Public Meetings - Leesburg, Virginia

The Leesburg Town Council held a work session on the evening of July 13, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The agenda included updates on the St. James Historic Cemetery Project, discussion of the 16 Wirt Street property, bicycle infrastructure planning, and the first of several in-depth reviews of the zoning ordinance rewrite. Council also approved three proclamations and agreed to add a Clubhouse Drive improvement discussion to a future meeting. St. James Historic Cemetery Project Update - Kathleen Hughes (Chair, St. James' Episcopal Church Historic Cemetery Committee) presented the project's progress, funded by a Town grant from summer 2025. - The committee completed a ground-penetrating radar study, a conservation plan covering all 191 standing monuments, and a landscaping concept featuring benches, flowering trees, and a cross-shaped memorial garden of low-growing bulbs over unmarked graves. - Radar revealed extensive unmarked burials (shown as orange areas on a map). Four tombstones are under repair (one completed, three contracted for completion by October 2026). The estimated cost to repair all monuments is approximately $87,000. - Research has identified war veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Mexican-American War, as well as slaves, free blacks, tradespeople, and town leaders. - The next steps include fundraising (goal $100,000) for landscaping, restoration, educational signs, and a memorial monument. An All Souls Day service is planned for November 1, 2026. - Council members expressed support and appreciation. Mr. Cummings asked where to donate; the committee will set up a website. 16 Wirt Street Structure – Potential Relocation - Keith Markel presented background on the property, purchased by the Town in 2021 for future town hall expansion. The two-story structure (built c. 1920, 2,000 sq ft lot, six rooms, half bath) is zoned B1 within the Old and Historic District. - A third-party study found lead paint, asbestos, and needed major system upgrades (roof, siding, wiring, plumbing). The building is currently vacant and not ADA-compliant. - Options discussed: keep and renovate (precludes town hall expansion), relocate (via RFP to interested parties), or demolish. - Council members expressed varied opinions: Krukowski supported removal (demolition if no taker); Nasi agreed; Mayor Burke preferred pursuing relocation via RFP before considering demolition; Council member Cummings noted the building is in poor condition and unlikely to be moved. - Decision: Council directed staff to develop an RFP for relocation of the structure. Bicycle Infrastructure Planning - James David provided an update on past council discussions and the FY27 budget process, where a $200,000 bicycle plan enhancement request was not funded. - Staff applied for a U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All grant ($300,000 with 20% local match of $60,000) to develop a comprehensive safety action plan and a multimodal mobility plan. The application deadline was end of May 2026; notification takes about a year. - Similar grants have been awarded to neighboring jurisdictions (Town of Vienna, City of Fairfax, Town of Herndon, Loudoun County). - Council unanimously endorsed continuing the grant application efforts. Review of Zoning Ordinance Rewrite – Article I (General Provisions) and Article II (Zoning Districts and Dimensional Standards) - James David and Mr. Watkins presented the first of several work sessions on the rewrite. - Article I establishes foundational framework, including measurement standards (e.g., building height measured from natural grade instead of finished grade). - Article II consolidates 24 existing zoning districts into 15, implementing Town Plan character areas. New districts include: Residential Suburban (4 du/ac), Residential Medium (6 du/ac single-family detached, 10 du/ac attached), Residential Urban (22 du/ac), Downtown (5 multifamily units by right, 6+ legislative – as recommended by Planning Commission), Mixed Use (40 du/ac), Innovation Center (24 du/ac), and Crescent District (six sub-districts, max 60 du/ac by rezoning only). - Density increases are supported by Town Plan policies, but many parcels are already subject to proffers (75%). The Planning Commission requested traffic modeling; results led to reducing proposed Crescent District Activity Center density from 100 to 60 du/ac. - Council raised concerns about traffic capacity on major corridors, the definition of “urban,” open space requirements, building height measurement, and the impact on the downtown historic district. Staff clarified that the BAR retains authority to reduce setbacks in downtown to maintain harmony and compatibility. - The discussion is ongoing; council will continue reviewing subsequent articles at future meetings and may circle back to earlier topics. Key Outcomes - St. James Cemetery: Fundraising continues; committee will share digital report with council. - 16 Wirt Street: Staff directed to develop an RFP for relocation of the structure. - Bicycle Planning: Council endorsed continued pursuit of federal grant funding. - Zoning Rewrite: No final decisions; council will continue deep-dive sessions. Staff will prepare an annotated outline and specific comparison tables for council review. - Proclamations Approved: (1) Rotary Club of Leesburg 100th anniversary (presentation July 14, 2026). (2) Performing Arts Commission dedication of August 15 concert in memory of Dr. Stephen Corksey (presentation July 28, 2026). (3) Payroll Week, September 7-11, presented August 24, 2026. - Future Meeting Addition: Council agreed to have staff develop an improvement plan for Clubhouse Drive (sidewalk/trail, parking policy, flashing beacons at bypass ramp) and bring it back for a work session in the fall.

