Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

The Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission met on August 20, 2026, at 4:15 PM. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, introduction of a new member, commission member feedback, updates on park projects, and planning for a pickleball tournament. No citizens provided public comments. Key decisions included approval of minutes and planning for future events. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. Commission Member Comments - New member Sarah introduced herself, noting she has lived in Leesburg her whole life, now raising children there, and previously worked at Parks and Recreation as her first job. Other members gave brief introductions. - A commissioner provided feedback on the fitness center at Idyl: reported that some replaced pads are good, but one machine broke (arm broke off, needs welding), and many machines are rusted and old. He expressed concern that the equipment is outdated compared to competitors like Crunch Fitness, and asked about the timeline for new equipment. Staff indicated ordering is imminent, with 6–8 weeks lead time. Another commissioner suggested new equipment should be powder-coated to avoid chipping. - A commissioner followed up on parking lot arrows at Freedom Park and custom emails for programs; staff reported they are working on them. - A commissioner suggested creating permanent signs with QR codes in parks to collect anonymous feedback directly to an inbox. Staff took note. - A commissioner asked about attendance at the Taste event; staff reported approximately 6,000–8,000 attendees, similar to previous years, with good weather and no incidents. The retro arcade lounge was replaced with a karaoke lounge, which was well-received and attracted more adults. New Business - Rock Springs Farm Event: Staff announced a partnership with Thomas Falsch Library for a metal detecting event on October 17, 2026 (rain date October 24), from 10 AM to 4 PM at the newly purchased property off Laura Street. The park will open with passive trail and benches in early 2027. Commission members were invited to volunteer on-site to check registration forms. Interest was expressed, and staff will collect responses by September 15. - Master Plan Update: Still delayed; staff hopes to present at the next meeting. - Veterans Park Update: Grand opening scheduled for September 30, 2026 at 4 PM (rain date October 1). Substantial completion expected by September 1, full completion by September 20. The pavilion near the silos will take an additional 4–5 months. Electric motorized devices were approved. - Pickleball Courts: Courts are paved; opening planned for October 2026 at Freedom Park. - Pickleball Tournament Planning: A detailed discussion occurred on the format for a tournament to be held in May 2027 (tentative date May 8, backup May 15). Staff and commissioners considered one-day vs. two-day, skill divisions (beginner 2.0–3.0, intermediate 3.0–4.0, advanced 4.0+), round-robin format into playoffs, registration fees (suggested $20 for first year to encourage participation), and the use of applications like Swish or PickleballTournaments.com. Staff recommended a one-day event for the first year. Commissioners agreed to finalize details at the September meeting. - Budget Development: Staff noted the budget process has started; commissioners should submit ideas by November. - Best of Loudoun Results: Idyl facilities won first place in several categories (community festival, flower garden, rec center, tennis, fitness center, tennis instructor). The outdoor pool and Taste were runners-up. Key Outcomes - Minutes from July 15, 2026 were approved. - Commissioners will provide feedback on Rock Springs Farm event interest by September 15. - Pickleball tournament details to be finalized at the September meeting for a May 2027 event. - Budget ideas from commissioners due by November 2026. - Master plan update expected at next meeting. - Veterans Park grand opening set for September 30, 2026. - No other motions or votes were recorded; meeting adjourned.

This recording, dated August 20, 2026, contains only a technical test of the microphone system in the city council chambers. An individual tested each microphone position by reciting the days of the week. No agenda items, public comments, or official business were discussed. No decisions or votes were taken.

