[0:00]

[0:00] Because last year.

[0:01]

[0:04] And this year, we have so many running out.

[0:08]

[0:11] We're just going to keep people a little bit more time.

[0:15] Yeah so actually.

[0:16]

[0:20] So it would be good evening.

[0:22]

[0:29] Oh OK.

[0:31] Well people can still come in but we'll

[0:34] go ahead and get started because we do have a lot on the agenda

[0:37] tonight.

[0:38] So I do want to say good evening and how much I appreciate

[0:42] you coming out for this.

[0:44] I see some familiar faces who talk to me

[0:46] frequently, which is good.

[0:49] Or who may have been in this room

[0:50] several months ago when we did our first town Hall style

[0:55] event where we looked more at what was coming in this term,

[0:59] URM, I do want to.

[1:01] Before we begin, introduce a few key people

[1:03] that are joining us tonight.

[1:05] We do have a council member here, Mike Lloyd.

[1:08] Mike Senator Jennifer boysko will be joining us shortly.

[1:15] She's just on her way from another event.

[1:18] Ginny Phipps, who's a representative

[1:20] of Gainesville district supervisor Jimmy Bierman's

[1:22] office.

[1:23]

[1:26] We are expecting a few school principals tonight.

[1:29] I see one here in the house.

[1:30] Clear View Principal Stephanie elmquist.

[1:32]

[1:35] And the front row here.

[1:38] This is not possible without all of the work

[1:41] that they do every day.

[1:42] So I'll ask for our town staff to stand both here in the front

[1:47] and on the side.

[1:49] So greatly appreciate all the support and effort

[1:54] that you've put into this.

[1:56] And the three in the front get to come and help

[1:58] me answer questions at the end.

[1:59] So I will be reading tonight.

[2:05] I know it's not always the best style.

[2:07] I try to be more evocative, but there's a lot of data

[2:10] that we're going to present.

[2:11] So we're the first town Hall style event was more focused

[2:15] on what we wanted to do this first year of my term,

[2:18] looking forward and what were some of the concerns.

[2:21] I feel it's important that we give the public

[2:24] where we stand today.

[2:26] What have we achieved and what do we still have ahead of us.

[2:30] So I want to make sure I get that right.

[2:32] So I do have notes.

[2:33]

[2:35] It is also a time that we recommit to building our town,

[2:40] especially now in light of everything

[2:42] that's happening around us.

[2:44] So it is our State of the town address.

[2:47] But it's not just about the facts and figures,

[2:50] it's about a shared story.

[2:52] So you will see facts and figures on the screen.

[2:55] Some of them I mentioned some of them

[2:57] I won't because I don't want to just read slides to you.

[3:00] I will also be sharing the story that the numbers tell

[3:03] and the shared story that we're writing together,

[3:06] the values that we're going to carry forward,

[3:09] and the vision that we pursue as one unified.

[3:13] Herndon, when I first took office,

[3:16] I said that we needed more transparency,

[3:18] and I think many of you agreed with that.

[3:20] We also needed more connection and more

[3:23] community wide conversation.

[3:25] And so that's why we began this year

[3:27] with our Herndon our future, our first town Hall style event.

[3:33] And so what we said then still holds true now.

[3:36] Your voice matters and your presence tonight proves it.

[3:40] And we will have at the end of this an open question

[3:43] and answer period.

[3:44] So that way, unlike town council meetings

[3:47] where you can come and speak for three minutes

[3:49] and we're not allowed really to respond.

[3:51] This is a way for us to have an open dialogue.

[3:54] The evening is more than checking boxes.

[3:57] It's about making meaning.

[3:59] I'm going to walk you through the progress

[4:00] that we've made, not in silos, but in the stories,

[4:03] as I just mentioned.

[4:04] It won't be by department specifically, but by impact.

[4:08] So you'll see many different departments

[4:10] working together for the impact that you've

[4:13] seen in these numbers.

[4:15] You'll hear about some challenges at the end.

[4:18] And more importantly, you're going

[4:19] to hear about how we're rising to meet these challenges.

[4:23] And you will have a sorry, you'll have another opportunity

[4:27] for questions.

[4:27] I don't need to say that this year hasn't

[4:30] been without its obstacles, and I'll be honest about those

[4:33] as well.

[4:34] But more than anything, tonight is about building momentum.

[4:38] It's about resilience in our community

[4:41] and about the deep belief that when we show up for each other,

[4:44] there's nothing we can't accomplish.

[4:47] So again, thank you.

[4:48] Please give yourselves a round of applause

[4:50] for showing up for one another.

[4:52] And thank you for caring.

[4:54] And we're going to go ahead and begin.

[4:56] So we're going to just as a note, here's our strategic plan.

[5:01] We've created this a couple years ago.

[5:03] And it guides what the town does and how we act

[5:07] on keeping a strategy in mind.

[5:08] So we'll be talking about some of these topics today.

[5:13] And let's start with what matters most safety.

[5:17] Because no matter who you are or where you live in Herndon,

[5:20] every family deserves to feel safe

[5:23] walking around their neighborhood,

[5:24] letting their children play outside,

[5:26] or driving to school or work in the morning or biking.

[5:30] Over the past year, we've taken a modern, community rooted

[5:34] approach to public safety one that leverages smart tools,

[5:38] builds trust, and gets real results.

[5:41] We welcomed Steven as our new chief of police.

[5:45] Thank you, Steve, for agreeing to do it.

[5:49] For many of you, that name is already familiar.

[5:52] Chief behonick has dedicated his entire career to Herndon,

[5:55] rising through the ranks of our department

[5:57] with a focus on community policing, partnership

[6:00] and approachability.

[6:01] And I witnessed that in action every day.

[6:04] But he was with me this morning at the schools

[6:07] working through youth safety.

[6:08] So he's definitely about community

[6:13] policing and approachability.

[6:14] He knows our neighborhoods, he knows our people,

[6:17] and he understands that safety begins with connection.

[6:22]

[6:24] That philosophy has shaped everything we're doing.

[6:28] This year.

[6:28] We've launched a community engagement team or seat team.

[6:32] These are officers who are going to patrol on bike and on foot,

[6:35] building relationships in neighborhoods

[6:38] and helping proactively address issues before they escalate.

[6:41] One of them was going to be here tonight

[6:43] but had a family emergency.

[6:45] These are officers that you don't just see, but you talk to.

[6:50] They're there to listen, to assist and to protect.

[6:54] We also expanded our network of flock safety cameras,

[6:57] installing them at strategic entrances and exits to the town.

[7:01] We did expand that flock network.

[7:04] These license plate reading cameras

[7:06] don't monitor behavior or movement.

[7:08] They log vehicle data in public rights of way,

[7:11] allowing our officers to identify and track

[7:14] vehicles that are involved in crimes such as theft,

[7:19] assault, or others.

[7:21] We're not working in a vacuum either.

[7:23] We've created partnerships with private businesses and HOAs that

[7:28] also use flock cameras, and they've

[7:31] allowed us access to their cameras in cases of emergency

[7:35] to safely and legally collaborate

[7:37] in solving crimes that may happen

[7:39] on their private property.

[7:42] It's a 21st century way to multiply our resources

[7:45] without compromising privacy for the safety

[7:48] of the entire community.

[7:50]

[7:53] These efforts are making a difference.

[7:55] Herndon saw a 16% reduction in roadway accidents.

[7:59] A 28% decrease in alcohol related crashes.

[8:03] Overall, you won't see this number up there,

[8:06] but I did confirm it.

[8:07] Crime is down 22% from last year at this time

[8:11] for the first three quarters.

[8:12]

[8:17] That's fewer disruptions, fewer injuries,

[8:20] and more peace of mind on our streets, in our neighborhoods.

[8:24] We also know that long term traffic safety requires

[8:27] planning, not just patrols.

[8:29] That's why we've embarked on a comprehensive traffic

[8:32] safety plan funded through the Safe Streets

[8:34] for all federal grant.

[8:36] We recently gathered direct community feedback.

[8:40] So thank you to all of you who participated in that,

[8:42] both anecdotal and geolocated, through public events

[8:46] and interactive maps.

[8:48] We're marrying that up with vdot and police data.

[8:52] Pass through traffic analyses.

[8:54] HPD incident reports to identify our problem areas and targets.

[9:00] Our town council has set a clear goal 0 fatalities,

[9:04] 0 serious injuries within 12 years.

[9:07] And to make the entire town safely

[9:09] commutable by foot, bike, or car.

[9:12] We rarely have fatalities currently,

[9:15] but it is a priority to eliminate.

[9:17] Even as traffic patterns are changing through the town

[9:19] as a result, both of our own development

[9:22] presumably predominantly around the Parkway, but also

[9:27] the development that's happening around us in both Loudoun

[9:30] and Fairfax County, putting more vehicles on the streets

[9:32] here in Herndon, we're also examining potential enhancements

[9:36] to local bus access, especially for areas

[9:39] of town that are underserved or disconnected by major hubs.

[9:43] At the same time, we continue to build our department

[9:46] in the last year, we've hired two new officers, promoted 7,

[9:50] and we did add a new k-9 officer.

[9:52] His name is pilot, who's already doing great work.

[9:56] And of course, he's stealing hearts around town.

[9:59] We've made it easier for residents to report issues

[10:02] online, whether it's speeding, parking, quality of life

[10:05] concerns, and we're aligning public education, data driven

[10:09] enforcement and Neighborhood Partnerships to not only respond

[10:13] to issues, but to prevent them.

[10:16] Being a safe and welcoming town isn't just about what we stop.

[10:20] And I believe you said today, Chief, that yes, the police

[10:24] are here to police, but it's so much more.

[10:26] It's about what we build together.

[10:29] It's about trust, access, belonging

[10:33] and having a peace of mind.

[10:35] That's what we're committed to delivering

[10:37] in HPD and throughout the town.

[10:40]

[10:44] Community is more than where you live.

[10:47] It's how you live with others.

[10:50] One of our greatest responsibilities as a town

[10:53] is to create the conditions where

[10:55] those connections can thrive.

[10:58] Connection is what turns a group of houses into a neighborhood

[11:03] and a map into a home.

[11:07] That's why early in my tenure, we held Herndon's very first

[11:10] town Hall event, our Herndon our future,

[11:12] to lay out the vision and goals.

[11:14] But more importantly, we open the floor

[11:15] to questions and discussions.

[11:17] No time limit, no filter.

[11:19] Neighbors speaking to neighbors.

[11:21] We're going to do the same tonight, because a government

[11:23] that talks with the people, not at them,

[11:27] is one that earns trust and builds belonging.

[11:31] We also launched minutes with the mayor.

[11:33] It's a monthly video series that takes you

[11:35] behind the scenes with our incredible staff

[11:37] and explains the projects that shape your life every day.

[11:41] I don't know if you caught me, but it

[11:42] was really great to be on the DPW trucks and honk the horn

[11:45] and do fun things like that.

[11:47] Maybe we'll also be showing new crime lab being developed

[11:50] and other kinds of things.

[11:52] So do watch that.

[11:53] We're evolving more coming soon.

[11:56] I'll also be starting a video series with our businesses,

[11:59] so I'll intern for a little while

[12:00] each of our businesses to show what happens

[12:02] and what thriving business life we have in Herndon.

[12:06] This year, we also tackled one of the most

[12:08] consequential decisions a council can ever

[12:11] make hiring a town manager.

[12:15] We didn't rush it.

[12:16] It took us about a year.

[12:18] We spent months, almost 12, working

[12:21] through a thoughtful, transparent process,

[12:24] developing interview criteria, listening to staff and community

[12:29] voices, selecting someone not just for the council,

[12:33] but for the entire town, for our businesses, our employees

[12:38] and our residents.

[12:41] And we're proud to have selected Dan Hoffman.

[12:44] Dan brings a track record of success

[12:46] as a former town manager in Winchester, Virginia,

[12:49] and as an assistant city manager in Gainesville, Florida.

[12:52] He's known across the Commonwealth

[12:54] and frankly, in Maryland as well for his leadership

[12:57] on innovation, digital engagement

[12:59] and forward thinking infrastructure.

[13:02] Dan knows how to bring fresh ideas from other jurisdictions.

[13:05] We've already talked about several

[13:07] and how to tailor those ideas to fit the unique spirit

[13:10] a town like Herndon has.

[13:13] He understands that good government starts with people.

[13:16] And he's already begun connecting with staff,

[13:19] listening to residents, and identifying opportunities

[13:22] to make Herndon even stronger.

[13:24] With Dan, we have a leader who matches our pace,

[13:28] our values and our aspirations.

[13:30]

[13:34] While I drink my water, I do want to introduce that Doctor.

[13:37] Liz Nadeau from Herndon high school is also joining us.

[13:41] Thank you.

[13:42]

[13:46] This slide highlights something core to how we've led this year.

[13:50] It's not just what we do, but how we do it through listening,

[13:53] outreach and shared ownership.

[13:55] First, our roadway safety action plan.

[13:58] This wasn't just a staff project.

[14:01] We went directly to the residents

[14:02] to with interactive maps, open input sessions in both English

[14:07] and Spanish, and surveys to hear where they felt unsafe

[14:12] or where improvements needed to be made.

[14:14] That local knowledge is now directly shaping

[14:17] how we prioritize traffic calming and pedestrian

[14:20] infrastructure in neighborhoods across town,

[14:22] and it will do so for the coming years

[14:24] as we work through the entire CIP cemetery improvements.

[14:29] We know this is deeply personal and meaningful place

[14:32] for many families, and the choices we make there

[14:34] deserve to be made carefully.

[14:37] We engaged community members, especially those living nearby.

[14:40] Even when they did not live in the town of Herndon, to help

[14:43] ensure that the expansion was respectful, sustainable

[14:47] and forward looking.

[14:48] And we're funding it through a self-sustained model.

[14:51] We also launched the community inclusion and engagement

[14:54] committee, or CISC, a resident driven advisory group focused

[14:59] on making sure we're building trust and equity

[15:02] into everything we do.

[15:04] They're already helping us to improve

[15:06] language access, outreach strategies

[15:08] and inclusive programming.

[15:10] And finally, the housing study.

[15:12] It's a critical step in understanding

[15:14] Herndon's current and future housing needs.

[15:17] Hopefully you're all doing that online so we can give you

[15:20] the link after if you haven't.

[15:23] But we're not just running numbers here.

[15:25] We're holding focus groups, listening sessions,

[15:28] working with regional partners to ensure

[15:30] that the final strategy reflects our values, not

[15:33] just national trends.

[15:35] All of this ties back to our commitment

[15:37] to engagement, to not just act for the community,

[15:41] but to act with it.

[15:45] Beyond leadership, we've invested in everyday connection.

[15:48] We host it one of the largest resource fairs in years,

[15:51] bringing over 260 residents to Herndon community

[15:55] center for housing, job assistance,

[15:57] health services and more.

[15:59] And we're just getting started.

[16:00] We have plans to expand these efforts throughout the year

[16:03] in neighborhoods, across town, through our neighbors in action

[16:06] pricing program, we've provided access to parks and rec services

[16:10] for more than 4250 youth, removing financial barriers

[16:14] and making sure no child Mrs. out on the chance

[16:16] to grow, play and belong.

[16:19] And with help from cornerstones.

[16:20] And she believes in me.

[16:21] 52 local kids were able to attend camp on the go,

[16:25] bringing the joy of summer right into Alabama drive park.

[16:28] And that's a program that we're proud to continue and grow

[16:31] with the help of our community resources,

[16:35] we've expanded translation services across more programs

[16:38] and facilities, including multilingual information screens

[16:42] at the community center, and made

[16:44] it easier for non-English speakers

[16:45] to sign up for activities, attend meetings like this,

[16:49] and access services.

[16:51] Because belonging means accessibility,

[16:53] not just availability.

[16:56] We're also strengthening the glue of our town,

[16:59] the nonprofits and civic groups who lift us up every day from

[17:02] fish to the closet, from the woman's club to rotary support

[17:06] organizations that serve the community in ways

[17:09] government alone cannot.

[17:11] And yes, we continue to invest in arts through programs

[17:15] like nextstop theater, who has engaged a new artistic director,

[17:18] not only bringing strong professional theater that

[17:22] reflects the community that we are and wish to be, but also

[17:26] through enhanced education programming in our schools,

[17:29] accessibility for under-resourced and facilitating

[17:32] enrichment and emotional support in the form of

[17:35] directed writing for teens.

[17:37]

[17:40] When we talk about vibrancy, it's not just events.

[17:46] It's also about how we care for the everyday environment

[17:49] in which we live.

[17:50] This year, our crews collected over 7,500 tons of trash,

[17:55] recycling and yard waste.

[17:58] That's a cleaner, healthier Herndon for everyone.

[18:01] But I will say we can still improve on the recycling piece,

[18:04] so we'll talk about that.

[18:07] We conducted 402 water quality tests,

[18:10] inspected nearly 2000 200,000ft of sanitary

[18:14] and storm sewer lines to protect both public health and property.

[18:19] We planted 151 new street trees and redesigned seven town

[18:24] landscape beds, not just for beauty, but to cool the streets,

[18:28] manage our runoff, and create inviting spaces that

[18:32] show pride in where we live.

[18:35] We'll be seeing a lot of this also happened.

[18:37] Downtown connection doesn't stop, though.

[18:40] At the household level.

[18:41] It matters to our economy as well.

[18:43] That's why we created a small business improvement committee,

[18:46] bringing together staff from planning,

[18:48] zoning, engineering and finance to walk

[18:52] in the shoes of entrepreneurs.

[18:54] We're rethinking how we permit, how we communicate,

[18:57] and how we can better support those who are betting

[19:00] on Herndon, the folks that invest their savings

[19:03] and their hopes into small storefronts,

[19:06] food trucks, studios, shops.

[19:09] Because when we say you belong here, it's not just a slogan,

[19:13] it's a promise and one that I am personally making.

[19:17] Whether you're a new immigrant, a lifelong resident,

[19:19] a working parent, or a small business owner,

[19:22] we want you to see yourself in Herndon.

[19:24]

[19:29] Why the concern is not just another town.

[19:32] We are a community that has deep traditions,

[19:35] authentic identity, which is somewhat rare, I think,

[19:38] in Northern Virginia.

[19:41] A joyful, if not quirky, sometimes spirit

[19:46] that brings people together.

[19:48] And certainly we see that even in Madison forest drive.

[19:51] When I talk about quirky this past year,

[19:55] we've made some meaningful investments

[19:56] in celebrating that spirit, not only

[19:59] through what we host and proclaim,

[20:01] but through how we invite others in.

[20:05] We've held 35 public meetings, work sessions and retreats,

[20:09] including new retreats, and adopted

[20:11] a new policy to better support community

[20:13] events and partnerships.

[20:15] Because celebrating who we shouldn't be limited to what's

[20:18] already on the calendar.

[20:21] It should include what's emerging, what's grassroots,

[20:24] and what reflects our town's growing diversity,

[20:28] though admittedly this particular aspect continues

[20:31] to be an ongoing work to progress

[20:33] our policies and our processes.

[20:37] We brought fun and approachability

[20:39] into town communications.

[20:42] Who noticed in the bear over there.

[20:45] So we had an elder in the bear campaign

[20:48] through the summer for parks and rec,

[20:50] and a proclamation that I made right after he

[20:52] left my yard the next day.

[20:55] And who saw the naked recreation week video promotion.

[21:01] That was a fun one to have to announce parks and rec week.

[21:05] We also added levity to some of our campaigns and announcements.

[21:10] We have two major, important milestones coming up the 50th

[21:15] anniversary of the Herndon community center and the 250th

[21:18] anniversary of our nation.

[21:21] And so we're reminding ourselves that our history

[21:24] doesn't just lie in our past.

[21:27] It's something that we live and shape every single day.

[21:30] We've held a great first community picnic.

[21:33] We had about 250 residents that came

[21:35] and we are planning more for next year.

[21:38] Maybe we can take them to other parts of the town

[21:40] to serve other communities.

[21:43] These create informal spaces where council members

[21:46] and elected staff and neighbors can break bread together

[21:49] and talk in ways that feel a little

[21:51] less like a public meeting and more like a shared meal

[21:55] together.

[21:56] Next year, we're launching a new spring event

[21:59] to bring even more people together

[22:00] in celebration of Herndon's culture and character.

[22:03] I'll talk more about that at the end.

[22:06] Through proclamations, partnerships, and programming,

[22:08] we're recognizing the people, cultures, and values

[22:11] that make Herndon home.

[22:13] We don't celebrate in spite of our differences.

[22:16] We celebrate because of them.

[22:18] And we do it with clear intent to build a town

[22:21] where everyone sees themselves reflected,

[22:24] respected and welcomed.

[22:26] Herndon is not just another dot on the map.

[22:29] We are a town with a soul, a spirit, and a culture

[22:33] that stands apart from the sprawl that we see around us.

[22:37] We don't aim to look like anyone else.

[22:40] We happily embrace our quirkiness

[22:42] and that's our strength.

[22:45] We've embraced that identity through events, arts,

[22:48] traditions and community pride.

[22:50] From the return of Friday Night Live to winter market to New

[22:53] events that are coming up.

[22:54] We're celebrating not just where we are, but who we are.

[22:59] And these are not just events.

[23:00] They're shared experiences.

[23:02] There were neighbors become friends.

[23:04] Kids make memories and where newcomers feel welcomed.

[23:07]

[23:11] Our brand live differently isn't just a tagline,

[23:16] it's a challenge to each and every one of us.

[23:20] To me, it's a challenge to lead with creativity.

[23:24] To celebrate the unconventional and to recognize

[23:28] that a truly inclusive, joyful, expressive

[23:31] town is one where people feel not just tolerated but seen.

[23:36] So whether you're dancing with your kids at farmers market,

[23:39] clapping for a local play, joining

[23:41] your first town festival, or organizing one for someone else,

[23:45] know this.

[23:46] In Herndon we don't just live, we live differently together.

[23:50]

[23:54] Sorry, was one behind.

[23:57] OK, let's be honest.

[23:59] Delivering on all these priorities

[24:01] takes more than good ideas.

[24:03] It takes financial discipline, long term planning,

[24:06] and the courage to make some difficult

[24:08] trade offs and decisions in a time of

[24:10] national economic uncertainty.

[24:13] I'm proud to say that Herndon has met that challenge head on.

[24:16] This year, we took bold action to fix a long standing

[24:19] structural issue our reliance on capital reserves

[24:23] to pay for recurring, practicable, predictable needs.

[24:27] That's like dipping into your savings

[24:28] to pay your electric bill.

[24:30] Manageable short term, but unsustainable

[24:33] over the long term.

[24:35] In 26, we rebalance that equation

[24:38] and lead a more honest, durable foundation for budgeting

[24:41] now and into the future.

[24:43] At the same time, we've maintained our triple-a bond

[24:45] rating from all three major agencies, a signal

[24:48] that the outside experts agree with us.

[24:51] Herndon is managing its finances prudently and professionally,

[24:55] and we were once again recognized with the GFOA.

[24:58] Certificate of Achievement for Excellence

[25:00] in Financial Reporting for the 50th 5 0 year in a row.

[25:06] Not many towns or cities can say that.

[25:09] That kind of consistency speaks volumes about our team's

[25:13] integrity, transportation, and dedication.

[25:15]

[25:21] Good fiscal management isn't just about keeping

[25:23] the lights on, though.

[25:24] It's about using every dollar to its fullest potential.

[25:28] That's why we've aggressively pursued outside funding,

[25:31] and it's paying off.

[25:32] We've secured nearly 6 million in transportation grants

[25:35] from nvta and the Virginia Department of Transportation

[25:38] to improve local roads and connectivity.

[25:41] 1.5 million in environmental resilience

[25:44] funding for steam stream restoration

[25:46] and flood mitigation.

[25:48] And a dedicated grant to fund Herndon's first urban forestry

[25:53] master plan, helping us to maintain and grow

[25:55] the tree canopy that protects our neighborhoods

[25:58] and defines our town.

[26:00] We're also taking a smarter, more phased approach

[26:03] to necessary cost increases.

[26:05] Instead of front loading major costs like water and sewer

[26:10] those so that those hikes are not on today's

[26:12] residents as much.

[26:14] We've spread that cost over multiple years

[26:16] to include some bonding and used financing tools.

[26:20] The bonding, and so that new homes and businesses

[26:23] coming online will then share the responsibility

[26:26] in those costs.

[26:27] So it's not all on us today.

[26:29] It's on the people that are coming in

[26:31] as well that I think is fairness in action.

[26:36] We've prioritized self-sustaining funds.

[26:39] Our cemetery expansion is fully funded by its own revenues,

[26:42] ensuring long term viability as long term

[26:45] as there are enough space for Graves' while being developed

[26:49] thoughtfully and respectfully.

[26:50] Our golf course improvements from tee box refurbishments

[26:53] to drainage upgrades are also funded from the course revenues,

[26:57] reinvesting where it counts without drawing

[26:59] on the general fund and seeing new programs added as well.

[27:03]

[27:07] OK, we're going to spend some time on this chart.

[27:09] It's a chart.

[27:10] This chart tells a story that we've rarely, if ever,

[27:14] talked about.

[27:16] It's a quiet pressure that we face each year

[27:19] to deliver more dramatically.

[27:22] Sorry to deliver more without dramatically increasing

[27:26] costs to our residents.

[27:28] You'll notice that revenue stays pretty

[27:30] flat across all of these years.

[27:34] That's because our largest revenue

[27:35] source is real estate taxes.

[27:38] So that only changes if the County changes assessed values.

[27:42] And I know they change them every year.

[27:45] Or we adjust our tax rate.

[27:46] But adjusting our tax rate up is something

[27:49] that we have to be very cautious about

[27:50] and we don't want to do on a regular basis.

[27:53] We know that households are already under pressure

[27:56] and we don't want to keep raising

[27:57] the burden year after year.

[28:00] On the other side of this chart, though,

[28:01] expenses continue to climb.

[28:04] It's not because we're hiring new people.

[28:06] At most, we hire at about one person per year over this time.

[28:11] What's changed is cost for benefits like retirement

[28:15] and health care.

[28:16] They've gone up significantly and we can't control it.

[28:19] It's coming from the state and we're talking double digits.

[28:24] 2/3 of our budget is people based.

[28:27] And so when we get that kind of an increase in health

[28:30] care costs, it has a significant impact to our overall expenses.

[28:36] We're also seeing changes in supply chain costs

[28:41] that everyone is seeing.

[28:43] Meanwhile, we continue to ask our staff

[28:46] and they have consistently risen to the challenge of doing more.

[28:50] They meet more expectations maintaining aging buildings,

[28:55] responding to New technology needs,

[28:58] and managing a fleet of vehicles that

[29:00] are well beyond their replacement cycles.

[29:03] We need to address all of these and that also costs.

[29:08] We're also not immune to the broader economic challenges

[29:10] that we're seeing.

[29:11] We see the ripple effects from the federal marketplace,

[29:14] federal workplace place reductions

[29:17] small business strain, which in turn strains everyone.

[29:22] Commercial property revenue in parts of town

[29:24] are also being affected.

[29:26] These all affect the local economy and the services

[29:30] that we can provide.

[29:32] As a town of just 4.2mi with very little undeveloped land.

[29:37] It's not like we can put a data center there.

[29:40] We have limited levers to pull.

