WPC IX!?YPL,+TGδ/VjK!L1@K~Eާ;|g}]mұۘO~XTfɰwD&x F*ssGO:u@ 0< 0< 0B 0<J 0B 0 0 0S 0 0 0 07 0 0 0S 0 0 02\ 0< 0 0R 0: 0, 0 % 0]] 0"#UN}}M(N^ w4  m 0H666~\  `&Times New Roman' CHAPTER 2  Marc Ayotte&0Lorna.Deamaral .   <:Default Para< :Endnote Text<:Endnote Refe< :Footnote Tex<:Footnote Ref.B\,TOC 1   X X 2    8.` hp x (#8  .5\,TOC 2   X ` 2    8.` hp x (#8  .5\,TOC 3   X  2    8.` hp x (#8  .5\,TOC 4  ` X 2    8.` hp x (#8  .5\,TOC 5   X h2    8.` hp x (#8  .)P,TOC 6  X (#  8.` hp x (#8  .PP,TOC 7  X 8.` hp x (#8  8.` hp x (#8  .)P,TOC 8  X (#  8.` hp x (#8  .)P,TOC 9  X 2(#  8.` hp x (#8  25\0Index 1 P  X ` 2    8.` hp x (#8 P 25\0Index 2   X ` 2    8.` hp x (#8  :88TOA Heading(#8.` hp x (#820Caption<:_Equation Ca0A .Header  (#A7X` hp x (#A0A .Footer  (#A7X` hp x (#A:8Page Number6QQ 4Body TextXXX8.` hp x (#88.` hp x (#8 " = '..      #nX#Xn#n  _X9XnB.` hp x (#XB    SBACChapter2:RulesforDeterminingRatesofCompensationforForestProductsHarvesting  andHaulingServices݌  Ќ! XX(#!nXX9  X9Xn  E1 X` hp x (#XE  H1 X` hp x (# XX(#H ` H1 X` hp x (# XX(#H   E.` hp x (# XX(#E dSnXX9(2= $ !!..      #~dX#X~d#~d  #X  = )..      #nX#Xn#n  _X9Xn  ӄ    1  nXX9Ԁ  X9XnnXX9(2= $ !!..      #~dX#X~d#~d  #|x(r$..      #x`X#Xx`#x`HP LaserJet 4050 Series PCL,,,,0(9 Z6Times New Roman Regular=3L uj1ULES0 U2  0Level 1      !!..      #nX#Xn#n  _    X9Xn CHAPTER2.RULESFORDETERMININGRATESOFCOMPENSATIONFOR  FORESTPRODUCTSHARVESTINGANDHAULINGSERVICESB  C      P  ?+` X` hp xX? SUMMARY: Thischaptercontainsrulesconcerningthedeterminationofrates \  ofcompensationforforestproductsharvestingandhauling B  services.Thesemattersaregovernedbytheprovisionsofchapter ( ~ 18ofTitle26oftheMaineRevisedStatutes( theAct). d ProceedingsunderthisChapterareconductedbytheForestryRate J ProceedingsPanel( Panel)oftheStateBoardofArbitrationand 0 Conciliation,asestablishedin26M.R.S.A.931B.     P X XB+ ` hp x ` XXxB     X X! (#X ! @  XB.` hp x (#xB 1.  Definitions. Asusedintheserules,thefollowingtermshavethefollowingmeanings: r    #X9XXX9   1.0 ` Affiliatedperson. Affiliatedpersonmeansapersoninthesamecorporate >  systemasaparentormemberorganizationbyvirtueofcommonownership, $z  control,operationormanagement. `` (#` (#  F Ѐ0  2.0` (#(#Association. Associationincludesanincorporatedorunincorporatedentity.,` (#` (#     3.0 ` Economiccontrol. Economiccontrolmeansthelegalright,whetherthrough  ownership,contractorotherwise,tomakeorinfluencedecisionsregardingthe  harvestingoftreesanddispositioningeneralofforestproductsonsubjectland.n` (#` (#  T   4.0 ` Forestland. Forestlandmeanslandusedprimarilyforgrowthoftreestobe : harvestedforcommercialuse. v` (#` (#   \   5.0 ` Forestlandowner. Forestlandownermeans: B` (#` (#  !( *X|XX(#*   0  0` (#(#A. 0 ` (#` (#Apersonthatownsdirectlyorthroughaffiliatedpersons,orpossesses " economiccontrolover,morethan400,000acresinalabormarketarea, # whichacreageconstitutesmorethan30%ofthetotallandareainthat $ labormarketarea;orj%  (# (#  P&!   0  0` (#(#B. 0 ` (#` (#AnagentorsubsidiaryofapersondescribedinparagraphAifthatagent 6'" orsubsidiaryisinvolvedincontractingornegotiatingcontractsorother (r# arrangements,writtenororal,withforestproductsharvestersorforest )X $ productshaulers.)>!% (# (#   *$"&   6.0  0` (#(#Forestproductsharvester. Forestproductsharvesteror harvestermeansa   personhavingaplaceofbusinessinthisStatewhoisengagedinharvestingtrees   fromforestlandintheStateunderacontractorsubcontract,directlyorindirectly, v  foraforestlandowner.\ ` (#` (#  B    7.0  0` (#(#Forestproductshauler. Forestproductshauleror haulermeansaperson ( ~ havingaplaceofbusinessinthisStatewhoisengagedinhaulingharvestedtrees d tomillsunderacontractorsubcontract,directlyorindirectly,foraforest J landowner.0` (#` (#      8.0  0` (#(#Labormarketarea. Labormarketareameansanareadesignatedassuchby   theUnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor,BureauofLaborStatisticsforpurposesof   implementingacomprehensivelabormarketinformationsystem.r ` (#` (#  X    9.0  0` (#(#Panel. Panelmeanstheforestryrateproceedingspanel,constitutedunderthe >  StateBoardofArbitrationandConciliationpursuanttosection931B.$z ` (#` (#   `   10.0 ` Person. Personincludesoneormoreindividuals,partnerships,corporations, F limitedliabilitycorporations,businessorganizationsandassociations.#X9XX#X9c#,` (#` (#    2.0  PartiesInInterest. Theproceedingsdescribedintheserulesonlyapplytocertainforest  landowners,forestproductharvesters,andforestproducthaulers.Thetermsusedinthis  paragrapharefurtherdefinedin26M.R.S.A.1352and1ofthischapter.n(#(#  T K.` hp x (#X|XK 3.  FeesandExpensesB   ԍ3.FeesandExpenses  C  . Thepartiesarerequiredtosharethecostsforservicesrenderedand : expensesincurredbythePanelandanystatecostallocationprogramcharges.The  v executivedirectormayestimatecostsuponreceiptofarequestforservicesandcollect  \ thosecostspriortoprovidingtheservices.Theexecutivedirectorshallbillorreimburse  B theparties,asappropriate,foranydifferencebetweentheestimatedcoststhatwere !( collectedandtheactualcostsofprovidingtheservices.Onceonepartyhaspaiditsshare " oftheestimatedcostofprovidingtheservice,thematterwillbescheduled. #  $  4.  ExecutiveDirectorB   ԍ4.ExecutiveDirector  [C  . TheexecutivedirectoristheExecutiveDirectoroftheMaine j%  LaborRelationsBoard.Wheneverarulereferstotheexecutivedirector,theactionor P&! responsibilitymaybedelegatedtotheexecutivedirectorsdesignee. 6'"   XH1` hp x (#X(#H F N.` hp x (#` X(#N 5.0  NegotiatedAgreementsRegardingtheRatesofCompensationPaidByForest )X $ LandownersToAnIndividualHarvesterand/orHaulerforServices. Aforest )>!% landownermaynegotiateandreachagreementwithanindividualforestproducts *$"& harvesterorhauleroverthecompensationpaidtothelatterwithouthavingtocomply + #' withtheprovisionsoftheAct,unlessthereisaPaneldeterminedrateapplicabletothe  servicebeingprovided,oraproperlyfiledratedeterminationpetitionthatwouldapplyto   thatserviceispendingbeforethePanelatthetimethecontractisenteredinto. v (#(#  6.VUXX90  X9XVUPetitionsAreFormalRequestsforPanelAction. Petitionsareformalrequestsfor B  Panelaction.Allpetitionsmustbeinwriting,signedbeforeanotarypublicorattorney ( ~ atlaw(actingasanotary)andmustcontainadeclarationbythepetitionerorthe d petitionersrepresentativeunderpenaltyofperjurythatitscontentsaretrueandcorrectto J thebestofthe_declarant_sinformationandbelief.Inthealternative,thepetitionmustbe 0 signedbyanattorneyonbehalfofpetitioner,withouttheneedofnotarization. (#(#  7.VUXX90  X9XVUPetitionForRateDetermination,IncludingApprovalofaNegotiatedRate. Upon   receiptofaPetitionforRateDetermination(BACForm2)properlyfiledassetoutin r  thissection,thePanelwilldeterminetheratesofcompensationtobepaidbyaforest X  landownercoveredbytheprovisionsofTitle26M.R.S.A.Chapter18forforestproducts >  harvestingservicesand/orhaulingservices,includingreviewingratesnegotiatedbythe $z  partiesforapproval. `(#(#  0  1.0` (#(#PartiesinAgreement. Agroup,consistingof3ormoreforestproductshaulers , orharvesters,maynegotiatewithaforestlandownerovertheratetobepaidfor  harvestingand/orhaulingservices,providedthatanyagreementreachedmustbe  madecontingentuponPanelreviewandapproval.Partieswhohavenegotiated  anagreementregardingtheratestobepaidforharvestingservicesand/orhauling n servicesshalljointlysignandfileaPetitionforRateDeterminationwiththe T Panel,indicatingthattheyareseekingPanelreviewandapprovalofsuch : agreement.  v` (#` (# E.` hp x (#X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E   2.0 ` Partiesnotinagreement. Agroup,consistingof3ormoreforestproducts  B haulersorharvesters,maynegotiatewithacoveredforestlandownerovertherate !( ofcompensationtobepaidforharvestingand/orhaulingservices.Iftheparties " areunabletoreachagreementontheratestobepaidforforestproducts # harvestingand/orhaulingservices,eitherthegroupofhaulersorharvestersorthe $ forestlandownermaypetitionthePaneltoestablishsuchrate.j% ` (#` (#   XE.` hp x (#X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E   3.0 ` Whomayfilepetition. Theforestlandownerofthelandforwhicharateof 6'" compensationistobedeterminedoraperson,asdefinedin26M.R.S.A. (r# 1352(10),representingatleast3forestproductsharvestersorhaulersmayfilea )X $ PetitionforRateDeterminationwiththePanel.)>!%` (#` (#   XE.` hp x (#X(#E *$"&   XE.` hp x (#X(#E   4.0 ` Thecontentsofthepetition. Theoriginaland3copiesofthepetitionmustbe   filedwiththePanel.PetitionformsareavailablefromthePanel.Thepetition   mustcontainthefollowinginformation:v ` (#` (#   XE.` hp x (#X(#E  P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E    ` A.0 Forestlandownersname. Theidentity,includingthename,address, B  telephonenumberandemailaddress,totheextentknownbythe ( ~ petitioner,oftheforestlandownerwhoownsorpossesseseconomic d controloverthelandonwhichtheratesaretoapply.Ifthepetitionis J filedbyapersonrepresentingatleast3harvestersorhaulers,the 0 petitionermustallegeinformationsufficienttodeterminewhetherthe   respondentisaforestlandowner,asdefinedin26M.R.S.A.1342(5)and   in1(5)ofthischapter.   (# (#     0 ` B.0 ` (#` (#Nameofrepresentativeofforestproductsharvestersand/orhaulers. X   Theidentity,includingthename,address,telephonenumber,andemail >  address,totheextentknownbythepetitioner,oftherepresentativeofthe $z  forestproductsharvestersand/orhaulersinvolved.Alistofthenames  ` andaddressesoftheindividualforestproductsharvestersand/orhaulers F involved,totheextentknownbythepetitioner,mustbefiledwiththe , petition.  h  (# (#    `    ` C.0 Thepetitionersstandingtofilethepetition. Thepetitionersstatusas  theforestlandownerorastherepresentativeofatleast3forestproducts n harvestersand/orhaulersandincludethenamesandaddressesofallthe T personsrepresented.: (# (#      ` D.0 Theserviceforwhichtherateistobedetermined. Thepetitionershall  \ identifywhethertheratetobedeterminedisforforestproducts  B harvesting,hauling,orboth.!( (# (#      ` E.0 Geographicarea. Thegeographicareainwhichtherate(s)willapply.# (# (#      ` F.0 Theproposedrate. Therate,ifany,beingproposedbythefilingparty, j%  forthetypesofproductsandspeciesatissue,includinganyrateagreedto P&! innegotiationsbetweenforestlandownersandharvestersand/orhaulers.6'" (# (#      ` G.0 Informationrelevanttoratesettingcriteria. Informationrelevantto )X $ thefactorssetforthin14ofthischapterneededforthePaneltomakea )>!% decision. *$"& (# (#    + #'    ` H.0 Summaryofnegotiations. Asummaryofanynegotiationsbetweenthe  harvestersand/orhaulersandtheforestlandowner.  (# (#      ` I.0 Hearingrequested. Astatementastowhetherthepetitionerisrequesting \  thatapublichearingbeheldtocollectinformationrelatingtothepetition. B  (# (#      ` J.0 Otherfacts. Anyotherfactsrelevanttothepetitionorspecifically d requestedbythePanel. J (# (#    P XE.` hp x (#` X(#E 8.VUXX9  X9XVUPetitionstoChangeEstablishedRates. Nopetitionseekingtochangearate   establishedorapprovedbythePanelmaybefiledwithinoneyearoftheissuanceofthe   decisiondeterminingsuchrate,unlessthePanelspecifiedashorterperiodinthedecision   soughttobechanged.Apetitiontochangearatepreviouslyestablishedorapprovedby r  thePanelmustcomplywiththerequirementssetforthin7ofthischapter. X    XE.` hp x (#X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E 9.VUXX9  X9XVUReview,AmendmentandActiononPetition. 󀀀Theexecutivedirectorshallreviewthe $z  petitionforsufficiencyuponitsbeingfiledwiththePanelandtakeactioninaccordance  ` withthisrule. F Ѐ ,  P XE.` ` hp x (#X(#E 0  1.0` (#(#GroundsforDismissal. Theexecutivedirectorshalldismissapetitionifitdoes  notcomplywiththerequirementsofthischapter.   ` (#` (#   0  2.0` (#(#ReviewofPetition,NoticeofInsufficiency. Ifthepetitionwasfiledinatimely n mannerbutisnotcomplete,theexecutivedirectorshallserveonthepetitionera T noticeoferrorsandinsufficienciesinthepetition.Amendmentstopetitionsmust : bemadewithinfifteencalendardaysofserviceofthenoticeofinsufficiencies.  v Permittedamendmentsareeffectiveasifmadeonthedatethepetitionwasfiled. \` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  3.0` (#(#Dismissal. Insufficientpetitionswhicharenotamendedduringthetimeperiod !( specifiedinparagraph2mustbesummarilydismissedbytheexecutivedirector, " providedthatthedismissaliswithoutprejudice. #` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E  P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  4.0` (#(#NotificationofParties. Ifthepetitioniscomplete,theexecutivedirectorshall j%  transmitanofficialcopyofthepetitiontotherespondentwithin24hours.Ifthat P&! transmissionismadebyelectronicmeans,itmustbefollowedbyacopysentby 6'" mail.Inanyevent,copiesofcorrespondencesenttotherespondentwillbe (r# providedtothepetitioner.)X $` (#` (#   P XE.` hp x (#` X(#E 10.0  NoticeofPendingPetitions. Theexecutivedirectorshallcausetobepublishednotice *$"& ofthefilingofapetitionatleasttwiceinnewspapersofgeneralcirculationintheareasof + #' thestateaffectedbythepetition.Theexecutivedirectorshallalsoprovidesuchnoticeto  anypersonwhohasrequestedtobenotifiedoffilings.Absentadeterminationbythe   Panelthatextraordinarycircumstancesexistrequiringshorternotice,thenoticewillbe v  givenatleast30daysbeforeanyhearingtobeheldandatleast30daysbeforetheclose \  ofthecommentperiodonthefiling. B (#(#   ( ~  11.VUXX9  X9XVUContentsofNoticetoPublic. Thenoticerequiredby10shallcontainastatementof d thelegalauthorityandjurisdictionunderwhichtheproceedingisbeingconducted, J includingreferencetothespecificstatutoryandruleprovisionsinvolved;aplain 0 statementofthenatureandpurposeoftheproceeding,includingadescriptionofthe   geographicareainwhichtheratesaretoapplyandtherate(s)beingproposed,ifany;the   namesoftheparties;theplace,dateandtimeofanyhearingorthetimewithinwhicha   hearingmayberequested;asolicitationofwrittencommentfrompersonsinterested, r  includingthedeadlineforthesubmissionofsuchcomment;ageneraldescriptionofthe X  methodbywhichthematterwillberesolved;theopportunityforinterestedpersonsto >  participateintheproceeding;and,ifahearinghasbeenset,astatementofthemanner $z  andtimewithinwhichapplicationsforinterventionmaybefiled.  `  F  12.VUXX9  X9XVUPostingofNoticesatMLRBOfficesandonInternet. Anynoticepreparedunderthis , ChapterwillalsobepostedontheofficialbulletinboardoftheMaineLaborRelations  BoardandtheBoardsinternetsite.     13.VUXX9  X9XVUPetitionstoIntervene. Apetitiontointerveneisrequiredwhenathirdpartywishesto n becomeapartyinaratedeterminationproceeding.Apetitiontointerveneisnotrequired T toprovideinformationataBoardratedeterminationhearingortoprovidewritten : commentinaratedeterminationproceeding.  v  P XE.` ` hp x (#X(#E   ` 0  1.0` (#(#FormandFilingforIntervention. Petitionstointerveneshallmeetallthe  B requirementsforvalidpetitionssetforthinthisChapter.!(` (#` (#   0  2.0` (#(#WhoCanIntervene. Personswithstandingtofileaninitialpetition,as # describedin7(3)ofthisChapter,mayfileapetitiontointervene.$` (#` (#    0  3.0` (#(#TimeofFiling. Apetitiontointerveneinaratedeterminationproceedingmust P&! befilednolaterthan10calendardaysafterthelastdateofpublicationofthe 6'" NoticeofPendingPetitionrequiredby10ofthisChapter.(r#` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E 0  4.0` (#(#ReviewofPetition. Theexecutivedirectorshalladministrativelyexaminethe )>!% petitiontointerveneinthemannersetforthin9ofthischapterandtake *$"& appropriateaction,whichmayincludegrantingordismissalofthepetition.+ #'` (#` (#   P ^  ^"_݌̌  P E.` ` hp x (#` X(#E 0  5.0` (#(#NotificationtoParties. Ifthepetitioniscomplete,theexecutivedirectorshall   transmitanofficialcopyofthepetitiontotheotherpartieswithin24hours.If v  thattransmissionismadebyelectronicmeans,itmustbefollowedbyacopysent \  bymail.B ` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E 0  6.0` (#(#WithdrawalofInitialPetition. Withdrawaloftheinitialratedetermination d petitiondoesnotaffecttheprocessingofatimelyfiledpetitionforintervention. J` (#` (#   P XE.` hp x (#` X(#E14.VUXX9  X9XVUCriteriaforRateDeterminations. Indeterminingareasonableratetobepaidtothe   forestlandownerforharvestingorhaulingservicesorinreviewinganegotiatedratefor   approval,thePanelwillconsider,totheextentrelevant,thefollowingfactors:     XE.` hp x (#X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E 0  1.0` (#(#ComparablePrices. Pricesorprojectedpricesfortheharvestingservicesor X  haulingservicescurrentlypaidbyforestlandownersinMaineandinother >  comparablestates; $z ` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  2.VUXX90` (#(#X9XVUQuantityofProductsAvailable. Thequantityofforestproductsavailableinthe F marketareaorcompetingareas; ,` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  3.0` (#(#QuantityHandledbyForestLandowner. Therelationshipbetweenthe  quantityproducedandthequantityhandledbytheforestlandowner; ` (#` (#    ` 0  4.0` (#(#HarvestersorHaulersCosts. Theharvestersorhaulerscosts,including,but T notlimitedto,wages,overhead,fuel,insurance,andthecostofreplacing : equipment;  v` (#` (#   0  5.0` (#(#ApplicableLaws. Environmentalandhighwaylawsorrules;  B` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  6.0` (#(#ImpactonLandownersMarketPosition. Theimpactoftheratedetermination " onthecompetitivepositionofthelandownerinthemarketareaorcompeting # marketareas; $` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  7.0` (#(#ReturnonInvestment. Afairreturnoninvestment; P&!` (#` (#   0  8.0` (#(#ParticularsoftheJob. Thespeciesoftree,typeofmachineryandmethodof (r# treeharvestinginvolved; )X $` (#` (#   0  9.0` (#(#NatureofRoadsUsed. Theextenttowhichhaulingisconductedonprivateor *$"& publicroads; + #'` (#` (#   0  10.0` (#(#Safety. Safetyconsiderations;  ` (#` (#   0  11.0` (#(#PriorAgreements. Prioragreementsoftheparties;and \ ` (#` (#   0  12.0` (#(#TraditionalFactors. Anyfactorsthatarenormallyortraditionallytakeninto ( ~ considerationwhendeterminingpricesfortheservicesinvolved.d` (#` (#  P E.` hp x (#` X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E15.VUXX9  X9XVUWrittenComment. ThePanelwillsolicitwrittencommentsubmittedfrompersons 0 interestedintheratesofcompensationforforestproductsharvestingand/orhauling   servicesandwillconsidersuchcommentindeterminingtheappropriaterateorin   reviewinganegotiatedrateforapprovalineachcase.    r   16.VUXX9  X9XVURighttoHearing. ThePanelshallconductapublichearingonthemeritsofanyrate X  determinationpetitionuponrequestofanypartytotheproceeding. >   $z   17.VUXX9  X9XVUConductofHearing. ThePanelshallconductthehearing,ifahearingisheld.The  ` executivedirectormayordertheconsolidationofpetitionsforhearing.ThePanelmay F requireattendanceata_prehearing_Ԁconferencebythepartiesortheirrepresentatives,ifthe , Panelbelievesthatsuchconferencewillaidintheefficientconductofthehearing,  narrowtheissuestoberesolvedatthehearing,orallowthepartiestoexplore  opportunitiesforsettlement.   n  18.  WitnessesandSubpoenasB   ԍ17.WitnessesandSubpoenas  yC  . ApartytoaproceedingbeforethePanelmayrequestthe T attendanceofwitnessesvoluntarilyorbysubpoena.Ifwitnessesordocumentsare : soughtbysubpoena,therequestingpartymustfirstmakeawrittenrequesttothePanelor  v presidingofficialfortheissuanceofthesubpoena.Whenthesubpoenaisissued,itisthe  \ responsibilityoftherequestingpartytoservethesubpoenaorcauseittobeservedonthe  B namedindividual.Whenawitnessissubpoenaed,thewitnessfeeandtransportation !( allowanceestablishedby16M.R.S.A.251mustbeprovidedatthetimethesubpoenais " served.ThePanelmayrequirebysubpoenatheattendanceandtestimonyofwitnesses, # theproductionofbooks,recordsandotherevidencerelevanttoissuesraisedbyarate $ determinationpetitionorresponsestothepetition.IfthePanel,onitsownmotion, j%  requirestheattendanceofwitnessesthroughsubpoenas,thePanelwillcausethe P&! subpoenatobeservedonthenamedindividualandwillberesponsibleforpayingthe 6'" requiredwitnessfeeandtransportationallowance. (r#    XX  X݌̌   XE.` hp x (#X(#E 19.VUXX9  X9XVUNatureofHearing. Thepurposeofthehearingistodevelopafullandcompletefactual )>!%  record.Eachpartybearstheresponsibilityofproducingevidencetosupportits *$"& contentionsregardingthedeterminationoftherateofcompensationatissue.All  testimonyofferedmustbetakenunderoathoraffirmation.     XE.` hp x (#X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E 20.VUXX9  X9XVURecord. ThePanelshallmakearecordofeachproceeding.Therecordwillconsistof \  allpetitions,motions,preliminaryandinterlocutoryrulingsandorders;evidencereceived B  orconsidered;astatementoffactsofficiallynoticed;offersofproof,objectionsand ( ~ rulingsthereon;proposedfindingsandexceptions,ifany;thedecisionofthePanel;and d anystaffmemorandasubmittedtothePanelbyagencystaffinconnectionwiththeir J considerationofthecase,exceptmemorandaofcounseltotheagency.  0      21.VUXX9  X9XVUHearingsRecorded. TheBoardwillrecordallhearingsinaformsusceptibleto   transcription.Portionsoftherecordrequiredin20ofthischaptermaybeincludedin   therecording.Theagencyshalltranscribetherecordingwhennecessaryforanappeal. r  Thecostofproducingsuchtranscriptshallbeborneequallybythepartiestotherate X  determinationproceeding.  >    XE.` hp x (#X(#E22.0  OfficialTranscriptsB   ԍ9.OfficialTranscripts  C  . ApartytoaPanelhearingseekingtohavethehearingtranscribed  ` may,withpriorapprovalofthePanel,makearrangementsfortranscriptionbyaqualified F courtreporterandshallassumethecostsoftheservice.Ifsucharrangementsaremade , andatranscriptisproduced,acopymustbefurnishedtothePanelwithoutcostandtothe  otherpartiesuponrequestandtenderoftheappropriatefee.Ifthetranscriptisagreedby  thepartiestobeor,inappropriatecases,determinedbythePaneltobetheofficialrecord  oftheproceeding,itmustbemadeavailabletotheotherpartyforinspectionatatime n andplacedeterminedbythePanel. T(#(# 23.0  RulesRegardingEvidenceB   ԍ25.RulesRegardingEvidence  oC  . Thestrictrulesofevidenceobservedbycourtsdonot  v applyinmattersbeforethePanel.Thefollowingrulesregardingevidenceapply: \(#(#  0  1.0` (#(#Evidence. 󀀀ThePanelshalladmitevidenceifitisthekinduponwhichreasonable !( personsareaccustomedtorelyintheconductofseriousaffairs.Irrelevantor " undulyrepetitiveevidencemaybeexcluded.#` (#` (#  0  2.0` (#(#RulesofPrivilege. ThePanelshallobservetherulesofprivilegerecognizedby j%  law.P&!` (#` (#  0  3.0` (#(#WrittenEvidence;Exception. Noswornwrittenevidenceshallbeadmitted (r# unlesstheauthorisavailableforcrossexaminationorsubjecttosubpoena,except )X $ forgoodcauseshown.)>!%` (#` (#  0  *$"&(#(#   XE.` hp x (#X(#E24.0  OfficialNotice. ThePanelmaytakeofficialnoticeofanyfactsofwhichjudicialnotice   couldbetaken,andmaytakeofficialnoticeoftechnicalorscientificmatterswithintheir   specializedknowledge.Theymayalsotakeofficialnoticeofstatutes,regulationsand v  _nonconfidential_Ԁagencyrecords.PartieswillbenotifiedofthePanelsintentiontotake \  officialnoticeandwillbeaffordedareasonableopportunitytocontestthesubstanceor B  materialityofthefactsinvolved.MembersofthePanelmayutilizetheirexperience, ( ~ technicalcompetenceandspecializedknowledgeinevaluatingtheevidencepresentedto d them. J(#(#  0 25.  RightsofPartiesB   ԍ26.RightsofParties  ۔C  . Anypartytothehearingshallhavetherighttoberepresentedby   counselorbyotherrepresentative,atthepartysexpense,toexamineandcrossexamine   witnesses,andtoofferdocumentaryandotherevidence.Stipulationsmaybeoffered   withrespecttoanyissue.Partiesmayrequesttheissuanceofsubpoenas.ThePanelshall r  alloworalargumentuponrequest,and,afterconsultationwiththeparties,mayrequire X  briefstobesubmitted.Anybriefpermittedtobefiledmustbefiledintheoriginaland3 >  copies.AcopyofanybrieffiledwiththePanelmustsimultaneouslybeservedonall $z  partiestothematter.   ` -     X->  ->݌̌   E.` hp x (#X(#E26.VUXX90  X9XVUConfidentialInformation. Ingeneral,documentsandinformationdisclosedtothe  Panelareconfidential,pursuantto26M.R.S.A.931B,939.Inmattersbeforethe  Panel,thefollowingprocedureswillapply: (#(#  P E.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  1.0` (#(#TreatmentofConfidentialDocuments. DocumentsconsideredbythePanelin T theratedeterminationproceedingare_confidential,_Ԁexceptwherepublicdisclosure : ispermittedbystatute.Alldocumentsofferedforadmissionarepartofthe  v officialrecordoftheproceeding.Suchdocumentswillbesealedandretainedas  \ nonpublicdocuments.Intheeventthataratedeterminationdecisionis  B appealed,suchnonpublicdocumentswillbeincludedwiththerecordsenttothe !( court,subjecttosealandtheconfidentialityorder. "` (#` (#  P XE.` hp x (#` X(#E #  P XE.` ` hp x (#X(#E0  2.0` (#(#NonSubmittingPartiesAccesstoConfidentialDocuments;Protectionof $ Confidentiality. Theotherpartieswillbegrantedaccesstoconfidential j%  documentssubjecttoanappropriateprotectiveorder.Apersonwhohasaccessto P&! orreceivesinformationorarecorddesignatedconfidentialunderthischapter 6'" shallmaintaintheconfidentialityoftheinformationorrecordanduseitonlyfor (r# thepurposesforwhichitwasreleasedandmaynotfurtherdiscloseitexceptas )X $ authorizedbythePanelatthetimeofthedisclosuretothatperson.)>!%` (#` (#   *$"& 0  3.0` (#(#ConductofPanelProceedingstoEnsureConfidentiality. Testimonyand   crossexaminationconcerningthecontentsofconfidentialdocumentswillbe   receivedbythePanelinclosedsessionandanytranscriptofsuchclosedsessions v  willbetreatedasaconfidentialdocumentbythePanel.Duringtheintroduction \  ofconfidentialinformation,theproceedingisopenonlytothePanel,the B  executivedirector,parties,partiesrepresentatives,counselofrecordandthe ( ~ witnesstestifyingregardingtheinformation,andaccesstotheinformationis d limitedtothesepeople.Witnessesaresequesteredduringtheintroductionof J confidentialinformation,exceptwhenofferingtestimonyattheproceeding. (#(#K(#0` (#` (#     P XE.` hp x (#` X(#E27.VUXX9  X9XVUExParteCommunicationsProhibited. Nopartyorotherperson(s)legallyinterested   intheoutcomeofaPanelproceedingmaycommunicateexparteeitherdirectlyor   indirectlywithanymemberofthePanelassignedtothecase,inconnectionwithany r  issueoffact,laworprocedureexceptuponnoticeandopportunityforallpartiesto X  participate.  >    XE.` hp x (#X(#E  XE.` hp x (#X(#E 28.VUXX9  X9XVUInterestedPanelMembersMayNotParticipate. Amemberoralternatememberof  ` thePanelwhohasafinancialinterestinaratedeterminationproceedingbroughtbefore F thePanel,orinanypartytotheratedeterminationproceeding,maynotparticipateinthe , proceedingaffectingthatfinancialinterest.Anypartytoaproceedingmaychallengethe  assignmentofanymemberofthePaneltohearaparticulardisputeonthegroundsofbias  orofpersonalorfinancialinterest,directorindirect,andmayrequestthatthemember  disqualifyhimselforherself.Suchchallengemustbemadeingoodfaithandmustbe n madesufficientlyinadvanceofthehearingsoasnottoresultinsubstantialdelay.The T membersochallengedmayconsultwithprivatecounselconcerningthechargeandshall : determinethematteraspartoftherecord.  v   \  29.VUXX9  X9XVUPanelDecision. Within30daysafterthecloseofthecommentperiodandcompletionof  B anypublichearing,thePanelshallissueadecision,determiningreasonableratestobe !( paidbytheforestlandownerfortheservicesthatarethesubjectofthepetition,including " areasonablegeographicapplicabilityfortheratesestablished.Thepartiesmayextend # thetimeinwritingeitherbeforeoraftertheexpirationthereof.Apartywaivesthe $ objectionthatadecisionwasnotmadewithinthetimerequiredunlessthatpartynotified j%  thePanelofitsobjectionpriortothedeliveryofthedecisiontothatparty.Thedecision P&! shallincludefindingsoffactsufficienttoconstitutethebasisofthedecisionandrecord 6'" thevoteofeachmemberofthePanel.AnymemberofthePanelmaypreparea (r# dissentingdecisionoradecisionconcurringinpartanddissentinginpartandsuch )X $ separatedecisionwillbedisseminatedinthesamemannerasthemajoritydecision.  )>!%   XE.` hp x (#X(#E  *$"&   XE.` hp x (#X(#E30.VUXX9  X9XVUAppealsofRateDeterminationDecisions. Ratedeterminationdecisionsconstitute   finalagencyactionforthepurposesofTitle5M.R.S.A.,chapter375,_subchapter_Ԁ7,and   maybeappealedpursuanttothat_subchapter_.ThePanelsdecisionshallnotifythe v  partiesoftherighttoappealtotheSuperiorCourtbyfilingapetitionforreviewwithin \  thetimelimitsandpursuanttotheproceduresetforthin5M.R.S.A.11002.Rates B  determinedbythePanelarenotstayedpendingappeal. ( ~  d  nXX9 XE.` hp x (#X(#E X9XnSTATUTORYAUTHORITY: h 26M.R.S.A.#nXX9#X9XnԀ931,931B,1353  0 E.` hp x (#X(#E H  E.h` hp x (#X(#E EFFECTIVEDATE:   h __________________________    H  E.` hp x (#hX(#E#nXX9b#