ Gam- .LGNf[NO ,J GRf EIEY I IFITS-EY Ns............. EVMS J USvr. [41, .a�sraw y g Jr- .~- 4 L_ �DNNSIOYAIMLIN(fN BENiN01N14nEmrom wpm"f it f�'"i3M1 BFRT/RN.O' ACRE/ UGM1E S ' it Aso 10,2[113 f a ra d } (R£p � IM.ETTE� I.Nad'O@Efl 3 J I lee VunEMI L. LA Bau c e r LaxxarT .4/71 .....n rr Esrort ! ^ � (PlUM EseLNG L9 EYRE I Wd mTIy /w'� I Exhibit Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request - Exhibit I Exchange Current Calling Areas Pro_posed 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, Isles 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 l3erthoud, 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 (CenturyTel) Gilcrest Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Greeley, Estes Park, Ft. Collins, Loveland,Nunn Johnstown-Milliken, La Salle, Tele. Mead, Platteville, Windsor Greeley (Evans) Berthoud, Eaton-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 I.oceland Berthoud, Estes Park, Ii. Collins, Paton-Ault. (.itlerest. Greeley. I a Salle, Johnstown-Milliken, Mead Platteville, Windsor, Nunn Tele. Exhibit I - Page I of 2 • Exhibit Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request - Exhibit 1 Exchange Current Calling Areas Proposed Calling Areas (Extension) • Platteville 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. Collins, 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 • • • • • • • • • • rshibil 1 - Page 2 or 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. L_ - Telephone Exchanges e WOE 1 -36 -P A 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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 Management Areas,City Limits The North Front Range Transportation &Air .* Quality Planning Council staff collected information -41 about growth areas. These a areas are called Urban ///���'��J " - ' Growth areas in some uwM NV- communities and Growth c Management Areas in ll,g ;.14 i iil „... others. The map to the left ..:Y�it'm + , indicates plans for the L_.m 0, fa n communities to annex and --.=<�: ;�.t f=` nfln incorporate the areas into a.w °fi". ...t. their city limits. It clearly 11- a 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 Survey Overview, a North Front Regional Travel Patterns Range Metropolitan Planning I i 5_ .\ Organization (NFRMPO) 1774 kart Fort Conlin to work .I I stud — study: rf C'. _39% of the region comes to shopW — 4 • 30% of Greeley's workforce commutes '-- i I I- " , 7.7. 30% leave Greeley to work outside Greeley ;• " I • 45% of Loveland's 45% leave., ..-t— Loveland to work, t -- I workforce commutes I ., l•"t_ !hernial; 31% of comes to shop�, outside of Loveland 38% of the region comes to shop __--,A Collins• 17%of Fort e ' * '4x comma workforce commutes l a: �: outside of Fort Collins COMMIS Greater Denver 2 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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. City Miles Minutes Loveland 8 10 Greeley 29 35 Windsor 10 15 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' ability 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 employees or 16% of the total Larimer Other Adams County workforce lives in Larimer 19% 5% County and works in other counties. ®Boulder 6,290 or 30% of them commute to warn s9^io Weld County. 30% Denver 1o% 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. 3 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion The NCEDC Primary Employers report also International found that"45% of the National inputs used by local business included in the Regional(between 50-250 mi.) research are purchased Local(within 50 mi.) from businesses within 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 yrs 35 yrs old ;,: or less • 0 20 40 60 80 Percentage of Workforce 4 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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 next 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 far 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 from 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. 5 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion They strive to enhance the region's future by supporting existing businesses and recruiting new businesses to our vibrant communities. They are focused on 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 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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; i 0 367 from the greater of them from Greeley area and 678 from Windsor Windsor/Johnstown/Milliken Poudre Valley Health Systems Health Systems of Fort Collins, Colorado and Regional West Medical Center of Scottsbluff, 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 in the obstetrics department, add two additional surgical suites and enlarge the Peri 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 employers in the area. Communications within the region are particularly important in this industry. 7 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Primary Education (K— 12) The map to the right illustrates the issue with *•�a^^^• kML •r Exchange, overlapping boundaries. 'MP,� , The brown line is the - // easterly border of the rte.,""'' Thompson Valley -_= School District. There w are several Windsor students in the proposed ,1Z_ calling area expansion � A (light green) that attend .9Q Thompson Valley Schools. It is a long 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 Doctoral/Research 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion • 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 Larimer County residents were enrolled as students in 2002. • UNC does business with 400-450 Larimer County commercial vendors annually • 123 of their 1,382 employees live in Larimer County(9%) • 794 undergraduate and 241 graduate students attend UNC and live in Larimer County Front Range Community College Front Range Community College has campuses in Boulder, Boulder County, Brighton, Larimer(Fort Collins), Estes Park, Longmont, and Westminster. The Larimer Campus in Fort Collins provides education and is an employer in Larimer 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, Larimer County, Teledyne Water Pik, LSI Logic and Anheuser-Busch. Eastman Kodak located in Windsor is currently a long distance call. Aims 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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 Larimer 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 3 Pt. This event brings together well over 200 nonprofit agencies from Larimer and Weld Counties to meet with finders from across the state to explore new funding opportunities. The Loveland Community Health Center is a non-profit 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, Inc. 