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on August 19, 2026, at 2:15 PM. The meeting covered approval of agenda and minutes, public comments on tree diseases and pests, staff updates on grants and utility tree work, discussion of a new public outreach pamphlet, tree walk signs, canopy strategy, and commissioner reports. Key decisions included plans to create a tree-benefits pamphlet by the Treesburg event in November and a work session to develop it. Consent Calendar - The agenda was amended to add a discussion item on a potential new Tree Commission pamphlet ("New Pamphlet") under New Business. The amended agenda was approved unanimously. - The minutes of the June 19, 2026 meeting (previously mislabeled as May 19) were approved with a vote of 6 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstention. The date correction was acknowledged. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris (member of the public) reported on beech leaf disease, a new invasive nematode that is destroying mature beech trees in Prince William County. He described symptoms (leaf banding, necrosis) and mentioned potential treatments (Arbortex, phosphite). He noted the disease was first detected in Cleveland in 2012 and reached Prince William State Forest three years ago. - Mr. Murphy (public comments) reported oak mite bites after canvassing in Woodley Manor. Discussion followed on natural predators and management (e.g., wearing long sleeves). Staff Comments - Melissa (staff arborist) reported: - The Department of Forestry had $42,000 remaining in a clean water grant cycle; she resubmitted a scaled-down application to fund a fall tree giveaway. A spring giveaway would be pursued in the next grant cycle. If the grant is not awarded, Tree Fund money could be an alternative, but that would require a nonprofit partner. - Dominion Energy is conducting pruning work on North King Street and other streets (Marshall, etc.), drawing complaints about debris and poor pruning. The town has no authority to regulate utility tree work under state code. - Subcommittee on Adopt‑a‑Spot reported on the maintenance schedule: the upper level is stressed, but watering is ongoing. A red maple will be saved via root collar excavation and root pruning. A landscape redesign is planned for mid‑September; daffodil bulbs will be salvaged and offered to the public. Discussion Items - Tree Walk Project (Old Business): A sample sign will be brought to the next meeting that includes the tree species, a QR code linking to the Virginia Tech dendrology website, and a footer for the Historic Tree Walk of Leesburg. Staff need landowner approvals (including those for the courthouse and churches). One dead dogwood was noted and will be replaced. QR code durability was discussed; free QR codes may expire, so a budget may be needed. - Public Outreach Pamphlet (New Business): Alex proposed creating a customized pamphlet highlighting the benefits of trees (property value increase, energy savings) with local factoids. The group supported the idea and agreed to hold a work session (with proper public notice) to brainstorm content, design, and key messages. The goal is to have a draft ready by the Treesburg event in November. Resources from TCI (Tree Care Industry Association) and other sources will be explored. - Tree Canopy Strategy and Commission Priorities: Alex suggested using GIS to identify low-canopy areas and launch targeted planting campaigns. Staff noted that an inventory of town right‑of‑way planting sites is underway and will be complete by November. The commission also discussed partnering with HOAs, LCPS, and the county for residential plantings. Some members expressed frustration with HOA responsiveness. It was agreed to revisit the canopy mapping at the next meeting and to bring a list of HOAs. - Treesburg Event Planning: Deferred to the next meeting pending confirmation of grant funding. - Commissioner Comments: - Katie proposed pursuing a tree-themed art installation (e.g., a Celtic Tree of Life) through the town's Art Commission and will attend an upcoming Art Commission meeting. - John reported that the 134-acre West Park golf course is already being planned for reforestation, which he welcomed as a significant canopy opportunity. Key Outcomes - The agenda was amended and approved unanimously. - The June 19 meeting minutes were approved (6‑0‑1). - A work session will be scheduled (with public notice) to develop the new tree-benefits pamphlet, aiming for completion by November’s Treesburg event. - The tree walk sign will be finalized at the next meeting after sample approval and landowner permissions. - The commission will add a canopy‑analysis discussion to the next meeting’s agenda, including review of staff’s planting-site inventory and HOA outreach opportunities. - The fall tree giveaway is pending grant award; a backup plan using Tree Fund money will be considered.

The Leesburg Diversity Commission met on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, at 7:04 PM (the meeting began at 7:04 and adjourned at 8:35 PM). The agenda included approvals, a presentation on website translation services, a proposal for a Diwali celebration, a debrief of National Night Out, discussion of Construction Inclusion Week, and logistics for upcoming proclamations. A commissioner departed early after expressing frustration about perceived exclusion in proclamation invitation decisions. Consent Calendar - Electronic participation: Approved for Melissa, Sri (both ill), and Ashante (work logistics). All in favor, no nays. - Agenda approval: Motion by Ed, seconded; approved unanimously. - Minutes approval: Minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting approved (motion by Vanessa, second by Ed). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard; the “Petitioners” item was skipped. Discussion Items - Website Translation Services: Digital content manager Andre Medina presented three options: Bablik (current, $749/year, but not working and no customer support), Google Translate (free for government, AI-driven, used by Loudoun County, Falls Church, Alexandria), and Weglot ($87–$329/month, more control but costly). Statistics from the town’s interpretation services: 751 telephone calls (125 hours, 20 languages; top: Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Romanian) and 7 in-person/virtual interpretations (28.5 hours; languages: sign language, Spanish, Farsi). The commission favored Google Translate, with the caveat that it must be tested for accessibility (screen reader compatibility). A motion to recommend transitioning from Bablik to Google Translate was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Diwali Event Proposal: Raj Goody (Lead America) presented a vision for a Diwali celebration (November 5, 2026, or a nearby Saturday). He emphasized inclusivity, youth leadership, and interfaith participation. The commission noted the event is religious/cultural and would require co-sponsorship with the town. Concerns were raised about timing (too late for 2026), budget (commission has $0), potential fee waivers needing council approval, and the need for due diligence on the organization. Staff (Kara) will forward feedback; the commission will review materials and consider co-sponsoring in 2027. A commissioner argued the event must be held in Leesburg; another countered that the commission’s mission may extend beyond town borders. No decision made for 2026. - National Night Out Debrief: Commissioners shared experiences: fans and lollipops were popular, bubbles had leftovers, and tattoos were in demand. The tent needs a new sign. Suggestions included standardizing the setup (e.g., table placement) and providing parent-oriented materials about the town. Attendance was noted as higher than previous years. - Construction Inclusion Week Ideas: Heather (historic preservation staff) provided a presentation (unable to attend). Key statistics: women represent 11% of the general construction workforce and 4% of the trades workforce; 39% of women in construction hold leadership roles, but many are in sales/office positions. The commission suggested highlighting local women in construction (e.g., an apprenticeship coordinator) and connecting with economic development. Staff will forward the presentation and encourage direct ideas. - Commission Logo Update: Artist Joe is close to a first draft; contract runs through December 31, 2026. No draft yet. - Proclamation and Awareness: Sam from LAWS submitted a proclamation request for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (ceremony October 16 at town green, with purple lighting). Disability Employment Awareness Month also noted in October. The commissioner responsible will submit the application. A brief conflict arose: a commissioner felt the invitation to “A Place to Be” for the disability pride proclamation was made unilaterally, without bringing the choice to the full body. The commissioner stated, “your group can’t even include people,” and left the meeting early. Key Outcomes - Website translation: Unanimous recommendation to transition from Bablik to Google Translate, pending accessibility testing and staff follow-up. - Diwali event: No action for 2026; materials to be reviewed; possible co-sponsorship in 2027 after due diligence and event application. - Construction Inclusion Week: Ideas to be sent to Heather; economic development will be included. - Commission logo: No update beyond contract status; follow-up before next meeting. - Domestic violence proclamation: Application to be submitted; ceremony October 16. - Adjournment: Meeting ended at 8:35 PM after the conflict; quorum was maintained (four members present in room).

On August 6, 2026, the Leesburg Planning Commission held a work session focused on proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance rewrite in response to three state code bills: SB 531 (Accessory Dwelling Units), HB 888 (Parking Reductions), and SB 94 (High Energy Use Facilities). The meeting began at 12:00 PM (time inferred from agenda) and included a quorum with two commissioners participating remotely for health reasons. The commission adopted the agenda (6-0-1) and approved the July 16, 2026 draft minutes (4-1-2). No public comments were heard. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the agenda: Motion carried 6-0-1 (one abstention). - Approval of the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes: Motion carried 4-1-2 (one opposed, two abstentions). Public Comments & Testimony - No petitioners signed up to speak. Discussion Items Zoning Ordinance Rewrite – State Code Updates (Work Session) - SB 531 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Staff presented recommended changes to ensure ADU development standards are no more restrictive than those for principal dwellings. Key changes include aligning setbacks, building height (35 feet), and floor area (1,200 sq. ft.) across residential districts (RS, RH, RM, Downtown). The use table was updated to list ADUs as permitted (L) in all applicable districts. The commission debated whether to include a 30-day minimum rental term (letter G) that would effectively prohibit short-term rentals in ADUs. After discussion, the commission voted to remove letter G, allowing ADUs to be used as short-term rentals (subject to registration). Commissioner Robinson expressed concern that short-term rentals reduce long-term housing stock, while Vice Chair McAfee and others argued for property owner flexibility. The