Technology and Communications Commission Meeting Summary - September 1, 2026
Technology and Communications Commission Meeting Summary - September 1, 2026
The Technology and Communications Commission met on September 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM (approximate start, adjourned at 7:33 PM). The meeting focused on planning public outreach events (AI and cybersecurity training), an IT operations update, and routine business. All five commissioners were present, providing a quorum.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously after a correction: the next meeting date listed at the end should read September 1, 2026 (not August 4).
Discussion Items
- Public Outreach – AI Pilot and Cybersecurity Training:
- The commission discussed scheduling an AI pilot public education event. Proposed dates were October 19 or 20, 2026, at the library. The October commission meeting is on the 13th, so the pilot would occur after that meeting. A member volunteered to send the library to lock in dates and circulate revised AI content for review.
- A separate cybersecurity training session was proposed for November 16 or 17, 2026, to coincide with the holiday season (children receiving new technology). Another commissioner volunteered to lead this session, as the content already exists.
- Discussion turned to developing an adult AI education course. Concerns were raised about potential political controversy (e.g., data centers). The group agreed to emphasize positive aspects of AI (imaging, scientific research) and to redirect any criticism by focusing on safe usage. The chair suggested reaching out to the mayor for guidance on handling such topics. A member noted that starting with the children’s version and then releasing a summary via the public information office could set a constructive tone.
- The commission also considered partnering with local schools for the junior AI program, naming Balls Bluff and Lovettsville elementary schools as possibilities, but cautioned against scaling too quickly.
- New Business – IT Operations Update:
- A member presented an update on behalf of Mr. Varner (absent). Key items:
- E911 System (Entrato): A redundant fiber connection was completed, providing diverse paths for 911 service, which recently experienced a county-level outage unrelated to the town.
- SCADA Upgrade: The IT department is working with utilities to procure hardware and licensing for the water/wastewater operational technology system.
- Manage Engine Footprint: The service desk and asset inventory system is expanding with AD Manager Plus to enhance security (privileged access management).
- SD-WAN Project: Two main firewalls are installed and connected; configuration with the internet service provider is progressing. Transition is expected in early fall after a 30-day notice period.
- IT Governance: Inventorying financial and other systems continues as part of the general security controls project.
- Personnel: Kyla Murphy started on August 10; Matthew Russell departed after 26 years. The team is adapting well and cross-training.
- A member presented an update on behalf of Mr. Varner (absent). Key items:
- Commissioner Comments:
- One commissioner warned about sophisticated phishing attacks, citing a personal incident where the email appeared to come from the CRO but was malicious. Encouraged vigilance.
- Another commissioner reminded the group that October is Cybersecurity Month and suggested submitting a proclamation to the town council for the first meeting in October.
Key Outcomes
- The minutes of August 4, 2026 were approved with a correction.
- The AI pilot event is targeted for October 19 or 20, 2026 (library dates to be confirmed).
- The cybersecurity training is scheduled for November 16 or 17, 2026.
- Action items:
- Send revised AI content to commissioners for review before the next meeting.
- Email the library to lock in dates for the AI pilot.
- Coordinate with the mayor’s office on handling controversial topics during adult AI sessions.
- Explore partnerships with local elementary schools for the junior AI program.
- Next regular meeting: October 13, 2026, in the same room (no meeting on the first week of October due to scheduling).
- The commission will consider resubmitting a Cybersecurity Month proclamation.
- The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right. Hereby call this meeting of the Technology and Communications Commission to order. We have one. Two. Three. Four. Five. I just love Count Dracula. You know, from the not in the mobs uh Sesame Street. We have five commissioners, so I believe that provides us with a quorum. And in blazing speed, we're already on to the third item in the agenda. And to the Republic for which it stands when we're individual. All right. As usual, you have in front of you meeting minutes from our previous meeting. That was really uh I have one correction. All a blur to me. Yes, sir. Good news for August. Yep. Should say August. July. And at the end of the document, it says next meeting, August 4th. Should say September 1st. All right. Okay. Uh that change pending. I so move that the minutes of the August of 4th, 2026 meeting be approved. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed by nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The motion's carried and the minutes are approved. All right. Old business. Public outreach. Do you want to kick us off a minute? Thank you. Um so I think everyone got back to school okay, it seems. At this point. So if we target, say the second week of October or the fourth week of October. Kids are out of school for Loudoun County. Thursday, Friday. I think they're out for like six or seven days straight around Halloween. Um yeah. Um but I'd be interested still in looking. I have a planner in front of me. I guess I should look at the calendar. Um I mean, I believe you, because I know they have like a quarter break or something.
openpublica.com