The Woodlands Township Board holds Dec. 4 meeting, Park Restroom Renovation scheduled to begin January

The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

REGULAR AGENDA  

Items 7.f and 7.l were removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda for further discussion and consideration. 

APPROVED – Contract Extension with Community Impact Printing for The Woodlands Community Magazine
The Board unanimously approved a contract extension with Community Impact Printing for the printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine, a widely read publication that serves as a primary source of information about Township events, programs and initiatives. Mailed to residents every other month, the magazine will benefit from a new GIS technology that enhances distribution accuracy, ensuring efficient delivery while saving the Township money.

“I think this is an incredible publication and your team has done a great job,” said Chairman Brad Bailey. “I personally believe we are getting more eyeballs on it than ever before.” 

APPROVED – Award of Bid for Park Restroom Renovation Services
Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan updated The Board on plans to renovate park restrooms, some of which are over 40 years old. The project will standardize fixtures, improve cleanliness with new paint and flooring and enhance maintenance efficiency. Currently, four restrooms are set for renovation, with plans to address up to 10 total, completing two at a time to minimize disruptions. Temporary facilities, such as porta-potties, will ensure restroom availability during renovations. The work is scheduled to begin in January, with each restroom taking approximately three weeks to complete at an average cost of $50,000. The Board unanimously approved the award of bid to RCC Group. 

ACCEPTED – Annual Report from The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) CEO Gil Staley presented his final annual report, reflecting on 20 years of leadership. Highlights included the recruitment of major companies like Bionova Scientific, Kodiak Gas Services and Texas Capital Bank, with efforts leading to significant job growth and economic vitality. The EDP also engaged in international and regional partnerships to attract life sciences and innovative businesses. Staley emphasized the area’s ranking as a top place to live and work, showcasing its diverse economy and resilient job market. He announced his successor, Jevon Gibb, to continue advancing the community’s economic goals. The Board unanimously accepted the report. 

“I want to express gratitude for all you have done for The Woodlands,” said Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs. “Without the generation of jobs and sales tax we would not be able to provide the amenities that we do to our taxpayers.”

APPROVED – 2025 Service Agreement with The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
Following the EDP’s annual report, the Board unanimously approved the 2025 Service Agreement with The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. During the FY 2025 budget meetings held in August 2024, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved operational funding for The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership not to exceed $195,000.

ACCEPTED – Quarterly Update from the Development Standards Committee (DSC)
Development Standards Committee (DSC) Chairman Walt Lisiewski provided an update on the committee’s work this year which included hearing 930 applications, focusing on residential updates, tree standards, fence revisions and home business impacts. Key achievements included storm-related fee waivers, commercial redevelopment and addressing short-term rental violations. A SWOT analysis of standards was initiated with the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). Lisiewski announced his retirement after nearly a decade, expressing pride in the DSC’s contributions and gratitude for community support. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

“I would like to echo and thank you for your dedication and your commitment to the committee,” said Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “What I have seen happen during my tenure and throughout your leadership is that you have brought us to a new level. In the past 10 years we have grown immensely, and we have also aged, and you have addressed those challenges.”

ADOPTED – Amendments to Township Order No. 020-09, Adopting Park User Fees and revisions to the 2025 Recreation Facility Operating Hours
Following a Public Hearing, the Board unanimously approved amendments to Township Order No. 020-09. Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan provided an overview of fee adjustments and operating hours discussed during the November 20, 2024, meeting. 

AUTHORIZED – Resolution No. 016-24 Casting the Township’s votes for the Harris Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed the Harris Central Appraisal District Board of Directors election process with the Board. As a conservation reclamation district, the Township can cast five votes in the election. After considering the eight candidates, the Board decided to cast all five votes for Mike Sullivan, citing his strong connection to the community. The Board unanimously authorized Resolution No. 016-24 and empowered the Board Chairman to complete the ballot.

AUTHORIZED – Resolution No. 017-24 Submitting Nominee as Candidate for the Election of the Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed the Election of the Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors with the Board. The Board unanimously nominated Arthur Bredehoft as the candidate to the Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s Board of Directors and authorized Resolution No. 017-24.

APPROVED – Agreement Extension for Lobbying Services with Williams Public Affairs and Authorized Acceptance of Texas Ethics Commission Form 1295
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens reviewed the proposal to extend the Township’s agreement with Williams Public Affairs for legislative representation through the 89th Legislative Session. The firm has successfully advocated for key Township priorities, including beverage tax collection and hurricane-related utility oversight. The $120,000 contract, budgeted for 2025, covers lobbying efforts, legislative coordination, testimony preparation and administrative support for implementing successful legislation. The Board approved the agreement extension and authorized the acceptance of Texas Ethics Commission Form 1295 with a six to one vote with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs in opposition.

APPROVED – Agreement Extension for Lobbying Services with Schwartz, Page and Harding, L.L.P. and Authorized Acceptance of Texas Ethics Commission Form 1295
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens reviewed the proposal to engage Schwartz, Page and Harding, L.L.P. for lobbying services during the upcoming legislative session. The firm, authors of the Township’s enabling legislation and experts in special districts, is uniquely qualified to represent the Township. They will provide legislative representation and assist in drafting legislation on priority issues identified by the Board. The proposed agreement outlines these services for a fee of $75,000, covering the session from January through May. The Board approved the agreement and authorized the acceptance of Texas Ethics Commission Form 1295 with a six to one vote with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs in opposition.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – Development Standards Committee
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed the process for appointing members to the Development Standards Committee (DSC). Candidates were interviewed during the November 20, 2024, meeting. The Board appointed Andrew Freeman and Tricia Danto to the committee. In accordance with the Comprehensive Community Services Agreement with The Woodlands Development Company, the Board also appointed three developer-selected members to the DSC.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – Audit Committee
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed its two finance-related standing committees: the Investment Committee, which requires no action at this time, and the Audit Committee, which assists in oversight of fiduciary matters, audit processes and communication with the independent auditor. The Board unanimously affirmed the Chairman’s appointment of Treasurer Richard Franks, Vice Chairman Craig Eissler and Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs to the Audit Committee. 

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EXTENDED TERM – Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee
President of Visit The Woodlands, Nick Wolda, presented the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee’s charter, term and appointments for Board review. The Board unanimously extended the committee’s term for another year and affirmed the Chairman’s appointments of Chairman Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson and Director Cindy Heiser to the committee for 2025. 

EXTENDED TERM – Ad Hoc Government Relations Committee
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens reviewed updates to the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Relations Committee with the Board. Created after Hurricane Beryl, the committee’s charter was amended to address tasks related to the upcoming legislative session. These include considering legislative priorities and making recommendations to the Board. The Board extended the committee’s term, approved the updated charter and affirmed the Chairman’s appointments of Chairman Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson and Director Cindy Heiser to the committee.

DEFERRED ACTION – Ad Hoc Emergency Management Committee
The Board tabled action on this item, with Chairman Brad Bailey suggesting the committee may no longer be necessary following the completion of a comprehensive after-action report for Hurricane Beryl. The committee will be reconsidered at a future meeting.

DEFERRED ACTION – Budget Task Force
The Board tabled action on this item, with Chairman Brad Bailey recommending a reevaluation of the committee during a 2025 strategic planning work session.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – Village Presidents’ Council
The Board unanimously affirmed the Chairman’s appointments of Treasurer Richard Franks as the primary representative and Vice Chairman Craig Eissler as the alternate representative on the Village Presidents’ Council. The Village Presidents’ Council is comprised of all eight Village Association Presidents along with a representative from the Township Board of Directors. The Council meets on a monthly basis. 

APPOINTMENTS MADE – The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit The Woodlands) 
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed the process for electing board members to The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors. Per CVB bylaws, the Township appoints members. The Board elected Chairman Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson and Treasurer Richard Franks to serve as members and recommended Nick Wolda serve as President of the CVB from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Chairman Brad Bailey announced that he will step down as Chair of the CVB Board and continue serving only as a director, due to his role as Chair of the Township Board of Directors.

APPOINTMENT MADE – The Woodlands-Conroe Urbanized Area (UZA) Transit Advisory Committee
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes reviewed the process for appointing members to The Woodlands-Conroe Urbanized Area (UZA) Transit Advisory Committee, established in 2010 to oversee transit funding and programming. Per the bylaws, the Township’s representative must be an elected official. The Board unanimously appointed Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.