The Leesburg Diversity Commission convened at 7:02 PM for its regular monthly meeting. The commission approved the agenda and minutes from the June 10 meeting, heard a presentation from a town council candidate, received a detailed update on the co-responder mental health program, and made decisions on upcoming events and commission branding. Consent Calendar - Agenda: Approved as amended to remove a postcard design item because Commissioner Vanessa was absent. Unanimous. - Minutes: Approved from the June 10, 2026 meeting. Unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Brendan Murphy, a 21-year Leesburg resident and retired Navy/federal employee running for Town Council in November, introduced his three campaign pillars: common sense growth, responsible use of data center revenue, and leveraging innovation (e.g., digital twin technology) for planning and traffic. He expressed support for balancing historic downtown and airport assets, avoiding over‑reliance on data center funds, and using digital tools to improve zoning and development review. - Commissioner Linda expressed strong frustration with the Traffic Commission’s approach to pedestrian and cyclist safety. She stated that the Traffic Commission was unwilling to address vehicle responsibility, and that she felt unheard. She noted that $200,000 for a bike plan had been removed from the budget, and that without a plan federal grants for bike paths are inaccessible. She indicated she may present her concerns directly to Town Council as a private citizen rather than representing the commission. Discussion Items - Commissioner Comments: - A commissioner reported on outreach to Loudoun County Public Libraries regarding bilingual, sensory‑sensitive, and captioning story times, as well as LGBTQ support events. The library confirmed existing programs. - Commissioner Linda shared a pedestrian safety brochure and recounted experiences in Sweden and Denmark, emphasizing that vehicle behavior must be part of safety discussions. She also noted e‑bike issues among youth and the need for parental awareness of state codes. - Another commissioner mentioned that the e‑bike situation has improved with social media postings of state codes, but enforcement remains a challenge. - Staff Reports: - Language Translation Plugin (Bablic): Staff reported that the website vendor Granicus initially said Bablic was the only option, but now Google Translate (free) is also viable. The Town Manager appears willing to fund translation outside the commission’s budget, so the commission can provide an objective recommendation at the August meeting. - State Code Change: Effective July 1, 2026, no final action may be taken on items added to board/commission agendas during a meeting unless time‑sensitive or arising from closed session. Discussion is still permitted, but votes must wait until a future meeting. - Presentation: Co‑Responder Mental Health Program - Sgt. Paul (Leesburg Police) and Jane Welch (Loudoun County Mental Health clinician) presented the co‑responder program, which pairs a law enforcement officer with a mental health clinician for mental health crisis calls. The program began as a pilot and became operational July 1, 2024. The team currently consists of five clinicians and four officers (one from LPD, three from LCSO). Services are available Monday–Friday, 12 PM to 9 PM, including holidays. - Welch explained that clinicians assess on‑scene, aiming to divert individuals from psychiatric hospitalization when appropriate, using a trauma‑informed lens. They have a 50–50 follow‑up rate and work to safety‑plan and connect individuals with resources. The program operates under the Marcus Alert, and the team is dispatched via 911. The public can request a co‑responder unit when calling 911. - The presentation highlighted reduced emergency custody order (ECO) numbers, faster scene resolution, and ongoing training for officers. A commissioner asked about data collection; Welch said data is tracked but detailed metrics are handled by program directors. - National Night Out (August 4, 2026, 5:30–8:00 PM, Douglass Park): The commission will host a table. Members discussed supplies (temporary tattoos, bubbles, fans). Unanimously approved up to $100 for bubbles and fans. A commissioner volunteered to design an informational handout if needed, but given time constraints, the commission agreed to use existing materials. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Ceremony: After discussion, the commission voted to hold the ceremony on October 16, 2026 (the second option) to accommodate the Mayor’s availability. The Town Green was reserved for both October 9 and 16; the 16th was selected. Unanimous. - Commission Logo: Feedback for the contracted logo artist was gathered. Preferences include: representing diversity in all facets (racial, disability, age, veteran status), a “human‑first” and “place‑based” feel specific to Leesburg, simplicity for branding, vector format, black‑and‑white compatibility, and avoiding the “We Are Leesburg” hashtag. The artist will receive consolidated feedback and provide drafts by the end of the year. The final logo requires Town Council approval. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Agenda (as amended), minutes, and $100 for National Night Out supplies. All unanimous. - Date Selection: DVAM ceremony set for October 16, 2026. - Logo Next Steps: Feedback to be emailed to the artist; a draft review is expected at a future meeting. - Budget Note: A second co‑responder position was voted into the 2027 budget, ensuring continued program growth. Commission members expressed support and noted the Mayor’s confirmation. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 PM. The board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting and received a detailed report on library operations for June 2026. The report highlighted high visitor numbers, increased reference questions from out-of-state visitors, and successful programming. The board also discussed acquisitions, building maintenance, upcoming exhibits, and the status of several community initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes for the June 10, 2026 meeting was moved and carried. Discussion Items - Library Director's Report (June 2026): The director reported a busy month with strong visitation and program attendance. Notable exhibits included a botanical world exhibit (closed), a textile exhibit, and a semi-quincentennial (250th anniversary) display looking back at historic commemorations. The library also hosted a First Friday exhibit on revolution, resistance, and protest in Leesburg. - Acquisitions and Collections: The library accessioned 95 collections since January 2026, including 11 in June. A highlight was a 1776 bond from Philip Nolan (sheriff) that shows the transition from royal to colonial authority, donated by a private individual. Other acquisitions included World War I letters from the Edgar family, Chamberlain family papers (1860s–1880s), and a lead eagle gate weight from the Monroe family estate. The library is processing the League of Women Voters collection and reached out to the new owners of the Fanny Spider Bar (formerly a pharmacy) to document the building. - Building and Preservation: The Department of Historic Resources conducted its annual easement visit and gave a positive verbal assessment. Plaster cracking in the 1922 section was noted, but DHR was not overly concerned and suggested a building assessment. The outdoor metal railing was repainted, and a neighbor accidentally removed a section of the library's fence, which will be replaced. - Foundation and Friends: The library foundation has one open board position (town council-appointed) now scheduled for review. The foundation's 10-year saga to secure IRS tax-exempt status and merge the Bulge Trust (approx. $200,000) was resolved. The Friends of TLB scheduled their annual fundraising event for October 22, 2026, at the Berkeley House. - St. James Cemetery: Ground-penetrating radar found nearly 400 graves (over 300 unmarked). The town is deciding future landscaping. The board discussed inviting Tammy (likely a staff member) to present findings. - Oak Hill Preservation: The governor added funding back to the budget, making it a state park. Reenactors (including a Monroe portrayer) now live on the property as caretakers/interpreters. - 250th Anniversary Programming: The library's 250th programming has been very successful. July 4th events included a pop-up exhibit at the Donaldson Cabin (25 attendees) and a display at the courthouse (over 600 visitors). The revolution on film series continues. A journal is nearing completion, with a forward by Cynthia Kerner. - History Awards: The board formed a two-person subcommittee (new member and experienced member) to review nominations. The submission deadline was moved to October 1, 2026, to allow more time. The awards ceremony will be November 1, 2026. - New Business: The town clerk informed the board of a Virginia Code change effective July 1, 2026: no final action may be taken on items added to the agenda after the meeting begins, unless time-sensitive or arising from a closed meeting. The board acknowledged this. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Billy suggested recognizing the late Russell Baker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former host of Masterpiece Theatre, who was a frequent library patron. The board supported the idea of a future exhibit or plaque. Key Outcomes - Approved the June 10, 2026 meeting minutes. - Formed a subcommittee for the 2026 History Awards, with a new deadline of October 1, 2026. - The board expressed appreciation for the library director and staff for their work on the 250th anniversary programming. - No formal votes were taken on other items, as most were informational or directive.

