Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

The Traffic Commission convened on November 4, 2026, at 11:30 AM to hear public comments on traffic and parking concerns, receive enforcement updates from police, review the East Market Street Improvements Project, and act on speed management and pedestrian safety measures. The meeting included four public comment periods, several staff presentations, and two formal motions. Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth (Planters Grove Court resident) and her husband voiced strong concerns about commercial vehicles (construction vans, trailers, sleepers) parking daily in their residential cul-de-sac adjacent to a playground. They described it as an eyesore, a safety hazard blocking sightlines, and a nuisance with transient occupants. They requested stricter parking rules town-wide, enforcement as a fire lane, or making the street no-parking. They noted their HOA’s prior proposal for a fire lane was rejected by the town. They urged the town to partner on a solution. The commission acknowledged the issue and noted it would be placed on next month’s agenda. - Catherine Jeannie Rice (Woodley Manor resident, HOA chairperson) reported excessive speeding on Woodley Drive, which she called a "runway." She cited 17 children on Jacob Court and 10 on Woodley Drive, with four school bus stops and children with autism. She requested a no-U-turn sign at the median (partly in Loudoun County, partly in town) and traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps). The commission noted the jurisdictional complexity and asked staff to review signage and consider selective enforcement. - John (HOA president of a 15-unit private road off Slack Lane) described a dangerous blind hill at the exit of their private road onto a public street. A single parking spot on the public side blocks sightlines, causing near-misses. He requested removal of that parking space. The commission recommended he first get a petition from his HOA to confirm support, then staff would evaluate. - Richard (Loudoun Street SW resident for 30 years) complained that Loudoun Street SW has become a "raceway" with speeds of 30–50 mph in a 20 mph zone. He noted accidents, including totaled parked cars and an SUV that crashed onto the sidewalk. He requested traffic calming or more enforcement. The commission added the issue to next month’s agenda for a comprehensive study. Discussion Items - Police Enforcement Update: Police provided speed and stop sign enforcement data for October. Key stats: On Market Street near Trinity Church, 182,000 cars eastbound (25 mph limit, 85th percentile 32 mph). On Harrison Street at Nottaway, 50,000 cars westbound (25 mph, 99% compliance). On Davis Avenue, 80,000 cars/week, 6.5 hours of enforcement yielded 7 tickets. On Woods Edge Drive at Lackawanna, 10 hours produced 18 tickets for stop sign violations. Potomac Station Drive had 36 tickets in October. The commission discussed the persistent problem on Davis Avenue and Potomac Station Drive, noting that future CIP construction will change road geometry. - East Market Street Improvements Project (Christine Rowe, Capital Projects): Presented the 30% design for improvements from Plaza Street to the Route 15 bypass. Key elements: adding a dedicated right-turn lane westbound at Plaza Street (moving south curb 8 feet), installing a raised median between Fort Evans Road and Plaza Street (limiting businesses to right-in/right-out), street lighting at the northbound ramp, and speed management signage. Construction is expected to end by 2031. The fire department expressed concerns about median impacts on emergency vehicle access and construction phasing. The commission requested a follow-up presentation in May/June 2027. - Pedestrian Enhancements: Reported installation of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at Battlefield Parkway and Cattail Creek Drive. Two residents reported confusion over the right-turn-only signage with time restrictions. Police will conduct focused enforcement for 30 days. The commission agreed to review sign design. - Kincaid Boulevard Speed Study: Data showed average speed 31.4 mph, 85th percentile 37 mph on a 25 mph road. The commission voted to recommend that town council adopt a $200 enhanced fine for speeding on Kincaid Boulevard within town limits, contingent on staff drafting the letter for commission review. The motion passed unanimously. - RRFB Budget and Purchase: The commission approved a motion to purchase one additional RRFB post (estimated $8,000) to pair with an existing post for installation at Catoctin Circle and Crestwood Street, pending right-of-way confirmation. Remaining budget after purchase would be about $4,000, reserved for future needs. - Crosswalk Request at Sycamore Hill and Sparkleberry Terrace: Staff reported the request for a new crosswalk is not recommended due to proximity (within 300 feet) of an existing crosswalk and ADA compliance costs. The commission decided to let staff respond with the rationale. - Other Updates: Speeding on North King Street and Fairview Street NW had no new updates. A staff presentation on cut-through traffic was scheduled for the December meeting. The commission discussed ongoing parking issues in Potomac Station and agreed to review the matter next month. Key Outcomes - Motion (unanimous): Recommend town council approve a $200 enhanced fine for speeding on Kincaid Boulevard within town limits. Staff will draft a letter for commission review before submission. - Motion (unanimous): Purchase one RRFB post (≈$8,000) to be combined with an existing post for installation at Catoctin Circle and Crestwood Street, conditional on staff confirmation of right-of-way. - Agenda Items for December 2026: Planters Grove Court parking concerns; Loudoun Street SW speed study; Woodley Drive speed and U-turn requests; staff presentation on cut-through traffic definition and management. - Commission Homework: Members will visit Planters Grove Court and Woodley Manor in the evening to observe conditions. Staff will deploy speed tubes (if available) or use small feedback signs on Woodley Drive and Loudoun Street. - Follow-up on East Market Street Project: Commission requested a progress update in mid-2027 and emphasized the need to address emergency vehicle access during construction.

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on November 4, 2026. The meeting covered FY27/FY28 budget planning, two approved spending motions, a positive debrief of the Halloween parade and Pumpkin Smash, the proposed 2027 Pumpkin Smash date, string-light recycling logistics, and staff updates. No agenda or minutes were available with the raw transcript. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved by consensus without amendments. - The October 6 meeting minutes were approved by consensus without amendments. Discussion Items - Keeps Leesburg Beautiful packet pickup: The group could not attend but had proposed a Friday-evening packet pickup at Market Station before its kickoff event. The EAC did not commit; the chair said she would follow up to clarify what participation was being requested. - FY27/FY28 budget: Staff reported the FY27 budget includes a one-time $5,000 enhancement; without a new request, the FY28 base reverts to $3,500. Remaining FY27 funds were cited as about $3,427.50 in a public-input/engagement account and $675 for office supplies, with spending needed by June 30. The fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. Members discussed using funds for raffle prizes, parade costumes, candy or alternative giveaways, native plants, and rolling totes/wagons for equipment storage; a detailed spending-list discussion was moved to the next meeting. - Raffle prizes: The commission voted to purchase more of the same raffle kits used previously for the Flower and Garden Show, and staff was directed to begin procurement. - Reimbursement: The commission voted to reimburse a member for documented Halloween parade and outreach expenses; staff will submit the request to the town manager. - COPA calendar: The EAC agreed to send a letter to COPA asking that Keeps Leesburg Beautiful and Pumpkin Smash be included in the town calendar, with a recommended Pumpkin Smash date of Saturday, November 6, 2027. Members supported holding the event later than the day after Halloween to allow more time for pumpkin drop-off and participation. - Salt Summit: The chair said she and two public works staff members will attend the Loudoun County Salt Summit on November 5 and will brief the EAC in December. - Halloween parade and Pumpkin Smash debrief: Members described both events as successful. Recycle Coach interactions totaled 4,752 between October 27 and November 3, up from 3,833 in the prior comparison week; the town was described as top performing for Recycle Coach interactions compared with peers of the same size who also use the tool. Members supported creating a small costume/props and candy/giveaway budget for future parades and said the recycling message should stay simple. - String-light collection: Bins will be placed on Monday, November 16, at the rec center, town hall, and wastewater treatment plant, with a press release the same day. Costs are expected to be covered from bag-tax funds or the staff liaison's budget; one location initially raised illegal-dumping concerns. - Herbicide policy: The chair had not yet completed the draft recommendations and planned to finish them that week. - Drone show proposal: A member plans to present the proposed July 3 drone show first to the Diversity Commission in December, then to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Parks and recreation staff had previously pushed back on cost, though the proposal was described as roughly the same cost as the current fireworks show. The retiring parks director was noted as a possible opening for fresh review. - Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Staff shared that the updated 25-year plan will be unveiled to commission chairs at a virtual meeting on November 16, with comments due November 30. Members noted the turnaround is very short and discussed asking for more time and circulating the plan. - Pollinator sculptures: COPA requested pollinator sculptures at Fox Ridge Park; members saw a potential tie-in with EAC and Keeps Leesburg Beautiful programming. - Commission appointments: Staff reminded members whose terms expire at the end of 2026 to reapply; appointment sources vary by council member and mayor. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and the October 6 minutes by consensus. - Approved the purchase of additional raffle kits for the Flower and Garden Show. - Approved reimbursement, as supported by receipts, for a member's Halloween parade expenses; staff will process it through the town manager. - Agreed to send a letter to COPA requesting calendar inclusion of Keeps Leesburg Beautiful and Pumpkin Smash, with a target Pumpkin Smash date of Saturday, November 6, 2027. - Directed staff to bring itemized parade costs, rolling tote/wagon options, and FY2027 spending proposals to the next meeting on December 1. - Scheduled string-light collection bins to launch Monday, November 16, with a coordinated press release. - Agreed to continue drone show outreach with the Diversity Commission in December, followed by the Parks and Recreation Commission. - The FY28 budget discussion was not finalized, but members leaned toward not increasing the budget; the transcript cited Friday, December 12 as the budget deadline, though December 12, 2026 is a Saturday, so that date may need verification.