final motion removed letter G. - HB 888 – Minimum Off-Street Parking Reductions: Staff explained that the state requires a minimum 20% parking reduction for residential, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. The commission cannot reduce the percentage but can set criteria. Staff proposed tying the reduction to sustainability incentives (e.g., green roofs, geothermal) or exceeding affordable dwelling unit requirements by five or more units. The commission discussed the impact on downtown parking and agreed to include a concurrent recommendation to the Town Council to study transit alternatives (e.g., shuttles, trolleys) to offset reduced parking. Commissioner Robinson noted that parking reductions may worsen downtown congestion. - SB 94 – High Energy Use Facilities (Data Centers): Staff added mandatory requirements for applicants to submit a sound profile, site assessment (effects on water, ag, parks, historic sites, forest land), and utility information. These provisions apply to facilities anticipated to require 100 megawatts or more. Commissioners discussed the definition of 100 MW and the inability to enforce conditions if power supply changes. The commission supported the staff recommendation as a means to gather necessary information. Key Outcomes - Motion passed (6-0): The commission voted to forward the recommended revisions to the Town Council with approval, including the removal of section 11-2 Charlie 1 Golf (letter G on rental term) and a concurrent recommendation that the Town Council study additional transit options (shuttles, trolleys, etc.) to offset state-mandated parking reductions. The motion cited implementation of SB 531, HB 888, and SB 94, and furtherance of the Town Plan and good zoning practice. - Staff Report: Director David reported that the Town Council has held three work sessions on the zoning rewrite, with more deep dives planned on topics like urban districts, downtown character, and use table permissibility. Future commission meetings: September 3 (solar facilities) and September 17 (affordable housing bills). - New Business: Commissioner Robinson requested that the zoning document’s table of contents allow multiple article folders to remain open simultaneously and improve keyword search functionality. Staff will explore options. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 PM (time inferred).

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on August 5, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The meeting covered planning for the Pumpkin Smash event, string light recycling, a drone show proposal for July 4th, herbicide policy concerns, and a leave-the-leaves campaign. The commission approved the agenda and minutes, set the next meeting for September 1 at 5:30 PM, and assigned several follow-up tasks. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as amended to include a discussion on the "legally use campaign" under new business. - The minutes from the July 7, 2026 meeting were approved with a vote of 5 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstention (Commissioner Deanna was present but abstained because she had not been present at the prior meeting). A name typo in the minutes was noted but did not affect approval. Discussion Items - Pumpkin Smash Event (November 1, 2026): The commission finalized plans for the event at Tuscarora Creek Park, including a dumpster for pumpkin smashing (with a staircase from Public Works), a week-long drop-off for pumpkins, and activities such as ornament painting from tree cookies, educational tables on cooking pumpkins (Virginia Cooperative Extension), leave-the-leaves (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy), and holiday string light recycling. A vendor, Mom's Apple Pie, was invited to sell pies. The event hours were set from 11 AM to 2 PM. Outreach will include a banner at the Halloween parade (October 28) and a social media video of the raccoon mascot smashing a pumpkin. - String Light Recycling: The collection will use the same dumpster as the pumpkin smash, starting after Thanksgiving and running through the end of the year. The commission discussed extending it to New Year's Day and allowing other cables/connectors pending confirmation. - Drone Show for July 4th: The commission is investigating a drone show as an alternative or supplement to fireworks. Staff is collecting cost data from Fairfax County and other jurisdictions. The idea was well-received in an informal survey, but members noted the emotional attachment to fireworks and suggested a phased approach (half drone, half fireworks). - Herbicide Policy: A citizen's concern about spraying along roads lacking public notification led to a discussion. The town has a 2019 resolution prohibiting spraying of glyphosate on stream banks and guardrails, but no formal policy exists for notification or application methods (hand vs. truck). The commission agreed to develop recommendations for a policy, including public notification, application standards, and consideration of alternatives like flame weeding. Members will research other localities (e.g., Gaithersburg, Montgomery County) and compile information on glyphosate risks. - Leave the Leaves Campaign: The commission will work with the town's Public Information Officer to include leave-the-leaves messaging in the upcoming curbside leaf collection announcements. The goal is to encourage residents to leave some leaves for wildlife and soil health, without overburdening public works. - Other Items: Staff updates included the delayed installation of a charging station in the downtown garage (due to Dominion Energy work), the free bus service (since January 2026), and the county's purchase of a property for a group home for disabled individuals. Key Outcomes - Votes: Agenda approved (unanimous); Minutes approved (5-0-1). - Next Meeting: Moved to September 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM (location TBD). - Action Items: - Commissioner Amy will coordinate with Mom's Apple Pie and the urban forester for tree cookies. - Commissioner Laura will reach out to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for the pumpkin smash. - Staff will contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension for a cooking and nutrition table. - The commission will draft herbicide policy recommendations, including research on glyphosate and best practices from other jurisdictions. - Staff will create a web page for the pumpkin smash and a digital flyer. - The commission will collaborate with the town's social media team for a promotional video.