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met at 6:32 p.m. on July 8, 2026. The commission added a discussion on a possible drone show to replace the town fireworks display, approved May meeting minutes, and received staff updates on bag-tax revenue, bamboo removal, water refill stations, recycling outreach, and the upcoming Pumpkin Smash event. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda with an added new-business item exploring a recommendation to replace the town's fireworks with a drone show. Motion seconded; approved. - Motion to approve the minutes from the May meeting. Motion seconded; approved. Staff Reports and Discussion Items - Bag-tax-funded drop-off site: Town Council approved using bag-tax revenue for a secondary recycling drop-off location described in the transcript as 'a big boy school.' The contract cost will rise from under $5,000 to about $10,000, requiring competitive solicitation. Staff hopes the current vendor will rebid. The goal is for the site to be operational by October 1, with the appropriation officially transferred by September 22. - Bag-tax fund balance: Of the anticipated $40,000 in bag-tax revenue, about $10,000 will be used for the drop-off program; the remaining funds will be held in a special account for future projects that meet the approved categories for waste minimization, litter prevention, and outreach/education. These funds do not expire at year-end. - Running bamboo ordinance: Town Council is moving forward with a bamboo ordinance and wants an educational component or demonstration site. Staff said a quarter-acre bamboo stand on a town property makes a small maintenance demonstration unrealistic, so staff will recommend full removal, which may require excavation and ongoing treatment. - Water refill stations at events: Staff described a last-minute 6,000-gallon water truck at a recent event with no signage and questions about water potability. The airport has a 125-gallon 'monster jug' that can be borrowed for the air show. Members suggested the EAC develop a formal policy or recommendation on water/hydration stations at town events, and a member volunteered to lead the research. - Budget update: The new budget is in effect; EAC has $5,000 this year, but approved enhancements are one-time, and the base allocation returns to $3,500 next year unless new enhancements are submitted. Some EAC merchandise is delayed until October. - Website update: Staff updated the EAC web page, broke up an infographic, and added alt text. A 125-character website limit prevents a full alt-text version, but the update was considered an improvement and will be published. Pumpkin Smash Planning - Last year the drop-off collected 2,340 pounds of pumpkins. This year staff is planning a two-to-three-hour Pumpkin Smash using scaffolding so participants can smash pumpkins into a dumpster, followed by a one-week drop-off period. The event may include educational stations about composting, cooking/skinning pumpkins, and why painted pumpkins cannot be composted. - Members suggested additional ideas such as catapults or trebuchets, pumpkin bowling, science experiments, a seed swap, Tree Commission involvement, and food vendors. Staff cautioned about liability, safety, and avoiding new waste by encouraging purchases of pumpkins just to smash them. Staff will talk to the Tree Commission, look into scaffolding rentals and food-vendor rules, and finalize a location. Drone Show Discussion - A member proposed researching whether Leesburg should replace its town fireworks display with a drone light show, noting Fairfax County's drone show was successful this year. Members noted fireworks create air-quality and debris concerns and that a drone show would be quieter. - Staff and members discussed likely costs: small-scale drone shows can cost up to $20,000; medium shows with 100–300 drones cost roughly $20,000–$90,000; larger shows cost more. A member plans to find out what Fairfax paid and will bring that information back. The EAC will likely prepare a presentation for Town Council, since Council direction would be needed before formal action. Recycling Tagging Program - The recycling cart-tagging program is ongoing; two more zones remain to be completed, and no complaints had been received. Staff said tagging photos are providing outreach insights. Key Outcomes - EAC approved the agenda with the drone-show item and approved May meeting minutes. - EAC will develop water-hydration station policy research; one member volunteered to lead. - EAC will continue researching drone-show costs and Fairfax details, with a possible future Town Council presentation. - Staff will move forward on Pumpkin Smash logistics, including contacting the Tree Commission and investigating scaffolding and food vendors. - The EAC webpage update will be published after member review.

The Technology and Communications Commission of Leesburg, Virginia, met on July 7, 2026, to discuss public outreach initiatives for youth cybersecurity education, updates on the AI working group, and the network administrator hiring process. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the previous meeting's minutes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the June 2, 2026, meeting. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the meeting. Discussion Items - Youth Cybersecurity Class Recap: Commissioner Amanda reported on a well-received cybersecurity class for children aged 6–10 held at the Thomas Balch Library. Feedback from parents included requests for more advanced cybersecurity training, AI safety, and keeping data safe. Commissioners discussed scaling the program, scheduling future classes, and potentially developing a culminating event (e.g., a capture-the-flag hackathon or solving a town problem) in November. - August Class Scheduling: The group debated dates for repeating the same class. August 18 and 25 were available at the library but conflicted with back-to-school. Preference was given to the first two weeks of August, specifically the week of August 3–7, with a final date to be confirmed by Commissioner Amanda after checking library availability. - Promotion and Testimonials: Commissioners agreed to work with the public information office to creatively promote the class and collect testimonials from parents at the next session to build buzz. - Network Administrator Recruitment: John and another commissioner reported that the first round of interviews for a network administrator was unsuccessful. A virtual interview with a second candidate was scheduled for the following Friday. The town has a fallback plan with Cisco, their existing engineering firm, to ensure coverage during the transition. - AI Working Group Update: The working group has sent communications to all departments to begin workshop processes focused on real use cases. The town has purchased 15 full Copilot licenses and is exploring Claude, which has outperformed ChatGPT and Copilot in some tests. Plans include identifying power users, holding series of workshops, and considering internal hosting for sensitive data. Commissioners discussed the role of AI as a tool to reduce administrative burden rather than replace employees. - Commissioner Comments: Members thanked Commissioner Amanda for her presentation, praised the Thomas Balch Library venue, and expressed interest in expanding the program to include topics like AI for adults and more advanced cybersecurity exercises. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the June 2, 2026, minutes passed unanimously. - Decision to repeat the children's cybersecurity class in early August 2026 (specific date to be confirmed, likely between August 3 and 11). - Directive to promote the August class more aggressively and collect parent testimonials. - Network administrator search continues with a second interview scheduled. - AI working group will proceed with department workshops and explore internal models for sensitive data. - The meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM.

The Leesburg Traffic Commission met on July 7, 2026, to discuss traffic safety, speed data, pedestrian improvements, and public concerns. The meeting opened with approval of the previous meeting's minutes and agenda, followed by public comments and a review of several traffic studies and data collection efforts. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes and agenda unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Morgan Park resident (unidentified): Expressed frustration that the commission had not acted on signage requests since October 2024. He presented a speed study but argued that signs warning of children, pedestrians, and bicycles are needed on Morgan Park Road, which he called a "through way" for traffic. He stated the road is a residential area with many children and e-bikes. - Mark Butter (Tavistock resident): Thanked Leesburg PD for selective enforcement, noting behavior change. He raised concerns about Hope Parkway's width and speed, but saw kids playing. He requested raw data from a driver feedback sign on Tavistock Drive; staff agreed to check with technicians. - Howard Lines (Heritage Hall area): Reported that new sidewalks are working well and that he has not observed excessive speeding. He came to listen. - Air Street resident (between Loudoun and Market): Noted occasional speeding (35–40 mph) and narrow sidewalks with utility poles. He asked about the process for determining need; the commission suggested selective enforcement and noted missing speed limit signs. - Additional Air Street resident: Supported concerns about speed and pedestrian safety, especially for families and elderly. Discussion Items - Speed data for Hope Parkway: LPD reported heavy hitters of 67 mph at 1 a.m. and 59 mph at 10 p.m., with average speed 22 mph, 85th percentile 30 mph, and total volume 37,692 vehicles over 22 days. The commission noted the data and moved on. - Speed data for South King Street (south of English Court): Total daily traffic 7,612 vehicles. Average speed 24 mph northbound, 25 mph southbound; 85th percentile 28–29 mph. About 5–6% of vehicles exceeded 30 mph. The commission was pleasantly surprised and saw no need for additional action, but agreed to monitor the area as development progresses. - Speed data for Morgan Park Road: 622 vehicles per day, average speed 23 mph, 85th percentile 28 mph. No vehicles exceeded 35 mph. The commission saw no justification for additional signage. The resident who had requested signage argued that the road is part of a neighborhood and that signs about children at play would improve safety. The