|
Monday, October 21, 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.
|
|
Veterans Day
Read by Treasurer Richard Franks, this proclamation emphasized the sacred trust held with those who serve in the U.S. military, recognizing their sacrifices, bravery, and commitment to defending American values of liberty, self-determination and equal opportunity. It also honored the continued contributions of veterans who serve the nation as civilians. A Veterans Day event will be held at Central Fire Station on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
 Pictured left to right: Vice Chairman Kyle Watson, Director Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson, Veteran Olin Brown, Veteran and Director of Governmental Affairs Todd Stephens, Veteran Wayne Gassman, Veteran and Treasurer Richard Franks, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Director Cindy Heiser.
The Woodlands Recycles Day
Director Brad Bailey read the proclamation declaring November 16, 2024, as The Woodlands Recycles Day. The proclamation highlighted The Woodlands Township’s commitment to George Mitchell’s vision of environmental sustainability through waste minimization and recycling efforts. With over 90% participation in the curbside recycling program, residents divert 1,000 tons of material from landfills each month. The Township’s award-winning Recycle Right program has achieved a low contamination rate of 13%, compared to the national average of 25%. The proclamation recognized the benefits of recycling, such as conserving resources, reducing pollution, and creating jobs. To celebrate, The Woodlands Township will host an Electronics Recycling Drive-Thru and Shred Day on November 16, 2024, to provide additional recycling opportunities for items not accepted curbside.
 Pictured left to right: Vice Chairman Kyle Watson, Secretary Linda Nelson, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Brad Bailey, Environmental Education Coordinator Grace DeCarlo, Environmental Services Manager Megan McNairn, Treasurer Richard Franks, Director Cindy Heiser, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.
|
|
|
President and CEO Monique Sharp acknowledged Jason Bean, a Senior Environmental Education Specialist with The Woodlands Township, for his leadership in the Township’s Mosquito Surveillance and Education Program. The program, in partnership with Education for Tomorrow’s Alliance (EfTA), was recently recognized for exceptional service in the organization’s Summer 2024 Internship Program. The partnership, ongoing for 10 years, has provided hands-on field and lab experience to around 40 students, focusing on mosquito disease prevention in the community. This marks the program’s second recognition for outstanding mentorship, and the Board expressed pride in Jason and his team’s dedication to excellence.
 Pictured left to right: Vice Chairman Kyle Watson, Director Cindy Heiser, Secretary Linda Nelson, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Sr. Environmental Education Specialist Jason Bean, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Treasurer Richard Franks, Director Brad Bailey.
|
|
APPROVED – Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill Road Art Structure
Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Todd Stephens, discussed The Woodlands Road Utility District #1 (WRUD #1) project for aesthetic improvements at the intersection of Woodlands Parkway and Grogan's Mill Road. The project includes landscaping and a proposed "First Fifty" Anniversary Sculpture in the median, marking the gateway from Interstate 45 into the residential villages and Town Center. Representatives from LANDology presented the $1.2 million sculpture project to the Board. Funding will come from various community partners, with $350,000 requested from the Township’s Cultural Projects Reserve, which currently holds $1.6 million and is funded from the events admissions tax. The Board unanimously approved the requested allocation of funding.
ACCEPTED – Quarterly Law Enforcement Reports
County law enforcement provided an update on third-quarter activities. There were over 13,000 service calls in July, a busy month, which decreased in August and September as school resumed. Crime categories showed a peak in summer, with notable activity involving fraud and forgery, often targeting residents through phone scams and social media. Officers emphasized the need for vigilance, advising residents to verify suspicious calls through reliable sources.
The discussion also covered auto thefts versus car burglaries and noted an overall decline in crime over the last five years due to increased officer presence funded by the Board. Traffic safety was highlighted as a concern, particularly on major roads like Gosling and areas with frequent speeding. Officers are focusing on visible enforcement and exploring potential tools to address red-light violations.
The Special Victims Unit for Crime’s Against Children reported 41 cases this quarter, showing increased productivity compared to last year. The unit leads Texas in felony charges against child predators, filing 74 charges to date. The unit's efforts are supported by cyber tips from the community and social media platforms, enhancing their ability to respond to suspected child exploitation cases. Recent operations have further boosted case numbers, reflecting the division's ongoing success. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
NO ACTION TAKEN – H-GAC Regional Transportation Plan Future Proposed Project to Widen Grogan’s Mill Road
The Board discussed at length the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s (H-GAC) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) which outlines strategic transportation investments over a 20-year period. The 2035 RTP includes a potential project for widening Grogan's Mill Road from four to six lanes between Woodlands Parkway and Research Forest Drive, however, the proposed project is not currently funded. The Township does not have authority over road construction, but has on occasion passed resolutions in support of or opposition to proposed roadway projects. The Board voted six to one, with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs in opposition, to take no action on a resolution at this time. A traffic study was also recommended in the approved motion.
SCHEDULED – Public Hearing on the Establishment of Fees for Certain Covenant Administration Permits
The Board scheduled a Public Hearing to be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. on the establishment of fees for certain Covenant Administration permits. Fees are not currently collected for certain permits provided by the Covenant Administration Department (CAD). The proposed fee program will offset costs of enhanced services like permitting, technical reviews and inspections. Currently, all community members share these costs, but the new program aims to shift fees to those requesting specific services. Base services, which preserve community design integrity and may require only staff approval, will not have fees. CAD reviewed permit fees from similar communities to set appropriate rates. The Board unanimously approved scheduling the public hearing.