On the afternoon of November 2, 2026 (19:00 UTC), the Thomas Balch Library Advisory Commission hosted its annual Loudoun History Awards at Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg, Virginia. Library Director Laura Richenson and Commission Chair Jim Hirschman welcomed attendees, noting the library's participation in the Virginia 250 commemoration of American independence. Hirschman noted that the award has been given almost every year since 1994 to encourage study of Loudoun and Leesburg history. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is drawn from the event transcript. Awards Presented - Paul Crangle received a Loudoun History Award for his book Potomac Marble: The History of the Search for the Ideal Stone. Hirschman described the book as a complete study of where the marble was found and quarried, how it was handled, and its impact on the local community. Crangle said his research began after seeing an internet claim that the Isaac Walton Park quarry supplied columns for the rebuilt U.S. Capitol after the 1814 fire, and he found the claim to be untrue. He described the book's broader themes, including Benjamin Latrobe's architectural vision, President Monroe's personal inspection of the quarries, and the idea that public buildings were meant to be public art supporting the republic. He also expressed concern that people do not know their history and said his goal is to teach thousands of people. - Alicia Cohen and Gertrude Ashman Evans, along with a collaborative team, received an award for the project honoring Black patriots and loyalists in the American Revolution. The presenter, speaking as chair of the Black History Committee of the Friends of Thomas Balch Library, nominated the team of Derek Clark, Alicia Cohen, Anna Carnell Davis, Gertrude Evans, Ronda McCray, and Travis Shaw. She described the project's growth from support for Loudoun VA 250 into exhibitions, original artwork, public programs, and teacher professional development. Cohen spoke about the project's countywide reach and collaborations with institutions including the Loudoun Museum, Middleburg Museum, Lovettsville Historical Society, Oatlands, and Loudoun County Public Schools. Evans discussed her paintings and booklets and said the project is not over, noting that a children's booklet might be developed in 2027. The presenter also noted that a November symposium is available on YouTube in four parts. Remembrance of Past Award Winners - Hirschman remembered past Loudoun History Award recipients who died during the year. The names as transcribed include Thomas, Maddie Lasseter, Louis Jett, Carol Lee, and George Atwell. He noted Atwell's role in encouraging the Town of Leesburg to take on and preserve Balch Library. Key Outcomes - Two formal awards were presented: one to Paul Crangle and one to Alicia Cohen and Gertrude Evans with their project team. - Certificates were available for the other team members recognized during the ceremony. - The event celebrated a year of public history in Loudoun County connected to the Virginia 250 anniversary. - No votes or formal city business were conducted; the ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the award winners.

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) met in a work session on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The transcript covers two deferred cases: a window-replacement application at 105 Rivanna Terrace and the proposed deconstruction and reconstruction of the historic bank barn at 1221 S. King Street. The agenda also listed TLHPBR2026-0038 (18 E. Market – Loudoun County Courthouse – Bollards – critical action date extension request), but no discussion or action on that item appears in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - Dory O’Brien, homeowner at 105 Rivanna Terrace, stated the Palladian window was installed with contoured mullions before she purchased the property. She argued the BAR should approve it because it was an existing condition, because the contoured mullions make the window appear to have external muntins, and because she said even BAR members had thought the muntins were external when viewing a photograph. - Later, speaking as an HOA board member, O’Brien asked the BAR to consider that other homes in the 88-home community may seek replacement Palladian windows with vinyl internal contoured muntins. She said the HOA had updated its guidelines and that the community was built in 1999 as an internal, separate part of the historic district with limited visibility from outside. Discussion Items - 105 Rivanna Terrace (TLHPBR2026-0043). Staff said its current position was to allow articulated, three-part contoured muntins between the glass for this specific neighborhood. Staff cited findings that the community has private streets, contemporary construction, individual lots, 88 homes, and limited visibility and impact on the historic district; staff also said the 2009 guidelines generally disfavor grills between glass but that context and intent can be considered. Staff clarified that the HOA was proposing to allow contoured muntins between the glass but not flat grills, and that each property would still need its own certificate of appropriateness. - Rick said he struggled with the request because the BAR is supposed to uphold the Old and Historic District guidelines and should not weaken them; he said changing the district map would be outside the BAR’s purview. - Don said the guidelines should guide the decision and questioned whether snap-in external grills would be reasonable for a fan-light window with unusual geometry. - JP said he was leaning toward finding that the intent was met for a non-contributing, modern townhouse, because the internal contours read similarly to external muntins even if they are primarily aesthetic. - Julie said she was concerned about consistency but could support limited findings, while noting that HOA restrictions may be stricter than the BAR’s. - Tom said a neighboring house’s divided-light wood windows looked better and warned that approving grills between the glass would make a visible difference; he later advocated extremely specific findings to avoid setting a broad precedent. - 1221 S. King Street historic barn (TLHPBR2026-0023). Staff recapped that the BAR had deferred the application because the deconstruction plan lacked detail. Staff said the applicant had updated the plan, but the Town was still trying to hire an independent qualified consultant; staff requested detailed documentation of each course of brick, how materials would be removed, cleaned, stored, tracked, and reused, and how reconstruction would relate to the approved addition. - Applicant Greg Wigfield and builder Joe Matthews of TMG Construction described a brick-by-brick deconstruction and reconstruction. They said a 40-by-70-foot fabric tent would be used to sort and catalog materials; approximately 18,000 bricks would need to be removed; timber would be harvested and reused; and the building had been laser-scanned inside and out. - Matthews proposed an 8-by-8-foot or 6-by-6-foot mock-up wall as a condition of approval. He said a masonry restoration contractor referred to in the transcript as Gen Co-Masonry had advised that the brick could be salvaged, while acknowledging that some interior brick had deteriorated. He also said the revised drawings removed the word veneer, but the discussion characterized the proposed wall as CMU backup with a brick veneer; Matthews agreed that description was accurate. - Don asked how materials would be cataloged, photographed, verified, and judged unsuitable for reuse, and what minimum salvage percentage would trigger a return to the BAR. Staff said the deconstruction plan should require documentation of each brick course from exterior to interior. - Julie asked whether deconstruction was necessary to preserve the barn’s overall integrity. The applicant said the east wall had moved five to six inches since a 2017 stabilization attempt, the north wall was leaning somewhere between four and five inches on the lower level, and the change of use to an A1 performing-arts theater required a higher standard. The applicant also said the ground floor would go two feet deeper, requiring underpinning, and committed not to deconstruct until the building permit for the entire project was issued. - Tom asked for complete documentation of the timber frame so future researchers could understand how the barn was built. The applicant said the structure had been laser-scanned and timber could be tagged and numbered. - Staff and board members repeatedly emphasized that the plan must specify how bricks would be tracked by wall, location, and color, how they would be stored and protected, and how the reconstruction would preserve historic character rather than create a purely cosmetic replica. Staff also said aggressive cleaning or pressure washing should be avoided. Key Outcomes - The BAR approved TLHPBR2026-0043 for the window replacement at 105 Rivanna Terrace, based on the staff report findings as revised during the meeting, with a condition that any alterations resulting from HOA review or site plan, zoning, or building permit review require a revised application, including changes to footprint, height, attachment, scale, or materials. The motion as read also referenced garage door and window replacements, while the agenda described the case as a window replacement. The motion passed 6-0-1. - The BAR deferred TLHPBR2026-0023 for the deconstruction, repairs, replacements, and reconstruction of the historic barn at 1221 S. King Street to the BAR meeting on December 16, 2026. The motion passed 6-0-1. Staff noted the critical action date was December 17, 2026. - Staff was directed to continue pursuing an independent historic-masonry and deconstruction consultant and a documentation template, and to arrange a site visit with the consultant. The applicant was encouraged to work on site plans concurrently. - Staff announced that the Town Council had ruled on the appeal concerning 7 Royal Street and upheld the BAR’s approval and findings from August; a further appeal to circuit court remained possible. Staff also reminded members to respond to FOIA requests, noted the January 4 work session, and discussed reappointment applications and quorum planning. The meeting was adjourned.

The Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission met on October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The commission approved remote participation for Commissioner Ross, endorsed a public art installation at Fox Ridge Park, reviewed FY28 budget concepts, and voted to move the draft Parks Master Plan forward in the approval process. Commission and Staff Updates - Commissioner Ross reported that the new pickleball courts look excellent and praised the Veterans Park opening, including the river views, boat ramp, parking lot, and walking trails. - Parks staff said Veterans Park operations have gone smoothly, with two full-time staff assigned primarily to the park plus roving part-time staff during off-hours. Parking has occasionally been full. - A commissioner noted the trailhead from the lower Veterans Park lot is difficult to find; staff said a trailhead exists and trail maps will be installed. - Staff outlined Veterans Park phase two work, including a pole barn, renovation of the corner crib, additional paving, disc golf, and mountain biking. Discussions with disc golf and biking groups are planned after leaves fall, with efforts to keep hiking, biking, and disc golf routes separated where possible. - A commissioner gave detailed playground feedback, especially for Billy Cox Pavilion playground: more swings, an accessible swing, kid-size picnic tables, rubber safety surfacing, and flushing restrooms. The commissioner praised Rotary Playground and said the Douglas restroom is very nice. - Staff updated the commission on a successful metal-detecting event: 20 people attended, 19 metal detectors showed up, and finds included bullets, buttons, and farm trash. Metal detecting is generally allowed in town parks unless digging occurs, but it is not permitted at Veterans Park. - The Environmental Commission is holding a pumpkin smash at Tuscarora Park the day after Halloween, with the first batch of pumpkins recycled/donated to a farm. Commissioners noted the planned food-composting site near the parking garage has not materialized. County Liaison Report - The county trails group now called Loudoun Trails and Waterways, formerly the Loudoun Parks and Arts Trails group. The county arts program is receiving $250,000 per year and is recruiting commission members. - The county signature trail project would connect through a new footbridge at Tuscarora Creek near Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park; the town should plan how residents will access that trail corridor. Public Art Proposal at Fox Ridge Park - The Commission on Public Art (COPA) presented a concept for a sculpture at Fox Ridge Park's pollinator garden along the W&OD trail. The call for artists was expanded beyond the original selfie-style sculpture to allow broader submissions. - The project has a $7,500 budget. Timeline: November to town council, December call to artists, January art selection and council approval, February-March base installation, March-April artist installation, and May plaques and ribbon cutting. - Parks staff preferred location one to avoid encroaching on nearby backyards. ADA accessibility will require a pad; staff identified an 8-foot by 10-foot art box and asked COPA to coordinate if a design needs different dimensions. - COPA will maintain the artwork. A non-voting parks and recreation representative should be part of the selection committee. - The commission voted unanimously to endorse the concept and location one. FY28 Budget Discussion - Commissioners discussed requesting $10,000 for a park passport/medallion program, where each park would have a collectible medallion or QR code, similar to national park passport programs. - Other ideas included a bike-around-Leesburg event, benches, informational plaques, a park brochure, and more active use of the Idylwood field. - Staff noted benches and typical operational items can often be funded from existing parks operating funds, while larger outreach programs could be requested through the commission budget. Draft Parks Master Plan - Staff presented the draft plan as a raw Word document. The next steps are: formatting into a final document, forwarding to commissions for a two-week comment period, possible endorsement at the December 16 commission meeting, then review by the Planning Commission and ultimately Town Council. - Several commissioners said the plan felt too broad, generic, and passive, with too many options and not enough prioritized, Leesburg-specific implementation items. They asked how success could be measured without a clear checkoff list. - Parks staff responded that the document is a strategic plan rather than a task list, and that its themes can support future funding requests, land acquisition, and development-review negotiations. Staff also cited the need for more staff, requesting four additional parks FTEs based on an identified eight-FTE gap. - The commission unanimously approved moving the draft master plan forward in the review process. Key Outcomes - Approved Commissioner Ross's remote participation by unanimous vote. - Endorsed the COPA sculpture project at Fox Ridge Park, location one, by unanimous vote. - Approved advancing the draft Parks Master Plan to formatting and the next review steps. - Pickleball court dedication is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m.; if Dominion Energy has not delivered a transformer, the courts may open for daytime-only use until the lights are operational.

The Leesburg Town Council held its regular meeting on October 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included consent items, resolutions, public hearings on telecommunications license renewals, and an appeal of a Board of Architectural Review (BAR) decision regarding property at 7 Royal Street SE. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 7-0. It included a cathodic protection system rehabilitation for a 24-inch reuse water main, endorsing performing artists for the 2026 Mistletoe Market, Title VI Policies and Implementation Plans, a request for the conveyance of remaining portions of Tolbert Lane (Route 654), and a fitness equipment purchase contract for the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. - Minutes from the October 5 Work Session (approved 6-0-1, with Council Member Steinberg abstaining) and the October 6 Regular Session (approved 7-0) were adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - Petitioner Session: Kevin Ash described his development record in Leesburg, stating he has completed seven projects over 15 years. He noted that four of his developments received Historic Design Excellence Awards. His remarks were concluded when his allotted three minutes expired. - Telecommunications Public Hearings: No members of the public signed up or spoke on the license agreements for ZAYO or Lumos Networks (dba SEGRA). - BAR Appeal Public Hearing: The appellants delivered a five-minute argument against the BAR's approval for 7 Royal Street SE. They argued that staff omitted the issue of a second-story expansion over a severely non-conforming footprint. They contended that the intended residential and commercial use influenced the design's mass and scale. They specifically opposed the front-yard parking pad, the loss of historic circulation, the cumulative site impact, and accused the design of creating an inappropriate "campus" appearance through unified fencing. Discussion Items - SCADA Server Purchase: Staff presented a request for a $1,589,398 supplemental appropriation to purchase servers ($1,218,000 from Maine Micro) and network hardware ($712,000 from DSI Tech) for the water and wastewater SCADA replacement project. The existing systems have been in operation since 2002 and pose cybersecurity risks. Councilmember Kurkowski asked about the replacement lifecycle; staff expects 20 years from the new system. Councilmember Steinberg confirmed the current hardware is up to 24 years old. - Telecommunications License Agreements: - ZAYO (Fiber AssetCo, LLC): Staff presented a renewal agreement, noting the previous license had expired in 2021 due to an inadequate internal tracking system. As a pass-through entity with no voice lines, ZAYO pays an annual fee of approximately $14,645, which has been paid retroactively for the lapse period. - Lumos/SEGRA (Lumos Networks 2, LLC): An amendment to the existing license was presented to allow for extension of their fiber network. The amendment does not extend the license term beyond its 2027 expiration. - BAR Appeal – 7 Royal Street SE: - Staff Clarification: Preservation Manager Lauren Murphy addressed questions from the continued hearing. She clarified the BAR does not regulate use, noise, traffic, or private viewsheds. The driveway is not historic (approved in 2006), but a 10-foot historic private access easement from the 1890s exists. She stated the flexibility on