Shenandoah City Council holds monthly meeting, tackles agenda items

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Shenandoah City Council recently held its monthly public meeting. In attendance were Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), and Ron Raymaker (Position 1). Ted Fletcher (Position 2) was absent.

Items on the agenda that were addressed included:

CVB Budget Adjustment – Last year’s Travel Texas program was free to participate in; as a result, there was no way to budget for costs/participation in this year’s program. Because of this, CVB staff asked for authorization to utilize funds from the CVB's marketing contingency program, which is specifically designated for “unknown/unforeseen” marketing opportunities and programs such as this. Council voted 5-0 to utilize contingency CVB funding.

Budget Calendar 2023-24 – There are timelines outlined by state law regarding the posting of notices and hearings related to the tax rate and the budget. Council asked that the August 9 and August 16 dates be swapped to hold its budget workshop on August 9 and hold a special meeting on August 16 to discuss the tax rate options. Council voted 4-0 to approve the 2023-24 Budget Calendar with the change.

PID Project Fund Creation – The city is involved in a public improvement district (PID) with the Sam Moon Group for the Metropark Square PID. This PID was created in 2017 and the city acts as a custodian of the PID funds and is not responsible for any payment towards the debt. To follow the new reporting requirements, the city needs to create a project fund to recognize the improvement costs. Council voted 4-0 to approve the creation of a Metropark PID.

Auditing Services Contract – The previous contract for auditing services was for a three-year term with two one-year extensions. In 2021 and 2022, the city exercised the two one-year extensions. In 2023, the city was required to go out for RFP for auditing services. The auditing staff recommended that Council approve the bid with BrooksWatson & Co., which was competitively priced, had the most dedicated audit hours, and is the closest distance to the city. Council voted 4-0 to approve the auditing contract.

Equipment Replacement Fund Purchase – Staff expressed the need to replace the police department in-car video archive unit and requested approval for a new 15 TB storage array. This will be funded out of the remaining technology claim of the equipment replacement fund at a cost of $6,000. Council voted 4-0 to approve the purchase.

Additionally, City Administrator updates included the announcement that Memorial Hermann Hospital is making a $2500 contribution to the Shenandoah Resident Scholarship fund; that the City's Independence Celebration will be from 10 a.m. - noon on Saturday, June 24; and the Tamina community would hold a Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Sleepy Hollow Multipurpose Building at 9847 Sleepy Hollow Road in Tamina, with proceeds going to Children’s Books on Wheels.