[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6657819,"mediaKeyId","5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0","parentId",5065764,"title","Leesburg council sets interim painted‑crosswalk rules: art and awareness allowed; organizers pay costs","audioSeconds",244,"startMs",1320000,"endMs",1564000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0&start=1320&end=1564","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0/thumbnail_1320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657819/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-council-sets-interim-paintedcrosswalk-rules-art-and-awareness-allowed-organizers-pay-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657819-65e160b87a9fc3b0ea329d30080742dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1776723788&Signature=CBrSHgUQycC1cNQlSWOTfnhWbXFL8EKiwEMUichVHyJLB~XnN7eBCa3-Ruhyo51nWkcjl8KvHgCfpyB6wVfDKrZTm~AgJ3y3dvMJUGjDwK6-lhxCTMgm4aNT9MuQb5ANh73nl5SOFn43zIv3rfLVvX1tAS-mu~vM7zXPNdxcDZRrGZwB4Kp23Nkxw4fCUULmONKhXDwoZSvQBGlBe~EwhNc68VQOHP6vVA9Nu7pS4TeFhsNqaS4GrqaxLdjgI2vgoCAi~Qah5XaXDIIesoUY96OYcvu3ziV1xy7bwEQ4xrsl0H19wyOoe8kNBo~nTqdrBgrP0lTwNyfoOVDgoJJj5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leesburg","date","2025-06-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Leesburg Town Council directed staff to draft a painted‑crosswalk policy allowing both awareness displays and artistic designs on a trial basis while prioritizing safety and preserving standard crosswalk markings.

Town staff told the council there is currently no approval process for painted crosswalks and that the June 6 rainbow crosswalk sponsored by Equality Loudoun was approved temporarily while staff developed procedures. “Currently, there is no process for approval of painted crosswalks,” staff member Renee said during the presentation.

Staff outlined criteria drawn from federal guidance: the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) limits designs that could be confused with traffic‑control devices and discourages distracting or 3‑D treatments. Staff recommended limiting painted crosswalks to roads with 25 miles per hour speed limits or lower, low accident histories and low vehicle volumes, and avoiding primary corridors such as Battlefield Parkway and King Street. Materials should be skid‑resistant, glare‑reducing and reflective; chalk paint and adhesives that do not adhere reliably to older asphalt were discouraged.

Councilors discussed costs and operations using the recently painted Harrison Street example: staff estimated supply costs around $575 and labor (including road closure staffing) around $1,200 for that installation; removal was estimated in the $2,000–$3,000 range depending on conditions. Kate Trask, town staff, said the town purchased appropriate highway asphalt paint with grit to ensure safety and material durability.

On policy direction, councilors reached consensus on the following points for the draft policy:
- Permit painted crosswalks for both limited awareness displays (public issues, historical events, health topics) and for artistic designs, not limited to awareness only.
- Require organizers (an individual, nonprofit or business) to pay all upfront costs including materials, staff time for traffic control and street closure and removal; require a good‑faith deposit to guarantee removal/cleanup costs.
- Limit allowable designs to maintain recognizable crosswalk patterns (standard parallel lines or continental/ladder markings) so drivers can readily identify the crossing; ban 3‑D, game‑like or text/logos that could distract drivers.
- Limit eligible locations to low‑speed (25 mph or less), low‑volume streets and intersections with low accident histories; avoid main arterials and stamped/bricked pavements in the historic downtown.
- Require artistic or non‑awareness designs to be reviewed by the Commission on Public Art (COPA) before council consideration; simple blocks of color like the recent rainbow were expected to be administratively approved by staff.
- Pilot the program as a trial limited to four or five locations for 90 days, with an assessment and return to council after the trial year.

Councilmembers emphasized safety and even-handed administration. Dr. Simona Johnson suggested allowing applicants to propose duration, noting cost sensitivity for smaller groups; the council settled on a 90‑day trial duration because the council had already approved the recent rainbow crosswalk for that period. Councilmembers also asked staff to include an application timeline and recommended a 90‑day minimum lead time so staff can plan traffic control and public‑safety resources.