rear elevations is standard for reversible new construction. - Council Deliberation: Councilmember Steinberg asked about the application of non-conformity rules and the relevance of a separate application for 9 Royal Street. Councilmember Kurkowski questioned the concept of "reversibility." The Mayor expressed a strong concern about the new front-yard parking, citing the adopted guidelines directing parking to be located on the side or rear. Staff responded that the BAR considered the neighborhood context, where multiple properties have visible front parking. - BAR Chair Testimony: Councilmember Cummings called BAR Chair Ms. Aikman to the podium. She argued that overturning the BAR's decision would undermine the board's partnership with applicants, which relies on being fair, flexible, staying in its lane, and providing certainty that approvals will not be revoked. - Applicant Position: Contract purchaser Kevin Ash stated there is no room to relocate parking to the rear of the property. He argued that of the 14 structures on the street, nine have parking accessing Royal Street. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0). - SCADA Server Purchase: The resolution was approved (7-0), amending the budget and authorizing the hardware purchases. - Commission Appointments: Caitlin Toreau (Commission on Public Art), John Tingle (Economic Development Commission), and Jose Masquera (Technology and Communications Commission) were all confirmed (7-0 each). - Telecommunications License Agreements: The renewal with ZAYO (motion by Cummings, second by Nasi) and the amendment with Lumos/SEGRA (motion by Cummings, second by Steinberg) were both approved (7-0). - BAR Appeal (7 Royal Street SE): Councilmember Cummings moved to uphold the BAR's decision approving the Certificate of Appropriateness. The Mayor stated she would vote no, citing the parking guideline violation. The motion passed 5-2, meaning the appeal was denied and the BAR's approval stands. - Future Work Session Items: Councilmember Cummings secured support for discussions on (1) incentives for converting short-term to long-term rentals, and (2) a feasibility study for a 300-spot downtown parking garage. Councilmember Kurkowski secured support for a work session on initiating streetscaping for the Crescent Design District. - Closed Session: The Council voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters, zoning matters, and encroachment on town-owned airport property. A certification motion regarding the closed session subsequently passed.

Leesburg Town Council met for a work session on October 26, 2026, in the Council Chamber at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street. The agenda listed a Fiscal Year 2028 Budget Work Session (Public Works and CIP), Zoning Ordinance Rewrite 'Dive List' discussions, and increased civil penalties for zoning violations. The available transcript contains no discussion of the Budget Work Session and opens mid-way through the zoning use discussion; no meeting minutes were available. The recorded discussion covered use-table 'dive list' items, short-term residential rentals, data center standards, zoning enforcement penalties, future agenda topics, and a closed session. Zoning Ordinance Rewrite – 'Dive List' Use Discussions - Staff and council reviewed Article III use tables, with staff explaining that many proposed changes were intended to implement the Town Plan and streamline administrative approvals. Several council members expressed concern about preserving public input and protecting existing residential neighborhoods. - Bed-and-breakfasts: Staff confirmed that bed-and-breakfasts are permitted by right downtown and are special exceptions in residential suburban and residential historic districts. A council member asked whether protections for traffic, appearance, and parking had been removed; staff said those concerns are covered by off-street parking requirements, special exception criteria, and compatibility standards, and offered to add standards back if any had been dropped. - Hotels: Staff described the draft proposal to allow hotels as permitted or limited uses in non-residential and mixed-use districts, with hotels not allowed in residential districts. A downtown hotel would be a limited use subject to a 50-room maximum and a requirement that at least 60% of gross floor area be used for lodging. Several council members objected that limited-use approval is administrative and provides no public hearing. Council informally polled in favor of making hotels a minor special exception in downtown, and in favor of keeping hotels permitted in mixed-use and innovation center districts. Council also expressed support for eliminating or restricting the separate commercial inn category. - Places of worship/public assembly: Staff presented use standards for limited-use approval, including noise compliance, traffic management plans, occupancy caps, and accessory-use limits. Councilmember Wilt asked for public input for all places of assembly, not only places of worship. Council informally polled four in favor of making places of worship/public assembly minor special exceptions across all discussed districts, including mixed-use districts. - Drive-throughs: Staff reviewed proposed treatment of restaurants, banks, and pharmacies with drive-throughs, including removing drive-through restaurants from mixed-use districts because they conflict with pedestrian-oriented goals. Councilmember Cummings proposed eliminating banks with drive-throughs in downtown, and four council members supported that change. Other drive-through permissibility provisions were left as proposed. Staff noted walk-up ATMs would not count as drive-through facilities. - Cemeteries: A council member raised the two Mount Zion cemeteries, noting that one is zoned medical center and the other is in the historic residential district, and asked whether the Black cemetery would be protected differently. Staff said the zoning difference was not intentional and came from existing district mapping, and agreed to review the mapping. Staff also cited state code protections governing cemetery removal. - Staff noted that the dive list item about maximizing administrative handling of minor matters was intended to find uses that could move from legislative to administrative review. Other dive list questions were held until the November 9 meeting. Short-Term