Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered the Tolbert Award selection, final logistics for Keep Leesburg Beautiful (KLB) and the Flower & Garden Festival, updates on string light recycling and the bag tax legislation, and planning for the Boards & Commissions Banquet. The commission approved the agenda with a minor modification and approved the minutes from February 3, 2026, with two abstentions (Paul and Laura absent). Consent Calendar - Agenda approved with a minor modification (motion and second, no opposition). - Minutes from February 3, 2026, approved with a vote of 4-0-2 (four in favor, zero opposed, two abstentions due to absent members). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard during this meeting. Discussion Items - Tolbert Award Selection: The commission reviewed two nominations: a net zero energy building on Market Street and a pollinator garden. Discussion centered on the net zero building's aspirational impact versus the pollinator garden's repeatability. Members noted the net zero building's owner (Peter) is highly active in the community, and staff shared that the deputy town manager had encouraged business applications. The net zero building was selected after a hand vote (unanimous). The commission also discussed creating a video tour of the building as part of the award promotion. - Keep Leesburg Beautiful (KLB) Logistics: Staff reported 12 business supporters (up from last year), with discounts and promotions. A QR code card will replace the previous detailed card for reusability. The KLB kickoff is Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Raflo Park (with potential future location review). New this year: pre-packed supply pickups at Town Hall, an option for grabber returns with trash bags, and town departments encouraged to participate during April. The commission voted to purchase gold spray paint for golden grabbers, four circular 25-pound sandbags (for tent stability), 300 pre-cut leaves, and two to three spools of floral wire for the Flower & Garden Festival activity. - Flower & Garden Festival Activity: The commission finalized plans for a tree-shaped interactive display at their booth (April 18-19, 2026). Attendees will write sustainable habits or wishes on pre-cut leaves and attach them to a branch frame (using floral wire). A raffle for composting-related prizes will incentivize participation. The display can be moved under the tent in bad weather. Staff confirmed $2,000 remaining in the budget; the Tolbert award engraving costs $200. - String Light Recycling Program: Staff reported that a vendor (Better than Local, in Bui) accepts string lights year-round at no limit. The commission discussed a town-sponsored drop-off program (October through January) with potential locations at Town Hall and IDA. A formal proposal will be developed and sent to staff for approval. - Bag Tax Revenue Update: Staff noted that legislation granting towns a share of the bag tax passed the House and Senate and is likely to be signed by the governor (override of previous vetoes). Estimated annual revenue for Leesburg $50,000. The bag tax can fund programs; the commission was asked to submit ideas for spending (e.g., food waste pilot, recycling program upkeep) by January, though staff will present options to Town Council on June 8, 2026. - Boards & Commissions Banquet: Scheduled for April 30, 2026. The commission will present three past accomplishments (tennis ball recycling, expanded composting participation, and a third to be confirmed) and three future priorities (native plant education, string light recycling, and outreach at the Flower & Garden Festival). A group photo was taken for the presentation. - Future Priorities and Collaboration: The commission discussed potential priorities including data deletion outreach (energy savings), an environmental art contest (possibly reframed as a town-square activity using Creative Reuse Center items), and collaboration with other boards on salt/fertilizer reduction (parking lot item). Key Outcomes - Tolbert Award: Selected the net zero building on Market Street. Staff will contact the owner and nominator, order a trophy, schedule presentation at Town Council (April 12, 2026, already on calendar), and coordinate a promotional video. - KLB Supplies: Approved purchase of gold spray paint, four 25-pound sandbags, 300 pre-cut leaves, and two spools of floral wire (budget sufficient). - Flower & Garden Festival Booth: Activity details finalized (leaf-writing, raffle, branch tree display). Prompts will be refined at the next meeting (April 7, 2026). Setup and shifts to be confirmed via a shared schedule; a second meeting on April 7, 2026, will finalize logistics. - String Light Recycling: Staff to draft a proposal for town-wide drop-off program (October–January) and submit to town leadership for approval. - Bag Tax Revenue: Commissioners encouraged to submit ideas for possible funding by May 2026. - Next Meeting: Monday, April 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