Staff will prepare the formal policy language and a recommended list of candidate pilot locations, estimate costs and a deposit schedule, and return to council for final adoption. The council did not record a roll‑call vote; the direction was captured as majority consensus during the discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leesburg - Town Council Work Session - Jun 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Leesburg Town Council directed staff to draft a painted‑crosswalk policy allowing both awareness displays and limited artistic designs while emphasizing safety and organizer payment for costs.","taxTitle","Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657823,"Consultant says Leesburg is 'professionally managed' in government efficiency review",201,48000,249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0&start=48&end=249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0/thumbnail_48000.jpg","/articles/6657823/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Consultant-says-Leesburg-is-professionally-managed-in-government-efficiency-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657823-12c9e37ba9525ff541beaba2d89963d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776723788&Signature=jbfKRm00dCGZdAZNFr7Hw-XO8mbHhGcuWe4s94aXc9gYEm9N28FToGXmXIeP0lepacpKLyJT5LMskhchZcc1a1eiYKlZUTwtG5pQGx8n8RffHeR4uHmJj6nLGQLXaF5P9WiqyQBSj3nqfrhI7xzg1qwcGDvEuH~9h~XHgPcSJYw2vH-RZIAW1XjwB8UHrzie5HHh42MYnbniBChdsQNJBBsUr78hh~Yg4DDWlNRM9CED7EtL1O2NbWbBegW~p1liOPmU6t~iHpTG9zWqQV0~8JxU-z5xtDa2Sw8815gHeLLnVyef6dSrcPSWhr8MXzYw3qcdW1eMgAxT3AvWHhuxSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultant Mark Jinx told the Leesburg Town Council that an independent government‑efficiency review prepared for the town’s annexation filings found Leesburg to be “professionally managed” with stable leadership and strong financial practices.

The report, acquired by the Virginia Commission on Local Government as part of the annexation review, evaluated the town’s overall systems, policies and fiscal measures and compared per‑capita costs and other indicators to peer Northern Virginia towns. The consultant said the review concluded Leesburg fares well on measures such as cost per capita, long‑range planning and formal financial policies.

Jinx, who has served as a deputy city manager and city manager in the region, said the review was not a program‑level audit but a jurisdictional assessment and drew on interviews with senior departmental leadership. “You have strategies, systems and structures in place,” Jinx told the council, adding the town shows “substantial evidence basis of efficiency, effectiveness, and capability.”

The presentation noted several specific strengths: a six‑year capital improvement program, utilities planning, written financial policies with measurable targets, regular performance measures and long‑tenured department heads. Jinx said Leesburg’s bond disclosures meet market standards and reported that the town has received multiple AAA bond ratings, with one agency placing Leesburg at the upper end of AAA range.

The consultant also flagged a timing uncertainty noted in the written report: changes in employee compensation tied to recent developments at the General Assembly on collective bargaining. The report text cited that “town employee compensation will likely need to be increased in real terms due to market pressures and the likelihood of collective bargaining agreements,” language Jinx said reflected the report’s timing and the then‑unknown contract impacts.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about items in the report, including a capital‑program chart and the comparative tax‑rate analysis. No formal motions or votes were recorded on the study; the report was attached to the meeting agenda for council review.