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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 concerns 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 Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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, Seussical, 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 • Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion ➢ Educational entities serve overlapping county areas for kindergarten through 1e 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 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 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 • Application to Public Utilities Commission Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion 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 Travel 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 Exchanges 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 http://www.nfrmoo.org/ • Platte River Authority http://www.prpa.org/ • Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District http://www.ncwcd.org/ • Little Thompson Water District http://www.ltwd.org/ • Northern Colorado Economic Development Council http://www.ncedc.com • Colorado State University http://welcome.colostate.edu/ • University of Northern Colorado http://www.unco.edu/ • Front Range Community College http://frcc.cc.co.us/ • Aims Community College http://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 Public Utilities Commission Application to Expand the Local Calling Area Northern Colorado Joint Application November 12, 2003 Exhibits: Exhibit 1: Table Clarifying the Calling Area Request Exhibit 2: Intergovernmental Agreement for Community Development Block Grant Business Revolving Loan,Funds Exhibit 3: Island Grove Treatment Center, Inc. Health and Human Services Community Partnerships Program Agreement Exhibit 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 (CenturyTel) Gilcrest Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Greeley, Estes Park, Ft. Collins, Loveland, Nunn Johnstown-Milliken, La Salle, Tele. Mead, Platteville, Windsor Greeley (Evans) Berthoud, Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Estes Park, Ft. Collins, Loveland Hudson, Johnstown-Milliken, Keenesburg, La Salle,Mead, Platteville, Weldona, Windsor, Roggen wire center,Nuim 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, It. Collins, Eaton-Ault, Gilcrest, Greeley, I.a Salle, • Johnstown-Milliken, Mead Platteville, Windsor, Nunn Tele, • • • Exhibit I - Page I of 2 Exhibit Table to Clarify Calling Area Expansion Request - Exhibit I Exchange Current Calling Areas Proposed Calling Areas(Extension) Platteville 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. Collins, 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 • • • • • • If.�hihil I - Page 2 ul 2 Sep 15 03 09: 36a EDRP ( 901352-2436 p. 2 I_XHILIII 2 INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUSINESS REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS THIS AGREEMENT, made this Second day of December , 2002_, by and among the following: 1. Weld County 2. Latimer County WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement have the authority pursuant to Article XIV, Section 18 of the Colorado Constitution and Section 29-1-201, et. seq., Colorado Revised Statutes, to enter into intergovernmental agreements for the purpose of providing any service or performing any function which they can perform individually. WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to cooperate in developing and carrying out a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project, the purpose of which is to support the Weld/Larimer Revolving Loan Fund,a small business revolving loan fund program. NOW THEREFORE,the parties hereby mutually agree as follows; 1. Designation of Lead Party. Weld County shall act as the lead party in developing and carrying out said proposed CDBG project. 2. Responsibilities of Lead Party. In its capacity of lead part Weld Count shall be the lead jurisdiction in making application to the State Department of Local Affairs (State) for CDBG funds and shall be the grantee of the State for such funds, if awarded. As the grantee of the State, it shall be fully and solely responsible to the other parties to this Agreement for compliance with all financial management environmental review, labor standards, civil tights„recordkeeping, reporting and other, requirements of the CDBG program cohtahhed in the Appfemtt Statement of Assurances Indteitlbeafotis,and in the grant contract with the state,except those specified in Paragraph 3 hereinafter. - 3. 'Responsibilities of All • Parties. Each party-to this Agreement shall be Individually responsible for compliance with the following requirements of the CDBG program: • a) adopting a required Citizen Participation Plan, and providing to its citizens information and opportunftiesto comment as required by the State In developing an application and in substantially changing project activities; b) identifying its community development and housing needs, including the needs of low and moderate Income persons, and the activities to be undertaken to meet such needs; c) adopting a required Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan which calls for replacement of demolished or converted low/moderate income housing units and • provision of necessary relocation assistance;and d) taking actions to affirmatively further fair housing. 7 Furthermore, each party shall provide documentation to Weld County.demonstrating its • compliance with the requirements specified In the Paragraph 3.and Weld County • that retain such documentation and other required records and documents for the period of time specified by the State. • . . • 4. • Contacting.' Weld County shalt contract with GreeleiNYeld Economic Development Action Partnership.Inc(EDAP) or,with other eligible ind vtduals or entities 8 8 EXHIBIT 2 - . Page 1 Of 3 Sep 15 03 09: 36a EDRP (9^01352-2436 p. 3 it EXHIBIT 2 • to carry out all or any portion of the responsibilities assumed by Weld County under this Agreement and its grant contract with the State. 5. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for so long as the parties to this Agreement are pursuing CDBG funding for said proposed project or. if awarded, carrying out such project activities. Any party to this Agreement may, however, terminate its participation in this Agreement six months after providing written notice of such termination to the other parties of this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by agreement of all parties to this Agreement unless a grant contract is in effect with the State. In this case, the State must approve such termination and arrangements for completing the project. 6. Modification and Chances. The terms of this Agreement may be modified or changed at any time by agreement of all parties to this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day first above written. Weld County • Larimer County (Lead Party) JJ 1 (Party) By: ALA.).....“ By:-- �� Glenn Vaad Glenn Gibson Chairman Chairman Weld County Commissioners Larimer County Commissioners • 71 8 EXHIBIT 2 - Page 2 of 3 • Sep 15 03 09: 36a FriAP ( 0"'01352-2436 p. 4 XHIBII 2 VVe& /LarilnerREVOLVING LOAN FUND A fund administered by the Greeley/Weld Economic Development Action Parine:ship, Inc (EDAP) The Weld/Larimer Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was established to assist with the financial needs of companies expanding or locating to the rural areas of Weld or tarimer County. The program is funded through the State of Colorado CDBG allocation. Greeley/Weld Economic Development (EDAP), a private, non-profit economic development agency, administers the RLF. FUND HIGHLIGHTS The RLF can provide short-term financing for up to 45% of project costs, and may assume a second or third collateral position in order to leverage other lender involvement. The minimum loan amount is $50,000. Based on the financial needs of the applicant and use of the borrowed funds, typical terms will extend 5-7 years, and interest rates are based on the current prime rate. Remaining project costs can be funded through bank financing, private investors or loans, SBA/CHAFA programs, etc. At least 10% of the project should be provided by the borrower. USE OF FUNDS • RLF funds can be used for the acquisition or expansion of borrower-occupied real estate, the purchase of inventory and equipment, and for working capital. Refinancing of existing debt is permitted in some cases. WHO QUALIFIES Any business that meets the following criteria: 1) Is a private, for profit organization. 