Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

The Leesburg Performing Arts Commission met on April 23, 2026, to adopt an amended agenda, approve prior minutes, receive a presentation from the county's new arts program manager, and discuss two proposed events: a senior capstone recital on June 12 and a 250th anniversary period music concert in August. Several votes were taken, and action items assigned. Consent Calendar - The agenda was amended to include an old business item regarding an August performance as part of the 250th events. The amendment passed 6-0-1. The agenda as amended was then adopted unanimously (6-0-1). - The minutes from the March meeting were approved 5-0-1 (with one member absent). Chair Comments & Disclosures - Chair Tony Simno Johnson reported on a meeting with Jeanette regarding the Virginia Commission of the Arts grant cycle. The current cycle is closed, but the Commission of Public Arts invited the performing arts commission to partner in the next grant cycle. Follow-up will occur in the fall. - Commissioner Marjorie expressed disappointment that only one applicant applied for the senior capstone recital and proposed extending the deadline to April 30, broadening the search to all of Loudoun County, and holding an extra meeting on May 7 to select winners. She also raised logistical questions about piano rental. Public Comments & Testimony - No petitioners appeared. New Business: Presentation from County Arts Program Manager - Mary Sellers, the county's arts program manager, presented the comprehensive arts plan approved in June 2025. She outlined 22 strategies focusing on access, collaboration, and infrastructure. Key initiatives include: - Hiring three new arts staff positions (arts education specialist, public art coordinator, arts outreach staff) starting July 2026. - Developing a public art policy and a percent-for-arts fund. - The Arts Advisory Committee is expanding from visual arts to include performing and literary arts. - Hosting an Arts Connection series (next on the business side of arts on May 11) and an arts expo in October 2026. - An artist residency program and a biennial arts festival are planned. - A $250,000 grant program for arts nonprofits (operational and program support) will launch with applications due early fall 2026; grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000 with no match required. - Inventorying PRCS facilities for potential arts spaces and supporting the Eastern Loudoun Community Arts Center project. - Commissioners asked about demographics of the plan's survey (consultant Designing Local led outreach), the status of an Ashburn Station arts zoning inclusion, and coordination with Loudoun Arts Council. Sellers stated the county is working closely with the council. Discussion Items Senior Capstone Recital (June 12, 2026) - Only one applicant submitted – a dancer. Commissioners debated whether to proceed with a single performer or expand. Ultimately, they decided to honor the applicant and expand the event to include a presentation by the Performing Arts Commission and light refreshments. The event will be held in the lower lobby of Ida Lee on June 12 from 7-8 PM. - Motion: Pay the artist $3,000 and allocate $800 for refreshments. Passed 6-0-1. - Action items: Tony to prepare commission presentation; Marjorie and Pam to contact arts organizations for attendance; Whitney to notify the applicant contingent on council approval (May 12); Peter to handle cake. - Lessons noted: Future events should be planned 3–6 months in advance and outreach should target schools earlier. August 250th Anniversary Period Music Concert - Commissioner Pam presented a proposal for a concert of music from George Washington's time at St. James Episcopal Church. The preferred date is August 15, aligning with a county 250th event (reading of the Declaration of Independence). Backup date is August 8 (Taste of Leesburg). - St. James sanctuary rent: $200/hour; a representative fee of $75/hour (2-hour minimum) applies. Estimated venue cost: $1,200 (4 hours). Artist honorariums: $1,200 total for two groups ($600 each). Total budget use: $2,400. - Motion: Approve $1,200 for venue and $1,200 for artist payments. Passed 5-0-2. - The contract will be reviewed by town attorneys before council approval. - Pam will finalize the call to artists; staff will negotiate terms with St. James. Staff Comments - Whitney reminded commissioners of the networking event next Thursday (April 30? likely April 30). Tony will present on behalf of the commission. Chair Comments (Future Model) - Chair Tony noted that council members Yale and Steinberg and the mayor are interested in the commission exploring a foundation-grant model (similar to Wolf Trap Foundation) where the commission gives money to organizations to produce their own events throughout the year, culminating in a celebratory showcase. This will be discussed at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended and adopted (6-0-1); March minutes approved (5-0-1). - Senior capstone recital and commission presentation on June 12 approved with $3,000 artist payment and $800 for refreshments (6-0-1). - August 15 period music concert at St. James approved with $1,200 venue and $1,200 artist payments (5-0-2). - Action items assigned: Pam to finalize call to artists; Whitney to notify selected dancer and coordinate with council; Commissioners to promote events; Staff to negotiate St. James contract. - Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM (approximately).

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held its regular business meeting on April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board approved four consent agenda items, recapped the Flower & Garden Festival, discussed the 2026 BAR Annual Report, and appointed representatives to the Joint Architectural Review Board (JARB). Chair Helen Aikman presided; Vice Chair Tom O'Neill was absent. Consent Calendar - TLHPBR2026-0004 – 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Exterior Alterations – Approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda (6-0-1, with O'Neill absent). - TLHPBR2026-0006 – 14 Cornwall Street NW, Rear Awnings (St. James Church) – Approved with a 6-0-1 vote (Don Scheuerman recused himself due to his membership on the church property committee; O'Neill absent). - TLHPBR2026-0007 – 204 North King Street, Windows and Sunroom Repair – Approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda (6-0-1, O'Neill absent). - TLHPBR2026-0008 – 208 North King Street, Addition – Approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda (6-0-1, O'Neill absent). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for the consent agenda items. Discussion Items - Flower & Garden Festival Recap – Board members praised the event, noting attendance of an estimated 30,000–40,000 people. Discussion included: a problem with promotional tote bags that failed after washing (vendor will replace them); the desire to purchase a branded tent and tablecloths to improve visibility; and the belief that the booth successfully educated visitors about historic preservation. The board agreed the festival is a worthwhile outreach effort and plans to continue. - 2026 BAR Annual Report – The board reviewed the draft annual report. Key suggestions included: replacing references to “staff and BAR” with the unified term “preservation program team”; adding a sentence about the imminent completion of the historic resources survey; and substituting the “Beyond King Street” highlight of Casa de Avila (a new business with signage approval) with a feature on modest vernacular houses being restored (e.g., the “w house” on South Street/Royal and the duplex on North Street) to emphasize preservation of diverse structures. The board decided to defer final approval to the next work session to allow more time for edits, targeting a submission to Town Council by the end of May. - JARB Appointees – The board appointed Julie Pastor and Helen Aikman (the same representatives as the previous year) to serve on the Joint Architectural Review Board (JARB) for 2026. The JARB will include representatives from Percival, Middleburg, and Loudoun County (which includes historic villages such as Waterford and Aldie). A selection meeting is expected in early June. Key Outcomes - All four consent agenda items were approved (votes as noted above). - The annual report will be revised and considered at the next BAR work session before being sent to Town Council. - Julie Pastor and Helen Aikman were appointed as BAR representatives to the JARB. - Staff reminders: board members were asked to RSVP to the Boards & Commissions Networking Event (date not specified) and were informed that Preservation Day at Balch Library will be held on May 15, 2026 (morning session only).

The Leesburg Airport Commission met on April 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting lasted until 7:08 PM. Commissioners Cyril and Fisher were absent; a quorum was present. The agenda was adopted and minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the agenda and approval of the March minutes by voice vote, with no opposition. Old Business Hangar Mural - Staff reported that a press release and call to artists have been issued. The Friends of Leesburg Public Art (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) will collect donations. A draft sponsorship document was presented; commissioners suggested lowering donation tiers and adding entry-level perks (e.g., a rubber airplane or coin) to encourage smaller donations. The next steps include review by COPA and the Airport Commission before council approval. Bids are expected by the end of April. Minimum Standards Update - Staff presented a 30-slide overview of proposed changes to minimum standards for commercial operators, including FBOs, maintenance shops (AMPs), flight schools, and flying clubs. Key discussion points: - FBO maintenance requirement: Debate on whether to require an AMP shop on-site. Scott (FBO operator) noted that the current maintenance shop is subsidized and that previous operators failed due to high costs and low consumer willingness to pay. He favored a broadly written requirement rather than specific square footage. Other commissioners questioned if off-site maintenance could be considered. No consensus; agreed to explore further. - Flight school facilities: Discussion on allowing off-site administrative offices. Some commissioners supported flexibility; others worried about enforcement and de facto flight schools. The current draft reduces square footage to 250 sq ft for flight schools. Input from FAA on off-site operations was suggested. - Flying clubs: Standards align with FAA policy, emphasizing non-profit operation and prohibition of paid flight instruction beyond member-share compensation. - The