The presentation came as part of a follow‑up agenda item linked to the town’s annexation process, where the consultant’s “good government” analysis had been used in filings. A town official noted the county did not challenge that element during the annexation proceedings.","A consultant retained for an annexation process told the Leesburg Town Council that an independent review by the Virginia Commission on Local Government found the town fiscally stable, well‑managed and following many best practices; councilors asked follow‑up questions but took no formal action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657814,"Leesburg keeps legacy event fee waivers; sets 50% or $5,000 cap for new waiver requests",426,3840000,4266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0&start=3840&end=4266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065764-eddf76f0c369128e6fabfa2a342b40b0/thumbnail_3840000.jpg","/articles/6657814/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-keeps-legacy-event-fee-waivers-sets-50-or-5000-cap-for-new-waiver-requests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657814-27aaa6499650033c225e675a98b99def/orig.mp4?Expires=1776723788&Signature=cYxaPw6b4pj75m5foyzAFFoQg~ZjZL8jsBSxFvx242xaVtImBi8OcHlBGB9DhqLtx9W01vZ~tvdMu3cIq9AZQ5zzbIRHN11CKr44aQHoaqYaXjGQfeAqzyS2z9lqChGLEM-iaM6dHstYj~QvAaa-mWcUWrj2ntBVeLWa4rkMB5G0SB1EaP-ID9uZYf1akAdH6GBeROcNthzhNATkrqbDWZ~P34L-v4iHgUNHikvsuj8nwkbqr~iSL-k33g3lTP~0PQBDOTp38Yt0LUoBbcESV9H2CH8qBfchfph2Xg4NhOt9G4NVwJgR5516Z3mA0ElzSQxio71KE1nGl0a0eHYNdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Town Council voted by consensus to retain its list of legacy fee‑waiver events and to adopt a new framework for future requests that caps one‑time fee waivers for new events at 50 percent of eligible fees or $5,000, whichever is less.

Town staff reviewed the history of the town’s fee‑waiver program, which traces to a 1996 resolution and was updated in 2021. Staff said the town maintains a set of annual “legacy” fee‑waiver events — including local high‑school graduation parties held at town facilities, the Halloween parade, the Juneteenth freedom march and other annual downtown events — and that the town’s one‑time fee waivers have ranged from about $400 to more than $11,000 in recent years. Staff also noted the town established a $10,000 budget line for one‑time fee waivers.

Kate Trask, a town staff member, told council that in FY‑25 staff anticipated approximately $25,000 in one‑time fee waivers once final reports and costs were submitted for recent events. The fiscal pressure prompted a council discussion about eligibility, caps and timelines.

After debate, councilors agreed on these policy directions for the staff to draft into a formal ordinance or administrative policy:
- Maintain the current legacy events list (the existing annual events designated in the policy) and continue treating those items as legacy events for budgeting and approval; do not add new legacy events automatically.
- For new or one‑time fee‑waiver requests, cap the town’s contribution at 50 percent of the eligible fees or $5,000, whichever is less.
- Require organizers to submit fee‑waiver requests and event applications with sufficient lead time for planning; council settled on a 90‑day advance notice minimum for staff to process and estimate costs (some councilors discussed longer timelines for large events and a December‑31 budget deadline, but that specific deadline did not receive majority support).
- Require organizers to submit a certificate of insurance, pay for any damage to town property and reimburse the town for any fees incurred above the waived amount; staff also proposed a deposit mechanism to guarantee removal or cleanup costs.

Councilmembers discussed the economic benefit of events that bring visitors and retail sales downtown and were cautious about imposing rules that might discourage organizers. Several councilors favored keeping the existing legacy list intact to avoid losing long‑standing community events. Others urged a cap or budget increase to avoid exceeding the town’s waiver budget in future years.

Staff will return with rewritten policy language reflecting the council’s directions, clarification on legacy‑status criteria and the proposed cap and timeline.","Councilors decided to retain the existing list of legacy fee‑waiver events, require organizers to shoulder most costs for other events, set a cap on new fee waivers at 50% or $5,000 (whichever is less), ask for 90‑day advance notice, and direct staff to draft revised policy language for council approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leesburg council sets interim painted‑crosswalk rules: art and awareness allowed; organizers pay costs

Consultant says Leesburg is 'professionally managed' in government efficiency review

Leesburg keeps legacy event fee waivers; sets 50% or $5,000 cap for new waiver requests