2) Is located in,considering locaWug in,or expar,Kdirlg,In rural Weld or Latimer County. . . • 3) Is considereS Lo be abase"industry((.e.manufacturing,P24 processing,distribution;etc.). . These businesses will be given priority. However, retail or service businesses are also eligible. 4) Can demonstrate that the project being funded cis creating new jobs,-retaining jobs, or that the • principal beneficiaries of any jobs created/retained are low to moderate income persons. For each - $20,000 in RLF funds loaned to a business, one new job must be created or retained. APPLICATION PROCESS 1) Contact other funding sources to determine what financial assistance is available. 2) Contact the EDAP office at (970) 356-4565 to determine your eligibility for the RLF program and to receive application materials. 3) Working with your lending partner, complete application and forward to EDAP. 4) Applications will be reviewed by staff and, if recommended, will be reviewed by the RLF Loan Committee. 5) Loan packages approved by RLF Loan Committee will be sent to the State Office of Business Development for final approval. 6) This process will take approximately 6-8 weeks. OBTAINING AN APPLICATION • Applications are accepted at any time. There is a non-refundable-$100 application fee and dosing fees • equal to 2% of the'total RLF assistance will be assessed-at loan dosing. Complete program guidelines and an application are available by contacting: • • • Greeley/Weld EDAP, Inc. 822 7"'Street, Suite 550,Greeley, CO 80631 (970)356-4565 •FM(970)352-2436 Rev 8/03 EXHIBIT 2 - Page s TT -3 • eXH ( Fill 3 Health and Human Services Community Partnerships Program CONTRACT #CP1'011 - 03 THIS CONTRACT, by and between the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ( )l= IARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO, hereinafter referred to as the "County" and Island Grove Regional Trc.umcnt C:rnl 'r, Ins . hereinafter referred to as "Contractor". WITNESSETH THAT WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, Colorado desire and are able to support human services provided in the City and in the County and wish to appropriate funds for human services via the Health and Human Services Community Partnership Program (HHSCPP); and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the County that such funds be administered and monitored by a single entity, with the appropriate entity being the Health and Human Services Division of Larimer County, Colorado; and WHEREAS, the County desires to engage the Contractor to render certain services: NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto mutually agree as follov..s: 1.0 ENGAGEMENT OF CONTRACTOR The County hereby agrees to engage the Contractor and the Contractor hereby agrees to perform the servicerhereinafter set forth in Exhibit 4,Scope of Services attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. iii INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The services to be performed by the Contractor are those of an independent contractor and said services are not performed by the Contractor as an employee or agent of the County. 1.2 CONTRACTOR INDEMNITY To the extent permitted by Colorado law, the Contractor shall fully defend; indemnify, and hold harmless the County from any liability or responsibility for any damages, injuries or claims made by or on behalf of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity, arising in any way out of the services performed by the Contractor pursuant to this Contract. 1.3 INSURANCE The.Contractor shall c6mply with the Larimer County.Insurance Requirements.for .Contractors, a'copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as • • Exhibit B. EXHIBIT - Page I of 8 EXHIBIT 3 2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES The Contractor shall do, perform, and carry out, in a satisfactory manner, as determined by the County, all work elements and any special conditions found herein described in Exhibit A, Scope of Services, of this Contract attached hereto and made a part hereof. 3.0 TIME OF PERFORMANCE The services of the Contractor are to commence 1 January 2003. The County acknowledges that the Contract amount does not fully cover the cost of the project. The Contractor shall make every effort to see that the project is undertaken in such sequence as to assure continuation of services required hereunder through 31 December 2003. 4.0 COMPENSATION The County shah compensate the Contractor in payments of 1/4 the allocated amount to be received at the beginning of each calendar quarter. It is expressly understood and agreed that in no event shall the total compensation to be paid hereunder exceed the maximum amount of Forty Five Thousand Three Hundred Eighteen and 00/100 Dollars (45,318_00) for all services provided. 5.0 FUNDING CONTINGENCY The Contract and the obligations of the County hereunder are expressly contingent upon adequate funds being budgeted and appropriated or otherwise made available, therefor. 6_0 CHANGES • Any changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the Contractor's compensation, method of service delivery, hours, or any other relevant programmatic changes, which are mutually agreed upon by and between the County and the Contractor, shall be incorporated in written amendments to this Contract, prior to the changes occurring. 7.0 PERSONNEL The Contractor represents that it has, or shall secure at its own expense, all personnel required in performing the services under this Contract. Such personnel shall not be employees nor contractors of the County. 7.1 QUALIFICATIONS All of the services required hereunder shah be performed by.the Contractor or under its supervision, and all personnel engaged in the work shall be fully qualified and shall.be eligible under the law to perform such services: 2 of 8 • • 3 of 8 LXHIBIT 3 7.2 SUBCONTRACT None of the work or set-vices covered by this Contract shall be subcontracted ‘vii how the prior written approval of the County- 7.3 L10ENSURF Where the State or local public jurisdictions require licensure for die provision of(Inc and alcohol services provided hereunder, the Contractor shall be properly licensed therefore. 8.0 REPORTING The Contractor shall provide an adequate financial accounting system to handle the accounting of all income and expenditures. The Contractor shall also maintain a reporting system sufficient to report outcomes and demographic information as required by the County. Accounting records which fairly present the financial status of the Contractor or the programs funded by the County shall be maintained and kept current for the Contract period, and shall be retained for a period of three years following the end of the current fiscal year. The Contractor shall submit to the County a six month report and a year end report with any other data, back-up information or results the County deems necessary. The six month report --will—will be due 18 July 2003 and the year end report will be due 16 January 2004. Required reports -- that are late will be considered a breach of Contract unless prior arrangements have been made between the County and the Contractor. Action will betaken based on Paragraph 17.0. The above reports will be sent to: Kathy Snell,Director • Larimec Couttty Health and Human Services Division ' • - 1525 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 • 9.0 AUDITS AND INSPECTIONS During the Contract period, the retention period and for as long thereafter as the records are maintained, at any time during normal business hours, the County or its authorized representatives, shall have the right of access to any books, documents, papers or other records of the Contractor with respect to all matters covered by this Contract in order to make audit, examination, excerpts, transcripts, and photodopies. The Contractor will have an annual examination performed by an independent, certified public accountant in accordance with the Standards of Accounting and Financial Reporting for Voluntary Health and Welfare Organizations within the valid dates of this Contract. 3 of 8 EXHIBIT 3 10.0 NON-DISCRIMINATION The Contractor will comply with all pertinent and prevailing laws, regulations and ordinances of Federal, State and Local Governments in regard to employment and services, includ ins without limitation: The Contractor will comply with all pertinent and prevailing laws, regulations and ordinances of Federal, State and Local Governments in regard to employment and services, including without limitation: A. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336). • B. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), C. Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352, relating to non- discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin or any other classification or category that is illegal or impermissible pursuant to applicable federal or state statutory.or decisional law). D. Executive Order No. 11426 entitled "Equal Employment Opportunity" as supplemented infthe Department of Labor Regulations (41 C.F.R. 884). The Contractor shall keep such records and submit such reports concerning the racial and ethnic origin of employees as the County may require. The Contractor shall retain all records deemed by the County to be reasonably pertinent to this Contract for the contract period and for a period of three years from the expiration of this Contract. • • E. The Contractor shall•develop arid implement a client grievance policy which will address any alleged infractions of any federal,state or local laws"by the Contractor • against recipients of of applicants for services. •This includes, but is not limited to,the above-mentioned laws. F. The Contractor shall submit to the County reports describing any change in policy, program or operational processes which affect client eligibility for services, timeliness of service delivery, availability of services or other limitations on amount or scope of service. Such reports will be due no later than 10 working days after decision to adopt such change. G. The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of religion and will not limit employment or give preference in employment to persons on the basis of religion. • H. The Contractor will not discriminate against any person applying for.services on the • basis of religion and will not limit such services or give preference to persons on the • .• basis•ofreligion. - • 4 of 8 • LXIIIIIII 3 I. The Contractor will provide no religious instruction or counseling, conduct no religious worship rn ',crvices, engage in no religious prosilytizin;;, and exert no {nlirr religious influence in the provision of services. 1 I.: RESIDENCY OR FAILURE TO CONTRIBUTE The Contractor shall not ,Dn.' any person service due to a lack of longevity of residency or residency in Larimer County or because the person cannot contribute to the cost of the service. 12.0 PUBLICATION, REPRODUCTION AND USE OF MATERIAL Material produced in whole or in part under this Contract may be eligible for copyright in the United States, provided that the County and Contractor reserve royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, or authorize others to use, all such material. 12.1 STATEMENT OF CONTRACT WITH LARIMER COUNTY The Contractor will include the wording "funded in part by the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County" and/or the official City of Fort Collins and Larimer County logos, on printed materials (including letterhead) prepared and used by the Contractor. Failure to include the wording on printed materials as required above will be considered a breach of the Contract and Contracted payment will be withheld until said breach has been rectified. 13.0 PROCUREMENT • • All procurement transactions for.supplies,equipment and services shall be conducted in.a • • manner to provide;to the maximum extent practicable,open and free competition. • 14.0 INTEREST OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY AND OTHERS No elected officer or employee of the County shall participate in any decision relating to this Contract which directly or indirectly affects his/her pecuniary interest or the pecuniary interest of any corporation, partnership, or organization in which he/she is an officer, director or employee; nor shall they personally solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from Contractor or its employees. 15.0 INTEREST OF CONTRACTS The Contractor covenants that he/she presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the per,formance of services required to he performed under this Contract. The Cont r:ctor further covenants that in the performance of this Contract no person having any such interest shall be employed -by Contractor. • . • 5 0f 8 f_ XH113IT 16.0 ASSIGNABILITY The Contractor shall not assign any interest in this Contract, and shall not transfer any interest in die same (whether by assignment, novation, or otherwise), without the prior written ccrosent of the County thereto. 17.0 TERMINATION In such case the Contractor fails to meet the required service levels or reporting requirements set forth in this Contract, payment will be withheld until requirements, including service levels, outcomes and other reporting requirements have been met. Further, either party (the County or the Contractor) may terminate this Contract, with or without cause, upon 30 days written notice to the other party. 17.1 COMPENSATION In the event of termination, the Contractor shall (provided the Contractor has not otherwise breached this Contract) be paid an amount which bears the same ratio to the total compensation as the period of time between the effective date hereof and the date of termination bears to the full contract period. 18.0 LIABILITY Notwithstanding the above, the Contractor shall not be relieved of liability to the County for damages sustained by the County by virtue of any breach of the Contract by the Contractor, and the County may withhold any payments to the Contractor for the purpose of setoff until such time.as 4e exact amount of damage$due the County from the Contractor is.determined. • 19.0 REMEDIES Where the Contractor violates or breaches Contract terms, the County, in its discretion, may, in addition to terminating this Contract, institute such administrative, contractual, legal or equitable remedies available to the County as may be appropriate. In such event, the Contractor shall, to the extent permitted by Colorado law, pay the County's costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred thereby. In the event either of the parties hereto shall initiate legal action against the other to enforce this agreement or to obtain damages for any alleged breach, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs. 220 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES It is expressly understood and agreed to between the parties that the enforcement of the terms • and conditions of this Contract and'all rights of action related to such enforcement shall be. ' • strictly reserved to the County and the named Contractor: Nothing`contained in this Contract • shall give or allow any claim or right of action whatsoever to or by'any third person. It is the expressed intent of the County and the named Contractor that any person or entity, other than 6 of 8 EXHIBIT the ( :ounty or the named Contractor, receiving services or benefits under this Con!raci !dill! lie deemed and incidental beneficiary only. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have made and executed this Contract this 20 day of `13crc cra---- a` 2002 FOR THE LARIMER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: Frank Lancaster, County Manage: CONTRACTOR: • • • •• Island Grove Regional Treatment Center,Inc. • BY: 126\d19(P,Ir✓ Authorized Agent Name: BJ Dean - " " Title: Executive Director • • • • 7 of 8 • EXHIBIT 3 Exhibit "A" SCOPE OF SERVICES CONTRACTOR: Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, Inc. 1. Project Description: The Project shall consist of: • The provision of non-hospital based (non-medical) substance abuse detoxification services to Larimer County residents referred to the Contractor by appropriate Larimer County authorities and agencies. • The establishment of continuing post-release care management and support services as may be required for Larimer County service recipients. • The provision of transportation for referrals from specific sites in Larimer County to the Contractor's facility. Specific sites and times of pick up, including weekends and holiday holding and pickups, shall be arranged between the Contractor, appropriate law enforcement agencies and other agencies in Larimer County. 2. Project Administration: The Contractor shall be responsible for the administration of the Project. 3. Project Monitoring: Larimer County Health and Human Services Division staff shall monitor the Project for the County. 4. Time of Performance: This Contract shall be effective upon full and proper execution. Pursuant to section 3.0 of the main body of this document, the Contract shall commence no sooner than 1 January 2003 and expire 31 December 2003. 5. Project Budget: $ 20,100.00 Services Only $ 8,668.00 Services Only y $ 16,55000 Transportation Only ,t ,s.�x &t1�..aitgr e^, .:_�. Rats* , .mss_"_:•_ Project outcomes are as per.the Contractor's proposal. The Contractor will ensure that City of Fort Collins funds are use to serve residents of the City of Fort Collins. Transportation funds are to be used solely for transporting Larimer County residents who reside in unincorporated areas of Larimer County. 6. Payment Schedule: The Contractor shall be paid on a quarterly basis pursuant to the terms set fourth in Paragraph 4.0 of the main body of this Contract for actual and proper expenditures of HHSCP Program funds. $ 45,318.00 Paid quarterly in increments of 1/4 the full contracted amount to meet immediate cash needs: . 7. Reporting Schedule: The Contractor shall submit to the County, reports and other data, back-up information or results the County deems necessary in the manner prescribed in Paragraph 8.0 in the main body of the Contract. 8 of 8 Public Utilities Commission Application to Expand the Local Calling Area Northern Colorado Joint Application November 12, 2003 Letters of Support: Lorimer County Weld County City of Loveland Loveland Chamber of Commerce City of Greeley Town of Windsor • Windsor Chamber of Commerce City of Fort Collins Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Town of Ault Town of Timnath Town of LaSalle Town of Kersey Town of Mead Town of Nunn City of Evans Town of Eaton Town of Estes Park Town of Milliken Town of Platteville Town of Berthoud Town of Johnstown (sent directly to PUC) Public Utilities Commission Application to Expand the Local Calling Area Northern Colorado Joint Application November 12, 2003 Letters of Support: Lorimer County Weld County City of Loveland Loveland Chamber of Commerce City of Greeley Town of Windsor Windsor Chamber of Commerce City of Fort Collins Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Town of Ault Town of Timnath Town of LaSalle Town of Kersey Town of Mead Town of Nunn City of Evans Town of Eaton Town of Estes Park Town of Milliken • • Town of Platteville • Town of Berthoud • Town of Johnstown (sent directly to PUC)- LARIMER BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY Post Office Box 1190 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522-1190 (970)498-7004 Fax(970)498-7006 CONv',ITTLD TO LXC_LLtNCL November 4, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Change in Local Calling Area for Northern Colorado The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners have voted unanimously to support the modification of the local calling areas in Northern Colorado to include western Weld county and eastern Larimer County in one single calling area. This area of Northern Colorado clearly functions as a single economic community, and certainly should be defined as a single community of interest. Several communities now straddle the county line between Larimer and Weld counties, and many of our residents live in one county and work in another. Recreational opportunities are spread throughout both counties and used by citizens in both counties. Specifically, there are many ties between Larimer and Weld County Governments. We both participate in the Upper Front Range and the Northern Front Range Transportation Planning . Organizations. We share the Weld/Larimer Revolving Loan fund, helping economic. • development throughout the region. Even in our 4-H youth program, we have many participants in the Larimer County 4-H program who live in Weld County. These economic and social ties will continue to grow, as the community of Northern Colorado continues to grow. We believe that it is in the best interest of the region, and of the citizens of Larimer County to make this area a single local calling area. ,KItaY .� /.fint -� �-- Kathay Rennels Tom Bender Glenn Gibson Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner District 1 District 2 District 3 • 0 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 41fr\ OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS I PHONE: 970-336-7204 C FAX: 10TH 970-352-0242 O 915 10TH STREET P.O. BOX 758 COLORADO GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 November 10, 2003 Bruce N.Smith,Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street,OL 2 Denver,CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr.Smith: On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,I am writing to express support of the Northern Colorado request for expansion of the local calling area. This change would result in a significant benefit for local businesses and organizations within the calling area, including unincorporated areas of Weld County. Evidence suggests that the economy of Northern Colorado is of a regional nature. The area operates similar to a metro district, primarily because of the interdependence between individual members of the business community. Transactions between businesses are significant,as evidenced by surveys conducted by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization has also studied commuter patterns in the region. These studies indicate that employment opportunities,educational facilities,leisure activities and shopping also take on a regional tone,as • residents travel throughout the area to access businesses and organizations to fulfill their needs: This economic interdependence is perpetuated by short traveling distances,easily accessible roadways,and moderate traffic volumes. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggests that the trends will continue to reinforce this regional attitude of Northern Colorado residents. A standard landline calling system,with local calling access would benefit not only my community,but the entire region. We appreciate your consideration of this request. Sincerely, BOA CO C SIGNERS • T i •r David E.Long,Chair• . - Robert D.Masden,Pro Tem • M.J.Geile .