The Leesburg Commission on Public Arts (COPA) met on August 4, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:28 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, updates on multiple arts programs, budget and sponsorship decisions, and planning for upcoming events. One member was absent, but quorum was maintained (4 of 7). Discussion Items - Agenda and Minutes Approval: The agenda was approved unanimously. Approval of the June meeting minutes was delayed due to a discrepancy over the listed time for the Art in Your Yard event (notes showed 12–3 PM vs. 1–3 PM in minutes); the minutes were approved after noting the error would be resolved. - Calendar Call to Artists: Staff reported that a centralized database for artist submissions is being built by IT and expected by end of August. The call for the 2026 calendar will open in September, seeking 14 images with backups. The deadline for artist selection was set for the November 2 meeting to allow printing. Printing costs may exceed $5,000, requiring a future vote to go out for bid; otherwise, printer Canterbury would be used. - Raflo Park Sculpture Exhibit: The Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) will cover the full $5,000 cost for five sculptures after sponsorship efforts failed to secure funds. Plaques and directories need to be updated. A temporary directory will be printed using Canva files. The exhibit ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Friday, August 6 at 6–6:30 PM at Raflo Park; a location near the bridge was suggested for better visibility and shade. - Art in Your Yard Date Change: Due to zoning issues with the planned gravel lot for sidewalk sale vendors, the event was moved. A motion passed to reschedule Art in Your Yard to September 12, 2026 (10 AM–6 PM), coinciding with the Leesburg Sidewalk Sale. Artists will commit to specific time slots (e.g., 1–3 PM) to be published on a map. - Airport Mural: Funding is still short; Kuhn Aviation has offered to cover the full cost if directly asked. Staff will proceed with the ask. The mural will be displayed indoors at the airport. - Crossroads Sponsorship: COPA voted to sponsor the Crossroads event (September 18–19) as a supporting organization. No additional funds are needed as $500 was already budgeted and encumbered in the prior fiscal year. - Pollinator Sculpture at Fox Ridge Park: Staff identified three proposed sites. Next steps include a site walk with Parks & Rec Director John Cleves, a presentation to the Parks Advisory Commission (PAC) by the September meeting, then Town Council approval. A call to artists would follow in October, aiming for installation by spring 2027. Estimated cost: $8,000–$12,000. - VMFA Visit: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts mobile exhibit visit failed because the bus generator broke and the artworks require temperature control. The museum left after an hour. Staff will explore a fall date or link with next year's air show. - Love Your Mother Event: The final Love Your Mother event was held successfully; COPA expressed gratitude. The organizers are ending the program. - New Artist at Visit Loudoun: Photographer Philip (uses film cameras) will display black-and-white works at Visit Loudoun through September, with demonstrations during First Friday (September 4). - Art Exhibits at Airport and Town Hall: New exhibits go on display September 1. Artists may hold open houses; COPA will need a member to greet during setup. - New Member Recruitment: Member Tira resigned due to attendance policy violations. The vacancy falls under Council Member Patrick. Interested applicants should use the town's online form and notify Patrick. - Future Meeting Date: The next COPA meeting was moved to September 14, 2026 (Monday after Labor Day) to avoid conflicts. Key Outcomes - Approved: Meeting agenda (unanimous). June minutes (approved with corrected time). - Motions Passed: - Reschedule Art in Your Yard to September 12, 2026 (10 AM–6 PM) – unanimous. - Sponsor Crossroads event (no cost) – unanimous. - Schedule next meeting on September 14, 2026 – unanimous. - Funding Commitments: FOLPA to cover $5,000 for Raflo Park sculptures. COPA to ask Kuhn Aviation for full airport mural sponsorship. - Directives: - Staff to finalize artist submission database; issue calendar call in September. - Staff to coordinate with Parks & Rec for pollinator sculpture site walk and PAC presentation. - Staff to update directories and plaques for Raflo Park. - Apply for Loudoun County arts grants (up to $250,000 per grant; applications open August 12). - Next Steps: Tira's seat to be filled via Council Member Patrick. Future grant writing will be explored.

