Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

This meeting of the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission covered the review of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, planning for a spring pickleball tournament, updates on capital projects, and other administrative items. The meeting began with approval of minutes and citizen comments, then moved into a lengthy discussion on the master plan, followed by detailed planning for a pickleball tournament and updates on emergency training and park projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the August 19th (or possibly September 15th) meeting; all members voted in favor, none opposed. Public Comments & Testimony - Alex (Citizen): Commented that schools are back and they are "surviving," and expressed excitement about a fire-related update (unclear), but no specific position on agenda items. - Sarah (Citizen): Had nothing to report. Discussion Items - County Updates and Reports: - Council members reported on various items: overcrowding at Bowland Park (four teams per rectangle, parking overflow, unsafe conditions at Cross Trail), and a meeting with the Coalition of Loudoun Towns (COLT) where trails and waterways received support from mayors. - A status update on Westpark (a town park project): the project is in the legal phase (notifying property owners for potential purging/access), but the timeline was unexpectedly pushed back a full year, causing frustration. - Interest in developing an indoor sports facility was noted, with county public meetings scheduled for September 19 and September 24 at Loudoun Valley and Briarwoods. - Master Plan Review: - The draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan (a component of the Legacy Leesburg Plan) was reviewed. The plan is organized into themes: Secure & Maintain, Play Explore Learn, Preserve & Conserve, Access & Connectivity, and Outreach & Awareness. - Commissioners expressed that the plan is too high-level ("30,000 foot view") and does not contain specific project recommendations or a clear wish list. It identifies needs (e.g., adult programming, performance space, trail connections, shade) but lacks concrete direction. - Members noted that the appendices (300-page document) contain errors and placeholders and need scrubbing. - The plan was characterized as a statement of needs rather than an actionable plan. Members suggested adding a "big hairy audacious goal" (BHAG) such as acquiring parkland on the south side of town with an aquatic center, courts, shade structures, and trail connections. - The next steps: the plan will go to other town commissions for 30-day comment, then to the Planning Commission, and eventually to Town Council. Staff will work with consultant Barry Dunn to address concerns. The item was tabled until the next meeting, with members asked to mark up the documents. - Pickleball Tournament Planning: - The commission finalized details for a spring pickleball tournament to be held at the new pickleball courts (likely at Veterans Park). Key decisions: - Format: Three divisions (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), each capped at 12 teams (doubles). Total capacity 36 teams (72 players). - Pricing: $40 per team; no t-shirts for the first tournament to keep it simple. - Age: Open to adults (18+), no age delineation; skill levels will be self-defined. - Schedule: Three four-hour sessions (8am-12pm, 12pm-4pm, 4pm-8pm) – each division assigned a time slot. - Play Format: Round-robin within pods of up to 12 teams (e.g., groups of 4, 5, or 6 teams per pod), then playoff bracket (top teams) and consolation bracket for lower finishers. Games to 11 points. - Awards: Medals or prizes will not be advertised; winners will receive a surprise prize (e.g., punch pass). - Instruction: A 10-minute pickleball introduction/refresher will be offered at the start of the beginner session (optional). - Fall Tournament: Planned as a larger, more competitive event, possibly with a tournament management company. - Emergency Training Update: - Staff reported on a two-day emergency drill simulating active shooter scenarios at an air show (Tuesday) and a Fourth of July event at Ida Lee (Wednesday). The drill involved actors, simulated gunfire, and tested the command center. It was considered successful and valuable for future planning. - Other Updates: - Veterans Park Ribbon Cutting: Scheduled for September 30 at 4:30 pm. Parking at the pool with shuttle service from the school to the boat launch area. - Rock Spring Event: A metal detecting event planned for October 17 (10am-4pm) at Rock Spring. Registration is limited to 20 metal detectors (not 20 spots) – confusion noted; staff will confirm capacity. - Fitness Center Equipment: Equipment not yet ordered; expected to be ordered within the next week or two, with delivery in about eight weeks. - Capital Projects: No new CIP items added; staff reminded members to think about FY28 budget requests for the October meeting. Key Outcomes - Master Plan: Tabled to next meeting (likely October) for further review. Staff to contact Barry Dunn to discuss potential additional work (e.g., creating a more specific wish list and addressing data errors in appendices). The document will be sent to other commissions for 30-day comment before returning to the commission. - Pickleball Tournament: Approve the structure as outlined (three divisions, 12 teams each, $40 fee, no t-shirts, adults only, consolation bracket, optional beginner instruction). Staff to create registration page in WebTrac and promotional materials. Aim for spring 2027 (exact date not set). Fall tournament to be planned later. - Budget: Members asked to bring ideas for FY28 budget to the next meeting. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for October (date not specified), with a reminder to come prepared for master plan discussion and budget items.

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on September 18, 2026, to discuss routine approvals, staff updates, the tree benefits pamphlet, tree canopy mapping, HOA outreach strategies, and planning for the upcoming Treesburg tree giveaway event. Commissioners also provided updates on recent tree plantings and maintenance. Consent Calendar - Call to Order & Roll Call: Present: Alex, John, Tara, Katie, Frank, Bill; Absent: Earl (arrived late). - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Frank, seconded, passed unanimously. - Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: Motion, seconded, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present. Brendan was noted as unable to attend due to another meeting. Discussion Items - Staff Updates – Department of Forestry Rewrite: Staff reported that the zoning ordinance currently points to a “black hole” because hyper-technical details were moved to the Design and Construction Manual without syncing publication. An interim compendium is needed. Future presentations will cover street tree requirements (soil volumes, species selection, parking lot requirements). - Adopt-a-Spot Tree Care: Staff provided an update on the adopt-a-spot planting: most trees are in, though a few dogwoods remain. Bartlett used an air spade to excavate girdling roots around a maple, removing about 30% of the girdling roots. Biochar, compost, sulfur, and liquid kelp were applied. The tree’s prognosis is uncertain. Commissioners discussed weekend watering duties and the need for a longer hose and better fitting. The lockbox code issue was resolved. The flag holder on Pie Island was discussed; commissioners decided to keep it. - Tree Benefits Pamphlet: The pamphlet draft was reviewed. Commissioners praised its design but suggested edits: replace red maple with a different species due to overplanting in Leesburg; add a QR code and “for more information” contact line (website and public works); replace stock photos with local images (e.g., from Tree Commission events, avoiding identifiable students). The process will involve a revised draft, review by the public information office, then a final commission vote. - Old Business – Tree Canopy Map: The tree canopy inventory is ongoing; contractors will finish ground inventory in November. The map currently shows only town property and right-of-way trees. Staff displayed a planning tool showing suitability for planting (red = high suitability based on low canopy, heat island effect, income, etc.). Commissioners discussed using this to target HOAs for outreach. - HOA Selection for Targeted Outreach: Commissioners considered selecting HOAs in high-suitability (red) areas for tree giveaway outreach. Concerns were raised about language barriers and reaching underserved communities. Staff noted bilingual flyers and ability to use public information office translation. Commissioners agreed to individually identify potential neighborhoods and decide at the next meeting. They also discussed using the town’s tree fund to support tree planting on private property via HOAs or 501(c)(3) organizations. - New Business – Treesburg Event Planning: The event is scheduled for November 7th. Staff has approximately $2,000 available. A list of potential tree species from a Maryland nursery was reviewed. Commissioners recommended avoiding large shade trees (e.g., bald cypress, oaks) and favoring smaller, colorful species that have been popular in past giveaways. They agreed to reduce quantities and focus on species like sweetbay magnolia, fringe tree, witch hazel, and black gum. The final order will be placed after council approval (expected October 6th). Commissioners will assist with setup on November 6th. - Commissioner Comments: - Alex: No further comments. - John: Noted a story about large fines for illegal tree cutting in California. - Earl: Reported that Penn State is closing its Mont Alto forestry program (since 1908) and moving it to another campus; shared a photo of an 1880s oak at the Mont Alto arboretum. Suggested changing the pamphlet’s “Tree Commission Annual Activities” to “Leesburg’s Urban Forestry Activities.” - Bill: Reported that two redbud trees (Harper Park and North Star) have died. The Harper Park redbud never leafed out (ambrosia beetles); the North Star redbud is dead but sending up root suckers. Commissioners discussed replanting with a smaller tree. Also noted that a river birch at Catoctin and the Mount Vernon tree are doing well. - Frank: Showed a photo of the dead redbud at Heritage High School. Key Outcomes - Approved: Agenda and minutes (unanimous). - Directive: Staff to revise the tree benefits pamphlet based on feedback (replace red maple, add QR code, use local images, adjust language) and submit to public information office before final commission vote. - Directive: Commissioners to identify potential HOA neighborhoods for targeted outreach by next meeting (October 20, 2026). - Decision: Treesburg event to proceed on November 7th with a reduced selection of small, colorful trees; final order pending council approval. - Next Steps: Replanting of failed redbuds to be coordinated by Bill and Phil; staff to provide updates on tree canopy inventory and forestry rewrite at the next meeting. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 20, 2026.

The Leesburg Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 17, 2026, to consider a rezoning and special exception application for the Loudoun Islamic Center at 1509 Dodona Terrace SE, Suite 110. After a tied vote on both approval and denial motions, the commission voted 4-0 to continue both applications to a future work session when all seven commissioners can be present. Other business included a staff report on changes to school proffer policies and a preview of the next work session on affordable housing legislation. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Agenda: Unanimously approved as submitted. - Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the September 3, 2026 meeting were approved with a vote of 6-0-1 (one abstention). Public Comments & Testimony - Farzana Faye (1416 Ribbon Limestone): Expressed concern about the Islamic center, requesting more information about its financial support and purpose beyond religion. - Paradise Sorabi (same address): Stated discomfort living near an Islamic center as an ex-Muslim from Iran, described receiving strange looks when walking past, and reiterated requests for financial information. Both speakers opposed the application. Discussion Items - Loudoun Islamic Center – Rezoning (TLREZN2026-0002) and Special Exception (TLSPEX2026-0001): - Staff (Scott Parker, Senior Planning Project Manager) presented the requests: an amendment to proffers for the Village at Leesburg to allow a 1,555 sq. ft. place of worship by special exception, and the special exception itself for the Loudoun Islamic Center. The use would be limited to three sessions on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a maximum of 75 worshippers per session. Parking would be directed to adjacent Parking Garage D, which staff described as having ample capacity. No exterior alterations except a secondary egress door. Staff recommended approval, finding the applications met zoning criteria. - The applicant (representative of the Islamic Center) agreed with staff’s presentation and had no additional comments. - Commissioner questions focused on: - Noise: Staff noted no violations from prior complaints; noise issues would be handled complaint-driven. - Parking and traffic: Concerns raised about Dodona Terrace’s narrow street and parallel parking, with the applicant stating congregants already park in the garage. A condition encourages using western entrances to avoid Village Market Boulevard congestion. Some commissioners felt parking was adequate; others worried about cumulative impacts during session transitions. - Precedent: Some commissioners feared scope creep if future similar requests were granted. - Occupancy and fire code: The 75-person cap is based on occupancy and fire safety. - Nearby residential: Closest residences are across Village Market Boulevard (250-300 ft away) in a different zoning district. - A motion to approve the rezoning failed 3-3 (Commissioners Barnes, Tuck, Robinson? need to check transcript: The vote was 3-3, with four voting aye? Actually transcript says

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 PM and adjourned at 8:00 PM. The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the August meeting. The primary discussion was a presentation by Chief of Police and Captain Chris Mongolo on the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by the Leesburg Police Department. Other topics included e-bike safety, future event planning, and budget priorities for FY 2027. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting with no opposition. Discussion Items - Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Presentation: Chief of Police and Captain Chris Mongolo presented on the town's use of Flock ALPR cameras. They explained that the cameras capture rear images of vehicles and license plates, but do not identify drivers. Virginia law (2.2-517) governs usage, restricting data retention to 21 days, requiring audit trails, and prohibiting sharing with federal agencies or out-of-state law enforcement. The town has four cameras funded by a $12,000 grant through the HEAT (Help End Auto Theft) program, located at high-traffic areas (Villages of Leesburg, Target, Compass Creek). There are approximately 15 Flock cameras in total, with others owned by private entities (HOAs, stores, etc.). Case study: An organized retail theft ring was apprehended after cameras alerted officers; $6,000 in losses were recouped. The department audits 100% of searches to ensure lawful use. Only felony offenses, missing persons, and AMBER/Silver alerts are tracked. Chief emphasized that misuse is caught through auditing. Commissioners asked about sharing with other agencies, private entity regulations, data storage, and potential expansion to speed cameras or red-light cameras. The chief noted that the department is considering red-light cameras in the future but is currently focused on school zone speed cameras, which