The Technology and Communications Commission met on March 3, 2026, at 12:15 PM (transcript indicates evening meeting, possibly 7:00 PM start) and adjourned at 7:45 PM. The meeting covered public outreach updates, budget constraints, upcoming events, and cybersecurity preparations. Six commissioners were present, establishing quorum. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from February 3, 2026, were approved by unanimous voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Discussion Items - Public Outreach Update: Commissioner Amanda reported on feedback from the previous cybersecurity class. Overwhelmingly positive responses requested more sessions, particularly for children. Common themes included children's cybersecurity education (elementary school recommended), social media safety, and phishing/fraud awareness. Commissioners discussed timing (targeting May), venue (Ida Lee library favored over individual schools), and engagement with PTAs. A joint parent-child class on phishing and social media was proposed. Action items: Amanda to develop curriculum for kids and AI topics; another commissioner to check with the Economic Development Commission (EDC) on their AI training content. - IT Budget Update: The IT director reported that the town manager's budget is lean across all departments. No new enhancements were approved, including the requested full-time equivalent (FTE) position. Funding for penetration testing remains uncertain, with CISA assessments possibly not continuing every two years. Staff will focus on new tools (help desk system, endpoint management) and align with ITIL. A tabletop exercise with CISA and Loudoun Water on utilities is scheduled for Thursday. - Board and Commission Network Event: Scheduled for April 30, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Ida Lee, with 3-minute presentations per commission. Commissioners were encouraged to attend and RSVP for food. - Director's Comments: Major network upgrades are underway tonight (10 PM–6 AM) at town hall and police department, including switch replacement and firewall migration (moving from SEGRA-hosted to Cisco). Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East prompted a staff alert for increased cyber vigilance. The IT department plans quarterly drills for utilities after this week's tabletop. A town-wide technology training survey and AI working group are in progress. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from February 3, 2026 (unanimous). - Action Items: - Amanda to develop cybersecurity curriculum for children and AI topics for adults. - Commissioner to contact EDC about their AI training. - Amanda to work on phishing/fraud class content. - Staff to proceed with network upgrades and cybersecurity drills. - Adjourned: Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM by unanimous voice vote.

The Leesburg Traffic Commission met on March 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM (moved from 7:00 PM) to discuss pedestrian safety, crosswalk improvements, speed enforcement, budget allocations, and a potential joint campaign with the Diversity Commission. Key topics included flag crossing proposals, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and a traffic manual rewrite. The meeting included an observation from a town council candidate and a public comment from a resident regarding the Catoctin Circle crosswalk. Public Comments & Testimony - Brendan Murphy, Leesburg resident: Raised safety concerns about the crosswalk on Catoctin Circle Southwest near the post office, citing poor visibility, high speeds, and a five-lane road. He requested interim safety measures while a planned signalized intersection (proffered by the Virginia Village development) is built. Commissioners noted the known issue and long-term solution but questioned the feasibility of interim measures. - Town council candidate (observer): Attended to learn commission procedures; noted a resident’s concern about the same crosswalk and expressed support for safety improvements. Discussion Items - Diversity Commission Invitation & Flag Crossings: Chair reported that three commissioners attended a Diversity Commission meeting on pedestrian safety but felt ambushed by aggressive advocacy for flag-crossing programs (flags for pedestrians to wave when crossing). They found mixed research on effectiveness (e.g., Seattle dropped the program after three years). Chair proposed postponing the joint campaign until the April meeting to allow full commission input and proper research. Commissioners acknowledged an existing pilot flag crossing at Market and Ward streets but noted flag loss as a drawback. - Catoctin Circle Crosswalk (Post Office): The resident’s comments were addressed. Commissioners confirmed a developer proffer includes a traffic signal and raised intersection for that location, but construction is likely 18 months away. No interim mitigation was deemed feasible given upcoming construction. - One-Way Streets Update: Chair presented to Town Council on the one-way pair (Loudoun and Market streets); the proposal is not moving forward. Side streets (Liberty and Boat) have a public hearing and Town Council vote scheduled for March 10, 2026. Chair expressed opposition to one-way pairs due to fire/rescue response times and increased speeds endangering vulnerable road users. - North Street & Harrison Street Driver Feedback Signs: A proffer from the courthouse expansion project includes driver feedback signs. Commissioners agreed to collect speed data from police before determining locations; discussion deferred to April. - High-Visibility Pavement Markings on Stamped Crosswalks: Staff reported that applying white