Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting - March 4, 2026

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered the Tolbert Award selection, final logistics for Keep Leesburg Beautiful (KLB) and the Flower & Garden Festival, updates on string light recycling and the bag tax legislation, and planning for the Boards & Commissions Banquet. The commission approved the agenda with a minor modification and approved the minutes from February 3, 2026, with two abstentions (Paul and Laura absent).

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved with a minor modification (motion and second, no opposition).
• Minutes from February 3, 2026, approved with a vote of 4-0-2 (four in favor, zero opposed, two abstentions due to absent members).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were heard during this meeting.

Discussion Items

• Tolbert Award Selection: The commission reviewed two nominations: a net zero energy building on Market Street and a pollinator garden. Discussion centered on the net zero building's aspirational impact versus the pollinator garden's repeatability. Members noted the net zero building's owner (Peter) is highly active in the community, and staff shared that the deputy town manager had encouraged business applications. The net zero building was selected after a hand vote (unanimous). The commission also discussed creating a video tour of the building as part of the award promotion.
• Keep Leesburg Beautiful (KLB) Logistics: Staff reported 12 business supporters (up from last year), with discounts and promotions. A QR code card will replace the previous detailed card for reusability. The KLB kickoff is Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Raflo Park (with potential future location review). New this year: pre-packed supply pickups at Town Hall, an option for grabber returns with trash bags, and town departments encouraged to participate during April. The commission voted to purchase gold spray paint for golden grabbers, four circular 25-pound sandbags (for tent stability), 300 pre-cut leaves, and two to three spools of floral wire for the Flower & Garden Festival activity.
• Flower & Garden Festival Activity: The commission finalized plans for a tree-shaped interactive display at their booth (April 18-19, 2026). Attendees will write sustainable habits or wishes on pre-cut leaves and attach them to a branch frame (using floral wire). A raffle for composting-related prizes will incentivize participation. The display can be moved under the tent in bad weather. Staff confirmed $2,000 remaining in the budget; the Tolbert award engraving costs ~$200.
• String Light Recycling Program: Staff reported that a vendor (Better than Local, in Bui) accepts string lights year-round at no limit. The commission discussed a town-sponsored drop-off program (October through January) with potential locations at Town Hall and IDA. A formal proposal will be developed and sent to staff for approval.
• Bag Tax Revenue Update: Staff noted that legislation granting towns a share of the bag tax passed the House and Senate and is likely to be signed by the governor (override of previous vetoes). Estimated annual revenue for Leesburg ~$50,000. The bag tax can fund programs; the commission was asked to submit ideas for spending (e.g., food waste pilot, recycling program upkeep) by January, though staff will present options to Town Council on June 8, 2026.
• Boards & Commissions Banquet: Scheduled for April 30, 2026. The commission will present three past accomplishments (tennis ball recycling, expanded composting participation, and a third to be confirmed) and three future priorities (native plant education, string light recycling, and outreach at the Flower & Garden Festival). A group photo was taken for the presentation.
• Future Priorities and Collaboration: The commission discussed potential priorities including data deletion outreach (energy savings), an environmental art contest (possibly reframed as a town-square activity using Creative Reuse Center items), and collaboration with other boards on salt/fertilizer reduction (parking lot item).

Key Outcomes

• Tolbert Award: Selected the net zero building on Market Street. Staff will contact the owner and nominator, order a trophy, schedule presentation at Town Council (April 12, 2026, already on calendar), and coordinate a promotional video.
• KLB Supplies: Approved purchase of gold spray paint, four 25-pound sandbags, ~300 pre-cut leaves, and two spools of floral wire (budget sufficient).
• Flower & Garden Festival Booth: Activity details finalized (leaf-writing, raffle, branch tree display). Prompts will be refined at the next meeting (April 7, 2026). Setup and shifts to be confirmed via a shared schedule; a second meeting on April 7, 2026, will finalize logistics.
• String Light Recycling: Staff to draft a proposal for town-wide drop-off program (October–January) and submit to town leadership for approval.
• Bag Tax Revenue: Commissioners encouraged to submit ideas for possible funding by May 2026.
• Next Meeting: Monday, April 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM.