Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board discusses community topics: October declared Dyslexia Awareness Month and firefighters honored for flood relief efforts
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025. During the meeting, the board designated October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Members of The Woodlands Fire Department who assisted with the recent flooding in the Hill Country were recognized. The board also received updates from Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District and more!
SEPTEMBER 25 REGULAR MEETING
PROCLAMATIONS
National Dyslexia Awareness Month Proclamation: Treasurer Richard Franks read a proclamation designating October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation recognized the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and highlighted the importance of early identification, specialized instruction and community support. It also acknowledged the efforts of local and national organizations that empower and advocate for families impacted by dyslexia.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President and CEO Monique Sharp recognized members of The Woodlands Fire Department who assisted with recent flooding in the Hill Country. Fifteen employees were deployed for multi-week assignments as part of Texas A&M Task Force 1, the Texas Interagency Fire Mutual Aid System and the Emergency Medical Task Force. The Board expressed appreciation to the following individuals for their service: Driver/Operator Bryan Crivelli and K9 Pferal, Driver/Operator Mike Iacino, Driver/Operator Christian Parsons, Firefighter Justin Bumpass, Firefighter Paul Taylor, Lieutenant Manuel Adler, Lieutenant Roald Hoppel, Driver/Operator Michael Schwartzkopf, Driver/Operator Travis Nicholson, Firefighter Roger Risley, Firefighter Nate Perez, Firefighter Jake Shelton, Firefighter Kameron Delaney, Lieutenant Josh Thomas and Lieutenant Jacob Austin.
REGULAR AGENDA
ACCEPTED REPORT – Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Update: Sarah Kouba with the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District provided an overview of the District’s regulatory authority and methods of management, including district rules and desired future conditions. She explained the role of the District as a political subdivision created in 2001 to preserve and protect groundwater resources while balancing property rights and water use. The presentation covered the Gulf Coast Aquifer, regional planning processes, maximum available groundwater, growth and drought impacts, pumping levels, subsidence and well spacing rules. Kouba emphasized conservation, collaboration among agencies, stronger drought contingency planning and continued public engagement. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – August 2025 Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the August 2025 financial report. Year-to-date budgeted revenue was $112,306,043 with $116,562,827 collected for a favorable variance of $4,256,784. The favorable variance is attributed to a favorable variance in sales tax, program revenues and unbudgeted grants/contributions and conveyance agreement proceeds. Year-to-date budgeted expenditures were $90,929,779 with $83,485,070 spent, for a favorable variance of $7,444,709. The favorable variance is due to the timing of purchases and salary and benefit savings from open positions. The largest variance is in law enforcement and is due to the timing of the purchase of MCSO vehicles and equipment. September sales tax totaled $60,475,763 year-to-date and is $2,066,531 above budget and 8.7 percent higher than the same time period in 2024. Hotel occupancy tax revenue was $6,939,230 year-to-date, which is ($18,349) below budget and $155,953 higher than the same time period in 2024. Mixed Beverage tax collections were $1,096,016, $30,341 above budget and consistent with year-to-date in 2024. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Respect the Path Educational Initiative Update
Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen gave an update on the Respect the Path initiative, launched in early August to build safety and awareness on the Township’s 220 miles of pathways. The Fire Department has tracked incidents since July with most involving teens, few wearing helmets and a mix of bicycles and electric devices. Campaign work so far includes twice-weekly social media posts, Talk of the Township features, inclusion in The Woodlands Community Magazine, new pathway signage, rack cards and a Public Safety Partner Video with nearly 27,000 views that was also shared by Conroe ISD. Neighborhood Services will incorporate the campaign into Walk and Roll to School at 13 campuses with additional events planned. The Communications team is developing a response toolkit, creating holiday-specific messages and continuing to track incident data with partner agencies. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Village Presidents’ Council Update
Treasurer Director Franks provided a brief update on the most recent Village Presidents’ Council meeting. Jordan Watson with Howard Hughes’ Community and Government Affairs team provided an update to the Village Presidents’ Council on current projects. She noted new restaurants announced for The Woodlands and shared that work is underway to address issues in public areas. 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 the Communications Metrics Monthly Report;
- Receive, consider and act upon the First Amendment to the 2023-2025 Unleaded Fuel Bulk Supply Service Agreement (C-2022-2010A1);
- Receive, consider and act upon an extension of the Event Production Services Service Agreement (C-2022-0193A1);
- Receive, consider and act upon the First Amendment to the Other Arboriculture Services Service Agreement with King Solomon’s Tree Service, Inc. (C-2022-0218A);
- Receive, consider, and act upon the procurement and installation of new LED lighting for the lower Waterway fountain and the purchase and installation of thermal cover replacements at Creekwood, Forestgate and Sawmill Pools;
- Receive, consider and act upon a one-year contract extension with Wells Fargo Bank (C-2016-0199);
- Receive, consider and act upon Resolution No. 016-25 adopting Investment Policies and Guidelines for The Woodlands Township;
- Receive, consider and act upon Resolution No. 017-25, Adopting List of Qualified Brokers Authorized to Engage in Investment Transactions with The Woodlands Township;
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
- Vice President Paul Schuh, College Park Village Association
- Vice President Bella Cruz, Grogan’s Mill Village Association
- President Andrew Freeman, Panther Creek Village Association
Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
Source: The Woodlands Township
