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Wednesday, September 25, 2024
The following is a recap 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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President and CEO Monique Sharp announced that Josie Lewis, Director of Sales for Visit The Woodlands, will be honored with the Texas Travel Alliance 2024 Rising Star Award. The award will be presented at the Texas Travel Summit in Houston this October. Josie has over a decade of experience in meetings and convention sales and holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston. Her career started in hotel operations before she moved into sales, eventually joining Visit The Woodlands.
 Pictured left to right: Vice President Kyle Watson, Secretary Linda Nelson, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Synder, Jackson Lewis, Director of Sales Josie Lewis, Director Dr. Shelly Sekula-Gibbs, Director Cindy Heiser, Treasurer Richard Franks.
Sharp also included in her report that the Township’s Communications Department received the prestigious Savvy Award for its weekly Talk of The Township E-newsletter at the 2024 City-County Communications & Marketing Association’s (3CMA) annual conference. The international first-place award, presented on September 5, 2024, in Arlington, Texas, recognizes excellence in marketing and communications among local governments across the United States and Canada. The Township’s Communications Project Manager, Kacie Gurney, spearheaded the redesign of Talk of the Township along with several other departmental newsletters. Residents can sign up for Township newsletters and more online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/subscribe.
 Pictured left to right: Vice President Kyle Watson, Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Cindy Heiser, Senior Communications Specialist Perry Frank, Communications Project Manager Kacie Gurney, Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Synder, Treasurer Richard Franks, Director Dr. Shelly Sekula-Gibbs.
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ACCEPTED – Report on The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Activities
Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, provided an overview of the upcoming events for The Woodlands’ 50th Anniversary, scheduled to take place from October 14 through October 19. The celebrations will begin on October 14 with a kick-off event and a time capsule ceremony at 10 a.m. at Hughes Landing. On October 15, a Day of Giving will encourage the community to give back, with Interfaith serving as the primary partner. October 16 will feature a tree planting and dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. at Northshore Park, followed by a mural unveiling on October 17 at 11 a.m. along The Woodlands Waterway near the south plaza of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Director Cindy Heiser announced that the mural will be created by artists Amy Malkan and Marlo Saucedo, who were selected through a process managed by The Woodlands Arts Council. The artists will begin work on the mural this Saturday.
The festivities continue on October 18 with a free concert sponsored by Howard Hughes and headlined by Lyle Lovett and featuring McCullough High graduates Jack Ingram and Hays Carll. The celebration will culminate on October 19 with a Grand Celebration produced by The Woodlands Township, featuring a drone show and fireworks display sponsored by Woodforest National Bank and Waste Connections, respectively. Secretary Linda Nelson provided additional information about the Day of Giving, highlighting the importance of community involvement and the partnership with Interfaith. Residents who would like to get involved with the Day of Giving can sign up online at TheWoodlands.com. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
APPROVED – Award of Contract for Commuter Bus Service Operations
Director of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ruthanne Haut, reviewed with the Board the proposals received for The Woodlands Express bus operations. Two proposals were received following the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP). First Class Transportation, the current contractor, scored the highest in the evaluation and is recommended for a new five-year contract, with options for five additional one-year renewals. The estimated total cost over five years is $29.24 million, funded by federal grants, fare revenue and local funds. The Township also plans to pursue additional federal credits to offset local costs. The Board unanimously awarded the bid to First Class Transportation.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM | VIEW PRESENTATION
ACCEPTED – Year-to-Date Financial Report
President and CEO Monique Sharp provided the Board with an update on the Township’s year-to-date financials. Financial performance for August 2024 showed positive results, with total year-to-date revenues of $106.6 million, exceeding the budget by $1.3 million. Sales tax collections were slightly above expectations, while event admission and mixed beverage taxes also contributed to the favorable variance. Property tax collections were slightly below budget due to timing, but this was offset by higher-than-expected interest income, program revenues, and grant contributions. Overall, the Township's financials remain strong, with operating expenditures also coming in under budget primarily due to unfilled staff positions and the timing of certain purchases and contracted services. The Township continues to manage expenses effectively, particularly in areas such as customer engagement, parks and recreation, and fire services. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM | VIEW PRESENTATION
ACCEPTED – Report on the Village Presidents' Council Activities
Treasurer Richard Franks shared an update from the recent Village Presidents' Council meeting, where President and CEO Monique Sharp delivered a review of the 2025 Township Budget. Franks highlighted that the presentation provided valuable clarity and perspective on the financial direction for the upcoming year, ensuring the members were well-informed on the Township's fiscal strategy and priorities.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
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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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Village association presidents present reports to the Board each month regarding activities and news from the villages. The following gave reports for their respective village associations:
- Village President Maryann Braid, Alden Bridge Village Association
- Village President JC Harville, Cochran’s Crossing Village Association
- Village President Tom Schwarzkopf, Sterling Ridge Village Association
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STREAM THE MEETING ONLINE |
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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 third Thursday followed by the fourth Wednesday each month.
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