Afton Council approves addendum with Lower Valley Energy for Swift Creek hydro project

The Afton Town Council on Feb. 9 approved a Second Addendum to the Swift Creek Hydro Electric agreement and reviewed the plant's 2015 statement of operations presented by Lower Valley Energy.

Why it matters: The addendum formalizes aspects of the town's partnership with Lower Valley Energy on the Swift Creek facility and clarifies operational and maintenance responsibilities that affect town infrastructure access and local energy production.

Jim Webb of Lower Valley Energy presented the 2015 operations report and submitted the Second Addendum agreement for the Council's consideration. At the Mayor's request, Councilman Jason C. Inskeep moved to accept the agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign pending legal review by the Town Attorney; Councilman Bill Hoopes seconded the motion and it carried. Webb thanked the town for the partnership, stating, "thank the Town for partnering with them on this project." (quote as spoken at the meeting).

Bill Spaulding, also representing Lower Valley Energy, updated the Council on maintenance work and repairs completed at the plant and presented a three-year demand chart. Aaron Johnson described the amount of power produced at the plant and thanked town maintenance personnel for keeping the road to the plant clear, which enables crews to access the facility for repairs and monitoring.

The motion carried; the Council voted to approve the addendum subject to legal review. No vote tally was recorded in the meeting minutes provided.

The Council did not make further public commitments about new capital expenditures for the facility at this meeting.