ACCEPTED REPORT – February 2025 Communications Metrics Monthly Report

Chairman Brad Bailey requested to pull the Communications Department Monthly Metrics Report for discussion. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to inform the public about vine removal and other projects that impact the community. Bailey encouraged the incorporation of more video content into the Township’s communications. Director Cindy Heiser expressed support, noting that she appreciates the department’s efforts and welcomes opportunities to do more. Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder added that she has received numerous compliments from residents regarding the volume of communications being shared by the department. The Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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AWARDED BIDS – Award of Bids for Playground Equipment at Artist Grove Park, High Oaks Park, Alden Trace Park, Alden Woods Park and Alden Place Park

Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder pulled the item awarding bids for playground equipment from the consent agenda to highlight the Parks and Recreation Department’s work and provide additional context for residents interested in the playground replacement process.   

Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan presented information on the upcoming renovations at Artist Grove Park, High Oaks Park, Alden Trace Park, Alden Woods Park and Alden Place Park. He noted that The Woodlands has 95 playgrounds across approximately 90 parks. The department follows a plan that recommends playground replacement every 17 to 20 years.   

McGowan explained that six department staff members are certified playground safety inspectors who annually evaluate all playgrounds for age, wear, condition, safety standards and community feedback. Playgrounds selected for replacement are those determined to be outdated or in high demand for upgrades based on resident input. The Board unanimously approved the bids as presented.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Post-Hurricane Beryl Recovery Update 

Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan provided an update on cleanup efforts following Hurricane Beryl, which brought wind gusts up to 78 mph and four inches of rain to The Woodlands on July 8, 2024. The department assisted with emergency road clearing during the storm and responded to 232 work orders in the immediate aftermath of the storm.   

McGowan reported that approximately 860 trees were lost following the storm, contributing to a total of 7,098 trees removed from Township property in 2024. The unusually high number was the result of both Hurricane Beryl and drought-related stress from 2023. By comparison, the Township typically removes about 800 trees in a normal year.  

Reforestation efforts are ongoing under the Integrated Forest Management Plan. The Board of Directors significantly increased funding for reforestation in 2024 with a $1 million allocation and maintained that level of support in 2025. The Board also took the opportunity to discuss the reforestation process, recognizing it as an important topic for the community. The Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Reforestation in County-Owned Medians

Chief Operations Officer Dr. Chris Nunes presented a detailed overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with reforestation in county-owned right-of-way medians. While The Woodlands Township maintains certain landscape features, such as enhanced median tips, the majority of medians are under the jurisdiction of Montgomery County, Harris County and the Texas Department of Transportation. Planting in these areas requires county approval and presents additional challenges, including sightline requirements, drainage concerns, underground utilities and future road improvements.   

The presentation gave the Board of Directors an opportunity to learn more about the community’s Integrated Forest Management Plan and discuss how it guides current reforestation efforts. Dr. Nunes emphasized the difference between managed, maintained and manicured forests, and explained how The Woodlands’ unique landscape of narrow forest strips requires a specialized approach to forest health, vine removal and tree replacement.   

Board members also used the discussion to consider areas of the community where they would like to see more tree plantings, including potential partnerships with the counties. While $1 million has been allocated in the 2025 budget for reforestation on Township-maintained property, any planting in county-owned medians may require a budget amendment or consideration during the 2026 budget planning process. The Board unanimously accepted the report.    

“The goal of The Woodlands is sustainability and to live in harmony with nature in a natural forest,” said Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “Whatever we can do to support that is important.”  

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APPROVED – 2025 Budget Calendar and Meeting Schedule 

Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented two proposed calendar options for the 2025 budget process and a related amendment to the Board’s 2025 meeting schedule. The calendars were designed to align with state requirements for setting the 2025 property tax rate and adopting the 2026 budget.   

The Board unanimously agreed to hold budget workshops from August 18 to 22, 2025. This schedule allows the Board to consider certified property values and tax rate calculations prior to making final budget decisions.  

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APPROVED RESOLUTION – Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election Ballot and Resolution 

Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented the official ballot and resolution for The Woodlands Township’s participation in the Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD) Board of Directors election. The Township, treated as a conservation and reclamation district, is entitled to cast 130 votes in the election under recent changes to the Texas Property Tax Code.   

Following discussion, the Board voted 6 to 1 to cast all 130 votes for Arthur Bredehoft and authorized the Board Chairman to sign and submit the official ballot and resolution.  

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Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation recognizing the 45th anniversary of the Women of The Woodlands Newcomers Club. Established in 1980, the nonprofit social club has welcomed women new to the community and encouraged involvement in the social and civic life of The Woodlands. The proclamation celebrated the club’s role in fostering connection, friendship and a strong sense of community over the past four decades. March 1, 2025, was officially proclaimed as Women of The Woodlands Newcomers Club 45th Anniversary Day in The Woodlands, Texas.  

READ THE PROCLAMATION 

Earth Month in The Woodlands

Director Cindy Heiser read a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Earth Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation highlighted the community’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and support of initiatives such as composting and gardening classes, Arbor Day events, recycling drives, mosquito education and pollinator habitat creation. Residents, businesses and institutions were encouraged to participate in Earth Month activities that raise awareness, promote sustainability and help preserve the environment for future generations.  

