Brian Bailey

The Technology and Communications Commission meeting covered several agenda items. Old Business focused extensively on Public Outreach initiatives, including lessons learned from a recent session regarding classroom format, take-home materials, and targeted audience segmentation (seniors, schools). Discussions also covered clarifying realistic security risks versus generalized fears and exploring student involvement in delivering future training. The commission also discussed potential collaborations for business networking events, possibly involving the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and local small business development contacts. New Business included a high-level update on the FY2027 Information Technology Budget timeline, noting the deadline for budget passage in March. Commissioner comments reiterated the importance of digital safety education for all age groups.

The agenda for the meeting includes the approval of the January 2026 minutes, the Library Director's Report covering January 2026 activity, and reports from the Friends of TBL, Inc. and the TBL Foundation. Old business topics slated for discussion are the St. James' Cemetery, Oak Hill Preservation, and Library VA250 Events and Programming. New business items include the 2026 Boards and Commissions Networking Event scheduled for April 30 and comments from Councilmembers/Commissioners.

The document contains minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting and an agenda for the March 3, 2026 meeting. Key discussions from the February meeting included reviewing the Mayor and Council Annual Presentation, tabling the Environmental Art Contest discussion, reviewing raffle prize concepts for the Flower and Garden Booth Activity, discussing options for string light recycling, and addressing a resident's email regarding the Leesburg Gateway Data Center. Staff updates covered the Recycling Tagging Program, endorsement of a second compost collection site at Tuscarora Park, and securing commitments from 12 businesses for the Keep Leesburg Beautiful initiative. The March agenda includes an Urban Forester Presentation, selection of the Tolbert Award Winner, logistics for the Keep Leesburg Beautiful event, and debriefing on Mayor and Council Presentations.

This strategic plan outlines the vision to be the premier parks and recreation experience and a mission to provide exceptional parks, facilities, programs, and events that enhance community quality of life. Key goals include fostering employee development, building community through recreational opportunities, ensuring safety and effective maintenance, implementing sound business practices, and enhancing community outreach.

The meeting involved modifying the agenda by removing two sub-items. Staff provided updates on the ongoing tree inventory across town parcels, noting preliminary findings of an overabundance of Red Maple, Norway Spruce, and Zelkova trees. Updates were also given on the VDOF Grant, which resulted in 144 trees planted, with upcoming root barrier installation and a spring planting at Brandon Park. Administrative items included communicating updates on remote meeting participation and confirming the 2026 meeting schedule, with the June meeting rescheduled. Subcommittee work on the Adopt-A-Spot involved discussing the need for soil testing and pursuing native plantings. Old business discussions covered the status of the Tree Walk of Historic Leesburg Tour App Development, procurement of trees for the 2026 Flower and Garden Festival, planning the Leesburg Tree Initiative event to utilize tree bank money through partnerships with 501-c3 organizations, and setting a date for the Arbor Day Tree event. New business included planning for the America 250 Arbor Day Tree planting using a Chestnut Oak from Mt. Vernon, and conducting nominations and elections for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.