The Technology and Communication Commission met on August 4, 2026, to discuss public outreach events, IT department updates, cybersecurity threats, and technology priorities. The meeting included approval of previous minutes and updates on upcoming public programming. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (aye). Discussion Items Public Outreach Events - Commissioner Amanda reported on an upcoming cybersecurity‑for‑kids event scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 6 PM at the library, with ice cream and a trivia night afterward. The town’s PIO created promotional material. - She shared that feedback from previous events has been positive, and that the next event should not be held in September due to school and sports schedules. October or November are being considered, possibly focusing on AI‑related content. - Amanda is coordinating with Evergreen Elementary’s PTA and counseling staff to tie future programming into school reinforcement. She expressed a desire to pilot an AI safety workshop in November. - Discussion ensued about balancing safety tips with a friendly tone so children aged 6–12 are not afraid of AI. Commissioners agreed that schools are currently restricting AI use but that it will become more prevalent. - Amanda proposed a DECA‑style technology competition for grades 5–8, citing an example from a Colorado town that implemented a winning solution. She asked for volunteers to lead that effort separately from her children’s programming. - Commissioner John described a capture‑the‑flag (CTF) hackathon idea for older students, which could be tied to digitized historical records. He expressed interest in developing a CTF with local technology companies, but noted the need to understand town sponsorship regulations. - Several commissioners volunteered to collaborate on CTF and competition ideas, with the goal of diversifying the commission’s outreach beyond the current kids’ programs. IT Department Staffing - The department announced the hiring of Kyla Murphy as a network administrator, starting August 10. She will have a three‑week overlap with a retiring network administrator. The IT team is also preparing for another upcoming retirement. Cybersecurity Update - The IT director provided an update on a cybersecurity incident affecting the water/wastewater sector in Minnesota (over 30 utilities compromised). Leesburg’s utilities were not affected because they use a private cellular network and different devices. As a precaution, passwords were changed and network traffic is being closely monitored. - There has been a significant uptick in financial phishing emails targeting town staff. The town’s cybersecurity training, quarterly phishing simulations, and email security tools (safe links, etc.) are working, but staff remain vigilant. The IT director emphasized treating every anomalous event as a potential crisis, including verifying any unusual VPN or email activity by voice confirmation. IT General Controls Audit - A nine‑month project was kicked off to prepare the IT department for an IT general controls audit, covering six categories: security management, access control, segregation of duties, configuration and change management, contingency planning, and financial systems controls. The goal is to be audit‑ready at all times. Rising Hardware Costs - Due to increased global demand for RAM (driven by AI), the cost of servers and laptops has risen sharply. The department has postponed a virtual environment refresh and a backup system upgrade, instead extending warranties. An imaging server that was budgeted at $5,000 came in at over $10,000; the department repurposed and upgraded an existing server to avoid the cost. Similar cost‑saving measures are being applied to PC replacements. AI Working Group - The first AI use‑case application intake has been received from the energy department: using AI to analyze utility bills for potential savings. The AI Working Group will vote on the use case. Workshops for other departments are being scheduled, with the expectation that the team may need to proactively engage some departments. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner John thanked Amanda for her efforts and reminded everyone that the next regular meeting will be on September 1, 2026. - Several commissioners commended the IT department’s proactive cybersecurity posture and the value of positive technology programming to counterbalance negative perceptions about data centers. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of previous meeting minutes. - Decision to skip public outreach events in September; next events planned for October and November 2026. - Commissioner Amanda will continue organizing kids’ programming but will hand off the next event to another commissioner; John and others will work on capture‑the‑flag and competition‑style events. - The IT department will proceed with the onboarding of Kyla Murphy on August 10 and continue the nine‑month IT general controls audit project. - No new funding or policy changes were voted on; all items were informational or directed future staff work.