commission agreed to schedule another meeting to refine the document before bringing it to a vote. New Business Runway Rehabilitation Project - Mr. Shields reported that the project is scheduled to begin July 6, 2026, and last approximately 40 work days (8 PM to 6 AM closures). A 30-day curing period will follow, with final markings expected before the airshow. Partial taxiway closures (Alpha 4, Alpha 5 intersections) will occur for about two weeks at the start. The runway will remain open during daytime hours. Concerns about jet customer impacts were raised, but overall support was expressed given long-term benefits. Committees - A new committee, Community Engagement and Government Affairs, was formed to handle the mural, observation area, and property tax issues. Commissioners Mike and Tim were appointed. The committee will be limited to two members to avoid triggering public meeting requirements. - Noise abatement form will be updated with new airport management software to improve tracking by neighborhood. Airport Director Report - The perimeter fence behind condo hangars is substantially complete. Beta charger near Gate 5 is nearly done. The budget was approved by council. Noise complaints are down, with reports from Evergreen Meadows, Limestone Terrace, and a new complainant from Lyndon Hill. Operations are up year-to-date despite winter weather. Discussion on measuring business jet traffic (e.g., via JetNet) suggested quarterly reporting. FBO Update - Scott reported that the downstairs market will open by Friday (April 19). It will be operated by an independent vendor; the airport does not collect payment or profit from it. The market is open to the public. Public Comments - Brendan Murphy, a candidate for town council, introduced himself and noted he is attending all commission meetings. No other public comments. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on minimum standards; further discussions will occur before the May 13 meeting. - The runway rehabilitation project schedule was confirmed with overnight closures beginning July 6. - A new standing committee (Community Engagement and Government Affairs) was created with two members appointed. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A Boards and Commissions networking event will be held on April 30 at Ida Lee.

The Leesburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on April 16, 2026, featuring a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, a work session on Floodplain Overlay District amendments, and updates on state legislation. The commission heard from multiple public speakers, debated the rewrite, and voted on several items. Public Comments & Testimony - Amy Sibley (823 Melody Court) expressed strong support for the rewrite, praising its clarity and modernized structure, and noted that Table 2-4-1 will allow her to build a porch. She urged approval to proceed with her project. - Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) opposed the draft, arguing it fails to protect residential use rights in the B-1 district. She cited the removal of protective language regarding residential uses, rear yard setbacks, and conditions for commercial uses, and questioned how the rewrite would protect historic structures and individual property rights. - Molly Novotny (Cirata Partners) raised concerns about the Innovation Center (IC) district, noting confusion and redundancy in Division 10 and 11 use standards. She recommended clarifying warehouse and outdoor storage allowances and submitted a memo with detailed suggestions. - Morgan Hadlock (Curata Partners, representing Rappaport/Village at Leesburg) requested adjustments to the Mixed-Use (MU) district, including aligning building height with the B-4 standard (70 feet), removing or raising the 50-acre threshold for modifying use mix standards, and ensuring the use table allows flexibility for commercial tenants. She noted the Village is a proffered rezoning. - Michael Waters (9 Morvan Park Road NW) recounted property damage from a town storm drain project and urged the town to take responsibility for capital improvement projects, ensuring homeowners are made whole. He also noted his home is in the historic district but was built in 1998, questioning the historic designation. - Elizabeth Stutzman (Potomac Station) expressed concern about the Innovation Center designation near her home, particularly allowing manufacturing and industrial uses. She asked for careful guidelines to protect residential quality of life, citing potential noise, odors, and resource demands. - Unnamed speaker (Edwards Ferry Road) asked about the timeline for council approval (late 2026) and whether he could appeal to be subject to the new ordinance before adoption. The chair noted that zoning determinations can be appealed but not in anticipation of a new ordinance. - R. Bagdeser (301 South King Street, former council member) supported the graphics and illustrations, proposed creating a data center district near the airport, and advocated for eliminating minimum parking requirements in the historic district to promote walkability. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Rewrite (TLZNOA2026-0002): Director James David presented an overview of the three-year process, key changes (reduction from 27 to 15 districts, new use categories, enhanced graphics, attainable housing options, etc.), and the staff recommendation to forward to town council with approval. Commissioners raised numerous questions and concerns, including major public utilities in the Crescent District, definitions, parking credits, and consistency with state legislation (HB 655). After debate, Commissioner Tuck moved to send the rewrite to a future work session on May 7, 2026, with direction to staff to review all public comments made that evening. The motion was seconded and carried (appears unanimous). - Floodplain Overlay District Amendments (TLZNOA2025-0001, TLENOA2026-001, TLENOA2026-002): Bill Ackman presented updated findings, including DCR support and a narrowed scope focusing on backwater areas away from stream beds. The commission voted unanimously (three separate motions) to forward all three ordinance amendments to town council with a recommendation of approval. - Next Steps on General Assembly Legislative Agenda: Ms. Newton reported that staff is tracking recent state legislation (e.g., HB 655 on manufactured housing) and will provide an informational presentation to the commission on May 21, 2026, with potential recommendations for amendments to the rewrite. Key Outcomes - Zoning Ordinance Rewrite: The commission voted to send the rewrite to a work session on May 7, 2026, for further review of public comments and commissioner questions. No final vote on approval was taken. - Floodplain Overlay Amendments: All three amendments (zoning ordinance, DCSM, SLDR) were approved unanimously (all ayes) and forwarded to town council with a recommendation of approval, based on the findings that they further town plan objectives and good practice. - State Legislation Update: Staff will present an overview of new state bills at the May 21, 2026 meeting, after which the commission may consider recommending changes to the rewrite. - Upcoming Events: The chair and vice chair will attend the PolicyMaker Series on the State of Housing (April 29, 2026); a Boards and Commissions Networking Event is scheduled for April 30, 2026. - Agenda Forecast: The May 7, 2026 meeting will include the Liberty Hotel project and the zoning rewrite work session; May 21, 2026 will cover the Crescent District Streetscape Study and the legislative update.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Consequently, no discussion items, public comments, votes, or outcomes can be summarized. The city of Leesburg, Virginia, meeting scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM UTC did not have any retrievable content for this summary.

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on April 16, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Members present were Phil Marshall, John Brutus, Frank Schneider, Earl Howard, Tara Holt, and Katie Acton. Alex Friend was absent. Council liaison Gary Nancy and staff representative Les Westbrook were also present. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, routine updates, and extensive discussion of ongoing projects including the adopt-a-spot, tree walk signage, flower and garden festival, spring tree giveaway, Arbor Day tree, and other events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda as amended (to include a report on the adopt-a-spot subcommittee) was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (6-0-1? count not specified but all in favor). - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented. Motion by John Brutus, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Staff Report: Staff reminded the commission about the "Scrape the Grape" event (spotted lanternfly egg mass removal) occurring on March 21, 2026 at Ida Lee, and the Boards and Commissions Networking Event on April 30, 2026 from 6-8 PM at Ida Lee, where each commission will give a three-minute presentation. - Adopt-a-Spot Subcommittee: Phil Marshall reported on the condition of the adopted spot (Pie Island area). The cotoneaster bush is beyond recovery, and many plants are emerging but it is unclear which are weeds. The group agreed to leave the area alone for now and develop a planting plan. Phil and Frank Schneider will collaborate on a species list. The parking sign issue with Mom's Apple Pie was discussed but no action taken. - Historic Tree Walk App Development: Frank Schneider presented samples of engraved tree tags (cost $75-80 each) that could include QR codes linking to Virginia Tech dendrology pages. The commission decided not to pursue a county grant due to complexity and inadequate funding. The app design will be provided at no cost by Leah (town public information officer). The group discussed using metal stakes instead of more expensive track sleeves. No formal vote. - Flower and Garden Festival (April 2026): The commission discussed logistics for the festival booth, including sign-up sheets, distribution of giveaway trees (500 burr oak, 1500 chestnut oak, 1000 eastern redbud), and the need for paper bags. A communication restriction was noted: commissioners cannot send group emails due to meeting rules; they will use a shared online folder. No formal vote. - Spring 2026 Treesburg Initiative (May 2, 2026): Funding and partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization is still pending. An MOU is required. An alternative event on