The Woodlands Township Directors take Oath of Office, New Chairman elected

The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of the Board of Directors meetings held on Tuesday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Special Board Meeting – Tuesday, November 19, 2024

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Board of Directors unanimously adopted the order (Order No. 015-24) canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the Directors Election held within The Woodlands Township on November 5, 2024. The results were tabulated by combining the canvass results provided by Montgomery County and Harris County Election Offices for The Woodlands Township election. Names are listed in ballot order. All results listed below are considered Official. Learn more about the November 5, 2024, election online here.

• Position 1
  • Brad Bailey, 32,360 votes
  • Dylan Gonzales, 9,644 votes
• Position 2
  • Linda Nelson, 37,991 votes
• Position 3
  • Richard Franks, 27,329 votes
  • Elvin Misut, 13,056 votes
• Position 4
  • Craig Eissler, 32,558 votes
  • Jamie Viteri, 9,660 votes

The November 19, 2024, agenda was limited and may be viewed online here.

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Regularly Scheduled Meeting – Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Prior to administering the Oaths of Office during the November 20, 2024, Board meeting, the Board recognized outgoing Director Kyle Watson for his dedication to the community. Watson, who served as Vice Chairman since his election in 2022, was praised for his unwavering commitment, integrity and leadership in advancing key initiatives, such as the first homestead exemption, public safety funding and significant infrastructure projects. The Board highlighted his instrumental role in numerous accomplishments, including governance improvements and community enhancements. Watson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, commended the efforts of the Board and staff, and encouraged residents to appreciate the work behind maintaining The Woodlands’ quality of life.

OATHS OF OFFICE
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Judge Lisa Michalk of the Montgomery County 221st District Court administered the oaths of office to the newly elected Directors of The Woodlands Township. Brad Bailey took the oath for At-Large Position 1, Linda Nelson for At-Large Position 2, Richard Franks for At-Large Position 3, and Craig Eissler for At-Large Position 4.

OFFICER ELECTION
After the oaths of office were administered, Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed with the Board the process for electing officers. The Board elected its officers for 2025 as follows: Brad Bailey as Chairman, Craig Eissler as Vice Chairman, Linda Nelson as Secretary and Richard Franks as Treasurer.

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REGULAR AGENDA

INTERVIEWED – Development Standards Committee Applicants
The Board is responsible for seven DSC appointments, with three designees specified by The Woodlands Land Development Company (TWLDC) as outlined in the Comprehensive Community Services Agreement. These appointments include staggered two-year terms for the Township designees or until successors are appointed.

Interviews were held for two Township designee positions, as terms for current appointees are set to expire. The applicants interviewed included:

• Andrew Freeman (Village of Cochran’s Crossing)
• Mary Funderburg (Village of Panther Creek)
• Tricia Danto (Village of Cochran’s Crossing)
• Yvonne Neuren (Village of Panther Creek)
• Peter Tsai (Village of Panther Creek)
• Allen F. Miller III (Village of Grogan’s Mill)
• Ahmed Aboumansoura (Village of Alden Bridge)
  
• The Board did not take action during the meeting. Board appointments to the DSC will be made at the December 4, 2024, Board meeting.

ADOPTED – Amendments to Covenant Administration Fees Resolution No. 014-24
Following a Public Hearing regarding proposed amendments to Covenant Administration Fees, the Board reviewed the implementation of permit fees in 2025 for certain Covenant Administration Department (CAD) services. The program classifies permit types into base services, which will remain free, and enhanced services, which will be assessed fees due to the additional resources required to process the permit application. The fee structure was developed through research of comparable communities. Next steps include public communication efforts and updates to the Development Standards Committee. The Board unanimously adopted the amendments to Covenant Administration Fess Resolution No. 014-24.

ACCEPTED – Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw reported The Woodlands Township’s financials through October 2024. Year-to-date revenues reached $121.2 million, exceeding the budget by $1.3 million due primarily to higher income generated by investments, grants and recreation programs. Sales tax collections fell $1.7 million below budget but surpassed last year’s totals. Hotel and mixed beverage taxes exceeded expectations, with hotel taxes $264,000 (3.2%) over budget and on track to meet the $10 million goal for 2024. Operating expenditures totaled $102.4 million, saving $4.6 million across all departments despite hurricane cleanup costs. The board unanimously accepted the report.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED – 2025 Facility Operating Hours and Fees
Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan presented proposed updates to the 2025 Facility Operating Hours and Fees, focusing on maintaining cost recovery, improving customer service and supporting program enhancements. Key changes include slight fee increases for the Rob Fleming Recreation Center. Texas TreeVentures and swan boat rentals fees were also reviewed. Minor adjustments to boathouse winter schedules were also recommended to better align with demand. The Board unanimously approved holding a public hearing on changes which are required to be codified under Township Order 020-09, scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

DEFERRED ACTION – Resolution No. 015–24 Casting the Township’s votes for the Harris County Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
Karen Dempsey, Chief Administrative Officer, briefed the Board on the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) Board of Directors election process. The Woodlands Township, classified as a conservation and reclamation district for the purpose of this election, is entitled to cast five votes in this election. Eight candidates are running for the HCAD Board. Changes under SB 2 have adjusted election timing and process. The Board deferred action on this agenda item to the December 4 meeting, pending additional candidate information.

ACCEPTED – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Report
Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, presented the organization’s quarterly report, highlighting efforts in promoting economic development to support the Township’s budget, which relies heavily on sales, hotel and mixed beverage taxes. Key achievements included hosting the Texas Society of Association Executives in September, attracting 543 attendees and showcasing The Woodlands as a premier destination for meetings and conventions. Upcoming events, such as Destination Southwest in December, will bring over 100 meeting planners to experience The Woodlands firsthand. Visit The Woodlands also introduced a new logo, continued strong marketing efforts and expanded its social media and website reach, emphasizing community engagement and holiday promotions. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

APPOINTMENTS MADE – The Woodlands Township Economic Development Zone Board of Directors
Karen Dempsey, Chief Administrative Officer, presented an overview of The Woodlands Township Economic Development Zone (EDZ), a political subdivision that funds public safety operations and major infrastructure projects through a 1% incremental sales tax. Past projects include The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion expansion, Town Green Park and public enhancements at Market Street and The Woodlands Mall. Per Resolution No. 014-07, the Township Board members serve ex officio as the EDZ governing body, requiring a constitutional oath and fidelity bond. Following Dempsey’s review, the Board unanimously appointed the newly elected Township Directors to the EDZ Board and the EDZ meeting was held immediately following the Board meeting.

ACCEPTED REPORT – Briefing on the Process for Boards and Committee Appointments
Karen Dempsey, Chief Administrative Officer, provided an overview of the upcoming committee appointments for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. Following the election of officers, the Chairman will propose and announce committee assignments, with formal approval scheduled for the December 4, 2024, meeting. Appointments will be made to both standing and ad hoc committees, along with external boards like Visit The Woodlands and the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Directors are invited to express interest in serving by December 2, 2024. Ad hoc committees and task forces addressing specific issues will have their charters reviewed for renewal. Additional appointments to the Development Standards Committee and the Booking and Blocking Committee will also occur in December. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

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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 approval of the minutes of the October 21, 2024 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 Community Services; 
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for October 2024;  
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;  
• Receive, consider and act upon a Construction Access Agreement for The Woodlands Waterway with The Waterway Landing Homeowners Association (C-2024-0665); 
• Receive, consider, and act upon a contract renewal for pool chemicals, (C-2022-0221A2 and C-2022-0222A2) with Rommelmann Enterprises, LLC (DBA Big Tex Pool Supplies);
• Receive, consider, and act upon a contract extension of the Sky Elements Drone Show Agreement (C-2024-0215A1);  
• Receive, consider and act upon renewal of the Reforestation-Install Agreement with Rothco Tree Service, LLC (C-2023-0323A1) and the purchase of tree stock through Texan Tree Depot, LP (C-2022-0215A2); 
• Receive, consider and act upon a contract with JNE Tree Services for tree removal using existing contract unit prices (C-2024-0687);  
• Receive, consider and act upon a proposal from Marquee Property Services (C-2022-0317) to repair the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Spring Creek Bridge; 
• Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County Improvement District #4, doing business as Energy Corridor District, for The Woodlands Express Services (C-2024-0622); 
• Receive, consider and act upon an Interlocal Agreement between The Woodlands Township and Montgomery County, Texas, regarding a grant application to the Events Trust Fund established by the Office of the Governor – Economic Development and Tourism Office (C-2025-0066); 

Watch The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting Online here.

Source: The Woodlands Township

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