OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Leesburg Town Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

Town Council & Commissions — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyLeesburg, Virginia
SessionTown Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
2:20

I would like to call to order tonight's town council meeting of April 28th, 2026.

2:27

If anyone in the room needs hearing assistance, please see the clerk.

2:31

Council member uh Vice Mayor Simono Johnson will be giving the invocation, and council member uh Wilt will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:41

Council Vice Mayor.

2:43

Let us pray.

2:45

We give thanks for the blessings of this community for the privilege of public service and for the people that Bleesburg, whom we are called to serve.

2:52

Grant this council wisdom in our decisions, civility in our discussions, and humility in our leadership.

2:58

Help us seek what is just, protect what is good, and work always for the common good.

3:04

Tonight we pause to remember those honored on workers' memorial day, those who lost their lives in the course of their labor, and those who continue to bear the burdens of injury.

3:16

As our nation marks the two hundred and fiftyth anniversary of the American founding, remind us of the enduring ideals of liberty, self-government, and civic duty.

3:25

Help us be faithful stewards of those principles here in our own community.

3:29

Bless our first responders, our town staff, our residents, and all gathered here this evening.

3:34

Guide us to act with courage, compassion, and stewardship.

3:37

In your name we pray.

3:38

Amen.

4:13

So move.

4:14

So move by Councilmember Nasey, second.

4:17

Councilmember Cummings, all in favor indicate by saying aye.

4:20

Aye.

4:21

Opposed?

4:21

That passes seven zero.

4:23

Regular session minutes for April 14th, 2026.

4:26

Do I have a motion?

4:28

So moved by the Vice Mayor, second.

4:29

Second.

4:30

Councilmember Macy.

4:32

Um all in favor and key by saying aye.

4:35

Aye.

4:36

Opposed, abstain.

4:38

Okay, that's six zero one.

4:42

Um adopting of the meeting agenda.

4:46

Uh do I have a motion?

4:50

Uh just can I get the motion?

4:52

Councilmember Nacy, second.

4:54

Councilmember Nick uh Nicholas.

4:57

Sorry, Kirkowski.

4:58

Kirchkowski.

5:00

Um and Mr.

5:00

Steinberg, you had uh Yes, ma'am.

5:02

I'd like to move item C under Section 13 resolution ordinances and motions to the consent agenda.

5:09

You would like to move item C.

5:12

Um, is there objection?

5:16

Either of you all right.

5:18

Uh we'll move uh C to consent.

5:21

Um all in favor indicate by saying aye.

5:24

Aye.

5:24

Opposed?

5:26

That passes seven zero.

5:28

Um we have three proclamations for tonight.

5:31

Um I will read them and then ask for a motion.

5:34

The first one is the National Public Works Week.

5:37

And this is whereas the public works professionals in our community focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are integrated into our everyday lives, providing sustainable and resilient communities, and are essential in protecting and enhancing our human environment.

5:54

Whereas these infrastructures, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated effort of the public works professionals who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation's transportation, public building, and other structure and facilities essential for our citizens.

6:15

And whereas the support of an informed and understanding citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public work systems and programs, whereas in 2020, whereas the 2026 National Public Works Week theme is rooted in service powered by community, which acknowledges that the root of services run deep in public works and highlights about how community partnership straightens, strengthens, and empowers the profession.

6:39

Whereas the town of Leesburg's public works department performs essential services such as equipment maintenance, construction drawing review, transportation infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, stormwater management, public buildings, brush and leaf collection, refuge and recycling collection, street maintenance, and snow removal, and whereas this year marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association, therefore proclaimed that the mayor and the council of the town of Leesburg in Virginia hereby recognize May 17th through the 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week and pay tribute to the public work professors professionals for their substantial contributions and dedication to advancing the quality of life for all at a time of the day any time of day and any time of weather.

7:29

Do I have a motion?

7:30

So move.

7:31

Councilmember Steinberg?

7:32

Second.

7:33

Councilmember Nacy.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████37%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████18%
Economic Development██████████████14%
Technology and Innovation██████████████14%
Public Works███████7%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Historic Preservation██2%
Environmental Protection██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Leesburg Town Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Leesburg Town Council held its regular meeting on April 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation from the Leesburg Movement, public hearings on fee schedule amendments and a telecommunications license renewal, and several consent and resolution items. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except for the approval of April 14, 2026 minutes, which passed 6-0-1 (one abstention).

Proclamations

  • National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): Proclaimed by the council. Renee LaFollette accepted and announced an open house on May 9.
  • Drinking Water Week (May 3–9, 2026): Proclaimed. Amy Wyks accepted and highlighted the importance of drinking water.
  • 250 Public Service Champion – Brian Boucher: Recognized as one of 250 public service champions nationwide (one of six in Virginia). Brian Boucher, Deputy Director of Community Development, accepted and thanked staff and council.