Public Works Day (May 9, 2026) was discussed. The commission will wait for a response from the potential partner and decide later. No formal vote. - Leesburg Arbor Day Tree (April 24, 2026): The tree planting at Harper Park Elementary is complicated by school district approval processes. The desired fringe tree was rejected due to fruit concerns. The commission is awaiting responses from school officials. The date may be flexible to accommodate the mayor. No formal vote. - Sesquincentennial (Centennial) Tree Event (April 29, 2026): The event is scheduled for April 29, 2026 at 1 PM at the farmhouse. The mayor will attend. Parks and Recreation is handling signage and the tree. Commissioners were invited to attend. - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Arbor Day Event (April 24, 2026): The commission discussed having a table at this event from 4-7 PM to provide tree planting demonstrations and brochures. Possible participation, but not finalized. - Budget Status: The commission has $297.50 remaining in the current fiscal year budget (ending June 30, 2026). The budget request for the upcoming year (about $5,700) was mentioned favorably by the town council during a February 23 budget meeting, but final approval is not yet confirmed. - New Business: The commission will prepare a three-minute presentation for the Boards and Commissions Networking Event on April 30, 2026. A template is available. - Commissioner Comments: Earl Howard reported that the town acquired Rock Spring Farm in a 4-2-2 council vote. Massive tree removal along Route 15 was noted. Tara Holt recommended the book "Nature and the Mind" by Mark Berman. The next meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 (note: the meeting date is April 16, 2026, but the transcript states the next meeting is April 14; this discrepancy is from the source). Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda as amended and the February 17, 2026 minutes. - No formal votes were taken on any substantive discussion items; decisions were deferred or left to subcommittees. - The commission will proceed with ordering engraved tree tags for the historic tree walk, using metal stakes. - The Flower and Garden Festival booth will go forward with the planned giveaway trees and bags. - The Arbor Day tree and Treesburg Initiative remain pending due to unresolved external approvals. - The budget request appears to have been favorably received, but final confirmation is awaited. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM (estimated).

The Leesburg Town Council held its regular meeting on April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street. Councilmember Wilt was absent and participated virtually with council approval. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, consent agenda items, resolutions, public hearings, and a fiscal policy amendment. All votes were 6-0-1 unless otherwise noted, with Councilmember Wilt absent. Proclamations & Presentations - Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (April 2026): Mayor read the proclamation; Samantha Clarke, CEO of LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, accepted. She emphasized that survivors are seen, believed, and supported, and that men also experience sexual violence. - National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month (April 2026): Samantha Clarke and Lisa Donovan (Child Advocacy Director) highlighted the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center's work. Lisa Donovan stated that one in four girls and one in six boys are abused before age 18, and the average age of disclosure is 50. - Arbor Day (April 24, 2026): Tree Commissioner Tara Holt announced an Eastern Red Bud planting at Harper Park Middle School on April 28 at 9 a.m., tree giveaways at the Flower and Garden Festival, and the Treessburg spring giveaway on May 2. - National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18, 2026): Blake Costello, ECC Manager, and Deputy Chief David Smith recognized the work of dispatchers. - John W. Tolbert, Jr. Environmental Award: Presented to Peter Burnett for the 338 Net Zero building, an adaptive reuse project that produces as much energy as it consumes. - Crossroads Music Festival: Ara Bagdasarian and Amy (incoming president of Visit Loudoun) presented the festival's history and future plans. They requested consideration as a legacy event and a fee waiver, but no formal numbers were presented. Council asked staff to work with them and bring back a proposal. Consent Calendar - Approved items A, B, C, D, and F: Hydrocyclones contract, King Street improvement funding commitment, W&OD Trail Lighting Phase I endorsement, Six Remnant Defendants National Opioid Settlement, and donation from the Commission on Public Art to Friends of Leesburg Public Arts. - Item E (Oaklawn Water Main Upgrade) was pulled by Vice Mayor Semino Johnson. After discussion, a motion to approve it failed on a 3-3 tie (Mayor, Councilmember Steinberg, and Councilmember Cummings voting yes? — actual vote: 3 ayes, 3 noes, 1 absent), so the item will wait 30 days. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the petitioner section or either public hearing. Discussion Items - Homewood Suites Signage Modification: Staff recommended denial, citing that the proposed sign above 25 feet (at 48 feet) did not meet the unusual site constraints standard. A motion to deny failed 4-2-1. A subsequent motion to approve passed 4-2-1, authorizing the zoning administrator to approve the sign permit. - Special Event Fee Waiver – Loudoun Pride Festival: Approved a fee waiver of $4,743 (50% of $9,485 in town resources) for the June 6 event at Ida Lee Park. - Awareness Display Flag Raising and Illumination for Pride Month: Approved flag raising June 5-12 and illumination June 5-30, with blackout dates June 19 and June 29-30 due to Juneteenth and July 4th observances. - Appointment to Thomas Balch Library Commission: Chang Liu was appointed unanimously. Public Hearings - Condemnation for Downtown Streetlights Phase II: Authorized eminent domain to acquire a 13-square-foot easement from Realty Income Property 7 (Exxon) after negotiations stalled. Motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Cummings? actual: 5 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent). - Budget Amendment for Purchase of Rock Spring Farm: Approved a $5,786,000 budget amendment for the purchase of a 13-acre property (sales price $5,750,000 plus $25,000 closing costs and $11,000 securing costs). Funding split 50-50 between general fund (using data center computer equipment tax reserve) and utilities fund cash reserve. Motion passed 5-0-1? Vote was 4 ayes, 2 noes? Actually recorded as "four four two one one two three four one two and one not here" — ambiguous, but later not clarified. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - Council approved the fiscal policy amendments for the Town of Leesburg (6-0-1). - Councilmember Steinberg requested bringing the Oaklawn water main item back for a work session and possible vote at the next business meeting. - Councilmember Cummings reported on community events and invited residents to "Meet the Mayor" at Paris Baguette on April 15, 9-11 a.m. - The meeting adjourned after a motion passed (6-0-1).

The Leesburg Town Council held a work session on April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered two main discussion items: the creation of a parking authority and a recycling tagging campaign. Council also considered several proclamation requests and added items to future meeting agendas. The meeting concluded with a closed session for personnel matters and adjournment. Discussion Items - Parking Authority (Keith Markel): Town staff presented background on the potential creation of a parking authority, which would be a separate public body with the power to set rates, issue revenue bonds, and lease assets beyond 40 years. Staff noted that parking authorities are uncommon in Virginia, with Lynchburg operating as an advisory commission and Winchester having eliminated its authority due to friction with the city council. Alternatives discussed include an enterprise fund (requiring revenue neutrality) or contracting out management. Council members expressed concerns about loss of control, the financial burden on the town if the authority fails, and the potential impact on downtown merchants if free parking hours are reduced. Vice Mayor Semino-Johnson requested a parking study, noting the last outside study was in 2011. Staff estimated a new study could cost $50,000–$100,000. No formal action was taken. - Recycling Tagging Campaign (Deb Moran & Renee LaFollette): The Sustainability Manager presented a plan to reduce recycling contamination by visually inspecting bins and placing “oops” tags on bins with 20% or more contamination, and “thank you” tags on clean bins. The campaign will start with a pilot in the northwest quadrant for one day, then expand to other areas using data collected. The program is funded within Patriot Disposal’s contract at no additional cost. Council members asked about HOA restrictions, the cost of staff time, and the effectiveness of a one-time tagging. The goal is to drive residents to the Recycle Coach app and reduce the current contamination rate of 20% through quarterly audits. The mayor expressed support for the effort. Proclamation Requests Calendar of requests received: - National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 12–18, 2026) – Moved forward with 4 supporters. - National Drinking Water Week (May 3–9, 2026) – Moved forward. - LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June 2026) – Moved forward. - Celiac Awareness Month (May 2026) – Did not move forward (lacked 4 supporters). - World Ovarian Cancer Day (May 8, 2026) – Moved forward. - Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (June 2026) – Did not move forward. Future Meeting Agenda Items Vice Mayor Semino-Johnson proposed three items, all of which received support from at least four council members: - Request to initiate a bamboo containment ordinance (work session). - Explore relocation of the building at 16 Work Street (sell for $1, buyer moves it). - Direct staff to provide a cost estimate for a comprehensive parking study. Key Outcomes - Motion to allow Councilmember Kirchowski to participate electronically: Passed 6–0–1 (6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention or absent). - Closed Session: Motion to convene for personnel discussion regarding the hiring of town manager passed 7–0. Exit certification also passed 7–0. - Adjournment: Motion passed unanimously.

The Thomas Balch Library Board of Commissioners met on April 9, 2026, at 7:15 PM. The meeting covered the Library Director's report, updates on preservation projects, planning for the America 250th commemoration, and preparations for the annual Boards and Commissions presentation. The board approved the minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting and adjourned. Library Director's Report - Attendance & Programs: March 2026 saw nearly 3,800 visitors (up from typical months), attributed to Rich Gillespie's walking tour (50 registered), new programs (Stitchin' Fit and Stitch, Revolution on Screen kickoff), and a Sunday book talk with George Overleeds. Reference inquiries reached 609, about 100 more than average. - Staff Changes: Two staff members departed (Michelle Champ to Florida, Taylor Rusinski to Richmond). Two new staff were hired: one former library volunteer and Naomi Santos (background in Fairfax historic sites and libraries). Hiring continues for weekend coverage. - Facilities: Plaster repairs and lighting work were completed around the cupola in the Clark Room. A lift was removed. The library will seek a specialist to investigate widespread plaster cracking, possibly water-related. Exterior railing painting is scheduled for May. - Exhibits: A new exhibit on the 1976 visit of the Countess of Loudoun to Loudoun County is now on display through May, created by a former high school student who photographed the visit. - Upcoming Programs: A talk from Sterling Public Library on their digitization station (April 23); a talk from Frederick County archivist Mary Mannix in May; the Revolution on Film series continues (April 28: Alicia Cohen on Black Loyalists). - Friends of TBL: The Friends will hold a book sale on April 18 (10-3) during the Flower and Garden Show, accepting book donations until April 15. - Foundation Report: The foundation account is now active and funded. The board attempted to purchase a James Monroe letter about Oak Hill and enslaved people at auction, bidding up to $2,800, but lost when the price reached $3,000 (plus fees). The foundation will meet April 21 to discuss auction strategy. Old Business - St. James Cemetery: The board has not yet reached out to the church. They aim to reconvene a working group in June to develop plans, involving Judge Horn. - Oak Hill Project: On hold at least through 2026 due to legislative calendar; there is hope for progress in 2027. An intern is creating an exhibit on Oak Hill, and the board is working with Dave Maroo's Presidential Papers project on a traveling exhibit about Monroe. - Virginia 250th Commemoration: The library is ramping up programming for June and July. The Revolution on Film series will continue. The board is applying for a traveling exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. A journal of recent scholarship on Loudoun County and the Revolution is in progress: six authors are expected to deliver papers by April 15 (two have requested extensions). Peer reviewers and copy editors are needed; several board members volunteered themselves and their contacts. Topics include the tenants' revolt, a Native American woman in Loudoun, and the claim that Loudoun provided the most militia men in Virginia. New Business - Boards & Commissions Presentation: The library will present on April 30 at 6 PM at IWE. The board will prepare a 3-minute, 3-slide presentation covering three accomplishments from the past year and priorities for the coming year. Accomplishments discussed: hosting a successful 2025 history awards event, hosting the Lafayette visit, and supporting preservation projects (e.g., Oak Hill exhibit). The 250th planning was highlighted as a top priority. Synergies include making library resources available to other commissions. - Virginia Forum: Attended by three board members; well-attended (pre-pandemic levels). The 2027 budget includes funding for three members to attend the next forum in Norfolk (likely at Old Dominion University). - Volunteer Picnic: April 20 at 5:30 PM; invitations sent via e-blast. Members were asked to RSVP. - Friends of TBL Recruitment: The board encouraged members to recruit new Friends members (membership $25/$35) to ensure the group's sustainability. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting (unanimous). - The board will finalize the presentation for the April 30 Boards and Commissions meeting, with edits to be submitted by the director. - Progress on St. James Cemetery will continue with a June meeting. - The journal project will proceed; volunteers for peer review and copy editing are being collected. - The library will continue to monitor auction opportunities and explore plaster repair resources. - Meeting adjourned.