have reduced average speeds by 24.7%. - E-Bike Safety: A commissioner raised concerns about children operating e-bikes unsafely (speeding, no helmets, sidewalk riding). The Chief reported recent crashes involving juveniles, including one where a rider crossed King Street without stopping and was hit by a car. He noted that some bikes are illegally modified (e.g., replacing a Class 3 sticker with a Class 2 sticker). The department takes an educational approach for younger riders but will charge older juveniles (14+). Loudoun County Public Schools are implementing mandatory training. - Mr. Goody's Event Proposal: The commission discussed a proposal from Mr. Rajish Guti to host a cultural event. Members felt the proposal lacked structure and planning. Some suggested co-hosting with existing community events or planning a small event for early summer 2027. The commission agreed to revisit the idea and explore other opportunities. - FY 2027 Budget Priorities: The commission discussed future budget items, including a group photograph (to be taken at the next meeting), completion of the commission logo, and potential purchase of a tent or tarp for events (pending logo design). - Future Meeting Format: It was agreed to hold the December 2026 meeting online, and possibly the January 2027 meeting as well, subject to authorization. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of agenda and August minutes. - The commission will take a group photograph at a future meeting. - The December 2026 meeting will be held online; January 2027 may also be online. - No immediate commitment to Mr. Goody's event proposal; the commission will explore other options for community events in 2027. - The ALPR presentation concluded with no formal action; information was received by the commission.

The Leesburg Commission on Public Art (COPA) met on September 15, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:12 PM. The meeting focused on adopting a new online art submission portal, setting the timeline and submission limit for the 2027 Town Calendar, reviewing the recent "Art in Your Yard" event, discussing a Loudoun County grant application, and providing updates on the Airport Mural, a pollinator sculpture, and other arts initiatives. All motions passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. - Approval of August 26 Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2026 meeting was made (by Linda), seconded (by Mary), and carried unanimously. Discussion Items - New Online Art Submission Portal (COPA First): Leah (staff) presented a new online form developed by the IT department to replace the art submissions email. The portal will allow artists to upload images, photo releases, and descriptions; limit submissions (e.g., no more than three pieces per call); automatically send confirmation emails; and generate a single PDF for commissioners. Kate Trust, Assistant Town Manager, expressed strong support, noting the automation benefits (auto-reply, auto-close based on date, records management). Commissioners discussed receiving submissions individually or as a group PDF, and the ability to archive non-selected submissions. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the portal beginning with the 2027 Town Calendar call. - 2027 Town Calendar Timeline and Submission Limit: The commission worked backwards from a target of presenting selections to the Town Council at their November meeting. They set a submission deadline of October 30, 2026, to allow time for review and preparation. A motion to allow each artist up to three submissions per call was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Leah noted the portal can enforce this limit and prevent vertical (landscape) images. The printer Canterbury was assumed to be used again, as cost is expected to be under $5,000. - "Art in Your Yard" Event Recap: Leah reported that 20 artists signed up, 1 dropped out the day before, and 3 did not respond, leaving 16 artists on the map. The event partnered with Leesburg Movement and had a good turnout, though some artists (especially those on the outskirts) reported low foot traffic. The option for downtown spots (e.g., at Visit Loudoun and Town Green) was offered, but many artists preferred their yards. Commissioners suggested improving promotion and considering a central location for future events. Visit Loudoun offered to host artists without yards. - Loudoun County Grant Application: Jeanette prepared a grant application for $15,000 (the maximum per request) from a $250,000 county grant fund. The grant was centered on "hearts" (heart sculptures) per county priorities, as town staff indicated this would be viewed favorably. No matching funds are required. If awarded, the expenditure will need Town Council approval. Jeanette requested an IRS tax-exempt letter from the town. - Airport Mural Update: Leah reported that COPA is stepping back from the airport mural project, as it is now under the Airport Commission. Fundraising has raised only $600 of the $23,000 needed. Leah has contacted the artist Danielle to allow her to pursue other projects. A potential booth at the airport air show was discussed, but only one or two COPA members could staff it. The possibility of placing a donation QR code inside the airport terminal was suggested. Jeanette offered to submit a separate grant application for the mural by the September 22 deadline. - Pollinator Sculpture: The project is still in early discussion. John Cleaves will propose locations at Foxbridge Park (specifically near the pollinator area off the trail). The Parks and Recreation Commission will hear an initial idea, but no call for artists has been issued. The sculpture needs to move forward soon to allow time for artist selection. - Arts Parks Event – October 9, 2026: The commission set the next "Art in the Parks" event for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, to serve as a lead-in to a FOLFA (Friends of Leesburg Fine Arts) artist exhibit at Raymond James at 6:00 PM. The FOLFA exhibit features banner artist Russ Mardon. - FOLFA Report: A new artist exhibit by Russ Mardon at Raymond James on October 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM was presented. The commission voted unanimously to support the event. - New Art Exhibits: Leah noted two new art exhibits have been installed at Town Hall and the airport. She is booking for 2027 and requested renewal of her authority to contact and coordinate artists for both locations, which was previously approved. Commissioners agreed to continue the procedure. - Rafael Low Park Plaques: Two of five plaques have been received; three more are expected. Directories have been ordered and will be installed by John Cleaves. - Town Grant Payment: A $5,000 grant to Rafael Low Bar is pending receipt of funds from the Virginia Commission of the Arts. Leah will follow up with finance. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt the new online art submission portal passed unanimously. It will be used starting with the 2027 Town Calendar call. - Motion to allow three submissions per artist per call passed unanimously. - Motion to support the FOLFA Raymond James artist exhibit on October 9, 2026 passed unanimously. - Calendar deadline set: October 30, 2026, for submissions; commission to review in November and forward selections to Town Council. - Art in Your Yard will be considered for repeat in 2027, with improvements (centralized location, better artist promotion). - Loudoun County grant application for $15,000 for heart sculptures was submitted; will require council approval if awarded. - Airport mural is no longer a COPA project; fundraising continues under Airport Commission. - Pollinator sculpture discussion will continue with Parks Commission and John Cleaves.

Meeting Date: September 15, 2026, 7:00 PM The Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held its semi-annual business meeting. With a quorum of four voting members present, the Board approved minutes from prior meetings and received a high-level update on the ongoing zoning ordinance rewrite. No formal appeals or public hearings were conducted. Approval of Meeting Minutes - The Board approved minutes of the October 21, 2025 meeting as amended (one word correction: changed "park" to "part") by a vote of 4-0. - The Board approved minutes of the January 20, 2026 meeting by a vote of 4-0. A prior motion was corrected to include both meeting minutes. Unfinished Business - No unfinished business was brought before the Board. Brief Zoning Ordinance Update - Staff provided an overview of the zoning ordinance rewrite process. Council began review of the rewrite on June 22, 2026, and is currently at step seven, covering non-conformities, enforcement procedures, and word usage. - Key changes include compressing residential districts (RE, R1, R2, R4 into RS - Residential Suburban) and adding new districts (Neighborhood Center, Innovation Center, OSP for parks/open space). The ordinance now uses a character-based approach to uses instead of a finite list. - A comprehensive remapping of the entire town will accompany adoption. Existing proffers will remain in effect. - Anticipated finalization is expected within a couple of months. The ordinance will be published online via the ENCODE platform immediately after adoption. - Themes identified by Council for further discussion include: zoning district densities, scale in the historic district, use table flexibility, short-term rentals, buy-right vs. legislative reviews, and parking. - Public engagement topics have included transition of legislative approvals to ordinance standards, landscaping/buffering, and parking. - The Board requested a training session on the ENCODE platform for their January 19, 2027 meeting. Next Meeting - Next scheduled business meeting: January 19, 2027 (unless a case arises earlier).

The Leesburg Traffic Safety Commission met on September 15, 2026, to discuss traffic safety concerns, review enforcement data, hear public comments, and receive a presentation on a new traffic signal project. The meeting focused on speeding issues in residential neighborhoods, pedestrian safety improvements, and data-driven decision-making. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Peters (President, Kincaid Forest HOA) expressed strong concern about speeding on Kincaid Boulevard, particularly at a crosswalk near the pool. He described a near-miss involving his children and requested traffic calming devices such as speed humps. He noted that police enforcement provides only temporary relief. - Mark Hunter (Tavistock resident) supported enforcement over mechanical devices, citing initial success with selective enforcement that later waned. He mentioned a school bus stop where children cross Tavistock Drive, and reported that the driver feedback sign on Tavistock is broken. - Christina Caggy (Kincaid Forest resident) echoed speeding concerns, describing a close call at a crosswalk and observing vehicles exceeding 50 mph. She urged installation of speed bumps, referencing effectiveness near the Goddard School in Tavistock. Discussion Items - New Traffic Signal at Battlefield & Fieldstone (Capital Projects Presentation) – Matt White (Transportation Planner) presented the design for a new signalized intersection with pedestrian crosswalks on all four legs, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and left-turn flashing yellow arrows. No lane widening is planned. The project includes milling and paving, tree removal/replanting, and requires right-of-way acquisition. Cost estimate: $1.3 million, funded with VDOT funds. Timeline: final plans this fall, land acquisition over six months, bidding in late fiscal year (May–June), construction expected summer 2027. The signal will be interconnected with the next signal at Plaza Street. - Tavistock Speeding Data – Staff reported that driver feedback sign data showed an 85th percentile speed of 30 mph and average speed of 25.8 mph on Tavistock Drive, below thresholds for traffic calming. The commission decided to turn the sign around to collect data from the other direction before considering removal from the list. - Kenneth Place Speeding and Stop Control – Staff reviewed a resident’s request for an all-way stop at Kenneth Place and Randy Drive. No crashes in 11 years, low traffic, and clear sight lines; the intersection is a T-junction at a dead end. The commission agreed to remove this item from the list. - Crosswalk Request on Old Waterford Road at Patterson Court – A resident requested a crosswalk, but staff noted an existing crosswalk nearby (400 feet away) and insufficient pedestrian demand (threshold: 10 pedestrians/hour). Staff will investigate the feasibility of connecting a missing sidewalk segment, possibly through a CIP project. - Kincaid Boulevard Speed Data Collection – Driver feedback sign data showed 85th percentile speed of 35 mph and average of 29.9 mph. Residents identified the hill between Battlefield and Patrice as a high-speed area. The commission approved conducting tube counts near the pool (after Patrice entrance) at a cost not to exceed $500, to obtain accurate speed data. - Stop Sign at Prince and North – A commission member noted confusion at the intersection. Staff reported no crashes in 11 years. The commission decided to add stop bars on Woodbury at both approaches to improve visibility and keep the existing stop signs. - Pedestrian Safety Flyer Distribution – Staff will distribute digital pedestrian safety flyers (available in English and Spanish) to all HOAs and schools via the Public Information Office, focusing on shorter days. The commission also discussed purchasing more blinking LED lights (“blinkies”) for pedestrian visibility. - Other Discussion – Observation of vehicles stopped in right-turn lanes (including for ride-hailing and delivery) was raised as a safety concern for emergency vehicles. Staff noted enforcement is possible if specific locations are reported. Mark Neumann reported seeing a Loudoun County Tri-Shaw (pedaled rickshaw for elderly) and requested inquiry; staff will check with the county. Key Outcomes - Approved motion to conduct speed data collection on Kincaid Boulevard (tube count near pool location) not to exceed $500. (Unanimous) - Decided to keep all-way stop at Prince and North; will add stop bars on Woodbury. - Decided to remove Kenneth Place from traffic calming list; no further action. - Decided to investigate missing sidewalk link on Old Waterford Road via CIP. - Decided to distribute pedestrian flyers digitally to HOAs and schools; consider purchasing more blinkies at next meeting. - No updates on outstanding issues from previous meetings.

The Leesburg Library Board of Commissioners met on September 10, 2026, to hear reports from the library director, friends, and foundation, discuss ongoing projects, and review plans for the St. James Cemetery and upcoming events. The meeting began with routine approvals and proceeded through a series of updates and discussions on operations, collections, and community engagement. Consent Calendar - Approved virtual attendance for Commissioner Choir (motion, second, all in favor). - Approved the minutes of the July meeting (motion, second, all in favor). Discussion Items - Library Director's Report: The library had a very busy summer, with the 250th anniversary events drawing approximately 1,000 people on July 4th. Notable exhibits included a Bolt exhibit by local artist Sarah Seminger and a farm museum display featuring doilies. In early August, more plaster fell from the Clark Room ceiling (same area repaired earlier); facility staff found no roof leak, so a structural engineer may be needed. The library is moving forward with off-site storage, having barcoded archival collections—a significant undertaking. Three working groups produced new bookmarks (featuring a 1776 document) and stickers, advanced the oral history platform (first collection available), and improved ADA-accessible signage. The cataloger reported that in-building circulation of non-circulating books has more than doubled in the past year. - Friends of the Library: The Friends did not submit a formal report. Key updates: (1) They are working with the library to reduce book storage by selling existing books (especially Black History Committee titles) more efficiently, possibly storing them at the library or off-site in exchange for a discount. (2) The Friends voted to stop funding two digital newspaper databases ($11,000–$12,000/year, used by about 60 people) and instead fund a digital collections platform (ContentDM) and staff time to make the library's digitized content accessible remotely. This change was approved by the Friends. Their annual fundraising event is planned for October 22 at the Berkeley House. - Foundation: The town council approved Diane Helen Jaris as the council's representative on the foundation board, effective October. The foundation voted to fully fund the 250 journal publication (replacing town funds), with two requirements: switch endnotes to footnotes and provide a free electronic version for students and educators. A draft of the journal (6x9 inches) was available for review. - St. James Cemetery: Tamson, a research assistant and representative of the St. James Episcopal Cemetery Committee, presented an update. The cemetery (half-acre, dating to 1814) contains an estimated 400 burials, with only 119 stone markers. A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey funded by the town mapped unmarked graves, revealing many burials in the eastern (African American) section. The committee plans to: (1) plant shallow, deer-resistant bulbs twice a year in the back; (2) install commemorative signage for unmarked burials; (3) host a ceremony with Mount Zion; and (4) potentially uncover buried ledges to find notable figures like Armstead Thompson Mason or General Thomas Parker. One tomb (Eliza Mason McCarty) was restored at a cost of over $5,000. A fundraising drive is planned. The church still owns the land; the initiative was prompted by Judge Hall to create a reflective green space. - 250 Events and Programming: The "Revolution on Screen" series continues—next week: The Patriot (with Victor Gold), concluding in October with Sleepy Hollow. - Loud History Awards: Nomination deadline is October 1. Currently two complete nominations and several partial ones. The board discussed possibly adding special recognitions for retiring town employees (e.g., Kai Dentler, Don Cooper, Eric Larson, Bill , Brian Boucher). A formal vote on awards will occur at the next meeting. - New Business: - State of the Library Report: Planned for December. The board invited feedback on content; the library will include collection size (e.g., over 1,000 linear feet of archives, now tracking cubic feet). - Annual Report to Council: Currently scheduled for October; the board discussed moving it to December and possibly doing a presentation. - Rock Spring Metal Detecting Event: On October 17 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), the town will permit up to 20 people to metal detect on the Rock Spring property (a future park) to prevent unauthorized requests. The library and Parks & Rec are collaborating; the museum declined. Finds must be offered to the library first. The property has historical significance (used by troops, Lafayette's visit, the poorhouse). The first phase of the park (sledding hill) aims to open by January/February 2027. Key Outcomes - Approved virtual attendance and July meeting minutes. - The Friends voted to reallocate digital resource funds to the library's own digital collections platform. - The foundation voted to fully fund the 250 journal (with footnotes and free educational version). - The St. James Cemetery committee will proceed with bulb planting, signage, and fundraising. - Loud History Award nominations due October 1; special recognitions for town retirees to be considered. - Rock Spring metal detecting event scheduled for October 17, 2026. - The next meeting (October) will take place without the board chair, who will be traveling. - No public comments or testimony were presented.

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting focused on a deferred case for 9 Royal Street SE (TLHPBR2026-0019) and a discussion of proposed federal changes to the Section 106 historic preservation process. Chair Helen Aikman recused herself from the 9 Royal case due to prior contact with the applicant. The agenda was adopted by a vote of 6-0-1 (one absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Kathleen Poles (11 Royal Street SE) opposed raising the historic roof, stating that even a nine-inch increase is a permanent change to a historic structure. She urged the board to preserve the historic roof line and character of Royal Street. - Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) argued that the aggregate of all proposed alterations — including a 19-foot side addition, large accessory structure, balcony, hardscaping, and parking — would drastically alter the property and neighborhood. She emphasized that preservation must impose limits and that the project should be shaped by the historic house and street, not vice versa. - William Townsend (Liverpool Street SE) expressed concern that Leesburg is losing its historic character, noting that examples of roof height increases from other streets are not applicable to Royal Street. Discussion Items - TLHPBR2026-0019 – 9 Royal Street SE Addition - Staff presented the proposal for a rear addition, large accessory structure, and site improvements. The key issue was a proposed nine-inch increase in the historic roof ridge height (from 18'6" to 19'7" at the ridge, with a five-inch increase at the fascia). Staff recommended denial, stating that the roof height increase is an irreversible change to a historic structure. The applicant argued that the increase is necessary to sister larger rafters for structural integrity per building code, but the board reiterated that any exterior height change is unacceptable. - Board members expressed that the roof height increase is contrary to preservation guidelines. Some members suggested alternative interior structural solutions (e.g., flitch plates, transfer beams) that would not alter the exterior. The applicant did not present a revised plan that avoids raising the roof. - After a straw poll showed no board member would approve the current application, the board voted to defer the case to allow the applicant to explore alternative designs. - Section 106 Process Changes Proposed - Staff informed the board about proposed federal changes to the National Historic Preservation Act's Section 106 review process. The changes would eliminate requirements to avoid harm to historic resources, make public participation optional, and end protections for historic landscapes. Staff described these changes as "disastrous" and requested the board consider asking Town Council to respond. - The board discussed the implications and voted to authorize the chair to draft a letter to Town Council requesting consideration. Key Outcomes - Deferral of TLHPBR2026-0019: The board voted 4-1 (1 absent, 1 recused) to defer the case to the October 7, 2026 work session. The applicant must submit revised plans by September 21, 2026, that do not raise the roof height. The critical action date was extended to October 7, 2026. - Section 106 Letter: The board unanimously voted (with one absence) to authorize Chair Helen Aikman to draft a memorandum to Town Council requesting consideration of a response to the proposed Section 106 changes. - The chair also noted that the next BAR business meeting is September 23, 2026, and the next work session is October 7, 2026.