striping over thermoplastic brick patterns is technically infeasible (won't adhere, snow plow damage). The commission agreed to drop the topic, noting that safety considerations should be made before installing decorative crosswalks. - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at Miller Drive: A request from Cornerstone Church for RRFBs at a mid-block crosswalk. Commissioners debated whether to conduct a study first. A motion was made and seconded to perform a combined vehicle volume, speed, and pedestrian crossing survey for not to exceed $1,200. The motion passed 4-0. Data will inform whether to install RRFBs. - RRFB Budget & Locations: Staff provided a quote of $22,128.15 for a two-location layout (five poles total). With $34,000 remaining in the current budget, three RRFB locations could be funded. Potential candidate locations include Battlefield Parkway at HOA request (near Costco) and Chatfield area. Staff will present detailed quotes and prioritize locations for a vote in April. - Speed Enforcement Data: Staff reviewed driver feedback sign data from Potomac Station Drive (85th percentile 37 mph, average 30.9 mph in a 25 mph zone). Additional locations with speeding issues were noted: North King Street at Bridget Place, Kincaid Boulevard at Ronda Place, and 4-H Road near town entrance. Staff will request selective enforcement from LPD and report back. - Traffic Manual Rewrite: A full rewrite of the 2001 manual was quoted at $175,000. An alternative approach would adapt Loudoun County’s 2019 Residential Traffic Management Guide to Leesburg’s needs for $50,000. The commission favored the latter as it aligns with county updates and reduces future costs. Discussion will continue at the April meeting. - Bike Bus Presentation: The scheduled presentation from Leesburg Elementary School on the bike bus program was postponed; staff will confirm a new date, likely April. - Parking Space Removal on Market Street: Confirmed that parking spaces have been removed near the loading zone; yellow center line restriping is pending warmer weather. Key Outcomes - Vote (4-0): Authorized a combined traffic/pedestrian survey at Miller Drive (RRFB evaluation) for up to $1,200. - Deferred to April: Diversity Commission joint campaign discussion; flag crossing evaluation; North Street driver feedback sign placement; traffic manual rewrite decision; and bike bus presentation. - Plan for April Vote: Budget expenditure for up to three RRFB locations (pending quotes) and final prioritization of installations. - Directive: Staff to coordinate with LPD for targeted enforcement at identified speed corridors and to update commission on enforcement data. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 6, 2026 (tentative date mentioned as April 6th by the Chair).

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held a work session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board addressed two deferred cases: rooftop mechanical equipment screening at 208 South King Street and the proposed Greenway Manor Theatre addition (Building C) at 1221 South King Street. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the meeting agenda was approved by a vote of 6-0-1 (one absence, Tom O'Neill). - BAR member Rick Brown recused himself from TLHPBR2025-0061 (208 South King Street) due to a prior conversation with the applicant. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Whiteman (resident of Greenway Farms, 312 Loftard Drive) expressed support for the design improvements but raised concerns about: (1) the lack of elevation views from the townhouse side, (2) potential noise issues from the theater affecting the established neighborhood (comparing to Wolf Trap), (3) whether the building includes appropriate sound abatement, and (4) the meaning of “appropriate” design changes and the scope creep (30%) from the original town council approval. He asked that the neighborhood be treated with the same consideration as the historic district. Staff noted that the square footage transfer from building D to building C was approved administratively by the Land Development Official; the appeal process would be researched. Discussion Items TLHPBR2025-0061 – 208 South King Street, Mechanical Equipment Screening - Staff presented a proposal to screen rooftop mechanical equipment with black metal planter boxes matching existing ones on the hotel roof, each containing three arborvitae trees. The boxes would be located approximately two feet from the equipment. - Staff found the solution acceptable per guidelines allowing plantings for screening. No public comment was offered. - The board discussed and approved the plan, noting that the specific tree type need not be approved, only the concept. TLHPBR2025-0081 – 1221 South King Street, Greenway Manor Theatre – Building C - Staff and the applicant (Equip Studio architects Maddie Duncan and Tanner Sharp) presented revised designs for a 30,000-square-foot theater addition (up to 330 seats) to the historic bank barn. - Key revisions from the January 21, 2026 submission included: reducing roof height from 52 feet to 49 feet; reducing square footage from 28,700 to 28,200; simplifying roof sections from five to three; changing gable dormers to shed dormers; removing the wraparound porch and balcony; adding windows to break up mass; separating the addition from the