Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting – September 2, 2026

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on September 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The meeting covered updates on electric vehicle charging, detailed planning for the Pumpkin Smash Community Event, preparations for string light recycling, herbicide policy recommendations, and preliminary discussions about the Keep Leesburg Beautiful 2027 campaign. Commissioners also finalized parade costumes and agreed on a motion to purchase supplies for a tree cookie craft activity.

Discussion Items

• Electric Vehicle Charging Update: Staff reported that the electrical permit for third-floor parking garage EV charging is delayed but expected to be resolved soon. The current charging rates will remain unchanged as the program is not losing money. Government electricity rates increased by about 25%, but EV charging costs are covered.
• Pumpkin Smash Community Event (November 1, 2026, 11 AM–2 PM):
  • The digital flyer design was reviewed; changes included removing “free to attend,” renaming to “Pumpkin Smash Community Event,” and adding language about hands-on educational activities and composting. The QR code will link to a town events page.
  • A banner (4×6 ft) will feature the event name, location, and website (LeesburgVA.gov/smash). No year will be included to allow reuse.
  • Food vendor recruitment has been challenging; a minimum $1,500 food truck was declined. The commission will continue seeking a vendor with a lower guarantee. The Leesburg Movement may provide contacts.
  • Confirmed partners: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (pending response), Virginia Cooperative Extension (pumpkin health benefits, seed trail mix), and tree cookie ornament craft (supplies to be purchased).
  • Halloween parade (October 31) participation: The EAC will march with a banner and costumes. Costumes will illustrate proper recycling (e.g., “Recycle Me” vs. “Don’t Recycle Me”). Members will choose specific items (e.g., plastic bottles, cardboard, clamshells, styrofoam) – final assignments at October meeting.
• String Light Collection: Three bins will be placed at Ida Lee Park, Tuscarora Park, and Town Hall starting mid-November. The commission discussed decorating bins – potentially painting as light-bulb monsters or having children add fingerprints at the Pumpkin Smash event. A flyer will be ready for October.
• Herbicide Policy Recommendations: A draft policy was presented focusing on public notification, use of native plants, and integrated pest management. Commissioners requested rewording to clarify “chemical treatment as last resort” vs. “ban on all town property” and to separate herbicide from pesticide terms. Staff will revise and bring back for approval at the next meeting.
• Keep Leesburg Beautiful 2027: The Leesburg Movement proposed a Friday-night packet pickup at Market Station with downtown business teams offering incentives. The EAC agreed to invite them to the November meeting to discuss further.
• July 4th Drone Show: Staff is awaiting cost information from Fairfax County; the item will remain on the agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to purchase paint, paint pens, and twine for tree cookie ornaments: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
• Motion to adjourn: Passed with a second.
• Next meeting: October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
• Action items: Staff to update Pumpkin Smash flyer/banner URLs, finalize parade costume items by October meeting, revise herbicide policy, and invite Leesburg Movement to November meeting.