ACCEPTED – September 2024 Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financial report for the nine months ending in September 2024. Key highlights included a slight shortfall in tax revenue, with actual collections falling $281,655 below budgeted expectations. Higher event admission, mixed beverage taxes and interest income offset these declines. Expenditures were $4.58 million under budget, mainly due to timing of expenses and open positions, but Hurricane Beryl debris removal added extra costs. Sales tax revenue was down 2.4% year-to-date, while hotel occupancy tax rose by 3%. Mixed beverage tax collections increased nearly 20%, contributing to overall financial stability despite minor revenue challenges. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – Bear Branch Park Parking Lot Improvements
Director of Parks and Recreation, John McGowan, discussed parking lot improvements based on the Bear Branch Park Master Plan. The proposed expansion will add over 100 parking spaces to support the growth of the park and its programs and serve as overflow parking for Bear Branch Sportsfields. Currently, events at the Sportsfields are limited on Sunday mornings due to a parking agreement with a neighboring church, restricting the ability to host events and tournaments. The expanded parking lot will also improve traffic flow by eliminating dead-end areas that complicate maneuverability around the facility. The goal of this project is to have the parking available summer 2025. The Board unanimously approved the project.
APPROVED – Alden Bridge Sports Park Renovation Project Phase 1: Design
Director of Parks and Recreation, John McGowan, discussed renovation plans and funding for Alden Bridge Sports Park. The plans have been developed over the past year with input from user groups and various studies, including drainage, wetland and utility analyses. The Township has obtained a permit from TxDOT to add a second park entrance at Twinvale Drive and SH 242, and the SH 242 pathway project will connect to the park to improve access. The renovation will occur in phases. A key focus of the project is to expand parking, minimizing the need for visitors to park along SH 242.
Phase I of the renovation includes adding 224 parking spaces, building a restroom for the multi-purpose field and establishing a second entrance. It also features converting Field 3 into a "championship field" with all-weather turf, bleachers, the addition of a scoreboard and adding a new grass field south of Fields 1 and 2. Additional amenities such as a adding an additional field, playground, bleachers and awnings may be added if funding allows.
The Board unanimously approved the proposed plan, and authorized Halff Associations, Inc., through a Task Order for design, bidding management and construction administration services related to the project.
ACCEPTED – The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Events and Activities Recap
President and CEO Monique Sharp expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of The Woodlands 50th anniversary celebration. She began by acknowledging the efforts and contributions of Howard Hughes. Sharp thanked sponsors, community partners, businesses and residents for their support and involvement. She extended her appreciation to the Township Board for their leadership and collaboration, specifically recognizing the original and current members of the 50th Anniversary Committee. Sharp gave special recognition to the Township staff, who dedicated significant time and effort over the past two years, with a focused push in the last 15 months. Sharp concluded by expressing her pride in the collective effort and the joy of working with the entire team to make the celebration a success. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – Proposed Revision to the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Strategic Initiatives
President of Visit The Woodlands, Nick Wolda, presented a revision to the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Strategic Initiatives that would allow the committee to explore options for addressing parking issues in Town Center. This initiative is linked to broader transportation studies, emphasizing a balanced approach to support residents, businesses and visitors. Although the Board is not the final authority, they aim to involve experts to guide decisions on parking management moving forward. The Board unanimously approved the revision.
ACCEPTED – Village Presidents’ Council Report
Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update on the latest meeting of the Village Presidents’ Council that was held on October 7, 2024. During the meeting updates were provided with regard to the 50th Anniversary celebrations in addition to a presentation given by Erich Peterson, the General Manager of Woodlands Water. Woodlands Water is forming a committee that includes representatives from the municipal utility districts, the village associations, the Township and additional community members to improve communication and collaboration, fostering a better understanding of ongoing projects at all levels. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
|
|
|
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:
-
Receive, consider and act upon approval of the minutes of the August 19, Board Budget Workshop #1, August 20, Board Budget Workshop #2, August 21, Board Budget Workshop #3, September 5, 2024 Public Hearing, September 19, 2024 Regular Meeting, and the September 25, 2024 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
-
Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Community Services;
-
Receive, consider and act upon the Communications Metrics Monthly Report;
-
Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
-
Receive, consider and act upon an Assignment of Reservations of Pathway Easements from The Woodlands Land Development Company (SH 242 Pathway)(P-2024-0638);
-
Receive, consider and act upon a contract extension for the 2025 Fall Surfacing Agreement (C-2022-0483);
-
Receive, consider, and act upon the approval of advanced procurement of Parks and Recreation Department trucks and equipment;
-
Receive, consider and act upon an award of proposal for the replaster and deck refurbishment of Bear Branch Pool (C-2024-0631) and deck refurbishment of Sawmill Pool and Sprayground (C-2024-0632);
-
Receive, consider and act upon the approval of advanced procurement for the Safe Haven Baby Box;
-
Receive, consider and act upon a letter in support of the application of Gourmet Foods International for a subzone for Foreign-Trade Zone #265;
|
|
|
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:
-
President Maryann Braid, Alden Bridge Village Association
-
President JC Harville, Cochran’s Crossing Village Association
-
President Ted Stanley, College Park Village Association
-
President Nancy Becker, Creekside Park Village Association
-
President Aaron Hoffstadter, Grogan’s Mill Village Association
-
President Michael Saucier, Indian Springs Village Association
|
|
STREAM THE MEETING ONLINE |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
