News

Township Board recognizes May 2026 as Bike The Woodlands Month and schedules Public Hearing on May 21

By The Woodlands Township | May 1, 2026

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026. During the meeting, the Board made four proclamations, approved renovation of Parks and Recreation Campus, approved proposal for Cell Tower Marketing and Management Services, and approved to schedule a Public Hearing on May 21 to discuss proposed revisions and amendments for Park Use, Special Event Policies and Procedures, and Covenant Administration Fees.

PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
A proclamation, read by Vice Chairman Craig Eissler, recognized the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in The Woodlands. The proclamation highlighted the vital role of Public Safety Telecommunicators in protecting the community. It highlights their critical work as first responders who provide lifesaving information, support emergency personnel and ensure public safety.

Proclamation Recognizing National Police Week
A proclamation, read by Secretary Linda Nelson, recognized the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as National Police Week in The Woodlands. The proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers from local agencies and across the nation, recognizing their dedication to protecting the community and the risks they face in the line of duty. It also commemorates fallen officers and acknowledges Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15, 2026.

*Board of Directors pictured with Local Law Enforcement; Photo Credit: The Woodlands Township*

Proclamation Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month
A proclamation, read by Director Cindy Heiser, recognizes April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of ensuring every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment and highlights the community’s role in preventing abuse through awareness, education and support. It also recognizes the vital work of organizations dedicated to protecting children and supporting families.

Board of Directors pictured with President of the Montgomery County Child Welfare Board and Founder/CEO of Love Heals Youth Rebecca Smith and Faith Based Community Engagement Specialist for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in Region 6 Candice Ramos; Photo Credit: The Woodlands Township

Proclamation in Support of Bike The Woodlands Month
A proclamation, read by Director Adam Lamb, recognizes May 2026 as Bike The Woodlands Month, with May 15, 2026, designated as Bike to Work Day and May 16, 2026, as Bike The Woodlands Day in The Woodlands. The proclamation, in support of the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Month and the Bike The Woodlands Coalition, highlights the benefits of bicycling for recreation, transportation and overall community health, while recognizing The Woodlands’ extensive pathway system and status as a Bike Friendly Community. It also emphasizes the positive impact of cycling on quality of life, safety and the local economy.

*Board of Directors pictured with Special Events Supervisor Mark Lazenby, Special Events Coordinator Emma Kiel and members from Bike The Woodlands Coalition; Photo Credit: The Woodlands Township*

Hello Woodlands Haley Garcia Group January 2026

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President and CEO Monique Sharp announced that, The Lookout, a bird blind project, was recognized with two 2026 awards for its design excellence and community impact. Specifically, the project received a 2026 Design Build Award from The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and special recognition through the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Parks and Natural Areas Awards for projects under the $500,000 category. The honors highlight the project as an innovative collaboration that blends architecture, education and environmental design while creating a meaningful public space that connects people to nature. Sharp highlighted Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan and staff responsible for bringing The Lookout to the community.

REGULAR AGENDA

ACCEPTED – Quarterly Law Enforcement Report

Representatives of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 and Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3, provided a quarterly law enforcement update including volume of calls for service, crimes of note, traffic enforcement and accident trends, noting overall crime trends such as burglary and theft remain down but may rise in the summer. Officials recognized deputies for outstanding work in recovering stolen property and DWI enforcement and reported successful multi-agency efforts in preventing illegal street activity. The report also addressed concerns about e-devices and dirt bikes, emphasizing safety and enforcement challenges. Additionally, new technology such as license plate readers has already contributed to arrests and stolen vehicle recoveries, and specialized units reported progress in areas including child exploitation investigations, narcotics enforcement and overall patrol activity. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

APPROVED – Agreement with Mosaics of Mercy for Artwork Installation on The Waterway
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Chris Nunes reviewed a proposal to accept a donated art installation from Mosaics of Mercy to be placed along The Woodlands Waterway. The discussion highlighted existing guidelines for public art donations, including requirements for nonprofit sponsorship, maintenance plans and placement review. Board members expressed support for the project but raised concerns about managing the number, placement and long-term oversight of future art installations, noting the potential for increased requests from nonprofits. Staff emphasized that all proposals are vetted and brought to the Board for approval and that guidelines could be refined further. The Board unanimously approved the donation while agreeing to revisit to strengthen the art donation policy in the future.

APPROVED – Renovation of Parks and Recreation Campus
The Board considered a long-planned renovation of the Parks and Recreation campus, located at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive. The plan is to expand and modernize aging facilities that have seen no major improvements since the early 2000s. The project includes additional space, improved parking, updated work areas and enhanced staff amenities to better support a growing team. With a total budget of approximately $5.2 million, construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and be completed by early 2027. The Board unanimously approved the renovation.

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed Amendments to Township Park Order No. 019-09 as it relates to Park Use, Recreation and Open Spaces
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Chris Nunes presented updates to Township Order 019-09 related to parks, recreation and open space areas. The proposed changes are primarily minor updates, including adjustments to comply with state law regarding performances and busking in public spaces. The Board approved scheduling a public hearing on May 21, 2026.

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed Revisions to Township Order No. 020-09 as it relates to Special Event Policies and Procedures
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Pamela Woods reviewed the 2026 Parks and Recreation fee study, which evaluates pricing across facilities to ensure alignment with market rates and long-term financial sustainability. Recommendations include modest fee increases for pavilion rentals, sports fields and aquatics over time, while keeping many areas like recreation centers and pickleball unchanged. New fees are proposed for commercial use of additional locations such as Waterway Square and Hughes Landing to support increased activity and demand. The study also suggests passing along online transaction fees to users and making small adjustments to certain commercial operations. The Board approved scheduling a public hearing on May 21, 2026.

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed Revisions and Amendments to Covenant Administration Fees
Director of Covenant Administration Kim McKenna proposed updates to administrative fees related to code compliance and development review processes. The changes aim to maintain free basic services that benefit the community while applying fees to more complex requests requiring additional staff time, technical review or enforcement actions. Proposed updates include new and adjusted fees for items such as variances, commercial improvements, short-term rentals and tree removal without approval, with a focus on encouraging compliance and covering administrative costs. The discussion also addressed enforcement practices, particularly around tree removal and permitting and explored ideas for simplifying permit processes. The Board approved scheduling a public hearing on May 21, 2026, to consider the proposed changes.

APPROVED – Request for Proposal for Cell Tower Marketing and Management Services
Chief Technology & Innovation Officer William Pham reviewed a proposal for cell tower marketing and management services on Township-owned properties to improve cellular coverage and generate revenue. Staff explained the limitations in regulating small cell nodes in public right-of-way areas, while emphasizing the opportunity for the Township to strategically place larger towers in parks to address coverage gaps. Proposed sites were presented, along with potential visual impacts and improved service coverage. Financial models showed potential revenue through base rent, profit sharing and signing bonuses, though estimates vary based on carrier participation. The Board also discussed safety, reliability during emergencies and the importance of backup power. The Board awarded the bid to Diamond Communications, with future public hearings and site-specific approvals still required.

ACCEPTED REPORT – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Update
The Board received an update from President of Visit The Woodlands Nick Wolda that highlighted strong tourism performance and marketing efforts. Hotel occupancy tax revenue remained strong, with projections for another record year. The report emphasized data-driven marketing strategies, growth in social media reach and targeted advertising to key markets, along with successful campaigns and new initiatives like expanded transportation options. Group sales and convention bookings have exceeded expectations, with several major events scheduled, supporting continued economic growth and increased visitation to the community.

ACCEPTED REPORT – Village Presidents’ Council Update
Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update from the Village Presidents’ Council, noting a recent meeting where the Township’s President and CEO presented on accomplishments and future plans. The meeting included strong participation, thoughtful questions and productive discussion, providing valuable insight and engagement for attendees.

ACCEPTED – Regional Participation Agreement Funds for the David Memorial Drive Extension Project
The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County and the City of Conroe to use Regional Participation Agreement funds for the David Memorial Drive extension project, authorizing execution of the necessary agreements.

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 Administrative Reports for Community Services;
Receive, consider, and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for March 2026;
Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
Receive, consider and act upon a request from Entergy Texas, Inc., for easements in Township Open Space Reserves related to Cochran’s Crossing Section 10 ROSR A (P-2026-0357), Cochran’s Crossing Section 3 ROSR D (P-2026-0358), Grogan’s Mill Section 13 ROSR A (P-2026-0360), Panther Creek Section 14 ROSR B (P-2026-0361), Panther Creek Section 17 ROSR D (P-2026-0362) and Alden Bridge Section 34 ROSR B (P-2026-0363);
Receive, consider and act upon GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership, dba Verizon Wireless, utility easements in Township Open Space Reserves related to Grogan’s Mill Section 59-E (P-2026-0371), Panther Creek Section 15-A (P-2026-0372) and Cochran Crossing Section 16-D (P-2026-0373);
Receive, consider, and act upon a Parking Facility Management Agreement between The Woodlands Township and The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands dba The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, for management and operation of the West Garage and associated surface parking areas (C-2026-0381);
Receive, consider and act upon an award of bid for pathway system renovation services under the Pathway Stencil and Crosswalks Project (C-2026-0310);
Receive, consider, and act upon award of bid for 2026-2029 Town Center Christmas Tree and Doves Installation, Maintenance, Removal and Storage (C-2026-0294);
Receive, consider and act upon the first amendment to the service agreement with the South County 4th of July Parade Committee, Inc. (C-2023-0236A1);
Receive, consider, and act upon a renewal of the Township Tree Lighting Services Contract (C-2023-0125);
Receive, consider, and act upon The Woodlands Township Standards of Care for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Sunny Dayz Camp program;
Receive, consider, and act upon a proposal from Consolidated Traffic Controls, Inc., for traffic signal and striping improvements related to the Alden Bridge Sports Park Renovation Project (C-2026-0376);
Receive, consider, and act upon the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s World Cup Shuttle Ozone Action Pilot Program (C-2026-0374);
Receive, consider and act upon licensing and support for current network security devices (C-2026-0366);
Receive, consider and act upon the purchase of Backup and Recovery Storage Servers and related 24-month support subscriptions (C-2026-0383);
Receive, consider and act upon an 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) and approval of a budget amendment in connection therewith;
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) and approval of a budget amendment in connection therewith;

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 Aaron Hoffstadter, Village of Grogan’s Mill

Watch the video of the Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 23 at https://woodlandstx.new.swagit.com/videos/383309.

Source: The Woodlands Township