Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board discusses community topics: electric vehicles on the pathways, an emergency preparedness plan and more
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held regular meetings on June 19 and 25, 2025, to discuss several community topics, including electric vehicles on the Pathways, an Emergency Preparedness plan, an update from CenterPoint Energy and more.
JUNE 19 REGULAR MEETING
PROCLAMATIONS
Parks and Recreation Month: The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month in The Woodlands, Texas. The proclamation recognized the importance of the community’s 151 parks, 14 pools, more than 220 miles of pathways, greenbelts, two recreation centers, two boat houses and an aerial adventure course. It highlighted the value of parks and recreation in promoting health, wellness, environmental stewardship and community connection. Residents are encouraged to follow the Township on social media throughout July for information on community happenings, and to watch a five-minute video launching July 1 that showcases the Township’s extensive park system and recreation amenities.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President and CEO Monique Sharp recognized the Communications Department for receiving two awards at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Annual Conference held earlier this month. The Woodlands Community Magazine earned a first-place award, with judges commending its alignment of goals and content, high-quality design and overall impact. The Township also received a third-place Award of Excellence in the Special One-Time Event category for the 50th Anniversary Celebration campaign, with judges highlighting its thoughtful planning and creative commemorative elements.
REGULAR AGENDA
ACCEPTED REPORT – Electric Vehicles on the Pathways
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented an overview of the Township’s current prohibition on electric vehicles (e-vehicles) on the pathway system and discussed the challenges associated with enforcement. Although electric vehicles remain prohibited under Township Order No. 019-09, their use has increased significantly, particularly among youth. Following discussion, the Board directed staff to immediately begin public education efforts focused on pathway safety and etiquette for all users, regardless of device type. The Board will consider whether to modify or remove the prohibition on electric vehicles at an upcoming meeting. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Emergency Preparedness Briefing
Fire Chief Palmer Buck, Chief Technology Officer William Pham, and Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen provided the Board with a comprehensive overview of The Woodlands Township’s emergency preparedness efforts. The presentation included key components of the Emergency Operations Plan and detailed recent and ongoing initiatives, such as the purchase of a new emergency alert system with expanded capabilities and the planned installation of a full-facility generator at Town Hall to ensure continuity of operations during outages. The update also addressed internet and cellular connectivity issues experienced during Hurricane Beryl, which prompted the Board’s efforts to strengthen communication infrastructure and expand network reliability. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Single Audit Reports
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw reported that the Township’s annual independent financial audit was completed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and resulted in an unmodified, or clean, opinion with no misstatements. In addition to the overall financial audit, a single audit was conducted on federally funded transportation grant programs, which also received clean reports. The audit communications letter confirmed there were no adjustments, difficulties or disagreements with management during the audit process. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens provided the Board with an overview of the complex and evolving election process for the Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. The election is currently in the nomination phase, with a July 15 deadline for jurisdictions to submit nominees. Due to recent changes in state law and ongoing questions about eligibility, particularly concerning conservation and reclamation districts like the Township, the appraisal district is scheduled to meet to clarify which positions are open and who is eligible to nominate. The Board discussed the potential re-nomination of Arthur Bredehoft but deferred formal action until the upcoming meeting when more information will be available. The Board accepted the report by unanimous vote.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Village Presidents’ Council Report
Treasurer Richard Franks provided a report on the recent Village Presidents’ Council meeting, noting a productive discussion and effective communication regarding ongoing projects by Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 3 Ritch Wheeler. He also shared that the Council members engaged in a detailed conversation about their roles in supporting the upcoming Fourth of July Parade and expressed appreciation for their commitment to serve as water station volunteers and event helpers.
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 Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department
- Receive, consider and act upon a pathway easement from Indian Springs Section 31 Homeowners Association, Inc. (P-2025-0237)
- Receive, consider and act upon an award of bid to Progressive Commercial Aquatics, LLC, doing business as Landmark Aquatic, (Buy Board #701-23) for pool slide replacement at Lakeside and Alden Bridge Pools (C-2022-0223)
- Receive, consider, and act upon a contract extension with Ambassador Services, LLC for the Town Center Landscape Maintenance Service Agreement (C-2022-0108) and the Community Facilities Landscape Maintenance Service Agreement (C-2022-0301)
- Receive, consider and act upon the Federal Transit Administration’s required annual review and approval of The Woodlands Township’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan
- Receive, consider and act upon Resolution No. 010-25 regarding the Annual Report on Financial Information and Operating Data for the disclosure filing pertaining to Sales Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2019; Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2019; and Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2021
- Receive, consider and act upon an amendment to the 2025 Service Agreement between The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, doing business as Visit The Woodlands and The Woodlands Township, to include branded elevator clings on Township-owned property (C-2025-0064)
JUNE 25 SPECIAL & REGULAR MEETING
SPECIAL PRE-BUDGET MEETING
The Board of Directors held a special Pre-Budget meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to discuss and review the Township’s 2025 budget in advance of the formal budget workshops scheduled for August. Staff provided an overview of the Township’s operating budgets, excluding more complex areas such as Transportation and Visit The Woodlands, which will be addressed in greater detail during the workshops. No action was taken during the meeting.
