Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board approves new Fire Engine, Proclamation honoring Jenny Taylor
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a regular board meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and discussed several community topics. The Board accepted an update on utility easements and installations clarifying that The Woodlands Township does not have regulatory authority over these matters. Fire Chief Palmer Buck presented a proposal to enhance wildfire response capabilities in The Woodlands by purchasing a BME Targhee Model 34 Type 3 fire engine, which offers off-road capability and increased water capacity for wildland-urban interface operations.
Proclamation Honoring Jenny Taylor
Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation honoring Jenny Taylor for her outstanding contributions to The Woodlands community as General Manager of Market Street. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and management, Jenny played a key role in positioning Market Street as a premier shopping, dining and travel destination. She also served on the Visit The Woodlands Board of Directors, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, contributing to economic development and charitable initiatives. In recognition of her dedication and impact, The Woodlands Township designated February 20, 2025, as Jenny Taylor Day.
REGULAR AGENDA
ACCEPTED REPORT – Utility Easements and Installations
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes provided an update on utility easements and installations, clarifying that The Woodlands Township does not have regulatory authority over these matters. Public utilities, such as AT&T and Tachus, have the right to place lines in the road right-of-way with only a notice requirement to the county, not a formal permit. Many front and side yards in the Township fall within this right-of-way, meaning any landscaping or irrigation installed by property owners may be subject to removal or damage without obligation for repair. Utilities working within designated easements generally repair damage caused during their work, but restoration in the right-of-way depends on the utility or its contractors. While the Township does not have enforcement power, it actively works with utility providers to mitigate damage and facilitate communication with residents, helping to ensure repairs are made whenever possible. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – BME Targhee Model 34 Type 3 Fire Engine Purchase
Fire Chief Palmer Buck presented a proposal to enhance wildfire response capabilities in The Woodlands by purchasing a BME Targhee Model 34 Type 3 fire engine, which offers off-road capability and increased water capacity for wildland-urban interface operations. The engine would replace an aging Type 6 brush truck at Station 4, with the new Type 6 arriving in 2026 to replace the brush truck at Station 8. The purchase reallocates $300,000 from the Capital Replacement Reserve and supplements it with $340,000 from the undesignated fund balance. The Board unanimously approved the $640,000 expenditure and approved the Siddons Martin Emergency Group H-GAC contract. VIEW PRESENTATION
APPROVED – Resolution No. 005-25 Casting Votes and Official Ballot for Montgomery Central
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey provided an update on the Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD) election process, which has changed under Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.0301. The Woodlands Township, classified as a conservation and reclamation district, is entitled to cast 130 votes in this phase of the election to determine which candidate will advance to the general election ballot. The Township previously nominated a candidate; however, the Board must now formally adopt a resolution specifying how its votes will be allocated among the seven candidates on the ballot. The Board adopted Resolution No. 005-25, casting all 130 votes for Arthur Bredehoft for the Montgomery Central Appraisal District official ballot. The resolution passed with a six-to-one vote, with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs abstaining.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Village Presidents’ Council
Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update on the recent Village Presidents’ Council meeting, where electric scooters on Township pathways were a key topic of discussion. Based on feedback from the Council, the Board agreed to consider a future agenda item on the issue. While the Township does not have ordinance-passing authority, the Board acknowledged the importance of discussing pathway safety.
CONSENT AGENDA
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 January 16, 2025 Regular Meeting, and the January 22, 2025 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
- Receive, consider and act upon the Communications Metrics Monthly Report;
- Receive, consider and act upon the 2024 capital project and operating expense carryovers and related 2025 budget amendment;
- Receive, consider and act upon a renewal of an agreement for network services (C-2025-0189);
Source: The Woodlands Township