Presentation: Leesburg Movement Progress Report

Erin Weston, Executive Director of Leesburg Movement, provided an update on Main Street accreditation progress, including the Mobilizing Main Street program, economic development data tracking, committee activities, and upcoming events (e.g., Rev Up workshop on May 13, fundraising training in June). Key achievements: sold-out concert series, new historic downtown maps, alley improvements with planter boxes and trash container trials.

Petitioners

  • One speaker (Mr. Chowowski) addressed the council regarding the potential use of artificial intelligence in town operations, urging the town to explore AI to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Councilmember Steinberg later noted that the town is carefully exploring AI with attention to liability and accuracy.

Consent Calendar

Approved by unanimous vote (7-0) after moving item 13c (Oaklawn Water Main Upgrade) to consent. Items included:

  • 2026 ArtsPARKs Sculptures at Raflo Park
  • Loudoun Education Foundation Grant for J.U.M.P. Ahead Internships
  • Construction Contract Award for Evergreen Mill Road Widening Project
  • NOVEC Easement and Right-of-way Agreement for Town Pickleball Courts (131 Tolbert Lane SE)
  • Temporary Encroachment Agreement with INOVA Loudoun Hospital-Cornwall Campus
  • Continuing Services Contract for Professional Airport Planning, Engineering, and Architectural Services for Leesburg Executive Airport
  • Oaklawn Water Main Upgrade (moved from resolutions)

Resolutions / Ordinances / Motions

  • Awareness Illuminations: Approved (7-0) for World Ovarian Cancer Day, International Lesbian Day, Operation Green Light for Veterans, and America 250.
  • Painted Crosswalk Request – Callen’s Cause: Approved (7-0) to paint a crosswalk on South King Street at the WOD trail crossing. Duration clarified as long-term, contingent on the sponsor maintaining the paint.

Public Hearings

1. TLENOA2026-0003: Amending Fee Schedule

Staff presented three changes: (1) modify when fees are collected for site plans and construction drawings (base fee at first submission, itemized fees at second submission); (2) eliminate fees for public improvement plans (no longer in use); (3) increase fees for VESMP permits to conform to a state-mandated 50% increase, with the state also increasing its share from 28% to 30%, resulting in a projected $10,000 annual increase for the town. After questions and clarifications, the council approved the ordinance 7-0.

2. Renewal License Agreement with SummitIG, LLC

Staff presented a five-year renewal (May 12, 2026 – May 11, 2031) for existing telecommunications facilities in town rights-of-way. No new infrastructure. Annual fee of $22,294 (47 cents per linear foot). Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All votes were unanimous (7-0) except the April 14, 2026 minutes (6-0-1).
  • The consent agenda was approved with the addition of the Oaklawn Water Main Upgrade.
  • The painted crosswalk for Callen’s Cause was approved for long-term duration.
  • The fee schedule amendment was adopted, including the VESMP fee increase.
  • The SummitIG license renewal was approved.
  • Council noted the town is exploring AI applications carefully.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order tonight's town council meeting of April 28th, 2026. If anyone in the room needs hearing assistance, please see the clerk. Council member uh Vice Mayor Simono Johnson will be giving the invocation, and council member uh Wilt will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Vice Mayor. Let us pray. We give thanks for the blessings of this community for the privilege of public service and for the people that Bleesburg, whom we are called to serve. Grant this council wisdom in our decisions, civility in our discussions, and humility in our leadership. Help us seek what is just, protect what is good, and work always for the common good. Tonight we pause to remember those honored on workers' memorial day, those who lost their lives in the course of their labor, and those who continue to bear the burdens of injury. As our nation marks the two hundred and fiftyth anniversary of the American founding, remind us of the enduring ideals of liberty, self-government, and civic duty. Help us be faithful stewards of those principles here in our own community. Bless our first responders, our town staff, our residents, and all gathered here this evening. Guide us to act with courage, compassion, and stewardship. In your name we pray. Amen. So move. So move by Councilmember Nasey, second. Councilmember Cummings, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That passes seven zero. Regular session minutes for April 14th, 2026. Do I have a motion? So moved by the Vice Mayor, second. Second. Councilmember Macy. Um all in favor and key by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, abstain. Okay, that's six zero one. Um adopting of the meeting agenda. Uh do I have a motion? Uh just can I get the motion? Councilmember Nacy, second. Councilmember Nick uh Nicholas. Sorry, Kirkowski. Kirchkowski. Um and Mr. Steinberg, you had uh Yes, ma'am. I'd like to move item C under Section 13 resolution ordinances and motions to the consent agenda. You would like to move item C. Um, is there objection? Either of you all right. Uh we'll move uh C to consent. Um all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That passes seven zero. Um we have three proclamations for tonight. Um I will read them and then ask for a motion.

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