REGULAR AGENDA
ACCEPTED REPORT – Report from CenterPoint Energy
Aaron Minervine, Service Area Director for CenterPoint Energy, provided an update to the Board on electricity service and resiliency efforts in areas of The Woodlands Township served by CenterPoint, including the Village of Creekside Park, a portion of Sterling Ridge and two smaller areas in Grogan’s Mill. Following extended outages during Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint responded to resident concerns and Board inquiries by outlining recent system improvements. As part of the company’s Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, CenterPoint has installed over 26,000 storm-resilient poles, undergrounded more than 400 miles of power lines, deployed over 5,000 automation devices, cleared more than 6,000 miles of vegetation and added 100 weather-monitoring stations. These upgrades, completed ahead of the 2025 hurricane season, are expected to significantly enhance reliability and reduce outage durations throughout the greater Houston region, including areas within The Woodlands Township. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – May 2025 Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financial report for May 2025, noting that year-to-date revenues totaled $90.1 million, exceeding the budgeted $87.1 million by $3 million. This favorable variance was primarily driven by higher-than-expected sales tax collections, increased program revenues and unbudgeted contributions, including funds for Fire Station 5 and a grant from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Expenditures through May were $50.8 million, below the budgeted $56.1 million, resulting in a favorable expenditure variance of $5.3 million due to timing differences and unfilled positions across several departments. Sales tax collections through May totaled $41.4 million, reflecting a 9.3 percent increase over the same period in 2024. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – Correspondence with Community Partners Regarding E-vehicle Safety Awareness
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens presented draft letters intended for local schools, elected officials, adjacent communities and other stakeholders to support a collaborative public education initiative on e-vehicle awareness and safety. The letters were developed in response to Board direction from the previous meeting and are designed to build regional awareness around e-scooter and e-bike use. Board members recommended broad distribution, including to all adjacent county commissioners and private schools, and requested that all Board member signatures be included to reflect a unified position. Staff will provide the final recipient list to the Board and continue monitoring for any state-level legislative opportunities to address micro-mobility regulations. The Board unanimously approved the letters for finalization and distribution.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Montgomery Central Appraisal District 2026 Board of Directors Election
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens informed the Board that The Woodlands Township received formal notification on June 20 that conservation and reclamation districts, including the Township, will not be eligible to participate in the 2026 Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors election. Although one district submitted the required letter to initiate the election process, it was later deemed ineligible under the Texas Property Tax Code, resulting in no qualifying entity calling the election. Stephens explained that, in response to prior concerns, the appraisal district has committed to notifying districts earlier in future election cycles, although state law does not currently require advance notice. He also clarified that Board-supported nominee Arthur Bredehoft’s current term will expire at the end of this year due to a recount of qualifying votes in the prior election. Bredehoft may seek reappointment through another eligible entity for this year’s election. All future appraisal district board appointee terms will begin January 1 and last four years, in accordance with the revised law. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Harris Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens briefed the Board on the nomination process for the Harris Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. Unlike Montgomery County, conservation and reclamation districts in Harris County, including the Township, are eligible to participate in the 2026 Board of Directors election. Two positions are set to expire on December 31, and eligible districts may nominate one candidate. Stephens explained that all nominations will be collected, and a ballot will be returned to participating entities at a later date to vote on a single candidate for submission to the final ballot. While the Board was not obligated to nominate a candidate, Stephens outlined basic eligibility requirements. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Report
Visit The Woodlands President Nick Wolda delivered the quarterly update to the Board, highlighting continued efforts to strengthen tourism, boost hotel occupancy and attract group travel. The summer travel campaign is well underway, supported by a multimedia strategy that includes placements during Astros games and local programming. Wolda shared the successful launch of a local rebate gift card program and the addition of Vonlane’s executive bus service to Dallas, which has been well received by travelers and could expand to Austin. He also noted ongoing work with hotel partners to advance the creation of a Tourism Public Improvement District. An RFP has been issued to assess future hotel and convention space needs with the goal of maintaining The Woodlands’ long-term competitiveness as a premier destination. While April data showed a modest dip in hotel demand, Visit The Woodlands is implementing new promotional strategies and scheduling improvements to support recovery and continued growth. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
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 Administrative Reports for Community Services
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for May 2025
- Receive, consider and act upon the 2025-2028 Non-Standard Roadway Enhancement Repairs Contract (C-2024-0327)
- Receive, consider and act upon a budget amendment related to Starlink services for emergency preparedness (C-2025-0366)
- Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Funding of Precinct 3 Constables (Law Enforcement Investigative Services – Internet Crimes Against Children/Safe Harbor Program) (C-2025-0001)
- Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Interim Funding of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (Law Enforcement Investigative Services – Crimes Against Children/Safe Harbor Program)(C-2025-0002)
- Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Interim Funding of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 (C-2025-0003)
- Receive, consider and act upon an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for the provision of Law Enforcement Services provided through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (C-2020-0307A)
- Receive, consider, and act upon an Interlocal Agreement between the Lone Star College System and The Woodlands Township for Emergency Training Center facilities use (C-2025-0365)
- Receive, consider and act upon a termination of bid for depository banking and merchant services (C-2025-0128)
VILLAGE ASSOCIATION REPORTS
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 Nancy Becker, Creekside Park Village Association
- President Aaron Hoffstadter, Grogan’s Mill Village Association
Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
Source: The Woodlands Township
