Carlisle Public Works Commission unanimously backs solar panel mandate for new town buildings

CARLISLE — April 8, 2026 — Carlisle Public Works Commission votes to back solar panels on new municipal buildings. The commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend affirmative action on Article 30, a citizen petition that would urge the Select Board to adopt a policy — revised from an earlier bylaw proposal — requiring solar panels on new town buildings, with the Select Board retaining authority to grant waivers and adjust the language without returning to Town Meeting. Commissioner Dean Zimble, who revised the article in consultation with the town moderator, said the Concord Municipal Light Board voted unanimously for the same article the morning of the meeting. The commission also reaffirmed a no-action recommendation on a citizen composting petition, with members arguing that a private composting provider already serves the town effectively and that a municipal program would carry overhead costs the petition does not account for. Highway Superintendent Aaron McCloskey reported a winter maintenance budget overrun of approximately $410,000, and Town Engineer Steve noted the loss of two senior engineers to private and municipal employers — gaps the town plans to fill with a third-party engineering services contract to manage an $8.3 million two-year road paving program.