READ THE PROCLAMATION | LEARN MORE ABOUT EARTH MONTH 

ACCEPTED REPORT – Update on Waterway Square Fountain Repairs 

Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan provided an update on the $3.5 million Waterway Square Fountain repair project, which is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax reserves. The Township has partnered with Halff Associates for engineering services and has reviewed multiple vendor proposals for the highly specialized fountain work. One vendor has been selected to move forward with schematic design.   

The schematic design phase will include a thorough review of previous assessments, current functionality and future performance goals. Once completed and approved, the project will advance to construction documents and ultimately to bidding or cooperative purchasing, depending on availability.   

McGowan recognized the Town Center and Aquatics staff for their ongoing efforts to keep the fountain operational in the meantime. While the music feature is currently offline, the fountain continues to run and remains an active centerpiece for events like Waterway Nights. The Board unanimously accepted the report.   

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Presentation on Microtransit Service in Town Center

Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut gave a presentation to the Board outlining a potential microtransit service for The Woodlands Town Center. The app-based, on-demand service would aim to improve first-mile/last-mile connectivity, reduce short vehicle trips and provide flexible, electric vehicle transit within a defined service area.   

The presentation highlighted benefits such as increased accessibility and environmental friendliness, as well as challenges like higher per-ride operating costs and the need for public education. A case study from Fort Lauderdale and funding models were also shared.   

No action was taken by the Board. The report was unanimously accepted, with the possibility of further discussion during the upcoming strategic planning session or 2026 budget planning workshops.  

 “We have a lot to think about,” said Secretary Linda Nelson. “My experience using [the micro] circuit in Fort Lauderdale really showed the benefits — from ADA accessibility to reduced parking issues and even the drivers promoting local activities. It was a great service, and I can see how something like this could work here.”  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Improving Cell Service in The Woodlands 

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer William Pham provided a report on the ongoing challenges related to improving cellular coverage in The Woodlands. The community continues to experience coverage gaps and capacity issues in areas such as Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, parts of Town Center and Lake Woodlands. These issues result in dropped calls, poor service during high-demand events and resident frustration.   

Pham outlined the Township’s past efforts to collaborate with major carriers and the constraints of building new towers, including land use restrictions, space requirements, visual concerns and limited available property. He also reviewed alternative solutions, such as small cell installations on existing buildings and utility poles, though those have limited range and backup capabilities.   

No action was taken by the Board, but the report was unanimously accepted. The Board directed staff to return with additional information on potential solutions in Township parks, legal considerations and budget impacts.  While funding is available for legal review, additional funding would be required to advance or implement potential solutions.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – February 2025 Financial Report 

Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financial report through February 2025. Revenues totaled $63.6 million, exceeding the year-to-date budget by $2.1 million. The positive variance was driven by strong sales tax performance and an unbudgeted $750,000 contribution from the Montgomery County Hospital District for Fire Station 5. The contribution from the Hospital District ties to a fire station co-housing agreement signed in January of this year.   

Expenditures were $17 million, approximately $3 million under budget, due largely to the timing of departmental spending. The report also highlighted favorable trends in sales tax categories, including retail trade and manufacturing. The Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Report 

President Nick Wolda presented the Q4 2024 report for Visit The Woodlands. The Township recorded $10.3 million in hotel tax collections in 2024 for the first time in its history, a 7.5 percent year-over-year increase. Sales tax and mixed beverage tax revenues were also up 2.1 and 23.4 percent, respectively.   

Wolda highlighted key 2024 marketing and branding efforts, including a new logo, the Waterway Wonderland campaign and express bus wraps. Digital engagement and advertising impressions reached record levels, while the sales team booked 57 meetings and worked 422 leads.   

Looking ahead, Visit The Woodlands has set goals for 2025 that include generating $10.5 million in hotel tax revenue, distributing 25,000 visitor guides and reaching 81 million advertising impressions. The Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Update on Ad Hoc Government Relations Committee

Director Cindy Heiser provided an update on the activities of the Ad Hoc Government Relations Committee. She reported that members met with the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office to discuss how state-level economic leads are distributed and held multiple meetings with Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler and the Township’s lobbying team to explore potential economic development incentives.   

While the committee reviewed legislative options related to Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, no immediate opportunities were identified for the current legislative session. The committee will continue monitoring developments and work closely with the County and the Economic Development Partnership.   

Heiser also addressed Senate Bill 1452, which proposes that management districts hold elections every 10 years to determine whether they should continue to exist. She cautiously assured the Board that, based on conversations with the lobbying team and testimony presented to the Senate committee, The Woodlands Township is not the target of the bill and is not expected to be negatively impacted.  

Following discussion of the Township’s lobbying service agreements and ongoing regulatory matters involving CenterPoint, which the committee continues to monitor, the Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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ACCEPTED REPORT – Village President’s Council Report 

Treasurer Richard Franks reported that all village presidents attended the recent council meeting, which included a wildfire prevention presentation by Chief Palmer Buck and updates on a new fire awareness brochure. The group discussed improving village election turnout, refining magazine submissions and potential village involvement in the Fourth of July parade. Franks noted the meeting was collaborative and productive. The Board unanimously accepted the report.  

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APPROVED – Additional Light Display for The Woodlands Waterway Wonderland 

Following executive session, the Board voted 5-2 to add a manger scene and menorah to The Woodlands Waterway Wonderland light display. Vice Chairman Craig Eissler and Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder voted in opposition. The additions will cost approximately $5,715 annually under a five-year contract.