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APPOINTMENT MADE – The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 Board of Directors
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens briefed the Board on appointments to The Woodlands Road Utility District (WRUD) No. 1 Board of Directors. The WRUD Board, expanded in 2014 to include two appointed members, one from Montgomery County and one from The Woodlands Township. With the retirement of Director Watson from both the Township and WRUD Boards, the Board needed to make a new appointment for the WRUD Board. The Township Board unanimously appointed Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder to serve in this role.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens briefed the Board on appointments to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Transportation Policy Council (TPC). This role, which runs from January to December, requires reappointment for the upcoming term. The Chairman’s appointment includes both a primary representative and an alternate, both of whom must be elected officials. The Board unanimously affirmed the Chairman’s appointment of Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder as the primary and Vice Chairman Craig Eissler as the alternate representative on the H-GAC TPC. The Board also approved recommendations for staff nominations to H-GAC TPC subcommittees.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – One Water Task Force
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens reviewed the appointment to the One Water Task Force with the Board. Reconstituted in 2024 and now led by Woodlands Water, the task force addresses water-related issues impacting the community. Chairman Brad Bailey recommended that Director Cindy Heiser continue serving on the task force and the Board unanimously affirmed this appointment. 

APPOINTMENTS MADE – Parks and Recreation Advisory Council
Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan briefed the Board on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, established as a sounding board for programs, activities and policies within the department. The council, chaired by the Parks and Recreation Director, includes representatives from Village Associations, the Township, The Woodlands Development Company and Board-appointed members. Chairman Brad Bailey recommended Vice Chairman Craig Eissler to serve on the council, and the Board unanimously affirmed the appointment. 

ACCEPTED – Village Presidents’ Council Update
Treasurer Richard Franks summarized the last meeting held by the Village Presidents’ Council. President of Visit The Woodlands (VTW) Nick Wolda provided a presentation to the Council highlighting VTW’s role in attracting conventions and visitors and the significant returns on investment these efforts generate. The Board unanimously accepted the report. 

ADOPTED – 2025 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule
The Board unanimously approved the 2025 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule as presented by Township Secretary Laure Morgan. In addition to the 2025 regular and special meetings, Chairman Brad Bailey recommended holding a strategic planning session in January or February of 2025.

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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 the annual Service Agreement with South Montgomery County YMCA (C-2025-0004);
• Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreements with the Village Associations (C-2025-0005, C-2025-0006, C-2025-0007, C-2025-0008, C-2025-0009, C-2025-0010, C-2025-0011, and C-2025-0012);
• Receive, consider, and act upon the annual Service Agreement with Meals on Wheels – Montgomery County Senior Rides Program for the provision of limited eligibility demand-response transportation services within The Woodlands Townships boundaries (C-2025-0035);
• Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreement with Interfaith of The Woodlands for senior transportation services (C-2025-0036);
• Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreement with The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau d.b.a. Visit The Woodlands (C-2025-0064);
• Receive, consider and act upon a renewal and restatement of the Fire Dispatch Services Agreement with the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association (C-2025-0034);
• Receive, consider and act upon affirmation of the officers of the Township Board of Directors as authorized signers on the Township’s bank accounts;
• Receive, consider and act upon TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Cyber Liability Coverage;
• Receive, consider and act upon an award of proposal to R&K Commercial Aquatic Services (Buy Board #701-23) for secondary disinfection systems at Township pools and spraygrounds (C-2024-0663);
• Receive, consider and act upon the 2025 Swimming Pool Schedule;
• Receive, consider, and act upon Request for Proposal for Vehicle Tracking System for Town Center Trolley Service (C-2024-0615);
• Receive, consider and act upon appointments to The Woodlands Township’s Booking and Blocking Committee;
• Receive, consider and act upon a Facilities Agreement (C-2025-0065) between The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, doing business as Visit The Woodlands, as it relates to the Fifth Amendment to the Host Venue Sponsorship Agreement – IRONMAN TEXAS 2026-2030;
• Receive, consider and act upon an agreement with T-Mobile For Government (C-2025-0037);

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 Andrew Freeman, Panther Creek Village Association

Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

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