Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township Board approves proposal for 4.6 mile pathway connecting SH 242, I-45 and FM 1488
The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors discussed several community topics, including a proposal from Verizon Wireless to replace streetlight poles with small cell nodes to boost wireless service in high-demand areas, a proposal for engineering services related to the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project, which will construct a 4.6-mile shared-use pathway connecting Harper’s Landing to SH 242, I-45 and FM 1488 and more.
PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamation recognizing The Woodlands Original Volunteer Firefighters
Director Dr. Ann Snyder read a proclamation recognizing the founding members of The Woodlands Volunteer Fire Department honoring their service and contributions. Formed in 1973 by early residents and employees of Mitchell Energy and The Woodlands Development Company, the department began with a makeshift flatbed firetruck and a trailer station. Founders including Bill Hebenstreit, Bob Hibbetts, Lee Bentch, Tony Potter and Rick Martinez were celebrated for their selflessness and dedication, which laid the foundation for today’s professional fire service. In recognition of their role in the community’s 50-year history, the Board proclaimed May 22, 2025, as The Woodlands Volunteer Fire Department Founding Firefighters Day.
Proclamation recognizing The Woodlands High School World Guard
Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs read a proclamation recognizing The Woodlands High School World Guard for its exceptional achievements in competitive color guard performance. The program, a consistent national finalist since 2003, was elevated to Scholastic World Class in 2016 and has remained a top five contender since 2021. In 2022 and 2024, the group earned bronze medals, becoming the first Texas high school to medal in that division. In 2025, the World Guard made history as the first from Texas to win the Winter Guard International Scholastic World Championship, earning the gold medal with a score of 98.0 and a commanding 3.5-point lead. The Board honored the 2025 team members, their directors and senior Ajah Wilson, a national scholarship recipient, by proclaiming May 22, 2025, as The Woodlands High School World Guard Day.
Proclamation recognizing National Police Week
Director Cindy Heiser read a proclamation in recognition of National Police Week, honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who protect The Woodlands community. The Township acknowledged the efforts of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 and Montgomery County Constable’s Office Precinct 3. The proclamation highlighted the daily risks officers face and expressed gratitude for their dedication. It also recognized the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on May 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and designated May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day in memory of those lost in the line of duty. The week of May 11–17, 2025, was officially proclaimed as Police Week in The Woodlands, Texas.
Proclamation recognizing Bike The Woodlands Month
Vice Chairman Craig Eissler read a proclamation recognizing May as Bike The Woodlands Month in support of cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, recreation and physical fitness. The proclamation emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of bicycling, as well as its contribution to health, safety and quality of life. The Woodlands’ extensive 220-mile pathway system, along with its designation as a nationally recognized Bike Friendly Community and host of events like The Woodlands Triathlon and IRONMAN Texas, were highlighted. The Board officially proclaimed May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day and May 17, 2025, as Bike The Woodlands Day.
Proclamation recognizing Monarch Butterfly Day
Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation designating May 28, 2025, as Monarch Butterfly Day in The Woodlands. The proclamation emphasized the dramatic decline of the monarch butterfly population, down more than 95% due to habitat loss, disease and pesticide use, and called on residents to take action. It highlighted The Woodlands Township’s longstanding commitment to environmental preservation and encouraged the community to support monarch conservation by planting native milkweed, reducing pesticide use and creating pollinator-friendly habitats.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President and CEO Monique Sharp recognized the Communications and Information Technology departments for receiving recent honors. The Communications Department earned two Communicator Awards of Distinction from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), a prestigious organization composed of professionals from leading brands such as American Express, Sony and Netflix. Awards were given for the Bird Blind signage designed by Communications Specialist Barbara Ryan and the Rodeo Express online ad designed by Senior Communications Specialist Perry Frank, both first-time entrants.
The Information Technology Department received the 2025 Texas Association of Governmental I.T. Managers Excellence Award for developing the Township’s mosquito surveillance GIS application. Designed by GIS Manager Greg Greer in collaboration with Environmental Services, the app enhances mapping, monitoring and analysis of mosquito trap data. Sharp praised the project as a strong example of interdepartmental collaboration.
REGULAR AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda items were pulled for additional discussion and consideration.
- 8.e. Receive, consider and act upon an easement request from GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership dba Verizon Wireless;
- 8.g. Receive, consider and act upon a Request for Proposal for Engineering Services for the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project;
- 8.k. Receive, consider and act upon the Harris Central Appraisal District 2026 Board of Directors appointment process;
APPROVED AGREEMENT – Easement Request from GTW Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (Verizon)
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes reviewed a request from Verizon Wireless to replace streetlight poles with small cell nodes, including a streetlight, in the same location at three sites. To power the nodes, new conduit must cross Township-owned Open Space Reserves. The infrastructure is designed to blend with the environment and improve wireless service in high-demand areas.
The Board unanimously approved the easement agreements with GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership dba Version Wireless for Panther Creek Section 43-A, Alden Bridge Section 62-E, and Cochran’s Crossing Section 39-D and authorized the President/Chief Executive Officer to execute any necessary agreements as approved to final form by Township legal counsel.
APPROVED AGREEMENT – Proposal for Engineering Services for Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented a proposal for engineering services related to the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project, which will construct a 4.6-mile shared-use pathway connecting Harper’s Landing to SH 242, I-45 and FM 1488. This federally funded project requires compliance with TxDOT and federal guidelines. Following a competitive selection process, Quiddity Engineering LLC was ranked highest based on qualifications and past performance with similar projects. Staff recommended authorizing the President/CEO to negotiate a planning and design fee with the firm not to exceed the budgeted amount. The Board unanimously accepted the proposal from Quiddity Engineering LLC and authorized the President/Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement within the budgeted amount upon approval by the Texas Department of Transportation.
APPROVED LETTER OF SUPPORT – Harris Central Appraisal District 2026 Board of Directors Appointment Process
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens presented an item regarding participation in the 2026 Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) Board of Directors appointment process. The Woodlands Township, treated as a conservation and reclamation district for this purpose, must submit a written request by June 2, 2025, to participate in nominating and voting for two expiring HCAD director positions. Recent changes under SB 2 modified the timing and procedures for these elections. Since participation requires at least one district to submit a request, the Board unanimously agreed to authorize the Board Chairman to sign a letter requesting that conservation and reclamation districts participate in the nomination and voting process for the 2026 Board of Directors Appointment Process.
ACCEPTED REPORT – Quarterly Law Enforcement Update
Captain Rhyan Droddy of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported a downward trend in major crime categories and detailed the work of the Crime Reduction Unit, which cleared 15 burglary cases tied to an organized ring. Deputies recovered over $12,000 in stolen property and logged 769 surveillance hours. A new call category, “Park Checks,” was introduced to enhance safety and tracking of patrols across The Woodlands’ 151 parks. The department also promoted a registration program for families of individuals with autism during Autism Awareness Month.
The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office reported on the work of its Special Victims Unit. The Safe Harbor Unit filed six felony charges for child abuse investigations, while the Child Exploitation Unit filed 45 felony charges following cyber tips and undercover operations. The efforts were credited to increased resources and multi-agency collaboration targeting those seeking to harm children in The Woodlands and neighboring communities.
The Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, addressed safety concerns related to short-term rentals and emphasized proactive trail and park patrols. The department made arrests in a recent firearm incident involving juveniles. Increased visibility through traffic and trail enforcement was noted as a deterrent.
The Board unanimously accepted the reports.
TABLED – Award of Bid for Depository, Banking and Merchant Services
Linda Patterson of CTP Consulting Services presented a recommendation based on the Township’s Request for Proposal for banking and merchant services. Seven banks submitted proposals, which were evaluated on criteria including cost, service offerings, financial strength, earnings potential, collateralization and customer service. Patterson recommended awarding the contract to Wells Fargo Bank, which had received the highest ranking. Following the presentation, the Board tabled the item and requested additional information.
ACCEPTED – Report on Pedicab Service Regulations in The Woodlands
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented a report on pedicab operations in The Woodlands, noting that the Township does not have authority to regulate pedicabs or enforce traffic laws, which fall under county jurisdiction. Under state law, pedicabs must follow the same traffic regulations as bicycles. Increased pedicab activity near the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion followed enforcement changes in Houston. While feedback has been received from both operators and residents, the Township’s role remains limited. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED – Report on the Township’s Use of Artificial Intelligence
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer William Pham presented a report on the Township’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Township has established a Generative AI Governance Policy and an AI Steering Committee to guide the responsible use of AI tools. The committee evaluates use cases, tests platforms and provides recommendations for implementation across departments. AI is currently used in IT systems for cybersecurity, and staff are testing generative platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok and Microsoft CoPilot. Work is underway to improve internal data systems in preparation for a broader rollout of CoPilot. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
ACCEPTED – Creation of an Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee and Appointments
The Board unanimously approved the charter for the creation of an Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee and accepted the Chairman’s appointments of Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Treasurer Richard Franks and Chairman Brad Bailey to serve on the committee. As discussed during the Board’s May strategic planning workshop, the committee will review supplemental law enforcement services, evaluate 2026 budget requests from partner agencies and recommend policies and resources to support public safety in The Woodlands Township. The committee will operate in an advisory capacity and dissolve upon completion of its assigned objectives.
ACCEPTED – Creation of an Ad Hoc Transportation Committee and Appointments
The Board unanimously approved the charter for the creation of an Ad Hoc Transportation Committee and accepted the Chairman’s appointments of Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Vice Chairman Craig Eissler and Chairman Brad Bailey to serve on the committee. As discussed during the Board’s May strategic planning workshop, the committee will coordinate with key stakeholders on mobility-related issues within and surrounding The Woodlands Township. The committee will serve in an advisory role and dissolve upon completion of its objectives.
ACCEPTED – Creation of an Ad Hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee and Appointments
The Board unanimously approved the charter for the creation of an Ad Hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee and accepted the Chairman’s appointments of Vice Chairman Craig Eissler, Secretary Linda Nelson and Chairman Brad Bailey, along with resident members Will Murphy, Scott Lyle and Kyle Watson. As discussed during the Board’s May strategic planning workshop, the committee will guide the development of the 208-acre South Gosling Tract and provide recommendations to the full Board. The committee will serve in an advisory role and dissolve upon completion of its objectives.
ACCEPTED – Revisions to the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee
The Board unanimously approved an update to the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee charter, as presented by the President of Visit The Woodlands, to include pedestrian mobility in The Woodlands Town Center as a formal committee objective. This addition joins existing objectives related to the evaluation of a potential performing arts center, Village Shopping Centers, the former GE Betz property at 9669 Grogan’s Mill Road, participation in corporate relocation efforts and short-term and long-term parking in the Town Center.
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 April 17, 2025, Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township ;
- Receive, consider and act upon the Communications Metrics Monthly Report;
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for March and April 2025;
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
- Receive, consider and act upon an award of bid to Progressive Commercial Aquatics, doing business as Landmark Aquatic, (Buy Board #701-23) for motor and pump replacement and installation at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center (C-2022-0223);
- Receive, consider and act upon a first amendment to the Transition Interlocal Agreement with Brazos Transit District (C-2020-0297A);
- Receive, consider and act upon the First Amendment to the service agreement with Interfaith of The Woodlands for senior transportation services (C-2025-0036A);
- Receive, consider and act upon Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning replacements at Town Hall (C-2019-0368);
Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
Source: The Woodlands Township
