Leesburg Executive Airport Commission Meeting - March 16, 2026

The Leesburg Executive Airport Commission met at 6 p.m. on the meeting date supplied for this record. Note: the transcript opens with "Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, 6 p.m.," while the provided meeting date is March 16, 2026; the latter is used in this summary. The commission welcomed new Commissioner Michael May, who was appointed by Town Council the previous night to replace John Dolan, and conducted routine approvals before discussing strategic planning, art, taxiway design, an observation park, internships, tower funding, and regulation updates.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda adopted by voice vote with no opposition.
• Minutes from the previous month approved by voice vote; one clarification was noted regarding a future appearance by Mr. Scott Kuhn on airport improvement plans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• West Side Strategic Plan / Delta Consultants Task Order: Staff and consultant Karen Franklin presented the updated statement of work. The timeline may slow because of the town manager transition and council election. Council has questioned whether delaying the access road could free money for other priorities, but staff argued the road is needed to unlock the West Side development and that more grant-funded infrastructure can improve the financial return. The plan will produce a roadmap, business case, and grant-application data. Commissioner Cyril asked for the consultant to study which aviation-related businesses are growing at peer GA airports and consider an RFI; Karen Franklin noted recommendations would be a key output and an RFI could be a later step. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project scope/narrative for task order number five so a purchase order can proceed.
• Hangar Mural Theme and Friends of Leesburg Public Art: The commission discussed a phased mural concept on the shed and Delta hangars, with themes of Dream, Learn, Fly, Explore, and Future, meant to inspire curiosity and tell an aviation progression. Friends of Leesburg Public Art would manage donated funding; the mural cost is estimated around $10,000, with a removable panel option. Commissioner Dean warned against military aircraft imagery as less inspiring to families; the inspirational progression theme was favored. A motion to adopt the long-term five-theme mural vision passed unanimously.
• Taxiway Relocation Design: The project moves the taxiway 37 feet and now includes a redesign that preserves 12-13 tie-down spots by using a painted taxi lane instead of a separate taxiway/taxi lane. Wingtip clearance was modeled and the control tower reviewed it favorably. The same approach is not possible on the other ramp due to grade and storm-drainage issues.
• Observation Area and Park: Staff presented an AI-rendered concept for a public observation platform near the north gate and a proposed town-owned two-acre parcel for an airport-themed playground and park, potentially run by the Parks and Recreation department with public-private funding. The deputy town manager suggested private donations; the mayor is supportive. FAA approvals may be needed because airport property would be converted to recreational use. The Walmart side was also discussed as a possible alternate or second location. A motion authorizing the chair to present the concept to the Parks and Recreation meeting next week passed unanimously.
• Internship Program: The commission discussed the idea of adding an airport internship, prompted by Manassas adding an intern. Flight-school representatives noted local high school demand and the town’s paid internship model. Civil Air Patrol could help source qualified candidates. No motion was made; staff will explore the idea with HR.
• Control Tower Development: The FAA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), allowing the airport to seek additional design funding. The town applied to the Federal Contract Tower Program (about $120 million available) and for community project/earmark funding through Virginia’s senators and congressmen. Commissioner Cyril recommended adding large JYO letters to the tower, which will be relayed to engineers. The tower’s surveillance system is now live.
• Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards: Scott distributed a redline draft of updated minimum standards. Discussion covered hangar lease versus rental agreements and a pending Virginia Attorney General’s opinion request, with Bob Wirts tracking it. A small working group will meet to review the document; date to be scheduled.
• Operations and Airport Director Report: Construction begins Monday on an electric aircraft charging station near gate five; fence line work is underway at condo hangars. Nova Pilots received AOPA’s number-one flight school recognition from user feedback. Snow removal stayed within budget despite the January ice storm. Year-to-date operations are up 19%. There were 15 noise complaints, mostly from Evergreen Meadows, with five from Lime Stone Terrace and one from a Tavistock resident. Wind data from the AWOS is now available.
• Aircraft Personal Property Tax Discussion: Mayor Burke called the commission chair after a town council meeting where a resident asked to revisit taxing aircraft based on value. Council voted not to raise rates this year, but may revisit next February. A working group will refresh historical briefing data to show aircraft are mobile, other airports use low rates, and the airport already collects significant user fees and fuel-flow fees.
• FBO Lease: Town Council approved a one-year short-term extension of the FBO lease the night before the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the West Side Strategic Plan scope/task order (voice vote).
• Unanimous adoption of the five-theme mural vision.
• Unanimous approval to present the observation-area/park concept to Parks and Recreation.
• No formal vote on the internship program; staff will continue exploring it.
• Control tower funding applications continue; FONSI obtained.
• Next regular meeting: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. Nightly runway closures for repaving are scheduled to begin July 6, 2026.