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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
The following is a review of The Woodlands Township's regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. Meeting agendas are posted to the Township website 72 hours in advance of each meeting. Boardroom Briefings are distributed via email and posted to the Township website within one to two business days following each meeting.
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Arbor Day Proclamation
The Environmental Services Department of The Woodlands Township will hold the 48th Annual Arbor Day event on January 27, 2024, at Rob Fleming Park from 9 a.m. until Noon. Since 1977, The Woodlands has given away more than 1.5 million trees to residents. In honor of Arbor Day, the linked proclamation designates Saturday, January 27, 2024, as The Woodlands Arbor Day.
 Pictured above are Director Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Cindy Heiser, Environmental Services Manager Megan McNairn, Environmental Education Coordinator Kat Christensen, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Treasurer Richard Franks and Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.
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President and CEO Monique Sharp shared with the Board that the Township’s Parks and Recreation Department had recently won two awards from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society-East Region Awards.
2023 Maintenance of the Year Award
The Maintenance of the Year award for 2023, in relation to artificial turf maintenance, recognizes superior maintenance standards and practices, including creative approaches to problem-solving and innovative means and methods of maintaining park and recreational facilities.
 Pictured above are Director Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Mitch Hall, Parks Superintendent Jared Davis, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Cindy Heiser, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Treasurer Richard Franks.
2023 Lone Star Programming Award
The Lone Star Programming Award of the Year for 2023, in relation to the Aquatics High Sea Adventures program, recognizes innovative and effective recreation programs for any organization that has offered a new program to an audience for the first time. The High Sea Adventures was a passport program that was used as an incentive to encourage residents to visit different Township pools.
 Pictured above are Director Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Cindy Heiser, Aquatics Supervisor Cynthia Roberts, Aquatics Superintendent Marty Mulgrew, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Pamela Woods, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Treasurer Richard Franks and Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder.
Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder commented, “The Woodlands Township is so very fortunate to have such talented and dedicated staff and leadership; we applaud each and every one of you.”
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ACCEPTED - Report on Electric Bikes and Scooters on Pathways
Chief Operations Officer Chris Nunes provided a report to the Board of Directors regarding policies relating to electric vehicles (e-bikes/e-scooters) on the Township pathways. Township Order 019-09 prohibits using electric vehicles on the pathway. Nunes gave a history of the prohibition in the Township and information on Texas legislation regarding e-bikes and how it relates to the Township.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED - The Website Services Bid Award
Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen presented to the Board a proposal by Granicus to develop a more robust and user-friendly Township website. The new website will enhance users' experience and provide relative information to their addresses. The development of the website will kick off in February 2024, with an estimated go-live date in January 2025.
Treasurer Richard Franks commented, "This is a very thorough job; it is well thought out, and it looks like it is going to be great when it is complete."
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
APPROVED - The 2024 Pool Schedule and Pool and Park Fees
Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan proposed to the Board an updated 2024 pool operations schedule and changes in pool fees. The Township operates and maintains the village community pools and the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center. The change in pool fees requires the Township to hold a Public Meeting allowing residents to provide input; following the public hearing, the Board will vote to adopt the changes. The Public Hearing will be held on January 24, 2024. Residents may view the 2024 Pool Hours of Operation updates and the proposed 2024 Pool Fees.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED - The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Update
President of Visit The Woodlands Nick Wolda provided a report to the Board on activities surrounding the 50th Anniversary of The Woodlands. He shared that the Founding Sponsor, Howard Hughes, has developed a dedicated 50th Anniversary subsite on TheWoodlands.com. Residents and visitors can visit the site and learn more about how George P. Mitchell’s vision was brought to life. Articles and fun facts placed on the site are driven by a series of monthly content themes. Anniversary merchandise is also linked on the site through a partnership with Interfaith. Wolda encouraged the Board and those in the audience to submit photos that will be placed within a coffee-table-styled book showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of our beloved community.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
APPROVED - Proposal from the Public Restroom Company for Bear Branch Sportsfields
Funding has been allocated by the 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment for the design/renovation of restrooms and a playground at Bear Branch Sportsfields. These improvements will remove the current “bunker” restroom and berm and install a modular restroom, playground and other site amenities to enhance the park user experience. The Public Restroom Company proposed a near-turnkey design and build option, including two family restrooms, a men’s restroom and a storage area. The existing women's restroom will remain. This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Director Sekula-Gibbs.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
APPROVED - Amendment to Waste Management Contract
The Board approved an amendment to the Waste Management: Solid Waste Collection, Disposal and Recycling Collection Services Agreement and a 2024 Budget Amendment in connection therewith.
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The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:
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This Boardroom Briefing is NOT the official minutes of the meeting. Official minutes are posted online upon review and approval by the Board of Directors. The Township holds regular meetings twice per month. Unless otherwise posted, meetings will occur on the 3rd Thursday followed by the 4th Wednesday each month.
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