Residential Rentals - Staff presented draft changes to short-term residential rental regulations. The draft would require registration in town code rather than a home occupation permit, keep existing limits of one short-term rental per parcel and a maximum of six lodgers for stays under 30 days, and add an operator residency requirement of at least 185 days per year. The Planning Commission had also recommended a 90-day-per-year cap on short-term rental use. - Council discussed the difficulty of verifying residency, whether existing permit holders would be grandfathered, and whether the town could cap the number of short-term rentals in a neighborhood. The town attorney said Virginia jurisdictions have generally not used numeric caps, but the town can regulate use impacts. - Town staff and the town attorney explained that the 185-day residency requirement is intended to prevent corporate or absentee ownership, while the 90-day cap was intended to limit the intensity of use. Staff said it was comfortable with the residency requirement but did not support the 90-day cap. - Council informally polled four in favor of the 185-day residency requirement, so that remained in the draft. The 90-day cap did not receive four votes, and a proposed alternative 180-day cap also did not receive four votes. Council directed staff to strike the 90-day cap while retaining the residency requirement. - Councilmember Cummings requested a future work session to explore incentives for converting short-term rentals into long-term rentals. Staff agreed to research options, likely in time for the December meeting. Data Center Use Standards - Staff reviewed existing data center standards, which were developed with industry representatives and the Piedmont Environmental Council. Data centers are currently proposed as a special exception only in the industrial research district. Standards address building placement, mass and articulation, fenestration, equipment screening, landscaping, generators, and substations. - Staff cited economic development research showing approximately 230 data centers in Loudoun County, with 56.5 million square feet in operation or under development and 35.7 million square feet approved in the pipeline, and said demand still outpaces supply. - Council discussed generator hours, battery backup, and adaptive reuse. Staff said generator operating hours were not included because generators must operate during emergencies and substation outages. Council members expressed concern about continuous generator use during heat events and asked whether the town could require adequate battery backup. The town attorney said the town could require terms like 'adequate' or 'sufficient,' but enforcement could be difficult, and energy-efficiency requirements are better addressed through proffers. - Council did not vote to add generator-hours restrictions, battery backup mandates, or adaptive reuse incentives. Staff was directed to continue monitoring Virginia Municipal League efforts and state-level data center policy. Increased Civil Penalties for Zoning Violations - Town Attorney Chris Spera and staff presented the draft zoning enforcement framework. The draft ordinance tracks the maximum civil penalties allowed by state code, with enhanced penalties available for multifamily residential violations under new state law. Staff said it does not recommend adopting the higher multifamily penalty maximums. - Staff described current enforcement: a complaint-based system, a courtesy letter, a notice of violation with appeal rights to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and referral for legal enforcement if needed. Since 2021, the town has gone to court 14 times on zoning cases, plus two additional declaratory judgment cases involving deceased property owners. - Possible options discussed included more proactive enforcement, skipping courtesy notices, seeking court injunctions or temporary restraining orders for egregious cases, asking the General Assembly to raise fine limits, and making unpaid zoning fines statutory liens against property. - Councilmember Wilt asked which tool would address cases where stop-work orders are ignored. The town attorney said temporary restraining orders and injunctions are available tools and can be pursued without following the normal fine process. - Council expressed support for the current outreach-first approach, for continuing the legislative request for higher penalties, and for using temporary restraining orders in egregious cases. No formal vote was taken on penalty levels. Future Meeting Topics - Staff previewed the November 9 work session agenda: live-work parking requirements, sustainability incentive measures, attainable housing, setback consistency, zoning map review, gateway district boundaries, carriageway townhomes overlay review, and legislation from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly related to accessory dwellings, parking, high-energy-use facilities, solar facilities, and affordable housing. - Retail cannabis was tentatively scheduled for December 7. Staff also noted that a timeline for setting the tax rate is already in progress. Closed Session - The Council voted to convene a closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-2711(A)(7) and (8) to consult with legal counsel and staff about potential litigation related to zoning matters and encroachment on town-owned airport property. The motion was seconded and passed. The meeting adjourned following the closed session. Key Outcomes - Council informally supported making hotels a minor special exception downtown and keeping hotels permitted in mixed-use and innovation center districts. - Council informally supported making places of worship/public assembly minor special exceptions across the board. - Council informally supported eliminating banks with drive-throughs downtown. - Council approved the 185-day operator residency requirement for short-term residential rentals and rejected the 90-day and 180-day rental caps, directing staff to strike the 90-day cap. - Council did not add new data center generator, battery backup, or adaptive reuse requirements. - Council will continue pursuing state legislative changes for higher zoning penalties and will use temporary restraining orders where appropriate. - A closed session was authorized for legal consultation on zoning and airport property encroachment matters.

At the October 26, 2026 Leesburg, Virginia meeting, officials reviewed proposed zoning changes affecting bed-and-breakfast and hotel uses in the downtown district. The main point of contention was a proposed increase in the bed-and-breakfast room cap to 15; members called that too high and converged on eight. They also compared the definitions of bed-and-breakfasts and hotels and discussed streamlining downtown hotel approvals. Discussion Items - The draft amendment would raise the bed-and-breakfast room cap to 15 across the board. Staff member Mr. Watkins confirmed the existing ordinance limits bed-and-breakfasts to five rooms. - A bed-and-breakfast in the residential-historic district would remain a special exception requiring planning commission and town council approval; the existing cap in that district is five rooms. The transcript contains a conflict on this point: one exchange suggests the residential-historic cap was unchanged, but staff then said the 15-room cap applied 'across the board.' - Staff described a bed-and-breakfast as overnight accommodations with a morning meal in a single-family detached residence that is currently permitted as a single-family dwelling, has a resident manager living on site, and has no cooking facilities in guest rooms. The ordinance does not distinguish new versus old construction. - The draft would make downtown hotels a limited use instead of a minor special exception, subject to no more than 50 rooms and a requirement that at least 60 percent of gross floor area be used for lodging. Member Positions - The mayor questioned whether a 15-room house could still function as a bed-and-breakfast, said lowering the 15-room cap is important, and noted five might be a little low; they said some localities require the house to be at least 50 years old. - Dr. Simena Johnson cited Virginia Code 35.1, which defines a bed-and-breakfast as having no more than 18 transient guests on a single day, and said she was comfortable with nine rooms but not 15. - Mr. Cummings said he would support lowering the cap to a number in the five-to-eight range and would have no problem leaving it at five; he noted the Colonial Inn has roughly five rooms, later corrected to ten guest rooms. - Another member said eight rooms could be the 'sweet spot' because known eight-bedroom homes would make excellent bed-and-breakfasts, while noting that one of the eight rooms would have to be used by the owner or manager. Key Outcomes - Members informally converged on eight rooms as a compromise bed-and-breakfast cap after considering five, six, seven, and nine; at least four members indicated support for eight. - No formal vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt, and final action on the zoning amendment was not shown. The hotel limited-use proposal remained under discussion.

The Compensation Plan Board of Leesburg, Virginia met on October 23, 2026 to approve previous meeting minutes, receive fiduciary training, review plan performance, and approve several fund changes and a new retirement income option. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the May 19, 2026 Compensation Plan Board meeting. Discussion Items - Fiduciary Training: Andy Larson and Mike Sullivan from the Retirement Learning Center presented on fiduciary responsibilities, including the four core rules (best interest, expert rule, plan document rule, diversification rule). They emphasized the importance of documenting decisions (what and why), reviewing plan documents every 2-3 years, cybersecurity and vendor contract reviews, data privacy (including data sales by vendors), evaluating managed accounts (fees, data points, algorithms, investments), monitoring target-date funds (indirect fees, participant misconceptions), and fiduciary liability insurance. The presenters noted that participant complaints are a common trigger for lawsuits and that good documentation is the best defense. - Plan Performance Report: Total plan assets as of June 2026 were $40.2 million, up from $37.2 million at the end of March 2026, the highest since moving to Nationwide in 2024. Target-date funds comprise 40% of plan assets ($16.1 million), domestic equity 33.3% ($13.4 million), and stable value 13% ($5.2 million). The top four funds account for over 40% of assets. - Fund Change - BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund: The board discussed replacing the BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund (large-cap value) with the Columbia Dividend Income Fund due to the departure of the entire investment team and analyst support. The Columbia fund has a lower expense ratio (0.40% vs. current 0.54%) and similar performance. The change affects 95 participants (page 95 of the report). The motion passed unanimously. - Fund Change - EuroPacific Growth Fund: The board discussed replacing the EuroPacific Growth Fund (international) with the Victory Pioneer International Equity Fund after the fund had been on the watch list for over a year due to poor risk-return profile (bottom-right quadrant: higher volatility, lower returns). The Victory fund has lower expenses (0.39% after rebate vs. 0.74%), better long-term performance, and a more concentrated portfolio (64 vs. 372 holdings). The motion passed unanimously. - CIT Conversion: The board approved converting mutual fund versions of American Century and Wasatch funds to collective investment trusts (CITs) to lower participant costs. The Allspring CIT was removed from consideration as its mutual fund class was already cheaper. - Retirement Income Builder (RIB) Option: The board discussed adding a guaranteed lifetime income option from State Street, designed specifically for governmental entities. Key features: income begins building at age 47, payouts start at age 65, with a high-water mark mechanism locking in gains quarterly. Fees are 9 basis points during accumulation and 20 basis points during income building/withdrawal. Loans are not permitted within the RIB, but participants can keep other assets for loans. Spousal survivor options are available (irrevocable election). The option is portable to other plans offering the same product. The board approved adding the RIB option, with the launch to align with the fund changes (targeting December 2026). Key Outcomes - Approved Minutes of the May 19, 2026 meeting. - Approved Fund Change: BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund to Columbia Dividend Income Fund (effective November/December 2026). - Approved Fund Change: EuroPacific Growth Fund to Victory Pioneer International Equity Fund. - Approved CIT Conversions: American Century and Wasatch mutual funds to CIT versions. - Approved New Option: Retirement Income Builder (RIB) added to the plan as a target-date-like investment option. - Next Steps: Participant communications will be sent at least 30 days prior to changes (targeting November 2026 letters for December changes). Education workshops will be scheduled to inform employees about changes and the new RIB option. The next meeting will include a one-year participant engagement report.