The Woodlands Township meets, appoints committee members, approves service agreements

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held its final regular meeting of the year on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. The Board received an update regarding the Harris County Contract Patrol Program, made appointments to Township and partner committees for 2024, and approved service agreements for various community programs.

SERVICE AGREEMENTS
The Board received an annual report from The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP), presented by Chief Executive Officer Gil Staley. The Woodlands Township partners with EDP to recruit new business and to retain existing businesses in The Woodlands. View the report. Following the report, the Board approved the annual service agreement with the EDP.

“We thank you and your team for being here this evening and your board very much. We appreciate what you do,” Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder said.

The Board approved entering into a service agreement with the South County Fourth of July Committee to fund up to $25,000 for public safety, traffic control and parade infrastructure costs for the event, through a service agreement in a form approved by legal counsel and the Township President/CEO.

The Board discussed two agenda items related to the Township’s reforestation program. After discussion with input from Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan and Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes, the Board approved staff’s request to go out for new bids for tree installation and extended the Reforestation Stock Agreement with Texan Tree Depot, LP.

The Board also approved the annual service agreement with Interfaith of The Woodlands for senior transportation services.

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Seven appointments are made by the Township Board of Directors to the Development Standards Committee (DSC), four of which are appointments from the general public and three of which are designated by The Woodlands Land Development Company (TWLDC) per the Comprehensive Community Services Agreement. The terms of the seven appointments are staggered two-year terms or until successors are assigned. The Board voted to appoint Township residents Arthur Bredehoft and John Anthony Brown and approved the appointees designated by TWLDC.

HARRIS COUNTY PATROL PROGRAM
The Board of Directors held a discussion regarding the Harris County Patrol Program and a potential increase in service fees. The Harris County Commissioners Court has not approved an increase at this time. Chairman Snyder recognized members of the Harris County Patrol Program who were in attendance at the meeting and stressed the importance of safety in the community. The Board of Directors accepted the report.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ALONG THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY
The Board authorized staff to move forward with a Request for Proposals for holiday lights along The Woodlands Waterway for 2024. It is anticipated that the proposals will be brought back to the Board at an early 2024 meeting.

COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors approved numerous appointments for their various committees and partner agency committees for the upcoming year. Appointments for 2024 are as follows.

• AD HOC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Vice Chairman Kyle Watson, Director Brad Bailey
• 50th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
  Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Brad Bailey, Director Cindy Heiser
• AUDIT COMMITTEE
  Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Director Cindy Heiser
• PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
  Director Cindy Heiser
• THE WOODLANDS-CONROE URBANIZED AREA (UZA) TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
• VISIT THE WOODLANDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  Director Brad Bailey, Treasurer Richard Franks, Secretary Linda Nelson
  Nick Wolda re-appointed as President
• VILLAGE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
  Treasurer Richard Franks

VILLAGE PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL UPDATE
Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update regarding the work of the Village Presidents’ Council in 2023. The group recently met with Sheriff Rand Henderson who presented about public safety in The Woodlands.

2024 MEETING SCHEDULE
The Board approved their meeting schedule for 2024 that continues their timing and format, and added a strategic planning session on January 19, 2024. View the schedule as presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Earlier in the meeting, the Board approved items on the Consent Agenda which consists of non-controversial or “housekeeping” items as follows.

• Approved a proposal for Riva Row Boat House dock improvements.
• Approved the annual service agreements with the Village Associations.
• Approved the annual service agreement with South Montgomery County YMCA.
• Approved the annual service agreement with Meals on Wheels – Montgomery Senior Rides Program.
• Approved the agreement with Harris-Galveston Area Council for the third and final year of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant-funded Energy Corridor Commuter Service Pilot Program.
• Deferred the service agreement with Boy Scouts of America George Strake District.
• Approved the annual service agreement with The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (dba Visit The Woodlands).
• Appointed Kim Lowe to serve a two-year term from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, on The Woodlands Township’s Booking and Blocking Committee.

The Board also received updates from several of the Village Associations after public comment.

At the end of the meeting, Chairman Snyder recognized Director of Budget and Procurement John Bruce who is retiring from The Woodlands Township after 24 years of service.

“You’ve been here a long time and have always helped us. We are very appreciative of everything that you’ve done. We thank you for your service,” Chairman Snyder said.

Board Meetings may be viewed live at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos. Members of the public may also address the Board at the beginning of regular Board meetings.

The Woodlands Township is a special purpose district, providing fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development, enhanced law enforcement services and more to over 120,000 residents and 2,000 businesses. Located 27 miles north of Houston, Texas, The Woodlands Township is committed to supporting the highest quality of life for its residents, businesses and visitors. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to learn more.

PHOTO: The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recognized Township Director of Budget and Procurement John Bruce on his retirement from the Township after 24 years. Pictured above, left to right, Township Vice Chairman Kyle Watson, Secretary Linda Nelson, Director Cindy Heiser, John Bruce, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Treasurer Richard Franks and Director Brad Bailey.