Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board meets to discuss Public-Private Golf Complex, Bike Lane Improvements, and potential new Cell Tower
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025. During the meeting, the board discussed several topics and agenda items such as Alden Bridge Sports Park renovations, a Public-Private Partnership for a Golf Complex on the South Gosling Tract, an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Bike Lane Improvements to Lake Woodlands Drive, a Cellular Tower Update and Request for Proposal, and more.
DECEMBER 4, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamation in support of The 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation recognizing America250, the national observance marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The proclamation highlights July 4, 2026, as a significant milestone in the nation’s history and acknowledges the importance of civic engagement as communities reflect on the country’s journey. It encourages residents to participate in America250 programs and local activities that honor the nation’s past, celebrate its present and inspire a future of service.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President and CEO Monique Sharp recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for The Woodlands Township’s selection as a finalist for the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration Gold Medal Award. She noted that the honor reflects excellence in long-range planning, environmental stewardship, innovation, fiscal responsibility and a strong focus on quality of life. Sharp highlighted that the finalist designation places The Woodlands among the top parks and recreation systems in the nation and affirms the Board’s investment in high-quality amenities and services. She thanked staff for their daily work maintaining parks and pathways and creating programs and events that support health and wellness throughout the community.
Stacey Laird Dicke, a Fellow from the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, presented the finalist plaque and congratulated the Township. She noted that only about 300 agencies nationwide have earned this distinction since 1965 and commended The Woodlands for serving as a long-standing benchmark for excellence within the industry.
REGULAR AGENDA
The first four items were pulled from the Consent Agenda to be discussed in additional detail:
APPROVED – Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County related to law enforcement services (C-2020-0307A2)
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented an overview of the Township’s supplemental law enforcement contracts and noted that more than $21 million is budgeted for these services since the Township cannot directly employ law enforcement. She explained that the primary agreement with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office funds 100 positions assigned to The Woodlands, while the County provides 19 additional supervisory and investigative roles. The contract totals $17.9 million and includes vehicles, body cameras, in car cameras, fuel and related costs.
Dempsey said the proposed second amendment would maintain current service levels and continue the agreement through one year automatic renewals subject to budget appropriations for a period not to exceed five years. The Board approved the amendment unanimously and expressed appreciation for the Sheriff’s Office and its visible presence in the community.
APPROVED – 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-2026-0214)
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented a continued supplemental agreement that funds one detective with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office dedicated to crimes against children investigations. She noted that this agreement operates in addition to the primary law enforcement contract. The Board approved the item unanimously.
APPROVED – Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Funding of Precinct 3 Constables Law Enforcement Investigative Services Internet Crimes Against Children/Safe Harbor Program (C-2026-0213)
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented a continued supplemental agreement with the Montgomery County Constable’s Office. The agreement funds three full-time detectives assigned to Safe Harbor cases and three full-time detectives who investigate internet crimes against children. Their work prioritizes cases in which the victim or offender is located in The Woodlands. The Board approved the item unanimously.
APPROVED – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Request for Flock Safety License Plate Readers Budget Request
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented a request from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for early authorization to purchase Flock Safety License Plate Readers previously approved during the budget process. Although funding will not be required until January, the Sheriff’s Office cannot proceed without Board approval. Early authorization allows the cameras to be ordered and installed within the 60-day lead time so they are operational before the spring and summer seasons. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office noted that the cameras provide valuable investigative leads and act as a deterrent. The Board approved the item unanimously.
ACCEPTED REPORT – The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Annual Report
Jevon Gibb, Chief Executive Officer of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership (EDP), presented the annual report and thanked the Board for its support during his first year. He outlined efforts to reset the organization’s mission, expand business recruitment and strengthen metrics to measure success. Gibb noted that the EDP has significantly expanded its project pipeline, added new marketing tools and modernized data systems while increasing its focus on attracting both major employers and small firms. He also highlighted plans to boost recruitment efforts, secure large projects and enhance business outreach in the year ahead. Board members commended his progress and discussed competitive challenges in the regional market. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership 2026 Service Agreement (C-2026-0167)
Following the annual report, the Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership 2026 Service Agreement. The Woodlands Township partners with the EDP to recruit new businesses and retain existing ones, and during the FY 2026 budget process, the Board set a $195,000 placeholder for operational funding that includes support for a related program with the Greater Houston Partnership’s Economic Development and Trade Group. The 2026 agreement outlines the EDP’s deliverables to the Township and represents a continuation of previously approved services. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 Service Agreement.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Development Standards Committee Updated
Arthur Bredehoft, Chairman of the Development Standards Committee, presented the 2025 annual report. He noted that the DSC is projected to process about 7,000 permits this year with roughly 1,000 reviewed by the Committee and about 5,000 violations identified, most of which have been resolved. He highlighted Standard updates adopted in 2025 to streamline approvals, including revisions to roofing, generator placement and commercial door graphics, and reported that the first full update to the Commercial Standards since 2011 is nearing completion.
Bredehoft also outlined efforts to strengthen coordination with Residential Design Review Committees (RDRC’s) through the newly created Chairperson Council and described 2026 priorities, including a full review of residential standards and new software to enhance short-term rental permitting and enforcement. There are currently 173 permitted short-term rentals in the community. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPOINTMENTS MADE – Development Standards Committee Appointments
Kimberly McKenna, Director of Covenant Administration, reviewed the appointment process with the Board. Five residents applied for two open positions on the Development Standards Committee. Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey outlined the written ballot procedure used for the selection. After votes were tallied, the Board appointed Arthur Bredehoft and John Anthony Brown to serve two-year terms beginning January 1, 2026. John Anderson, Robert Adams and Dan Kolkhorst were accepted from The Woodlands Land Development Company appointments to serve a one-year term beginning January 1, 2026.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Township Board’s 2025 Strategic Planning Session Requests
President and CEO Monique Sharp provided a brief update on progress made toward the Board’s 2025 strategic planning priorities. She reported advancements across several short-term initiatives, including work by the South Gosling Tract, Public Safety and Transportation committees, progress on public golf planning, law enforcement agreements and early steps on long-term transportation needs. Sharp also noted movement on cellular coverage improvements, enhanced emergency preparedness through Starlink installation and key communications achievements such as the launch of the new Township website and expanded notification tools.
A full summary of 2025 achievements will be presented in February. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
APPROVED – Alden Bridge Sports Park Phase 1 (C-2025-0453)
Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan presented the Phase 1 renovation plan for Alden Bridge Sports Park, noting that the project stems from the 2022 Parks Needs Assessment and extensive input from field users. Phase 1 includes two additional turf fields, two grass fields, expanded parking, a new driveway connection, additional and updated restrooms, a new pavilion and playground and LED lighting upgrades. McGowan reported that in-house work by Township staff reduces overall costs, bringing the project total to $11.22 million, about $1 million under budget. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and conclude in March 2027, during which the multipurpose fields will be closed. The Board unanimously approved Phase 1.
APPROVED – Issuing Request for Proposal to Form a Public-Private Partnership for a Golf Complex on the South Gosling Tract (C-2025-0503)
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented an update on the South Gosling Tract, a 208 acre parcel acquired through the Comprehensive Community Services Agreement. He reviewed environmental findings, noting that portions of the site above the 100-year flood plain can support facilities such as restrooms and buildings, while the floodway areas are well suited for recreation uses including a public golf concept identified as an unmet community need during the 2025 strategic planning session.
Nunes outlined the proposal to issue a request for proposals (RFP), which is a formal process inviting qualified private partners to submit plans, designs and operating concepts for a nine-hole short course with supporting amenities. The RFP will require respondents to address design standards that reflect The Woodlands aesthetic, environmental considerations, operational and maintenance responsibilities, financial feasibility (capital and operational) and potential revenue opportunities for the Township. It will also establish evaluation criteria and outline expectations for a public-private partnership. The Board unanimously approved issuing the RFP.
APPROVED – Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Bike Lane Improvements to Lake Woodlands Drive (C-2025-0500)
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented a proposed interlocal agreement with Montgomery County for safety improvements along Lake Woodlands Drive. He explained that the 2016 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan identified opportunities to improve certain intersections by removing the portions of entry medians that extend into the roadway shoulder. The project will address these concerns by creating a continuous six-foot shoulder on both sides of the roadway.
Nunes noted that Montgomery County will coordinate the work while performing its scheduled shoulder replacement, allowing the improvements to be completed efficiently in early 2026. The Township’s project budget is $308,552, which includes $191,623 contingency. The Board unanimously approved the agreement.
APPROVED – Cellular Tower Update and Request for Proposal (C-2025-0243)
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer William Pham presented an update on Township efforts to improve cellular coverage. He reviewed coverage data, noting significant gaps in reliability, and explained that staff has worked with Howard Hughes and industry consultants to identify potential tower locations on Township park properties. Preliminary sites include Rob Fleming Recreation Center, Bear Branch Sports Fields, Cattail Park, Tamarac Park, Terramont Park, Lakeside Park, Shadowbend Park, Windvale Park, Alden Bridge Sports Fields and The Woodlands Fire Department Emergency Training Center.
Pham explained that issuing a request for proposals (RFP) will allow cellular infrastructure companies to evaluate the full system, propose tower locations, submit design and engineering plans and outline lease and revenue share models. He noted that any approved tower on park property will require a public hearing and potentially federal permitting. The Board unanimously approved issuing the RFP.
APPOINTMENTS MADE – Appointments to The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed the annual appointment process for The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), doing business as Visit The Woodlands. In accordance with the bylaws, the Township Board appoints three directors to serve on the Visit The Woodlands board. Dempsey outlined the written, ballot procedure and distributed ballots to the directors.
Following the Chairman’s recommendations and the tally of votes, the Board appointed Directors Cindy Heiser, Adam Lamb and Linda Nelson to serve as members of the Visit The Woodlands board and recommended Nick Wolda as President.
APPOINTMENT MADE – Appointment to The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 Board of Directors
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens presented the Board’s responsibility to appoint a Township representative to The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1. He explained that the district is a special-purpose taxing jurisdiction with bonding authority that funds roadway improvements through commercial property tax revenue. The Township holds one appointed seat, previously filled by Dr. Ann K. Synder.
Following the nomination, the Board unanimously appointed Director Richard Franks to serve on The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 Board of Directors.
APPOINTMENT MADE – Appointment to the Conroe-The Woodlands Urbanized Area (UZA) Transit Advisory Committee
Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut presented the Township’s appointment to The Woodlands-Conroe Urbanized Area (UZA) Transit Advisory Committee, which oversees federal transit funds allocated to the City of Conroe and The Woodlands Township for UZA transportation operations. The committee includes representatives from the Township, the City of Conroe, and other local jurisdictions within the UZA.
Haut noted that Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs currently serves as the Township’s representative and as committee chair, with Haut serving as the alternate. The Board unanimously reappointed Director Dr. Shelly Sekula-Gibbs as the Township’s member and retained Haut as the alternate.
APPOINTMENT MADE – Appointment to the Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens reviewed the Township’s appointments to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council. The council requires a primary and alternate voting member, both of whom must be Township directors. Former Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder previously served as the primary member, and Vice Chairman Craig Eissler served as the alternate.
Stephens also explained recent bylaw changes adopted by the Transportation Advisory Council that grant the Township two dedicated seats, one representing The Woodlands Express transit program and one representing the Township at large. Traditionally, Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut has served as the primary representative, with Stephens as the alternate.
The Board unanimously appointed Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs as the Township’s primary representative to the Transportation Policy Council and Vice Chairman Craig Eissler as the alternate. The Board also unanimously approved submission of the Township’s recommended slate of committee and subcommittee nominations for the 2026 cycle.
APPROVED – 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule
The Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule, confirming that regular meetings will take place on the third and fourth Thursdays of each month. The schedule includes a few adjustments for the year. April will have only one regular meeting on April 23. August will feature a series of special meetings dedicated to budget workshops. In November, the Board will hold a special meeting to canvass the election and only one regular meeting on November 19, the third Thursday of the month, to seat the new Board and elect officers. December will include one regular meeting on the first Thursday of the month.
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 October 16, 2025 Regular Meeting and October 23, 2025 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
- Receive, consider and act upon appointments to The Woodlands Township’s Booking and Blocking Committee;
- Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreement with South Montgomery County YMCA (C-2026-0180);
- Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreements with the Village Associations (C-2026-0181, C-2026-0182, C-2026-0183, C-2026-0184, C-2026-0185, C-2026-0186, C-2026-0187, and C-2026-0188);
- Receive, consider and act upon an annual Service Agreement with Meals on Wheels Montgomery County, doing business as Senior Rides, for the provision of limited eligibility demand-response transportation services (C-2026-0179);
- Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreement with Interfaith of The Woodlands for senior transportation services (C-2026-0178);
- Receive, consider and act upon the annual Service Agreement with The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, doing business as Visit The Woodlands (C-2026-0168);
- Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County for Interim Funding of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 (C-2026-0215);
- Receive, consider, and act upon a revised Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for traffic signal and striping improvements related to the Alden Bridge Sports Park renovation (C-2025-0381);
- Receive, consider and act upon an award of bid for concessions at Gosling Sportsfields (C-2025-0471), Bear Branch Sportsfields (C-2025-0472), and Rob Fleming Aquatics Center (C-2025-0473);
- Receive, consider and act upon a contract extension with Community Impact Printing for the printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine (C-2024-0223);
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, Village of Alden Bridge
- President Nancy Becker, Village of Creekside Park
- President Andrew Freeman, Village of Panther Creek
Watch the full meeting and view the agenda online at https://woodlandstx.new.swagit.com/videos/362775
Source: The Woodlands Township