existing barn’s southern wing; and screening mechanical equipment and loading dock on the west elevation. - Staff analysis indicated that the revised design better meets historic district guidelines for massing, scale, and agrarian character. The east elevation was identified as the most sensitive, and the west elevation (facing the neighborhood) saw the most improvement. - Board members commented elevation by elevation (east, north, south, west), generally praising the simplification and agrarian feel. Some minor concerns were raised: the chimney placement (Rick Brown suggested aligning it differently; Don Scheuerman noted functional flashing reasons), fenestration symmetry (Judd Futo noted a double-door/window mismatch on the north elevation), and the need for a cross-section to justify the roof height (requested by Julie Pastor and JP Andrew). - The board reviewed applicable guidelines (deference, design, placement, orientation, size/subordination, fenestration, etc.) and reached consensus that massing and context are acceptable pending further detail. - Outstanding items for the next submission include: window schedule and material cut sheets, a cross-section of the theater, fenestration symmetry study, information on the east wall restoration (structural study), and details on gutters, downspouts, and other cornice details. Key Outcomes - TLHPBR2025-0061 – Approved. Motion to approve the installation of planter boxes to screen rooftop mechanical equipment at 208 South King Street passed 5-0 (Rick Brown recused, Tom O'Neill absent). - TLHPBR2025-0081 – Deferred to May 4, 2026 Work Session. The board voted 6-0 to defer the application and extend the critical action date to May 4, 2026. The applicant agreed to provide additional materials (window schedule, cross-section, material samples, east wall update) by the April 17, 2026 submission deadline. - The public hearing for the theater case remains open until the next appearance. - Staff announced upcoming events: Abingdon Preservation Day (save the date), Flower and Garden Show (April 18-19, booth pending approval), and the Boards and Commissions Networking Event (April 30 at Ida Lee).

The Leesburg Performing Arts Commission convened on February 26, 2026, with all seven members present (six in person, one remote). The meeting focused on using remaining bond funds by July 1, establishing a youth talent night, and planning future budget requests. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 PM. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the meeting agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Adoption of the previous meeting minutes: Approved 5-0-2 (two members abstained due to absence at the January meeting). - Approval for Commissioner Pamela to participate remotely: Approved unanimously (7-0). Discussion Items - Use of Remaining Bond Funds: The commission discussed two ideas: a "Memory and Melody" event at senior care facilities and a youth talent competition with scholarships. After deliberation, the commission moved forward with the talent night concept for graduating high school seniors. - Creation of a Mailing List for Performers and Vendors: To streamline future calls for artists, the commission voted to direct the staff liaison to add a notice on the town website inviting interested parties to submit their email addresses. Commissioner Kaylee will maintain the list. The motion passed 7-0. - Budget Request for FY2026-27: The current budget line item is $5,000 for the commission; an additional $8,100 requested as an addendum was not initially included. The commission voted 7-0 to authorize Commissioner Tony to write a letter to the town council explaining the need for the additional funds. - Staff Liaison Updates: Whitney announced a boards and commissions networking event on April 30 at 6:30 PM at Idolete (RSVP required). Commission members will take a group photo after the meeting for a presentation. Peter and Pamela will tour Old Isaac Walton Park on March 9 at 10:00 AM to evaluate its potential as a performing arts center. - Future Planning: Subcommittees for event planning will be formed after the budget is finalized in March. Mary Sellers, the county’s arts initiatives coordinator, will present at the April meeting. The rubric for selecting artists will be revised by Commissioner Kaylee and another member before the next meeting. - FOIA Guidance: Whitney clarified that any gathering of three or more commissioners to discuss commission business requires a posted meeting or gathering notice. Meetings can be held virtually with advance notice. Key Outcomes - Motion to Hold a Talent Night: Passed 7-0. The commission will develop a detailed proposal for a spring talent competition featuring high school seniors, with scholarships awarded. The plan must be submitted to the town council for approval, with a target event date in late May or early June before graduations. - Motion to Create a Mailing List: Passed 7-0. The staff liaison will add a web notice; the vice chair will collect and manage email addresses. - Motion to Send Budget Letter: Passed 7-0. Commissioner Tony will draft a letter requesting the additional $8,100. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 26, 2026. New business items must be submitted to the chair by March 12. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 PM.

The Leesburg Town Council met on February 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Town Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, adoption of the consent agenda, a public hearing on tax year 2026 personal property tax rates, and discussion of future tax policy reviews. Council Member Wilt was absent. Minutes - Work Session Minutes of February 9, 2026: Approved (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention, 1 absent). - Regular Session Minutes of February 10, 2026: Approved (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention, 1 absent). Agenda Adoption - The Tuscarora Mill Restaurant 40th Business Anniversary proclamation was moved to March 10, 2026, and removed from tonight's agenda. The amended agenda was approved (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). Consent Calendar - All consent items were approved unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent): - a. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2026 – Third Quarter - b. Award of Contracts - Engineering, Architectural, Surveying, and Related Services - c. Award of Contracts - On-Call Mechanical Services for Department of Utilities - d. 2026 “Paint the Plow” Project - e. Town Hall Art Exhibit featuring Photography by Terri Parent - f. Airport Art Exhibit featuring Artwork by Megan O’Hanlon - g. Appointments to the Town’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Finance Board - h. Amending Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Review and Adoption Schedule Resolutions/Appointments - Appointment of Karen Pantas to the Residential Traffic Commission was approved (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). Public Hearing: Tax Year 2026 Personal Property Tax Rates - Staff Presentation: Tamara Keyser, Management and Budget Officer, presented the proposed rates: motor vehicles at $1.00 per $100 of assessed value, computer equipment in data centers at $0.75 (fixed through 2029), eligible elderly/disabled vehicle rate at $0 (adopted last year), and all other tangible personal property at $1.00. The personal property tax relief rate was calculated at 35% (up from 34% last year). The vehicle license fee remains at $0. The bank capital/franchise tax remains at $0.80 per $100 of net capital, bringing in approximately $1.67 million annually. - Public Comment: Ken Myers spoke in favor of raising the aircraft personal property tax rate from the current $0.001 per $100 of assessed value to $0.25 per $100, arguing that the low rate was originally an incentive that has been achieved (265 aircraft based at Leesburg Executive Airport) and that the tax is regressive compared to vehicle taxes. He estimated this would raise about $260,000 and could offset a reduction in vehicle personal property rates. - Council Discussion: Vice Mayor queried the feasibility of aircraft leaving and the assessment value. Town Manager Kai advised that the topic is worthy of discussion but recommended not acting tonight; instead, a broader financial summit in the fall should include this issue. Council Members Cummings and Wilt agreed that more information (e.g., aircraft values, competitive rates) is needed. Council Member Krukowski noted the aircraft rate is very low. Vice Mayor also proposed a 25% reduction in the personal property tax rate on vehicles, but several members felt it was too short-notice and should be part of the broader summit discussion. Council Member Steinberg made a motion to approve the proposed ordinance as presented (no changes). The motion was seconded by Council Member Krukowski. After debate, the motion carried 4 ayes (Steinberg, Krukowski, Cummings, Wilt?) and 2 nays (likely Vice Mayor and another). Town Attorney Sparrow noted that with 4 ayes out of 6 present, the two-thirds supermajority requirement for setting a tax rate was satisfied. Future Discussions - The council agreed to place discussions on aircraft personal property tax rates and vehicle personal property tax rates on a work session agenda as soon as feasible, before the budget season. Town Manager Kai suggested a financial summit in the fall, but council members expressed a desire for earlier discussion (e.g., September). Vice Mayor requested that the topics not be delayed until fall. The consensus was to schedule a work session well before the budget deliberations. Key Outcomes - Approved: Ordinance setting personal property tax rates, vehicle license fees, motor vehicle tax reductions, and personal property tax relief for tax year 2026, with no changes to proposed rates (vote 4-2). - Deferred: Proposals to raise aircraft tax rates and reduce vehicle personal property tax rates were deferred to a future work session as part of a comprehensive review of revenue options. - Scheduled: A future work session (likely in late summer/early fall) will address aircraft and vehicle personal property tax rates, alongside other revenue topics such as the potential cannabis market tax. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified]. The Town Manager reported that the police station renovation and expansion work has passed county permits and inspections, with a dedication ceremony planned in early April.