[29:43] The primary one is property tax.

[29:45] That's why we're focused on growth and densification.

[29:50] But we do it in the right places around the metro.

[29:54] So that way we can expand our base, not just our rates.

[29:59] This also helps us to align with infrastructure development

[30:03] services and placemaking goals.

[30:06] So that way we don't compromise the town that we all love.

[30:10] Just to chase revenue that I think

[30:14] is long term responsible stewardship.

[30:17] Careful choices, not just the convenient ones.

[30:21] What does that mean for Herndon family.

[30:24] It means we are trying to protect

[30:26] your household from wild swings and utility Bills.

[30:29] Yes, they're going up, but we're mitigating how much they go up.

[30:33] It means we're investing in long term infrastructure now.

[30:37] So that way your children and your grandchildren

[30:39] are not stuck paying for the deferred maintenance costs

[30:42] later.

[30:43] It means your neighborhood has the trees, the Clean Water,

[30:47] the walkable streets, the emergency response

[30:51] that it needs and deserves without raising

[30:54] your taxes unnecessarily.

[30:56] It means that when we make financial decisions,

[30:59] we're thinking about how they impact

[31:00] your everyday life, your safety, your pocketbook,

[31:04] your peace of mind.

[31:06] That, again, is what stability.

[31:08] You can feel and confidence in our fiscal responsibility

[31:13] looks like.

[31:14] In short, we're seeking to invest in what matters.

[31:18] Avoiding what doesn't.

[31:19] And leading with fiscal responsibility.

[31:23] We owe that to you.

[31:24] And I will promise that I will keep driving us to that.

[31:27]

[31:31] In Herndon, we're not just planning for tomorrow.

[31:34] We're building it now.

[31:36] This year, we have made transformative progress

[31:38] across development, infrastructure, workforce

[31:42] and long range planning to ensure

[31:44] that our town grows with intention

[31:46] and integrity and care.

[31:48] A key focus area for us moving forward is placemaking.

[31:52] That's the work of turning our most

[31:54] visible public spaces into meaningful,

[31:58] people centered destinations.

[32:01] We're not just looking at what gets built,

[32:04] but what it feels like to walk, to sit, to gather, to educate,

[32:11] Kate to connect in places that define our town.

[32:16] I've asked the staff, town council,

[32:19] planning commission to focus intentionally on placemaking

[32:22] as we develop our new policies, update zoning and consider

[32:26] use of public land, particularly downtown and around the metro.

[32:30] This means thinking holistically about lighting, signage,

[32:33] pedestrian flow, green space, public art,

[32:36] storefront diversity, and even sound.

[32:40] It means being bold about creating

[32:42] spaces that reflect Herndon's character,

[32:45] not just a developer's renderings.

[32:48] Whether it's a Plaza downtown or a corner by the station,

[32:52] our question is simple does this feel like herndon?

[32:56] Does it feel like someplace that our citizens want to be.

[33:00]

[33:03] We've broken ground, literally, on multiple development

[33:06] projects in the Herndon transit oriented core.

[33:10] That's talk and transit related growth areas.

[33:14] TRG these aren't just buildings, they're the future of how

[33:17] we live, move and connect.

[33:19] At 555 Herndon Parkway, construction is

[33:22] underway now for 400 new multifamily

[33:25] units with 5000ft of retail.

[33:28] And the site plan includes capacity for up to 200,000ft

[33:33] of future office space.

[33:36] Meanwhile, in 13 150 world gate drive,

[33:40] it's moving through the site plan process

[33:42] to replace aging office stock with 400

[33:45] apartments, 47 townhomes and 52 2 over 2 condos.

[33:50] If you drove by, I was at Lidl doing the ribbon cutting

[33:53] this morning, and a little bit later, you

[33:55] might have seen a plume of dust from some of the work

[33:59] that they're doing at this particular location.

[34:01]

[34:04] 250 exchange place.

[34:08] And 575 Herndon Parkway are both in active planning,

[34:13] collectively bringing hundreds more homes

[34:16] and new commercial opportunities within the reach of metro.

[34:20] This kind of growth doesn't just happen.

[34:22] It's guided by vision.

[34:25] That's why we've launched the update

[34:27] to our comprehensive plan.

[34:29] Also support it by a $720,000 federal grant,

[34:34] and this will be our 25 year roadmap for Herndon's future.

[34:38] It places environmental and economic

[34:41] stewardship at its heart and will be

[34:42] deeply shaped by public input.

[34:44] So it will look different.

[34:46] It will have additional components

[34:47] to what we've seen before.

[34:50] As part of this work, we're also undertaking

[34:53] a full economic development strategy

[34:55] and reimagining how Herndon can attract, support and retain

[34:59] businesses across sectors.

[35:01]

[35:03] On infrastructure.

[35:05] We've advanced major utility and accessibility projects

[35:08] like spring Downs sanitary sewer replacement, which unlocks

[35:12] future development capacity, and the central Eldon walkability

[35:16] project, bringing long overdue ADA improvements between Center

[35:20] Street and Main Street.

[35:21] Our Sugarland run North stream restoration project continues

[35:25] our work to reduce erosion, protect property,

[35:28] and improve water quality.

[35:29]

[35:32] This past year, we took a hard look at our economic development

[35:35] program, what's working, what needs attention

[35:37] and what will help us grow stronger.

[35:39] We created we completed a full program, reassessment.

[35:43] And promoted a new leader who brings fresh energy

[35:46] and strategy to the work.

[35:48] We're now actively implementing recommendations

[35:51] from a small business improvement committee formed

[35:54] across our town for better permitting, support

[35:58] to clear communication, stronger coordination

[36:01] between departments.

[36:03] Our new economic development manager and I

[36:05] are out cutting ribbons of new businesses like Lidl

[36:08] today and meeting with about five businesses

[36:11] existing businesses a month to hear their needs and concerns

[36:14] and to build those relationships.

[36:17] As part of our 2050 comprehensive plan,

[36:19] we've launched a full market study and strategy development

[36:22] effort to make sure that we're aligning economic growth

[36:25] with the kind of town that we want to be,

[36:28] not just in square footage, but in opportunity,

[36:31] quality of life and resilience.

[36:32]

[36:35] We're also investing in green infrastructure

[36:39] with a completed urban tree inventory.

[36:41] We're actively growing our canopy

[36:43] and pursuing sustainability through grant

[36:45] funded planning, planting and landscape redesigns.

[36:49] We are also launching a program where community members can now

[36:52] sponsor new trees and their ongoing maintenance

[36:54] through the town.

[36:55] You can actually get a leaf or something

[36:57] named after you on in an area that will designate.

[37:02] It's not just about shade, it's about cooling our neighborhoods,

[37:05] managing stormwater and protecting biodiversity.

[37:08] So really critically important for the long term

[37:11] of our community.

[37:12]

[37:15] Also, in green initiatives, you might see I might have heard

[37:18] us talk about this building.

[37:20] Several of our buildings will be getting

[37:22] more green as we work to enhance and rehabilitate our buildings.

[37:29] We'll be keeping a green perspective on that as well.

[37:32]

[37:35] We're building the future not just with concrete and code,

[37:39] but with people.

[37:40] We launched the Herndon leadership cohort, filled

[37:43] 35 regular and 89 temporary and part time roles,

[37:47] supported over 300 staff through internal trainings.

[37:50] Two town employees were enrolled at George Mason's MPA program,

[37:54] and two more participated in the lead professional development

[37:58] program.

[37:59] This is all about creating a workforce that's

[38:01] ready to lead Herndon today and tomorrow

[38:05] in every corner of our town.

[38:08] We're not just imagining the future.

[38:11] We construct it, we nurture it, and we're preparing it.

[38:17] So that way we can serve generations to come.

[38:19]

[38:23] I think we've accomplished quite a bit this year,

[38:26] and I'm proud of how far we've come,

[38:29] and all of those that have served us in enabling

[38:33] us to come this far.

[38:34] But I want to be clear, we do still have challenges,

[38:37] very important ones, and I believe

[38:39] it's just as important to be honest and transparent

[38:42] about those.

[38:43]

[38:46] From economic uncertainties to long term infrastructure needs,

[38:50] housing affordability to an evolving downtown redevelopment.

[38:54] These are not small issues and they

[38:56] don't have easy answers, certainly not ones that I

[38:59] could implement in nine months.

[39:01] But we're not shying away from them.

[39:03] We are attacking them head, head first.

[39:05] We've initiated major planning efforts, including our housing

[39:09] study, economic development strategy, and the 2050

[39:12] comprehensive plan that I mentioned,

[39:14] and these will guide our upcoming policy

[39:16] decisions, zoning updates and capital investments.

[39:20] We've repositioned ourselves on downtown redevelopment,

[39:23] and while the pace has not been what we hoped,

[39:26] we are protecting the town's interests

[39:28] and we are preparing for the next opportunity

[39:31] with transparency and care.

[39:33] And while we are still in litigation with Comstock

[39:36] regarding the contract, we are actively

[39:38] engaging with downtown business owners and residents

[39:41] to talk about the future of all of downtown,

[39:45] not just the redevelopment area.

[39:48] We're focusing on a vibrant destination downtown

[39:52] while taking interim steps to support activity, identity

[39:55] and investment along the way.

[39:58] We do have open eyes, steady leadership and clear intention.

[40:02] When we enact these, we're navigating national headwinds.

[40:07] They're strong headwinds from federal workforce shifts

[40:11] to cost increases and making sure our decisions

[40:14] reflect long term thinking.

[40:16] We know these headwinds aren't just abstract economic trends.

[40:20] They're deeply personal.

[40:21] Many of our residents are impacted directly by reductions

[40:26] in government projects, ongoing federal shutdowns,

[40:30] contractor layoffs from small and large businesses alike.

[40:35] If you're a federal employee, a contractor,

[40:37] or someone who owns a small business,

[40:39] that depends on these workers.

[40:41] The disruptions ripple out across households,

[40:44] schools and Main Street.

[40:48] That's why we monitor index data closely,

[40:51] to anticipate the shifts as best as we can

[40:53] and adjust, hopefully in preparation.

[40:57] I personally meet with other mayors

[40:58] and County chairs from across the region

[41:01] every week to share insights, strategies and support.

[41:05] Yesterday we met about WIC and snap

[41:08] and how we can support what's happening there.

[41:11] This is not a moment for any town

[41:13] to go it alone, nor for any resident

[41:16] to feel that they are alone.

[41:19] We are a community.

[41:20] It is time to be a community and stand up together.

[41:24]

[41:27] We can partner with non-profits like Cornerstone's who

[41:31] have the mechanisms and experience to help

[41:33] distribute aid effectively.

[41:36] We can help one another very directly.

[41:38] If you see a neighbor in need and you have the means to help

[41:42] stand in.

[41:44] I will be posting.

[41:45] I've posted some today about some of our communities

[41:48] that have different needs, and how you may get

[41:50] involved in that way as well.

[41:53] Last week I also met with Northwest Federal Credit Union

[41:56] leadership, and they're offering our residents impacted by

[42:00] the shutdown 0 interest loans.

[42:03] So if there's anyone that you can refer them there.

[42:06]

[42:09] We also collaborate with our schools.

[42:11] It may not be the jurisdiction of the mayor,

[42:13] but I hopefully have established a strong relationship

[42:15] with all of the schools that support Herndon kids.

[42:19] These are our families that exist in those schools,

[42:22] and so it's our job to help protect and make sure that they

[42:26] feel secure in all ways.

[42:29] Herndon has always shown up for one another,

[42:33] and I'm expecting that we will continue to do so.

[42:36] We've taken on the hard work of investing

[42:39] in our IT infrastructure and internal systems, efforts that

[42:43] are going generally unseen because they happen

[42:46] behind the curtain, but they are critical to delivering

[42:50] better, faster, more secure services to the public.

[42:54] Staff are actively evaluating where

[42:57] automation and smarter tool use can free

[42:59] up time and improve accuracy.

[43:02] This includes not just new technology,

[43:04] but training on the systems we already have

[43:06] that may not be fully utilized.

[43:09] We're also exploring the responsible use of AI

[43:12] and emerging digital platforms to better engage with the public

[43:15] and make information more accessible.

[43:18] And we're doing all of this while keeping a vigilant eye

[43:20] on cybersecurity, especially when it comes to protecting

[43:24] sensitive data and supporting police technologies that help

[43:27] to keep our community safe.

[43:30] We're preparing for significant growth.

[43:32] Just mentioned quite a number of properties

[43:34] around the Herndon metro station and the transit

[43:37] related growth area, balancing opportunity

[43:40] with thoughtful zoning, placemaking,

[43:43] and community engagement.

[43:45] Again, it's not about rushing.

[43:47] It's about getting it right and being ahead of it.

[43:51] So I'll make a promise to you.

[43:54] And that promise is the same promise

[43:55] I've always made, that I and the council and the staff

[44:01] will be as transparent as we can be.

[44:04] Sometimes we can't say everything,

[44:07] but we will tell you when we can't see everything

[44:09] at that particular moment.

[44:12] We will keep talking about what's working

[44:16] and what still needs work.

[44:18] We will keep inviting you to be a part of that discussion.

[44:22] Rising to meet our challenges doesn't

[44:24] happen from behind a desk.

[44:26] It happens out here with all of us working together.

[44:30] Herndon is strong.

[44:32] Herndon is ready.

[44:33] The best way to honor our progress is to keep going.

[44:36] Eyes open.

[44:38] Voice is heard.

[44:39] Shoulders square.

[44:40] We rise together.

[44:41]

[44:45] Last but not least.

[44:47] I'm keeping it cool.

[44:48] But I am burning to plug our new annual spring event, which

[44:52] will be held may 16, 2026.

[44:55] So Mark your calendars now we will officially launch.

[44:59] What exactly is happening on next week, November 6.

[45:04] So be prepared to have an onslaught of great fun.

[45:11] OK, and now to the main reason we've started

[45:13] these town Hall style events.

[45:14] I want to hear from you.

[45:15] And so if you have any questions in an orderly way,

[45:19] we'll come up to the podium here.

[45:21] So that way we can record it through televised.

[45:26] If we have people online who would like to raise questions,

[45:29] then I will periodically turn to our team

[45:33] there to have those brought up.

[45:35] So if you do, I will tell you now,

[45:38] if you have a lot of questions, I might ask you to pause

[45:43] and hold on your next questions and let someone else come

[45:45] and then that way people get turns

[45:47] and we can have you come back with the rest of your questions.

[45:50] So I will also ask our staff, sitting

[45:54] down here to help me answer the questions as they come.

[45:56] So who would like to start.

[45:58]

[46:08] Hello, my name is possibly read, so I'm coming up Adam Linthicum.

[46:12] I've been in the town for 12 years.

[46:14] Thank you to everybody who's doing this.

[46:17] This means a lot that our government cares about us.

[46:22] I want to note that you said belonging

[46:25] and accessibility were a big part of it

[46:28] was a theme in your presentation.

[46:31] This is the most monochromatic event I've attended so far,

[46:36] and I think we all know why to a certain extent at least.

[46:43] And to that end, I was really dismayed to hear that we are

[46:46] expanding the flock network.

[46:48]

[46:51] That's the new cameras are.

[46:56] It's not reassuring to me.

[46:58] I do not believe that.

[46:59] It does not compromise our privacy.

[47:03] There were a couple of pictures from the no kings events.

[47:09] One was at the shopping center in front of the sprouts and the.

[47:17] Now that we have camera flock cameras in front

[47:20] of every entrance to that shopping center,

[47:23] the government now has a database

[47:26] of everybody who attended that event that

[47:29] is not maintaining our privacy.

[47:31] This event, this system doesn't need a warrant to access.

[47:36] It's been abused in countless other jurisdictions.

[47:39] I'm not casting aspersions on our own police,

[47:42] but it's dismaying that we are expanding

[47:47] this system when there's very little

[47:51] protections for the citizens.

[47:54] So yeah, thank you very much for that comment.

[47:56] You can hear me, right.

[47:57] So there's two different things going

[48:01] on in your comment in there.

[48:02] Some of those are on you can't can you hear me in the back.

[48:05] Yeah oh she was indicating she couldn't.

[48:08] So there's two different things.

[48:10] You have cameras that are on private property.

[48:13] And again those weren't asked for or installed by the police.

[48:16] But they are allowed to share that information with us.

[48:19] We have the LPR which are located in certain areas

[48:23] within the town, and there are strict government

[48:26] regulations on those.

[48:29] They've legislature came out with a 21 day purge period

[48:33] for those.

[48:34] Not any agency around can just access our information.

[48:40] They have to ask for our permission to do that.

[48:43] Just like if I go to another jurisdiction,

[48:44] I have to ask for their permission.

[48:46] If I was looking for.

[48:48] Say I was looking for a suspect in a case that I was using.

[48:52] I can tell you some very positive things

[48:54] that have come out of the LPR.

[48:55] We've had some cases here, some robbery suspects, a pretty

[48:59] serious hit and run just a few weeks ago that got us some very

[49:03] good leads, led us to a few suspect

[49:07] vehicles, which we were then able to locate the vehicle

[49:11] based on that information.

[49:13] So I have a lot of good stories about where our LPR cameras have

[49:17] helped us to solve a lot of crime,

[49:21] and it's happening all over the region.

[49:24] But yes, there has to be responsible use of them.

[49:27] And that involves I think, a little bit

[49:29] of trust from the community.

[49:31] But we also have to model that.

[49:32] And we have to show you that, it is trustworthy.

[49:36] I do understand there are a lot of citizens that have concerns

[49:40] about flock camera systems.

[49:43] So I don't know if I've answered that I

[49:47] regulations on the private organizations that

[49:50] installed them.

[49:52] So if a private organization wants to put cameras

[49:55] on their property, that's between them

[49:58] and the flock corporation.

[50:01] And so even if it's the Virginia State Police,

[50:05] they need to ask your permission for that data.

[50:08] Yes OK.

[50:11] Well I am.

[50:14] Still not satisfied, but I will accept.

[50:16] I completely understand, and I may not convince you tonight,

[50:19] but if I can talk about how we're going to leverage some

[50:23] of all of these things, it's not just flock

[50:26] and it's not just the cameras.

[50:28] But we are following, trying to get ahead of the curve of really

[50:33] harnessing technology to our advantage

[50:37] so I can have officers out there doing the community

[50:40] engagement things I need them to do

[50:42] and takes up less time to do some of these things

[50:44] that technology can help us do.

[50:47] We have started construction of our crime center.

[50:50] And yeah, you can sit down.

[50:51] Yeah thank you very much.

[50:52] I appreciate your comments.

[50:54] We are working right now and it's just kind

[50:56] of in the build out phase.

[50:58] We used no public funds.

[51:00] It was all seized asset accounts to build out our crime center.

[51:03] This is going to unite and have all of our technology

[51:06] coming to one location.

[51:08] So when we were working on an active case,

[51:10] I can literally go to my officers body cameras.

[51:12] I can view things live as they're happening.

[51:14] I can have almost like a Command Center going there.

[51:17] I can see where all my officers are in town.

[51:19] I can go live to their body cameras, to their police cars.

[51:22] We can check flock.

[51:23] All this technology.

[51:25] I can put a drone up in the air and I can monitor

[51:27] public events for safety.

[51:30] A lot of our events that we have here in town.

[51:33] So we are putting all this together to use technology

[51:37] responsibly and to advance.

[51:40] We want to be a better police department for this community.

[51:43] So again, I know that's probably not satisfactory to you,

[51:47] but I do appreciate your question.

[51:48]

[51:52] You might want to stay there.

[51:55] Hi, my name is Yasmin.

[51:57] I grew up in Fairfax County.

[51:58] I think this is my second state of the town.

[52:01] Thank you for doing these.

[52:02] I like them a lot.

[52:03] I appreciate them and I appreciate

[52:05] all the good information.

[52:06] I also share concerns about the flock cameras,

[52:08] and I have a couple specific questions.

[52:11] Are we spending money for flock data and do we.

[52:16] You said LPRs and I forget how many you said,

[52:18] but do we give our data to ICE.

[52:22] And how do we know that flock isn't collecting data on people

[52:27] and it's limited to license plates.

[52:29] Is that simply information from flock or is it corroborated.

[52:33] Say that last question one more time.

[52:35] I'm sorry.

[52:35] How do we know for certain that flock isn't collecting

[52:38] data besides license plates.

[52:42] Great question.

[52:43] So we do our LPs.

[52:46] We do pay for those.

[52:47] We do.

[52:47] We do have to fund those.

[52:50] We have them set up in locations.

[52:54] I think there's a responsible number to put in.

[52:58] Some jurisdictions have gotten in trouble because they created

[53:00] literal dragnets of so you couldn't drive-through my town

[53:04] or go anywhere without being picked up on a flock camera.

[53:08] We've put them strategically in areas

[53:10] where we want to get that information.

[53:12] If someone is fleeing the town at certain points

[53:15] that we felt was necessary, I don't have information

[53:21] about I don't know what flock could or couldn't be doing

[53:24] with the information, but I could tell you

[53:27] that the legislature has set up that after 21 days

[53:31] this information is purged.

[53:32] And to your question about ice that we have to grant access

[53:40] to any agency that wants to use any of our flock data,

[53:45] and so that doesn't happen.

[53:49] Does that.

[53:50] So we have to grant agency would have to reach out to me.

[53:53] We have to share permissions essentially.

[53:55] And we don't.

[53:57] We do not.

[53:58] So even if say they had an ongoing case

[54:01] and I'll just pick a jurisdiction on here Manassas.

[54:04] And they said, hey, we're looking for a suspect

[54:05] that might be there.

[54:06] They have to ask us for permission to access ours,

[54:08] just like I would for them, because I

[54:11] would be nervous about that.

[54:12] I don't know what people's motivations would be to search

[54:16] and use our data for that.

[54:18] But we use it for criminal investigation purposes only.

[54:22] We don't monitor people.

[54:24] It monitors vehicle license plates.

[54:27] So if I have a suspect I'm looking for, say, a white Toyota

[54:31] I can search.

[54:33] I'll give you the example I had.

[54:34] I had a hit and run and let's just

[54:37] say it was a white Toyota car.

[54:39] And I know they're hit and run happened right around 1 o'clock

[54:41] in the morning.

[54:42] And the vehicle left so I can put into that system.

[54:45] I'm looking for a white Toyota Camry.

[54:47] And maybe I don't have but.

[54:49] And I might see it right there in the flock.

[54:51] And so those are the benefits of the flock.

[54:56] And then did I answer all your questions.

[54:58] Do we know that it's not using anything besides license plates

[55:01] or collecting data besides license plates.

[55:04] It's just collecting data on license plates.

[55:06] But like I said, 21 days and the information

[55:08] is purged from the systems.

[55:10] We would have to have special permission to keep any of that.

[55:12] And that would be an ongoing criminal case where we would

[55:14] then maybe have to obtain search warrants

[55:16] to and go the legal process.

[55:18] Great questions.

[55:19] Thank you.

[55:21] I do want to point, as we get our next person up,

[55:25] that we are collecting your questions,

[55:28] and we will be publishing the questions and the answers.

[55:31] And if there's anything that we can't answer here,

[55:33] we will come back and get the answers

[55:35] and make sure that those go out to the community.

[55:37]

[55:42] So thank you very much for doing this.

[55:46] My name is Lauren Schmidt and I live on Monroe street

[55:49] in Herndon.

[55:50] I've been here about 25 years.

[55:54] So my beautiful garden.

[55:56] Yeah, we just redid our whole front yard.

[55:58] Went native.

[56:00] So it's probably a question you hear all the time,

[56:03] but I'm not much on it.

[56:05] And if there's information online

[56:08] you can point me to that would be great.

[56:09] But I'm really interested if you have any timeline

[56:12] about the development.

[56:14] And because it's really started I went to vote the other day

[56:19] and I parked and then we drove by and it's like,

[56:22] this is just right in the middle of our town.

[56:25] I know it's not anybody's fault, but if you have any information

[56:32] you could share.

[56:33] And I see Kirsten coming up.

[56:35] You're welcome to come up and just kick me if I go too far.

[56:39] We don't have a timeline.

[56:41] It's in litigation.

[56:44] That's all dependent on the court system.

[56:46] And what Comstock how they react and what they do.

[56:52] So we went through the appropriate steps.

[56:55] We've sent them the title back in our name.

[56:58] All they had to do was sign it.

[57:00] We then issued I forget what the legal term is,

[57:04] but basically we made it known to anyone who might potentially,

[57:08] in case they thought to sell it, that it could

[57:09] not be sold, that it's ours.

[57:12] We went through mediation and then now into litigation.

[57:17] And I do encourage you to go and see it's public record of what

[57:21] we said in the litigation.

[57:23] And is that on the town website.

[57:26] And it's in very plain language so everyone can understand

[57:29] exactly what we're upset about.

[57:31] OK I think it's ours.

[57:33] And I'm going to just one more question.

[57:35] Can you post your presentation online.

[57:38] Sure OK.

[57:39] And then well, actually I'm going to do another one.

[57:41] And that is to the gentleman's comment

[57:44] about the cameras in the town.

[57:47] And I think it's something that all of us

[57:49] get a little nervous about, especially

[57:52] in the current climate.

[57:54] But if you're out in public, someone can take your photograph

[57:58] and share it online without your permission,

[58:02] because it only takes one person to give permission

[58:05] to post a photograph.

[58:07] And that can be the person who takes the picture.

[58:10] So we're all out there.

[58:13] So anyway, thank you again.

[58:14] Appreciate it.

[58:15] Thank you.

[58:18] Any questions.

[58:20] I know right.

[58:21]

[58:24] Hi my name is Walt Schuller.

[58:27] I've lived here for 42 years and have we watched a town

[58:33] go through many, many emotions.

[58:38] It became disconcerting for me during the COVID time.

[58:43] I'm not up here to ask a question.

[58:46] I'm here to compliment the new chief,

[58:49] and I'm here to compliment you and the town council

[58:53] for the first time in decades.

[58:57] I have a feeling of confidence, and it

[59:00] comes down to your integrity, and I appreciate that.

[59:04] Thank you.

[59:05]

[59:10] Before we take another one, is there anyone online, Mr. mayor.

[59:14] Pat wants to know if unneeded prescription

[59:18] and over-the-counter medications can be dropped off safely

[59:21] at HPD, or if there are any other locations

[59:23] where they can dispose of expired prescription medication.

[59:28] So we are no longer taking the expired medication.

[59:32] We used to have a drop box in front of our building.

[59:36] I made the decision to remove the box because there are

[59:39] other agencies that do that, not public agencies,

[59:42] but CVS and Walgreens, and they all have programs that do that.

[59:46] I was bringing in dangerous chemicals

[59:49] sometimes into the building and exposing my officers to dangers

[59:52] of things we didn't know that were being placed in that box,

[59:55] and I couldn't put my officers in that type of danger,

[59:58] especially when there's already companies out there that do it.

[1:00:01] If that answers the question fully, I hope so.

[1:00:04] Can I mention one thing I just discovered

[1:00:07] because I'm in that situation.

[1:00:08] Safeway also has a right to the pharmacist.

[1:00:11] They have a metal box and they will take anybody's prescription

[1:00:15] rather than going for those online Mr.

[1:00:18] shorter is saying that Safeway also will take them.

[1:00:22] Do we have a list of those places.

[1:00:23] Can we publish a list of them if it helps,

[1:00:28] I will speak to my public.

[1:00:32] Well, we'll put something out online for you guys that'll.

[1:00:35] I think we put that out when we removed the box,

[1:00:37] but I can repost that tomorrow.

[1:00:38]

[1:00:41] Anything else online.

[1:00:43] No other questions that haven't been addressed.

[1:00:45] OK OK.

[1:00:48]

[1:00:51] Hello good to see you guys.

[1:00:54] So recently, I was at air Brook.

[1:00:57] It was an assault between people.

[1:01:01] I was involved, and I got charged.

[1:01:05] However, I think there was a misunderstanding.

[1:01:08] I think there was a lack of communication within the group.

[1:01:16] And that just snowballed into just going

[1:01:21] towards the most powerful.

[1:01:24] I think I was the most athletics.

[1:01:27] I think it was just easy to pin it on me being

[1:01:30] responsible for everything.

[1:01:31] However, that being said, I am still with an initiative

[1:01:38] to push for mental health within the community.

[1:01:42] I have art developed and within a company I've started.

[1:01:47] I am listed as a psychologist, so I'm hoping to share my art.

[1:01:54] If the town of Vernon would sponsor me to do that, I could.

[1:01:57] It would push for nonviolent communication

[1:01:59] and also a heightening of performance through the art.

[1:02:04] So I might want to reach out to arts Herndon

[1:02:08] because they have the mechanisms to work with artists

[1:02:12] and display that.

[1:02:13] Again, I'm very sorry for what happened to you,

[1:02:16] but appreciate that you're focused on mental health.

[1:02:20] Mental health certainly is a concern in all communities

[1:02:26] and in our community.

[1:02:29] There are resources, but we often hear,

[1:02:33] why can't you do something.

[1:02:34] Why can't you force a person.

[1:02:35] We cannot force anyone to seek mental health services.

[1:02:40] So appreciate it.

[1:02:42] Thank you.

[1:02:43] Yeah, I've been around.

[1:02:44] It was at Brook and I've gone to school throughout Herndon.

[1:02:50] I've played soccer throughout Herndon,

[1:02:52] and I think people know me with fitness and wellness right now.

[1:02:59] So just being with the town of Herndon, sharing my art,

[1:03:03] even looking for a buyer for my art is what I'm doing.

[1:03:07] And you could help that.

[1:03:09] So all that said, I could just be a stable performance.

[1:03:20] Recommend you reach out to answer.

[1:03:21] Yeah all right.

[1:03:22] Thank you.

[1:03:23] Cool Anyone else.

[1:03:25]

[1:03:29] Yes so I mentioned our new community inclusion

[1:03:38] and engagement committee, and this is one of our new members,

[1:03:41] Rosemary Kendall.

[1:03:42] Hi, I'm Rosemary Kendall.

[1:03:43] I've lived in the greater Herndon area for 40 years

[1:03:47] because we were over by Hutchinson, which some people

[1:03:49] know is not Herndon.

[1:03:51] And then we've lived where we are now for almost 30 years

[1:03:54] and I've heard this presentation done twice now.

[1:03:57] I don't get the feeling of Herndon

[1:03:59] being a multicultural community, and I

[1:04:03] also don't get the feeling.

[1:04:07] And Adam referred to this, that some people in our community,

[1:04:11] because of what's happening with immigration,

[1:04:13] are afraid to come out.

[1:04:15] And I'm not saying you're not handling it well.

[1:04:18] I don't hear it reflected in your comments.

[1:04:21] So that's what I would love to see,

[1:04:23] is we are a diverse community that includes

[1:04:26] a large Spanish speaking community

[1:04:29] from Central and South America.

[1:04:31] I don't hear that reflected in what is talked about to reflect.

[1:04:36] Herndon so I just want to make sure that we understand

[1:04:39] that there are people in our community who are afraid one,

[1:04:43] and that we're a community that includes those people

[1:04:46] and I don't get that feeling.

[1:04:48] So I'm just passing that along.

[1:04:49] OK thank you.

[1:04:50] And that's what your committee will help us to do better.

[1:04:54] Yeah that and watch out for the little kids.

[1:04:55]

[1:04:58] Someone else.

[1:05:01] Yeah come on up.

[1:05:01] OK sorry.

[1:05:05] No, please.

[1:05:07] OK.

[1:05:09] Hi.

[1:05:09] I'm Nicole wickenheiser, and I just

[1:05:11] want to say a couple things.

[1:05:13] First, in gratitude for this, because I think this is great.

[1:05:16] Everybody's coming.

[1:05:16] Big turnout today.

[1:05:19] Thanks for big trash because you know that.

[1:05:22] I think that's great.

[1:05:23] And I hope that we have the money again next year

[1:05:25] because I think it's important.

[1:05:26] Also, I was talking to the chief earlier

[1:05:29] because I have a sophomore at Herndon high.

[1:05:33] Doctor noto, thank you for coming.

[1:05:35] And I was concerned about some of the violence that's

[1:05:38] been going on for the past couple of weeks,

[1:05:42] and the safety of my kid who runs around Herndon like it's

[1:05:46] his own private backyard.

[1:05:48] And it's one of the things that we always loved about that.

[1:05:51] And so I was talking to the chief

[1:05:52] about, what's been going on in the safety

[1:05:55] of how things are going.

[1:05:56] And I really feel like it's still safe for him

[1:06:02] to be skateboarding, even when it gets dark up on the trail,

[1:06:05] all of that kind of stuff.

[1:06:06] And so I'm just really grateful.

[1:06:07] But I hope that you can just elaborate a little bit about how

[1:06:13] we work with the schools, the resource

[1:06:16] officers and other groups of kids running around

[1:06:21] because Halloween is coming.

[1:06:23] So we're going to have a lot of activity.

[1:06:24] It's going to be really dark and people

[1:06:27] don't have money for chocolate.

[1:06:29] So what are we doing with all of that.

[1:06:31] So I'm going to go sit down and take that.

[1:06:34] So I'll start and then I'll turn to you.

[1:06:38] Community safety is a community issue

[1:06:42] and requires a community solution.

[1:06:44] So we do need to stand by and look out for one another.

[1:06:49] We all need to be diligent.

[1:06:51] And I don't mean that in a mean way.

[1:06:54] I'm staff keep reminding me that I should

[1:06:57] be locking my doors at night.

[1:06:59] I often forget, I'm sorry.

[1:07:03]

[1:07:08] Don't mind me.

[1:07:08] So it's important that we are aware

[1:07:13] and there are resources, say, on scamming and other things.

[1:07:16] I know that does not get to some of the violence

[1:07:18] that we've seen recently, and I'll

[1:07:19] let the chief talk about that.

[1:07:21] But this is of utmost importance to us.

[1:07:25] And that's why I started with safety today.

[1:07:27] Doctor noto and miss elmquist.

[1:07:31] I have also been a part of this.

[1:07:33] There's been a group that has been meeting to focus

[1:07:36] on the underlying issues of youth violence,

[1:07:39] and how do we promote safe, healthy behaviors

[1:07:43] and how do we seek out and prevent some of these concerns.

[1:07:48] And so that includes faith based communities,

[1:07:50] civic organizations, County resources, and local resources.

[1:07:55] The chief joined me today.

[1:07:57] We did talk about some of the specific concerns you mentioned.

[1:08:00] Kevin and chief.

[1:08:02] If you get the microphone a little closer to you,

[1:08:05] it's much easier to hear.

[1:08:06] Understood how's that.

[1:08:08] I can hear myself now, so it must be good.

[1:08:12] So what we've been talking about in the last two weeks or so.

[1:08:17] We're talking about a few different incidents.

[1:08:20] The difficult part is one of them happened in Fairfax County

[1:08:24] and is being investigated by the Fairfax

[1:08:26] County Police department.

[1:08:27] One of these incidents happened here

[1:08:29] in the town of Herndon that is being

[1:08:30] investigated by the Herndon police department.

[1:08:33] There are some sensitivities when you're

[1:08:36] dealing with both of these.

[1:08:38] And I can talk as much as I can about the Herndon case,

[1:08:41] but I would have you ask the Fairfax

[1:08:45] County from their perspective.

[1:08:46] But what I can tell you off the bat is the Herndon police

[1:08:49] department and Fairfax County Police department

[1:08:51] are working very well together as we speak,

[1:08:54] investigating these cases.

[1:08:57] That being said, we have to be very sensitive.

[1:09:04] There's real victims in these cases,

[1:09:06] and there's families suffering right now because of these acts.

[1:09:11] And so we're very aware of that.

[1:09:12] We're also very aware of this community

[1:09:15] and keeping the community safe.

[1:09:18] I have one of the best groups of officers

[1:09:20] I've ever worked with in this town out there right now,

[1:09:24] working.

[1:09:24] They care about this town.

[1:09:25] They care about the people in the town.

[1:09:28] And, I have an officer that I have assigned

[1:09:32] to the high school, and I know she splits

[1:09:34] her time a little between the high school

[1:09:35] and the middle schools.

[1:09:37] I could use that officer on the street

[1:09:38] because I'm short staffed most times,

[1:09:40] but I know the value of having them in the schools

[1:09:42] and supporting the schools.

[1:09:45] I was privileged today to be able to attend.

[1:09:47] The mayor invited me in.

[1:09:48] The principals invited me today to that event,

[1:09:51] and I was really moved to see all of the different engines

[1:09:54] in the County that are working to work on these problems

[1:10:00] and solve these problems and get to these kids.

[1:10:02] And my mindset as a police chief in this town has been

[1:10:06] and we talked about this today enforcement.

[1:10:08] We have to be police officers sometimes.

[1:10:11] Sometimes we just have to do that.

[1:10:12] There has to be engagement.

[1:10:14] And I know that word gets thrown around a lot,

[1:10:16] but we believe that word, right.

[1:10:18] We're going to be launching our bike team,

[1:10:21] and that's all about engaging with the community.

[1:10:23] It's all about when you see an officer sitting in a car

[1:10:26] out there.

[1:10:26] Yeah, they're out there working.

[1:10:27] They're there to help you.

[1:10:28] But how likely is it that a child might go up

[1:10:31] to that officer in the car and knock on the door

[1:10:32] and say, and tell them something.

[1:10:34] I think there is value in having your officers out there

[1:10:38] on bicycles and on foot.

[1:10:40] And we're looking at the way this community is building up.

[1:10:43] And just look at the 500 block of Herndon Parkway.

[1:10:46] It's going to be a whole different way

[1:10:47] of policing those areas too.

[1:10:49] But to get back into that so the engagement part of that

[1:10:53] is getting to the events and meeting these kids

[1:10:56] when they're this big.

[1:10:58] And they're going to remember those relationships

[1:11:01] with the officers.

[1:11:02] And that just builds over time.

[1:11:06] And that's our goal.

[1:11:07] And that's why I get my officers into his.

[1:11:09] I wish I could send him to every single event

[1:11:12] that I get invited to I just don't have enough people.

[1:11:14] I wish I had more people just to do that stuff,

[1:11:16] and I go to as many as I can.

[1:11:18] So safety of this community is my number one priority.

[1:11:23] Since making chief, I can't say that I've gotten

[1:11:25] more sleep at night, but.

[1:11:28] But from day one, from 1999, when I started here to today,

[1:11:34] I still carry the same pride in working for this organization

[1:11:37] and for supporting the citizens of this town.

[1:11:40] So I kind of got off on a tangent,

[1:11:43] but I hope that kind of answers your question.

[1:11:46] Actually, can I have some.

[1:11:49] I was just going to follow up and ask

[1:11:51] if some of the issues around parcher, is it

[1:11:54] a problem around that area.

[1:11:56] Because there seems to be a lot of more

[1:11:59] like violence sometimes around the fields

[1:12:02] and around that street.

[1:12:03] Is it because it's like right on the edge

[1:12:06] and it just kind of gets lost in the policing.

[1:12:09] I'll repeat that.

[1:12:10] So that way it can be picked up.

[1:12:11] So the question is around, is there more violence on parcher

[1:12:15] Avenue and the area of Hutchinson.

[1:12:19] I will say again, crime overall is down from where it was.

[1:12:23] And youth violence has not increased from previous years.

[1:12:29] But I'll let chief.

[1:12:33] Sir, your question on when an event happens somewhere,

[1:12:37] sometimes we then look back and we look at that area

[1:12:38] and go, boy, we have a real crime problem here.

[1:12:42] And it's more perception, I think, than reality.

[1:12:46] There are it is a very busy there's a lot of homes there.

[1:12:48] There's a lot of schools, there's a lot of businesses.

[1:12:50] So there's just more foot traffic in those areas

[1:12:52] and there's a lot of people out and about.

[1:12:55] So sometimes in the more congested areas,

[1:12:56] yeah, you might have some more problems.

[1:12:58] I would say I couldn't even comment on it because it's

[1:13:02] Fairfax County, right.

[1:13:05] But I would say it's probably at this point more of a perception

[1:13:08] issue in that area.

[1:13:09] But if you feel that it is not.

[1:13:11] I know Fairfax County Police department will

[1:13:14] come out and respond to those, and I know

[1:13:16] they're active in those areas.

[1:13:17] But I would leave that to them to comment on.

[1:13:20]

[1:13:27] Folks, probably him more.

[1:13:31] So I should have asked this question at first

[1:13:35] and I thought somebody else would,

[1:13:36] and I didn't wait for that reason.

[1:13:38] But anyway, I'm curious how active ice has been in Herndon.

[1:13:44] And are they reaching out to the police.

[1:13:49] And I'm in a group that's a national group

[1:13:55] for grassroots sort of gathering,

[1:13:58] and I have an opportunity to set up,

[1:14:02] a Herndon based group that might just help in whatever

[1:14:09] way might be possible.

[1:14:13] But I'm really curious about how active ice has been.

[1:14:18] So there's two different questions.

[1:14:19] There is how active.

[1:14:20] Are they.

[1:14:21] I don't know I don't keep track of what ICE does.

[1:14:24] They don't call me if they're working things in town.

[1:14:28] I don't seek them out.

[1:14:32] That's not our job.

[1:14:34] I have enough to do with just policing the town.

[1:14:38] It would be like sending my officers

[1:14:41] over to 495 to write parking or to write speeding tickets.

[1:14:44] It's not my jurisdiction.

[1:14:45] It's not my job.

[1:14:46] It's not what we do.

[1:14:48] That's does that answer your question.

[1:14:49] But that's fair.

[1:14:51] But I mean, as a citizen of Herndon who is concerned

[1:14:55] because it's already been mentioned,

[1:14:56] we have a very large Hispanic community.

[1:15:00] I have heard stories from other friends of mine who don't live

[1:15:03] in Herndon about people in their towns being negatively

[1:15:09] impacted or picked up or.

[1:15:11] By ICE.

[1:15:13] And I'm just wondering, resident of the town

[1:15:16] who really has an interest in that particular thing.

[1:15:21] And in trying to ensure that people's civil rights are.

[1:15:24]

[1:15:27] Adhered to.

[1:15:28] And I think there's power in people just being there.

[1:15:32] So we appreciate that.

[1:15:36] And I think that that's a general community thing that we

[1:15:40] all want our rights protected, the rights of all of us

[1:15:43] protected.

[1:15:45] Sorry we thank you and we all care about that.

[1:15:49] I will say, obviously, I've heard

[1:15:52] of anecdotally some activity here or there.

[1:15:56] I've not heard of a lot.

[1:15:57] I've heard a lot of fear regardless.

[1:16:00] So whether there is activity or is not activity,

[1:16:04] there is still a significant impact.

[1:16:07] So working with the schools, with communities that

[1:16:11] have large populations of non-English speakers,

[1:16:16] would be very helpful for any group to assist our community.

[1:16:20] I spent a lot of time in places, some apartment complexes

[1:16:24] and other communities that have large numbers

[1:16:27] of Spanish speaking and non-English speaking residents.

[1:16:32] It is a real fear.

[1:16:33] I know that our principals join me a lot of times

[1:16:36] in these communities as well.

[1:16:39] We are protecting them in the schools.

[1:16:41] They are more protected in our schools

[1:16:44] than they are at home alone.

[1:16:45] I get that question a lot.

[1:16:47] We've also worked with HPD on how to identify

[1:16:52] and for people to call the police station to confirm

[1:16:55] that it's not someone, that it is

[1:16:57] us, that it's not someone else.

[1:16:58] So we have changed protocols.

[1:17:00] We have policies around how we as a town behave,

[1:17:04] and that we're not asking immigration status

[1:17:06] unless there's a criminal effect,

[1:17:08] which then goes to the County.

[1:17:10] And so then just a quick follow up question.

[1:17:12] And so would be, is there a place

[1:17:16] that I could go as a citizen on the Facebook page

[1:17:19] or on the web page where I can see how the town responds,

[1:17:23] so that if I was to start forming a group like that, then

[1:17:27] we have the information to look at.

[1:17:32] I'll let him answer the question on the website.

[1:17:33] I don't think there is.

[1:17:35] I didn't see problems, but we can talk more privately.

[1:17:38] Yeah, I can already see there could be problems.

[1:17:41] Yes yeah.

[1:17:43] So I can withdraw my question.

[1:17:45]

[1:17:47] And I said, I'd be happy to discuss with you afterwards,

[1:17:50] if you like.

[1:17:51] I'll be around.

[1:17:51] OK perfect.

[1:17:52] Thank you.

[1:17:53]

[1:17:55] Other questions.

[1:17:59] Should chief keep the mic.

[1:18:01] Mike no.

[1:18:06] OK, well, we can adjourn.

[1:18:09] I appreciate everyone coming.

[1:18:11] Thank you so much.

[1:18:13] If you do think of questions, please reach

[1:18:14] out to me or to the clerk.

[1:18:17] They'll get those questions to us.

[1:18:18] We will take all the questions that came about.

[1:18:21] We'll also make sure that the slides get published.

[1:18:26] Whoever asked the question, did you also want all of my notes

[1:18:28] or did you want.

[1:18:29] That'd be awesome.

[1:18:30] OK, so we'll get that as well.

[1:18:32]

[1:18:36] All right thank you all so much.

[1:18:38] And there's some water and please get it for me.

[1:18:40]

[1:18:48] I'm fine.

[1:18:49]

Mayor LeBlanc - Community Conversation

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