March 2021 News From the Grogan's Mill Village Association

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Elections for new board officers were held on March 15, 2021.

Bruce Cunningham was elected President,
Emily Hoppel, Vice President,
Kelly Lewis, Secretary, and
Russ Balsamo as Treasurer.

We thank Ned Chapman and Randy Brannen for their service during the past years, they will continue to be on the board. Three new members were elected, James Napier, Aaron Hoffstadter, and Jasmine Harrell. We wish to thank those board members who have left, Virginia Hill, Andrew Coakley and Franklin Palmer, for their long and helpful service to the community.

Among the goals of the new team will be to look for ways to improve the Grogan's Mill Shopping Center and a review of infrastructure in the community. Applications for scholarships will be distributed shortly to school counselors and posted online.

Water/Wastewater Issues

The SJRA has a proposal for the Woodlands MUDs to return to a 50/50 mix of Groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) from a 65/35 ratio. This will help reduce subsidence readings. With the 65%GW/35%SW mix, it looks like some small indication that subsidence is reoccurring. The MUDs will decide on this issue next month. Subsidence is a critical issue in particular to lower Grogan’s Mill Village near Spring Creek. The MUDs in GM are in favor of the 50/50 ratio.

Meanwhile, The Lone Star Ground Water Conservation District, which controls groundwater in Montgomery County, desires to increase their allowed groundwater pumping’s by 160% the MUDs and the GMVA ask you to voice your objections by offering public comment at their meetings. You can find out more at their website https://www.lonestargcd.org.

Odors from Wastewater Treatment Facility #1 on Sawdust Road have been experienced repeatedly in residential areas around the plant. Recent engineering studies indicate that the odor source is due to hydrogen sulfide gas breaking out of the sewer lines which terminate at the plant’s headworks. Remediation of this issue is in the final design stage, part of which is testing of exhaust fan sizing and operational parameters during the past week (see photo). Neil Gaynor will continue to monitor progress with the engineering design and construction of the sewer line exhaust and gas neutralization systems.

Important Information for Winter Storm Uri

If your February water bill was high you can request a one-time leak adjustment. Call Woodlands Water Agency Customer Service for more information at 281-367-1271

If you suffered damage to your home greater than 15% of its appraised values you can file for a reduction in its appraised value by filing with the Montgomery County Appraisal District, www.mcad-tx.org

Victims of last month's winter storms in Texas will have until June 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, to the Internal Revenue Service. The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on February 11. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until June 15, 2021, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period. This includes 2020 individual and business returns normally due on April 15, as well as various 2020 business returns due on March 15. Among other things, this also means that affected taxpayers will have until June 15 to make 2020 IRA contributions.

The June 15 deadline also applies to quarterly estimated income tax payments due on April 15 and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on April 30. It also applies to tax-exempt organizations, operating on a calendar-year basis, that have a 2020 return due on May 17.

The Woodlands Farmer's Market

The market continues to grow with the new hours of 9 AM to 1 PM and the addition of Cottage Law vendors. Live music and food trucks are back with to-go food orders.

There is a raffle being held for $50 in market dollars, all you have to do is visit seven vendors, find out more at the Information tent.

Every Saturday there are great deals on fresh produce, farm-raised meats, prepared foods, unique gifts and garden items. We continue to have our vendors spaced to support social distancing.

Profits from Farmer's Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships, and community programs.

Stop by soon to visit your favorite vendors and discover all the new vendors that we have too!

Public Town Hall on Tachus Installation

Tachus, the new fiber cable company installing cable in The Woodlands, has caused a number of breaks in water and other lines as they put in their cable. Consequently, Commissioner James Noack and Tachus CEO Hal Brumfield will host a public, in-person town hall meeting starting at 6pm, Tuesday, March 23, at the South County Community Center, 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. Masks are not required.

The purpose of the meeting is to communicate various changes being made to help prevent utility line breaks as well as other commitments made by Tachus and to answer any questions from residents.

Residents can also view the meeting on Facebook live via Commissioner Noack's Facebook page.

Any questions concerning the meeting, please call the commissioner's office at 281-367-3977 or visit his website for more specific information on actions being taken.

Covid Vaccine Sign Up

Memorial Hermann has a link for anyone to register for the Covid vaccine: https://secureaccess.memorialhermann.org/authenticated/COVID19Vax/HUB/PreRegistration
This will put you in line to receive the vaccine when it is your turn. After submitting your form, please look out for a text message from Memorial Hermann or email from MHVaccination@memorialhermann.org to complete your request to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.