Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting Summary – October 7, 2026

The Leesburg Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) met on October 7, 2026 at approximately 6:30 PM. Commissioners discussed upcoming events, reviewed a recycling tagging campaign, and considered a drone show concept. The meeting adjourned around 8:15 PM.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the September 1 meeting were approved with corrections (e.g., spelling of Mayor Burke’s name, meeting start time changed from 5:30 to 6:30, adjournment time changed from 8:30 to 7:30).

Pumpkin Smash Event (November 1, 2026)

• Staff reported that all vendors are secured: Loudoun Wildlife, Soil and Water Conservation, and the Leesburg Cookie Company (first 50 attendees receive a free cookie, then cookies will be sold).
• Event layout was reviewed: smashing area, welcome tent, ADA accessible dumpster option, cookie decorating station, and tables for tree-cookie ornament making. The banner for the event will be ordered by staff. Staff will arrive at 9:30 AM; event runs 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Commissioners should arrive by 10:15 AM.
• Commissioners should bring their own peelers for pumpkins. Safety signs will be posted. A raccoon costume will be used for promotional video (filmed but not yet edited). No beverage vendor was secured; a volunteer could bring coffee or cider if no payment is involved.

Halloween Parade (October 28, 2026)

• Parade from 6:30 PM (road closures at 5:45 PM). Participants to gather at 5:30 PM at a commissioner’s house near the parade route.
• Costumes: three trash/recycling bins (trash, recycling, yard waste) plus a raccoon. Two people will carry a banner. Items to be featured: clamshells (trash), soft plastic wrap, Styrofoam, plastic bottles, cardboard/paper. A naming contest for the raccoon was suggested for next year.
• Banner will promote the pumpkin smash event and include the town website.
• Commissioners agreed to wear black shirts; staff will provide blue or black t-shirts.

String Light Collection (November 16, 2026)

• Flyer approved with an amendment (add period after “recycling”). The flyer includes a QR code linking to a website. Collection bins will be placed at multiple locations; the Liberty Lot location is not yet finalized.
• Bins may be decorated at the pumpkin smash event. Staff will bring markers and bins to the next meeting.

Drone Show Proposal

• Discussion of a potential drone show as an alternative or supplement to the July 4 fireworks. Cost is similar to current fireworks ($50,000).
• Commissioners proposed a smaller, sensory-friendly, veteran/dog-friendly show the day before July 4 as a pilot. They plan to present a pitch to the Parks and Recreation Commission, emphasizing veterans, dogs, and environmental benefits. The deadline for budget enhancement requests is December 2026. A presentation will be prepared for Parks and Rec’s November meeting.

Recycling Tagging Campaign Results

• Staff reported that the tagging campaign (500 homes) was not statistically significant because nearly 30% of selected addresses did not put out recycling bins.
• Overall compliance was 82%. Most common errors: bagged recyclables, oversized boxes, toys, and Styrofoam.
• No complaints were received; 196 new subscribers to Recycle Coach were recorded during the campaign.
• Staff will use images (with identifying info removed) for America Recycles Day outreach.

Staff Updates & Other Business

• EV charging stations on the third floor of the parking garage are operational as of today. Rates remain competitive (about $11 for a full charge).
• Food waste drop-off at Tuscarora Creek Park: construction begins October 13. Vendor changes from Monster Organics to Compost Crew (lower cost, includes two free outreach events per year).
• A new interim town manager (Keith Markle) and deputy town manager (Kai Trask) were noted; commissioners were informed about reporting changes.
• Town staff are monitoring the NextEra Dominion merger and updating bill payment software.
• Commissioners discussed postponing three new business items: herbicide policy recommendations, response to mayor’s concern about plant growth regulators (PGRs), and other items. These will be carried to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of September 1 with corrections (unanimous).
• Approved string light collection flyer as amended (unanimous).
• Decided to postpone herbicide policy and other new business items to the next meeting.
• Tasked staff with ordering a banner for the pumpkin smash event and designing the parade banner.
• Agreed to prepare a drone show presentation for Parks and Recreation Commission’s November agenda.
• Noted that budget enhancement requests must be voted on by the December meeting.
• Next meeting scheduled for election day (November 2, 2026) at 6:30 PM.