The Leesburg Traffic Commission met on August 4, 2026, to address resident concerns about speeding, sight distance, and traffic safety, review speed study data, receive development updates, and discuss traffic calming policies and future studies. The meeting was held at 11:30 AM. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident from Cedar Walk Circle (name not given) expressed concern about limited sight distance when exiting the development onto Fort Evans Road due to parked cars and a curve. He reported that his wife was hit in 2020 by a speeding driver and requested either removal of two parking spots or installation of a stop sign or flashing stop sign. Staff agreed to evaluate the site. - Heidi Lee (Kincaid Forest, Sweet William Court) raised concerns about speeding on Kincaid Boulevard, particularly with upcoming construction of county government buildings expected to increase traffic. She noted that only one out of 10 cars obeys the 25 mph speed limit, crosswalks are dangerous, and existing blinking lights at the pool are often ignored. She asked for solutions other than speed bumps or traffic lights. Staff indicated that Kincaid Boulevard would be discussed at the September meeting and that selective enforcement has been conducted. - Mark Hunter (Habsite Drive representative) reported positive behavior change due to selective enforcement on his street and thanked the commission. He also echoed concerns about speeding on Battlefield Parkway. Discussion Items - Speed Data Reports: Staff presented speed data for North Street and Harrison Street. On North Street, 86.1% of vehicles traveled under 26 mph (average 21 mph, 85th percentile 25 mph). On Harrison Street, similar results indicated no speeding issue. The data was collected via a third-party using tubes/cameras, and the commission noted that tubes are more accurate. Staff recommended removing these streets from the active list. - Development Updates (presented by Dory): - Virginia Village: 14 townhomes permitted; construction starting soon. - Leesburg Self Storage Phase 2: near completion. - Delhi South relocation to Sicklin Road (combining with Smoke and Willie). - Enterprise site plan under review. - 5 California's (Battlefield Parkway): nearing site plan approval. - Megamart (international supermarket): bonding step remaining. - Roy Rogers at Russell Branch: awaiting signature sets. - Edge Car Wash (Robinson Mill): still in site plan review. - Costco fuel expansion: site plan submission pending. - Chick-fil-A dual drive-through: site plan submitted June 2025, still under review. - Loud Islamic Center (Village at Leesburg): interior renovations. - Ridges at Siclin (formerly Harvest States): rezoning application submitted; proposing 54 carriage homes, 30 townhomes, 10 ADUs, 26,000 sq ft commercial. - One Commercial Crescent Sicklin: permits issued, construction starting soon. - Upcoming: Leesburg Crossing (flex buildings), Leesburg Gateway (flex industrial), 481 Potomac Station (flex industrial), Branch Outdoor Recreation Area (bowling alley site). - Giant Brickyard: 18 building permits issued, but work stopped on one building due to missing survey. - Hotel/resort event space in county (Children Center Road): traffic study ongoing. - Traffic Calming Presentation (led by Raj): - Overview of the town's 2001 Residential Traffic Management Plan and current industry standards (three E's: Education, Enforcement, Engineering). - Functional classification of roads: major/minor arterial, through/local collector, local street. Traffic calming measures are only appropriate for local streets and local collectors (volumes <2,000 vpd). - Criteria for engineering study: volumes 1,000–2,000 vpd, average speed 31 mph (or 85th percentile 10 mph over posted speed). - Detailed cost and effectiveness of measures: community gateway (2 mph reduction), watch for children signs ($850, limited effect), additional $200 fine signs ($750, effectiveness unknown), pavement markings ($1.50/linear ft, 1–5 mph reduction), pole-mounted driver feedback signs ($7,500, 5 mph reduction, not ideal for 4-lane roads), speed humps (20–25% speed reduction, 20% traffic diversion, noise, emergency vehicle impacts), speed lumps (similar), speed tables (45% crash reduction, 20% traffic diversion), raised crosswalks (6–9 mph reduction), raised intersections (0.3–1 mph reduction). - Discussion emphasized that these are starting points, and engineering judgment is needed for gray areas. The commission is tasked with addressing resident concerns even if roads are classified as collectors (e.g., Kincaid). Key Outcomes - Kincaid Boulevard: Moved to September meeting agenda for further discussion. Staff will provide speed data and enforcement feedback from the sergeant. - North Street & Harrison Street: Removed from active list due to no speeding issues. - Cut-through Traffic Study: Staff will provide criteria for cut-through traffic at the next meeting before spending $2,100 on a study for Meadow Brook phase five (Axios Lane). - Budget: The commission has $36,000 unspent for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. - Staffing: A new staff member starting August 31 will help track driver feedback sign maintenance. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM.