Gas & Light reports Burns Park opening; committee flags possible specialized energy‑code noncompliance

Lily (Gas & Light liaison) reported that the department opened Burns Park, a passive community park created on the site of an old substation as part of an energy‑park initiative, and said work on a high‑school microgrid and a rate review is moving forward. She attended the American Public Power Association conference and said her general manager is expected to present a proposal in September.

Separately, Melissa raised a compliance concern about a recently built single‑family home in her neighborhood that has a gas hookup; she said the house appeared not to meet the town’s specialized energy code or the moratorium that limits certain gas hookups. Members noted the moratorium does not blanket all construction types (single‑family homes may be treated differently) and recommended confirming details with the building inspector.

The committee agreed to gather the paperwork, have Melissa email specifics to the chair and the building inspector, and cc the ESE email list so the inquiry is on the record. Chair and other members said they will follow up and seek clarification about whether the permit and hookup comply with the specialized code and any conditions or exceptions (for example, prewiring or solar requirements that may accompany a gas allowance).

No formal enforcement action was taken at the meeting; members treated the item as a fact‑finding and a potential issue to raise with the building inspector and relevant town staff.