commission explained that non-standard signs are not typically used on main roads and that the data does not warrant action. The resident was referred to town staff for further discussion. - Pedestrian data for Battlefield Parkway and Woods Edge Drive: Only 23 pedestrians in 14 hours, with 11,810 vehicles per day. 85th percentile speed 44 mph. The commission decided not to pursue rectangular rapid flashing beacons or other improvements, citing low pedestrian activity. - Pedestrian data for Battlefield Parkway and Chadfield: 11 pedestrians in 14 hours, 8,000 vehicles per day, 85th percentile speed 40 mph. The commission noted existing crosswalk and signage, and decided to close the request. - Discussion of driver feedback sign on North Street and Harrison Street: Speed data from LPD showed a maximum of 75 mph, which the commission considered anomalous. Staff will collect new speed data at a cost of about $180 and report back. - Discussion of multi-use trail on South King Street: A joint commission had proposed improvements. The commission noted that the entire interchange is under a two-year study (CIP project) and decided to defer to that study. They preferred to identify future joint projects themselves. - Budget and expenditures: Paper for pedestrian flyers was purchased; remaining budget is about $10–15. - Outstanding issues: - Speeding on North King Street: A safety study would cost $21k for King Street alone, $31k for all entry points. The commission declined to pursue this and instead focused on low-cost pedestrian improvements, such as pavement markings, for the North King Street/Union Street area. Staff will present options at the September meeting. - Speeding concerns at Kincaid Place Southeast and all-way stop request at Randy Drive: Staff visited the site and found no speeding issue; the request was deemed unnecessary. - Intersection improvements at Battlefield Parkway and Fort Evans Plaza (Trader Joe's): Staff is evaluating short-term options, including restricting left turns during peak hours, and will present at the next meeting. - Trees obscuring traffic lights near Cool Spring Elementary: On the to-do list for trimming. Key Outcomes - The commission voted to take no action on signage for Morgan Park Road, South King Street, or the pedestrian crossings on Battlefield Parkway, based on speed and pedestrian data. - Staff will collect new speed data for North Street and Harrison Street. - The commission will explore low-cost pedestrian improvements for North King Street (Union area) and bring a proposal to the September meeting. - Staff will continue to evaluate short-term fixes at the Battlefield Parkway/Fort Evans Plaza intersection and report back. - The commission referred the Morgan Park resident's concerns to town staff for further discussion. - The meeting adjourned.

The Performing Arts Commission (PAC) met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting covered a recap of a recent senior capital event, planning for the Music of George Washington concert (August 15), selection of performing artists, budget adjustments, and the initial discussion of a senior facilities performance program. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to adopt the agenda passed 7-0. - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the previous meeting (May) were approved 5-0-2 (five in favor, zero opposed, two abstentions). Discussion Items - Senior Capital Event Recap: Commissioners reported on a successful networking event with approximately 60 attendees, including representatives from local arts groups and supporters of a dance performance. Positive feedback was noted, but site lines for the performance were challenging; a portable dance floor may be available for future events. - Proclamation for Dr. Stephen Cooksey: A proclamation was requested to dedicate the August 15 concert in memory of Dr. Stephen Cooksey, former music director at St. James Episcopal Church. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the proclamation to the Town Council. - Music of George Washington Concert – Venue: After discussion of accessibility and security concerns at St. James Episcopal Church, the commission voted to hold the concert in the sanctuary. A church representative (music director Mark) will be present to manage restroom access. - Artist Selection: Three submissions were reviewed. The two highest-scoring acts were selected: a violin ensemble (total 232 points) and a guitarist (total 228 points). A motion to select these two artists passed unanimously. - Artist Payment Adjustment: A motion to increase the artist payment for the violin ensemble from $600 to $1,200 (to cover six performers) was approved, with one commissioner dissenting. This will be presented to Town Council for final approval. - Event Schedule for August 15: The commission approved the following schedule: load-in at 12:30 PM, sound check 12:30–2:00 PM, house opens at 2:00 PM, violin set 2:30–3:15 PM, intermission 3:15–3:30 PM, guitarist set 3:30–4:15 PM, doors close at 4:30 PM. - Senior Facilities Performance Program: A commissioner presented a draft plan for a series of performances at six senior living facilities during the last week of January through the first week of February 2027. Options for artist compensation (e.g., $200 for soloists, $150 per person for duos/trios/quartets, $650 for larger ensembles) were outlined. The discussion was tabled to the July meeting for further refinement. - Program and MC Planning: The commission decided to forgo printed programs and rely on an MC to introduce artists and performers to introduce their pieces, in line with the low-tech, environmentally friendly nature of the event. Key Outcomes - Approved Agenda and Minutes (7-0 and 5-0-2). - Proclamation Recommendation: Unanimous vote to recommend council issue a proclamation honoring Dr. Stephen Cooksey and dedicate the August 15 concert. - Venue Approved: Sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church as the concert location (unanimous). - Artists Selected: Violin ensemble and guitarist selected for the August 15 concert (unanimous). - Artist Payment Increased: $1,200 for the violin ensemble (majority vote). - Event Schedule Adopted: August 15, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. - Senior Facilities Program Tabled: Further discussion scheduled for the July 2026 meeting. - Next Steps: Commissioner to contact artists and present the selections and budget change to Town Council on July 14, 2026. Commissioner will also follow up with St. James Church for final confirmation. - Meeting Adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with members John, Frank, Katie, Phil, Alexander, Terry, and Melissa present and one virtual member absent. The commission approved its agenda and previous minutes, received staff updates on tree pests, ordinances, and department restructuring, and discussed Adopt-a-Spot maintenance, a dead redbud replacement, grant funding, and the meeting schedule. The raw transcript is partially garbled; this summary reflects the best interpretation of the discussion. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved by motion and second (no recorded objections). - Minutes of the May 19, 2026 meeting approved by motion and second, with a request to correct the spelling of Tara's name. - No council comments were reported and no public comment period was held. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Staff Comments & Project Updates - A commission member relayed information from Chris: anthracnose is affecting native dogwoods, and the ambrosia beetle also remains a concern. A question from Pearl prompted these updates. - The Tree Fund resolution was before the Town Council that night. Notes on the bamboo ordinance were sent to the town manager, who relayed them to council; the council is moving forward with drafting ordinance language, and the commission requested that the draft be shared for review. - The renovation plan for Mom's Apple Pie was not ready for review; it is expected at the July meeting. - The Department of Public Works and Capital Projects is undergoing a major restructuring: Capital Projects will split from Public Works into its own department, with Renee remaining director. The commission was told this will not affect its work. Adopt-a-Spot & Tree Maintenance Discussion - The commission reviewed the June/July watering and weeding schedule and thanked the volunteers. Members discussed the condition of the plantings, complimenting the plant selection (yarrow, blue flowers, and gladiolus) but expressing concern about a large red maple in a pot that dried out within an hour of a 40-minute watering. Members suspected the tree may be root-bound, a common problem with red maples, and agreed to investigate. - A member confirmed the Harper Park Little School redbud is dead: after inspection, snapping branches and cutting a notch showed no green. The tree will be replaced in the fall. - Discussion of the flag display at the Adopt-a-Spot: the flag displayer is a Virginia Master Naturalist who is friendly at VM events but reportedly unfriendly during flag displays. Members discussed the annual 1776 flag display, noting the flag has become political and controversial; the displayer should take it down promptly after July 4. Commissioner Comments & Committee Business - Alexander reported that his son worked 12-hour days for six days helping Kansas City clear street trees after tornadoes, including one tree that tore up the sidewalk and curb and had to be removed with a backhoe. Members warned that heat-stressed trees may fail in storms, citing downed trees in a neighborhood during the previous day's thunderstorms. - Tara said she will be out of town from July 3 through July 12, affecting her availability for watering duties. - One member noted the meeting was running about 20 minutes, near the record for the fastest meeting. - John reported watering a replanted neighborhood forest behind his house with 100 feet of hose; three dogwoods and two burr oaks appeared dead but are sending up green sprouts. He received advice to cut the dead original leader and select the strongest sucker. He also dug up a squirrel-planted red oak sprout and potted it, and said he has additional red oaks, red maples, and choke cherry suckers available. - The commission discussed the next tree giveaway. A grant application was submitted to the Department of Forestry again this year; funding notification is expected around November 1. A nonprofit sponsor would only be needed if the Tree Fund reserve were used, but the reserve is currently being used for town maintenance. - A member proposed public outreach to HOAs and landscape companies about poor tree-planting practices, citing five dogwoods on a hillside with water bags that nobody fills and trees possibly still in burlap. Another member, a former master gardener in Texas, supported outreach but suggested targeting HOA boards and committees rather than residents. The commission agreed to think about it. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and the May 19, 2026 meeting minutes. - Confirmed the Harper Park redbud is dead; replacement planned for fall. - Requested Virginia Department of Forestry grant funding again this year; notification expected around November 1. - Next meeting scheduled for July 21, 2026; the decision on canceling the August meeting was deferred to the July meeting. - No formal vote was taken on the public outreach proposal; members agreed to consider it. - Meeting adjourned by motion.

