Lovettsville Council reviews projects, events, and infrastructure

By Sophia Clifton

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Lovettsville Town Council convened under the leadership of Mayor Christopher Hornbaker to address a broad array of community initiatives, infrastructure projects, and organizational matters. The mayor called the session to order, welcoming an “almost full dais” composed of Vice Mayor Thomas Budnar and Council Members Ann Arena, David Earl, David Smith, and Stuart Stahl. Council Member Brandon Davis was absent for the evening. 

Economic Development Coordinator Sarah Moseley reported a flurry of activity aimed at both supporting local entrepreneurs and celebrating Lovettsville’s unique character. She noted that, in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center, “the town … hosted a business plan boot camp at the Lovettsville Community Center” on June 11. 

Moseley also unveiled the finalized tourism trifold, prepared in partnership with Steve Baker of Bakerture Photos and Videos, and approved by the Commerce and Business Development Committee. “We are now ready to send it to the printer,” she said, adding that the printing budget of $742 had been secured.

Moseley then celebrated a few community milestones: Best of Loudoun 2025 winners and finalists from Lovettsville were spotlighted on Discover Lovettsville following the June 13 announcement. Wrapping up the Mayfest spring celebration, staff “helped acknowledge and thank our volunteers as well as our sponsors,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Moseley outlined plans for summer and fall events. The Love Summer Series is already underway, with vendor coordination and sponsorship outreach in full swing. She highlighted a recent partnership with the Purcellville Cannons, securing “swag, tickets, and season passes raffled off at the Sandlot movie this past week.” Vice Mayor Budnar later praised the recent Sandlot movie night and summer concerts as “a tremendous hit.” 

Moseley also previewed an August safety program on online and social media awareness, co-hosted with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, and a family-friendly kickball tournament set for August 18. 

Oktoberfest preparations are well advanced—34 food and craft vendors have been approved, 20 have paid. 

Finally, she announced the installation of three Civil War trail signs on July 7, with a dedication ceremony to follow in September, and celebrated two recent grant awards: the full $25,000 RTOT tourism grant and the Creative Communities Partnership grants supporting local arts organizations.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer then provided updates on major infrastructure efforts. The long-awaited East Broadway water main replacement is entering its early construction phase. “They still wait for a lot of the equipment… but right now, what you see them out there doing is pre-cutting the asphalt for the water main,” he said, estimating the project would extend over eight months. 

Cournoyer covered storm damage to recent Town Square landscaping next. Heavy rains washed away much of the new plantings, which have since been reinstalled with protective straw. “It looks like the straw held up yesterday, so the seeds should start popping up in 2 to 4 weeks,” he said.

On development, Cournoyer reported a pre-construction meeting with Chestnut Vale (Lenoir Homes) and discussions to share water-main work on Broadway, avoiding future re-cuts. He also outlined plans to replace a 300-foot stretch of aging concrete water main in the Lakeview community through a cost-share agreement. 

Staffing challenges persist; despite several candidates, the Utilities Operator position remains open due to competitive salary concerns. However, the Town successfully filled its summer internship with Emory University student Alma Cedillo, who has been “doing fantastic things” during her first week.

Cournoyer detailed the strain on the local utilities system during a flash storm on June 18, which dumped 1.7 inches of rain in under 40 minutes and increased plant flow from 170 to 1,000 gallons per minute—nearly an eight-fold spike. 

With typical plant capacity of 150,000 – 170,000 gallons per day suddenly surging beyond 600,000, staff averted sewage discharge but are now looking for engineering solutions to curb future inflow and infiltration. Council Member Smith later acknowledged the utility staff’s resilience amidst extreme weather and voiced interest in touring the water treatment plant to better understand operational challenges.

During the brief discussion on open space requirements, Council Member Arena sought clarification on whether the revised language might reduce the obligation to deliver active recreational facilities. Zoning Administrator John Merrithew confirmed that the amendment retained the existing thresholds: “50% of that required open space has to be designed for active recreation or capable of supporting recreational activities.”

The next council meeting, scheduled for August 7, will include the revised employee policy and nepotism language.