News

The Woodlands Township recognizes Community Partners, Board Meeting held

By The Woodlands Township | August 30, 2024

The Woodlands Township shared the following recap of the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, August 28, 2024.

PROCLAMATIONS

Community Partners’ Appreciation Day

During the Board meeting, Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation expressing The Woodlands Township’s deep gratitude to the community partners who played a vital role in responding to Hurricane Beryl on July 8, 2024. The proclamation highlighted the coordinated efforts of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, emergency services and volunteers, all of whom contributed significantly to the safety and recovery of the community. In recognition of their exceptional civic responsibility and commitment, the Board of Directors declared August 28, 2024, as Community Partners’ Appreciation Day in The Woodlands.

READ THE PROCLAMATION

The Board of Directors pictured with community partners who assisted with Hurricane Beryl response. — *The Board of Directors pictured with community partners who assisted with Hurricane Beryl response; Photo Credit: The Woodlands Township*

REGULAR AGENDA

Item 8.c. was pulled from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Regular Agenda for discussion.

APPROVED – Conveyance of Various Tracts of Land within The George Mitchell Nature Preserve
Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs requested this item to be removed from the Consent Agenda for additional discussion and clarification. The George Mitchell Nature Preserve is approximately 1,800 to 2,022 acres of natural area, part of the larger regional Spring Creek Greenway project, aimed at protecting floodways, improving water quality, preserving wildlife habitats and providing recreational opportunities. Originally managed through easements by Montgomery County and The Woodlands Association, segments of the preserve’s trails were later assigned to The Woodlands Township. Currently, the land itself is owned by Howard Hughes, with The Woodlands Township holding lease agreements for trail segments. The action taken by the Board provides fee title ownership of the trails. The Township budgets $100,000 annually for trail maintenance, supported by a part-time trail specialist and partnerships with Bayou Land Conservancy and other groups. The Board unanimously approved the conveyance of various tracts of land within The George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

ACCEPTED – Quarterly Law Enforcement Reports
Captain Tim Holifield, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Lieutenant Jason Cearley, Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, jointly presented the quarterly Law Enforcement report to the Board of Directors. The 2nd Quarter 2024 Public Safety Report emphasized an increase in calls for service, particularly after Spring Break, with a nearly 3,000 call-rise during the quarter. However, crime categories such as burglaries, criminal mischief and vehicle theft are trending down due to collaborative efforts between local law enforcement agencies. The report also acknowledged the significant contributions of law enforcement officers who worked extended shifts during Hurricane Beryl to protect the community. Finally, there was a focus on addressing traffic concerns, particularly around school zones and construction areas, with efforts to manage increased vehicular traffic and enforce safety regulations.

The Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3 Special Victims Unit reported substantial progress, including the arrest of multiple individuals for serious offenses such as child pornography and exploitation. The unit’s proactive approach led to a notable increase in felony charges and operations during the quarter.

The Board unanimously accepted the reports.

VIEW MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT
VIEW MONTGOMERY COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3 SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT REPORT

ACCEPTED – Quarterly Development Standards Committee Report
The Chairman of the Development Standards Committee (DSC), Walt Lisiewski, provided a committee report and update to the Board of Directors. The DSC reported on its response to Hurricane Beryl, including the implementation of emergency rules that waived application fees and compliance deposits for storm-related repairs, as well as extensions for submitting required applications.

The committee also revised fence standards, increasing maximum heights to improve privacy and reduce variance requests, leading to quicker approvals. Additionally, revisions to commercial standards were discussed, aiming to streamline processes and improve turnaround times for business owners.

The DSC is working with the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) on a phased agreement to review and enhance residential development standards, focusing on sustainability. Future items include final approval of the commercial standards, an upcoming workshop and preparation for 2025 DSC appointments.

The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW PRESENTATION

ACCEPTED – TxDOT Houston District Quarterly Local Government Meeting Update
Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Todd Stephens, provided an update to the Board of Directors highlighting the kickoff of quarterly meetings with TxDOT Houston District, initiated to enhance communication and collaboration on transportation projects. A meeting held on July 24, 2024, reviewed both current and future transportation needs. The discussion covered various projects, including immediate drainage improvements along I-45 and the extension of David Memorial Drive, as well as long-term plans like the proposed widening of Grogan’s Mill Road. Updates were provided on ongoing and planned projects within 4-year, 10-year and 20-year windows, as outlined in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). These meetings aim to ensure that The Woodlands Township stays informed and involved in regional transportation planning efforts. The Board unanimously accepted the report and requested that the Board revisit the widening of Grogan’s Mill Road at a future meeting date.

VIEW PRESENTATION

ACCEPTED –Township’s Monthly Financial Report
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financial report for the seven-month period ending July 31, 2024. The financial report showed a favorable revenue variance of $1.9 million, with actual revenue of $98.9 million exceeding the budgeted $97 million. This positive variance was driven by higher-than-expected interest revenue, program revenues, and certain tax collections, including event admission and mixed beverage taxes. On the expenditure side, actual spending was $69.9 million, which was $4.3 million under the budgeted $74.2 million, due to timing differences and open positions across various departments. The net increase in the fund balance highlights effective financial management, with minor unfavorable variances related to necessary spending, such as Hurricane Beryl cleanup. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW PRESENTATION

ACCEPTED – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Report
President of Visit The Woodlands, Nick Wolda, provided the Board with a quarterly update. Wolda reported a significant milestone, with hotel occupancy tax collections surpassing $1 million in May for the first time in its history, contributing to a year-to-date increase of 10.2%. The organization focused on promoting The Woodlands as a premier destination for meetings, conferences and leisure travel through strategic marketing, sales efforts and industry partnerships. The marketing team enhanced brand development and achieved a 2:1 return on advertising spend, while the sales team generated a $3.9 million economic impact from 18 meetings. Additionally, the organization engaged in numerous events, collaborations and public relations activities, including the production of Pathways Magazine, which experienced increased circulation now as an insert in The Woodlands Community Magazine. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW REPORT

ACCEPTED – One Water Task Force Updates
Director Cindy Heiser, who was appointed by the Board to the One Water Task Force, provided an update to the Board of Directors. The newly constituted task force under Woodlands Water aims to secure sustainable water supplies, manage aquifers to reduce subsidence and flood risk, provide accurate public information and promote regional solutions. While the Township doesn’t have direct authority over drainage or groundwater systems, it plays a key role as a stakeholder in addressing community water issues, with the responsibility for these systems largely held by MUDs, County governments and the San Jacinto River Authority. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

APPROVED – Donated Mural Agreement with Howard Hughes
Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, reviewed with the Board an agreement with Howard Hughes for the placement of a donated mural along The Woodlands Waterway. The 50th Anniversary Task Force has been actively planning community activities for The Woodlands’ 50th Anniversary in October 2024, including publishing stories and holding a media conference. In May, the Township Board conceptually approved using the base of the Millennium sculpture on The Woodlands Waterway for a mural celebrating the anniversary. The mural, donated by Howard Hughes, will be displayed for two years with potential one-year renewals and will include lighting at night with associated costs. The Board unanimously approved the donation agreement.

ACCEPTED – Village President’s Council Updates
Director Cindy Heiser updated the Board on the latest Village President’s Council meeting. In their most recent meeting, seven out of eight Village Association Presidents attended, where key topics included recovery efforts from hurricane debris, drainage issues from recent storms and vegetative maintenance. The meeting featured a presentation from the Director of Customer Engagement, Angel Nicks, and included a Q&A session with Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes to address specific concerns. The meeting was well-received and appreciated by those in attendance. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, following a rescheduling due to the Labor Day holiday. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

APPROVED – Reciprocal Access Easement Agreement
Following Executive Session, the Board unanimously approved a Reciprocal Access Easement Agreement between The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Land Development Company, L.P.

Agenda Item 16, to review, consider and act upon an update regarding the Homelessness Task Force was pulled from the agenda.

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:

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: