The proposal to increase water and wastewater utility fees was one of a notable topics addressed. Cliff Kelsey, the public works director, presented the rationale behind this move, emphasizing the necessity due to legislative changes expected by January 2026. The proposed fee adjustments, based on a recently completed impact fee study, could see water and wastewater fees rise by 67%. Kelsey pointed out that despite this increase, Leesburg’s fees would remain comparatively low relative to neighboring areas. The need for these adjustments was attributed to a population surge of nearly 10,000 residents over the past five years and a 40% increase in construction costs since 2019. This rationale underlined the city’s strategy that growth should finance growth.

Public comments during this segment included support from Tony URL of Hanover Land Company, who appreciated the commission’s efforts to manage rising costs effectively. The commission plans to hold a follow-up workshop to further discuss these proposed fee changes and gather additional public input.

Another topic was the management of Bikefest, an annual event that has posed financial challenges for the city. The commission considered options to address the event’s $70,000 annual loss, with discussions about hiring an external vendor to manage alcohol sales, potentially turning the event into a profitable venture. This approach could result in net gains between $50,000 and $100,000, though the exact profit remains uncertain due to vendor expenses. Concerns were raised about the fairness of maintaining a $50,000 allocation to the chamber despite reduced responsibilities, as well as the need for accountability in vendor operations to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Public sentiment around Bikefest was positive, with strong community support for its continuation. However, the current financial model was deemed unsustainable, prompting the commission to consider alternative management strategies. The emphasis was on maintaining community benefits while achieving financial viability, with the proposal to trial an external vendor arrangement for one year to assess its effectiveness.

Residential development plans were also a focal point, particularly the proposal for a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) on Lake Margaretta. This project aims to introduce 586 single-family homes across various lot sizes, with specific requirements for community amenities. Concerns were raised about the environmental and traffic impacts associated with such developments, with residents questioning the adequacy of the traffic impact analysis and expressing worries about potential arsenic contamination from historical agricultural operations.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the contentious issue of demolishing shuffleboard courts for the Forward Paths Foundation’s initiative. Public comments revealed a clear division within the community, with some advocating for youth housing solutions while others stressed the importance of preserving recreational facilities for seniors. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest were also raised, highlighting the need for transparency in decision-making processes.

The commission also deliberated on regulations affecting mobile food vendors, exploring how to accommodate these businesses within existing community frameworks. Discussions included potential adjustments to buffer rules and the integration of food trucks into designated areas to alleviate regulatory pressures while supporting local vendors.