The Leesburg Town Council met on June 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, three resolutions, and four public hearings. All items were approved, with one abstention and one recusal on the 212 South King Street special exception. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items: - Tree Bank Reserve for FY2027 tree maintenance. - Awarding FY2027 microsurfacing contract to Superior Paving Corporation. - Leesburg Bypass (Route 7/15) water line. - Chesapeake Bay TMDL Phase III design contract awards. - Collective bargaining agreement with Southern States Police Benevolent Association. - Re-authorization of contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Leesburg Police Department. Public Comments & Testimony - Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) spoke during the public hearing on 212 South King Street, criticizing the applicant’s compliance history and alleging the town accommodated requests despite violations. She noted a stop-work order, lack of permits, and questioned whether approval would reward improper conduct. - Sunny Rahija (owner of 39 Siclin Road SE) spoke in support of the floodplain amendments, requesting that his property be included in the by-right fill provisions to facilitate a proposed office building. He thanked the planning commission for their earlier consideration. Discussion Items - Rock Spring Farm (Resolution 13A): Staff presented a plan to open the sledding hill as a passive park and requested $186,000 supplemental appropriation ($87,000 recurring, $99,000 one-time) from the general fund unassigned balance. Council approved 7-0. - Police Directed Towing Advisory Board (Resolution 13B): Gabriela Jimenez (LPD) explained the need to regulate tow rates due to complaints of excessive charges. The board would include law enforcement, two towing companies, and a citizen. Council approved 7-0. - Route 15 Bypass/Edwards Ferry Interchange Repayment (Resolution 13C): Doug Wagner reported the project is on hold due to lack of funding. NVTA requested repayment of $2,924,667 in expended design funds; VDOT agreed to reimburse the town. Council approved 7-0 contingent on VDOT reimbursement. - 212 South King Street (Public Hearing 14a): Special exception to allow six multifamily units (one more than by-right). Staff recommended approval with modifications to reduce open space to zero and active recreation to 844 sq ft. Applicant Kevin Ash defended the project. Council members questioned the process and past violations. The motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Nacy abstaining and Councilmember Wilt recused. - Floodplain Amendments (Public Hearings 14b, 14c, 14d): Three related items to allow mixed-use, parking structures, and by-right fill in designated floodplain areas of downtown Town Branch and Tuscarora Creek. Staff presented the changes and noted support from FEMA and DCR. Council approved all three unanimously (7-0) after hearing public comment from Sunny Rahija. Key Outcomes - Rock Spring Farm: Approved $186,000 supplemental appropriation; staff will bring future development discussions to the August 24 work session. - Towing Advisory Board: Approved resolution to establish the board; board to create proposed contract/ordinance language for council consideration. - Route 15 Interchange: Approved repayment to NVTA ($2,924,667) contingent on receiving matching funds from VDOT; project remains on hold indefinitely. - 212 South King Street: Approved special exception for six multifamily units with modifications; vote 5-0-1 (Mayor abstaining, one member recused). - Floodplain Zoning Amendments: Approved all three ordinance amendments (zoning, DCSM, SLDR) to permit mixed-use, parking, and by-right fill in specified floodplain areas; implementation subject to FEMA and DCR approval.