• • • • William H.Jerke Glenn Vaad • 1) pc: Clerk to the Board l rc CITY OF LOVELAND • • • October 21, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver. CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. 'Sincerely 2 • • • Kathy • Gilli}and • Mayor O Printed on `4Y Recycled Paper • PIM CITY OF LOVELAND ,J4•er'"t October 21, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely Don Williams • • City Manager • r yr OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER City of • Greeley 1000 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631 (970) 350-9774 October 10, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range' Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely • Le nard Wiest City Manager SERVING • OUR COMMUNITY • I T ' s A TRADITION (.A,p/'o/n/se/u pre.%et'tJe rind 1/12/1/'uue//w iuu///5/ r//1`P fu/ 'i2 Yv/ey /hruf/r/h //ufc'/2. wiur/✓Gus Gilt/COS/cff ChDe svw/Ce. LOVELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE l�thmtririq th, lrnnnntli II('ll-Hri/ft: nl thr ( • nrmnnili October 15, 2003 Mr. Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing on behalf of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center to express our support of the request for expansion of the local calling area. The opportunity provided to our local businesses would greatly enhance their communications with outlaying communities. A key point in support of this request is that Northern Colorado has been recognized for years as a MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area). That designation was achieved by combining the communities (Loveland and Fort Collins) to meet the MSA criteria. In addition, transactions between businesses located in neighboring communities are significant, as evidenced by the Northern Colorado Primary Employers Research Project completed June 2003 by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation. The primary employers benefit from the regional workforce and rely.on the interaction between the `cluste ed' industries and.their timlia \24064%,(Ste, Not only wwyld he exp.gpsimkeeftpacal busines,�,ur g re$.dents woy, ertefltps well. • Recently the NFRMPO (North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization) has researched the number of commutes between Loveland and surrounding communities—resulting in nearly 45% of Loveland residents commuting to work and shopping everyday. The Northern Colorado area is considered a large intermingled community by many; and for countless residents, does not have boundaries. Businesses and residents do not hesitate to travel between Northern Colorado communities to shop, go to work, go to school, and take advantage of many other opportunities. The community's businesses and residents are interdependent upon each other. The expansion of the local calling area makes since for Northern Colorado and should definitely be considered by the Public Utilities Commission. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our request. Sincer � . • Ro r Bates • Chair of the Board Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center .;400 Snm: (7.ck Grit. ]WIC 200• I ukc9an,l.( U S053S (970)667-6311 •Fax (970)667-521 I •hup://www.luvcland.urg • • WINDSOR • �,� .; Town of Windsor ������� :;(11lAidnultii:. rf • Niu,I„ '- ( 1,i,a iIn.c(l-, ,,. ;:iN`-, i. -. COLO October 3, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to express support of the Northern Colorado request for expansion of the local calling area. This change would result in a significant benefit for local businesses and organizations within the calling area. Evidence suggests that the economy of Northern Colorado is of a regional nature. The area operates similar to a metro district, primarily because of the interdependence between individual members of the business community. Transactions between businesses are significant, as evidenced by surveys conducted by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization has also studied commuter patterns in the region. These studies indicate that employment opportunities, educational facilities, leisure activities and shopping also take on a regional tone, as residents travel throughout the area to access businesses and organizations to fulfill their needs. This economic interdependence is perpetuated by short traveling distances,easily accessible roadways,and moderate traffic volumes. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggests that the trends will continue to reinforce this regional attitude of Northern Colorado residents. A standard landline calling system,with local calling access would benefit not only my community,but the entire region. We appreciate your consideration of this request. Sincerely, /2/ ///(( 77' \ W.Wayne Miller Mayor • cc: Rod Wensing, Town Manager Windsor Town Board file )70)686-7189 421 Main Street Fax (970)6861)352 Windsor, Colorado 80550 E-Mail: inlbrmation(e'w i ndsorchambe r.net WINDSOR: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Colonidei'i Point of Adta,,,,t October 2, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. . Travel tendency,surveys provided by.the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning .y .r +"1'..r; P:t4i010)0 ,lhd/ ate j 7at0.14 rt0101 ;'?U§ * Sa QW5UtCASi ,s.aik t ,.s tki*xe.c rV, 'shoppitig,are taken advantage ofthro6tgheuttl a region regardless of the person's community of residence Short distances, accessible roa4Ways, and the moderate traffic v lit'mes'a' re'faelatill eiki tiiatekth$9nfelitePetidenzettiflb'b✓iT`tIl'i itiii i₹rid-bugiiiess confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely/7//•• yles ensen, President Windsor Chamber of Commerce • rThMayor ail City of Fort Collins October 30, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: The purpose of this correspondence is to express my support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro"area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment,education, leisure activities'and shopping•are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. Last week I met with the City Council Legislative Affairs Committee regarding this matter. We are fully supportive of this request and look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the impact on consumer rates. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Ray Martinez Mayor . /sek cc: City Council Members John F. Fischbach, City Manager flat-in A Attehercy, Accictani City Manager 31101.al'orte/Wenu(' • PG Box 580 • Fort Collins,CC()80522-O581 • (970)221-6505 • l AX(970)77,1-6 1117 • ll)I)(gm)22-t-(41111 Smith Me .,rt.ii I 970 I' I;Ii CliAM [3ER f •n '1,I�-I<CI-: October 28, 2003 Mr. Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Local Calling Area Expansion, Northern Colorado Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing in support of the request by the Northern Colorado community for an expansion of the local calling area. Northern Colorado has grown into an economic region. A significant body of evidence supports that point. The hest indicators are the work and home travel patterns exhibited in the region. A North Front Range MPO study showed that 17% of Fort Collins residents, 45% of Loveland residents, and 30% of Greeley residents work outside their respective communities. Though the patterns are somewhat different, there is also significant intra- regional travel for recreation and entertainment, shopping and education. And it's important to note that the region will continue to grow for at least the next two decades according to state demographer. Standard landline communications within a local calling area would be beneficial to the Northern Colorado community. We request the opportunity for local dialing in our region, and appreciate the Commission's favorable consideration. Si cerely, i David L. May • President & CEO • Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce • Al11W t i tatgoafit • November 4, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area cr o expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely LOC—)4111C/C Sharon Sullivan Town Clerk/Treasurer Town of Ault 201 1 S` Street • Ault CO 80610 (970) 834 2844 • AUnique Little Town • 4 of T o4 N Est. 1882 Cr PO Box 37 4100 Main Street Timnath, CO 80547 November 5, 2003 Mr. Bruce Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO•80203 Re: Local calling area expansion Dear Mr. Smith, On behalf of the Timnath Board of Trustees, I am writing to you in support of the request to expand the local calling area in our region. Northern Colorado is a close-knit network of communities with common interests and an interconnected economy. As Timnath grows and develops, our dependence on quality and economical communications with communities throughout the region is essential to our success. • We understand that expanding the local calling area can have a minimal impact on basic phone bills. However, we are confident that there will be an offsetting benefit in long distance savings and in helping to grow our local economy. Thank you and the Commission for considering this most important request. Sincerely, //J.>,- Annalee Foster Mayor • Phone: (970)224-3211 FAX: (970) 224-3217 www.timnathcolorado.org dr- °F�r sun 4l1a l r earflap TOWN HALL Awe rte.. . •• -y�� . 128 N.SECOND ST. LASALLE, CO 80645 O:- ;;,o,,. (970)284-6931 FAX(970)284-6983 Q October 30, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you to express our support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. The Town of LaSalle and its citizens would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing within our calling region. There is significant evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional, interrelated economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely • Tim Evans, . Mayor • Town of Kersey 4e. Come grow with us KERSEY 332 Third Street P.O. Box 657 Kersey, CO 80644 October 28, 2004 phone: (970) 353-1681 Bruce N. Smith, Director fax: (970) 353-2197 Public Utilities Commission 1580 I,ogan Street, OI, 2 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith, I a writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicator and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, r/Tim by J. PhiOar Mayor Town of Kersey • TJP/tlp ead Town of Mead P.O. Box 626 441 Third Street Mead S\dF Town With a ul Mead, Colorado 80542-0626 (970) 535-4477 October 28, 2003 Mr. Bruce N. Smith Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: The Town of Mead is in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We agree with the communities that have joined together in the application to the PUC that they should have the convenience of local dialing in this area. It has become evident that the communities that lie along or are near to Interstate 25 in Northern Colorado have developed a regional economy due to commuter patterns,job centers, and market conditions that all come into play relative to access to I-25. The existing local calling areas no longer reflect reality as to what is "local." It is a hindrance to business development to have the stratified and artificial long-distance barriers that now exist. We are in support of our municipal neighbors and their respective chambers of commerce in their desire for this change to improve the business climate in the region that will ultimately benefit all of the State of Colorado. As the saying goes, "a rising tide ultimately lifts all ships," and any improvement in the business climate in Northern Colorado will also lead to economic development for Mead, which is equally as important to us. Thank you very myth for your favorable consideration of the application. Sincerely, • Richard E. Kraemer Mayor K, ar THE TOWN OF NUNN, COLORADO ""NN Office of Clerk and Treasurer " . 185 Lincoln Avenue, P.O. Box 171 " Nunn, Colorado 80648 II Phone: 970-897-2385 Fax: 970-897-2540 f October 27, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro"area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Q Duane Bayne Mayor • October 8, 2003 COLORADO Mr. Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith, We are writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for local area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There are significant bodies of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional, interrelated economy. The interdependence of the business community in Northern Colorado is very similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Action Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. This is supported by the fact that a significant portion of our population commutes outside of the City limits daily of employment and ether opportunities. Short distances, accessible roadways, and moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call will benefit the entire region. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, City of Evans She Melby Mayor L:/manager/counciVpuc letter 1100 37th Street • Evans, Colorado 80620-2036 • (970) 339-5344 • Fax: (970) 330-3472 THE TOWN OF 223 1ST STREET EATON, CO 80615 PHONE: (970)454-3338 FAX: (970)454-3339 COLORADO October 27, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a great deal of evidence showing that the economy of Northern Colorado is regional in nature. The area operates in a fashion similar to any "metro" area because of the interdependence among individuals and the business community. In addition, employment opportunities, educational facilities, leisure activities and shopping take on a regional tone as residents travel throughout the area to access businesses and fulfill their needs. The economic interdependence is furthered by the large number of commuters who work in one area, live in another and shop in yet another region of the Northern Colorado community. The unprecedented growth in the area suggests that the interdependence will only increase through time and will reinforce the regional nature of the Northern Colorado area. A standard landline calling system with local calling access would benefit the Town of Eaton as well as the entire region. Thank you for your consideration inc ary Carsten Town Administrator .lncat$w22ated/892 • : • TOWN OF ESTES PARK JY t .r 4 y !`y Baudek wH Mayor October 23, 2003 Mr. Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Subject: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities, and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, TOWN OF ESTES PARK <Prrenee-(24,„, John Baudek Mayor JB/ry http://www.estesnet.com (970) 586-5331 • PO_ BOX 12(X) • 170 MAC GREGOR AVENUE • ESTES PARK, CO 80517 • FAX (970) 586-2816 11/08/2003 12:31 9705872678 MILLIKEN PAGE 02/02 iAlw�* •' Mtrr pit ill Ewen. Town YIa01 1101 Broad SL. Drawcr 290 • Milliken. CO 80543 • (970) 587-433I • (970) 587-2678 Yis October 24,2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 • Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: As the Mayor of the Town of Milliken, I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We are seeking your support for the opportunity and convenience of local dialing in our economic and commercial Area, ' ' which includes the proposed local calling area. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a"metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. As a typical example our contract engineering firm is located in Fort Collins. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. Short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Sincerely ,.f Linda Measner Mayor Town of Milliken TOWN OF PLATTEVILLE Town Administrator's Office 400 Grand Avenue Platteville, Colorado 80651 970.785.2245-303.776.1117 - 970.785.2476 (f) November 4, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you in support of the Northern Colorado request for a local calling area expansion. We would respectfully request the opportunity and convenience of localldialing in our immediate region. There is a significant body of evidence that suggests the communities in Northern Colorado function as a regional economy. The interdependence of the business community is similar to a "metro" area. Business to business transactions are substantial according to primary employers surveyed by the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council. Travel tendency surveys provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization indicate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping are taken advantage of throughout the region regardless of the person's community of residence. In addition, short distances, accessible roadways, and the moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate the interdependence. Further, growth indicators and business confidence in the economic recovery suggest that the trends will only continue to reinforce the regionalism that is occurring. Communication on standard land lines with a local call would be beneficial to the entire region. We appreciate your consideration. Very truly yours, Awe Nicholas J. Meier, Town Administrator Nuv-12-03 09242A towr if berthoud 970 32 0640 P.02 Town of Berthoud 0S BE r 328 Massachusetts Ave. 134 �0 P.O. Box 1229 0 C Berthoud, CO 80513-2229 b Ph. 970.532.2643 Fax 970.532.0640 Fet.188$ November 11,2003 Bruce N.Smith,Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street,0L 2 Denver,CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: The Town of Berthoud strongly endorses the efforts to further expand the local calling area for our Northern Colorado region. 0 Research supports the emergence of our regional economy. As development heightens our need for transportation planning,regional marketing, collective economic development strategies,health care facilities,and utilities,the significance of an expanded local calling area becomes evident and imperative. Travel survey models provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization demonstrate that opportunities for employment, education, leisure activities and shopping exist throughout the region regardless of an individual's home community. Short distances,accessible roadways,and moderate traffic volumes are factors that perpetuate our interdependence. We require a standard land-line calling system network throughout Northern Colorado to enhance our ability to do business. The Town of Berthoud requests the support of the Public Utilities Commission in bringing this expanded local access network to our community,and to our region. Sincerely, SQUAW \LA 1 j James J. to Town Administrator Berthoud,Colorado • 1 own of /\/\/\ ohnstown October 23, 2003 Bruce N. Smith, Director Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street OL 2 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Northern Colorado Local Calling Area Expansion Dear Mr. Smith: On behalf of the citizens of Johnstown, I am writing in support the proposed expansion of the "local calling area" in Northern Colorado. The people, business and institutions in the Region would benefit from toll-free landline communication. As part of this issue, access to certain - but not all - nearby exchanges within the "local calling area" requires the "1+" required dialing method, an anomaly also requiring your attention. The North Front Range region has experienced considerable population, housing and economic growth. The communities have expanded to meet the demand for development, and historically isolated settlements have grown closer to each other. Traditional community boundaries have blurred in this "age of information" where citizens commonly reach out throughout the region for jobs, shopping, education and leisure activities. These trends are documented in materials provided to you. Please consider the calling area expansion, and solving the "1+" dial-up issue as key elements in advancing the economy of the North Front Range Region, and the quality of life for our citizens. Sincerely, TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN Troy Mellon Mayor Copy to Board of Trustees 1' P.O.Box 609.101 CHARLOTTE ST.•JOHNSTOWN,CO 80534 PHONE:(970)587-4664•FAX(970)587-0141 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE This is to certify that I have duly served the within DIRECT TESTIMONY AND EXHIBIT OF RENEE WHEELER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF LOVELAND upon all parties herein by depositing copies of the same in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid, at Loveland, Colorado this 30`h day of September, 2004, addressed as follows: Andrew B. Claus, Esq. Winslow B. Waxter, Esq. G. Harris Adams David W. McGann, Esq. Assistant Attorney General Qwest Corporation Office of the Attorney General 1005 17th Street, Suite #200 1525 Sherman Street, 5th Floor Denver, CO 80202 Denver, CO 80203 Nunn Telephone Company Pat Parker P.O. Box 249 Office of Consumer Council Nunn, CO 80648 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 Denver, CO 80203 Barry L. Hort, Esq. P.O. Box 300 P.B. Schechter Littleton, CO 80160 Office of Consumer Council 1580 Logan Street, Suite 740 David P. Ayraud, Esq. Denver, CO 80203 Assistant County Attorney P.O. Box 1606 Anne K. Botterud Fort Collins, CO 80522 Assistant Attorney General Office of the Attorney General County of Larimer 1525 Sherman Street, 5`h Floor Tom Bender, Commission Chair Denver, CO 80203 P.O. Box 1190 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Gary Klug Public Utilities Commission City of Evans 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 1100 37th Street Denver, CO 80203 Evans, CO 80620 Sharon Podein City of Fort Collins Public Utilities Commission 300 Laporte Avenue, Floor 2 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Denver, CO 80203 City of Greeley Becky Quintana 1000 10`h Street Advisory Staff Greeley, CO 80631 Public Utilities Commission 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Denver, CO 80203 County of Weld Mike Zimmerman David E. Long, Commission Chair Advisory Staff 915 10`h Street Public Utilities Commission Greeley, CO 80632 1580 Logan Street, OL-2 Denver, CO 80203 Town of Ault Sharon Sullivan, Town Clerk/Treasurer Town of Eaton 201 First Street Gary Carsten, Town Administrator Ault, CO 80610 223 First Street Eaton, CO 80615 Town of Berthoud P.O. Box 1129 Town of Gilcrest Berthoud, CO 80513-2229 Paul Chacon, Mayor 204 8th Street, Box 128 Town of Estes Park Gilcrest, CO 80623 John Baudek, Mayor P.O. Box 1200 Town of Kersey Estes Park, CO 80517 Timothy J. Phippard, Mayor 332 Third Street Town of Johnstown Kersey, CO 80644 Troy Mellon, Mayor Box 609 Town of Mead Johnstown, CO 80534 Richard E. Kraemer, Mayor 441 Third Street Town of LaSalle Mead, CO 80542 Tim Evans, Mayor 128 North Second Street Town of Nunn LaSalle, CO 80645 Duane Bayne, Mayor 185 Lincoln Avenue Town of Milliken Nunn, CO 80648 P.O. Box 290 Milliken, CO 80543 Town of Timnath Annalee Foster, Mayor Town of Platteville 4100 Main Street Nicholas J. Meier, Town Administrator Timnath, CO 80547 400 Grand Avenue Platteville, CO 80651 Town of Windsor Board of Trustees 301 Walnut Street Windsor, CO 80550 J �^ Hello