Shenandoah City Council Meeting Update – February 28, 2024

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Shenandoah City Council recently held its monthly meeting on February 28. In attendance were

Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), Ted Fletcher (Position 2), and Ron Raymaker (Position 1).

The following items were discussed:

Introduction of new employees - Shenandoah Police Chief Troye Dunlap and Lt. Jake Reuvers introduced three new police officers: Officers Puttkammer, Hatch and Deady who were then sworn in and pinned. Public Works Director Joseph Peart introduced the new Parks and Recreation Coordinator Susan Kyle. Community Development Director Jackie Thompson introduced the new Code Enforcement Office Rob Jenkins. Welcome to the City of Shenandoah. No Council action was needed.

Capital Projects Report - No Council action needed; report only.

2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report - Section 103 of the Local Government Code requires an annual audit of financial records and accounts and a financial report based on that audit. The audit is required within 180 days after the fiscal year ends. The audit is also reported to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Auditor Louis Breedlove presented the report and noted that Shenandoah is going "above and beyond transparency." Audit Council voted 5-0 to approve the Comprehensive Financial Report.

Annual Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Report - The report focuses on two programs, TravelClick and Expedia.com and tracks performance metric information. No Council action needed; report only.

Award a Contract for the Veterans’ Monument Construction - Five bids were received on Phase 3 of the Vision Park Detention Pond project. Council voted 5-0 to table action.

Naming of the Vision Pond Park Project - The park includes approximately 0ne mile of walking paths surrounding a detention pond with pedestrian bridges, fountains and a component which will honor veterans of Shenandoah. Council voted 5-0 to table action.

Cancellation of the 2024 Municipal Election - Deadline for filing for a place on the ballot as well as for write-in for the 2024 Municipal Election have passed. Up for election this year were the Mayor and Councilmember Places 1 and 5. The Mayor and Councilmember Place 5 drew no opposition. The open position of Councilmember Place 1 drew one candidate. Congratulations to Mayor John Escoto and Councilmember Place 1 Ron Raymaker on re-election. Congratulations to new Councilmember Place 1 Elect Frank Robinson. Council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance canceling the May 4 Municipal election.

Ratification of Accounts Payable for January - Council voted 5-0 to approve the accounts payable.

Civic Club Updates

• Arbor Day, March 2 from 9 a.m. - noon at the Public works bays. Plants, tree giveaways, gardening questions answered, children's craft and fun for the whole family.
• Trash Bash, March 23 from 8 a.m. - noon at the Public Works bay. Residents may bring items from household goods to construction debris, household hazardous waste material and old fencing. Trash Bash Do's and Don'ts
• Easter at the Park, March 23 from 10 a.m. - noon, Shenandoah Park. Shenandoah residents and their guests are invited to visit the Easter Bunny and enjoy the fun.
• Montgomery County Safety Expo, April 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Woodforest Bank Stadium. Come meet the first responders that serve Montgomery County. Demonstrations, displays, K9s, food, fun for all ages.
• 50th Anniversary Celebration, March 13 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Woodforest Bank parking lot. Join the fun and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Shenandoah. Live music, food, displays, games, car show, business booths. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the day!
• The Shenandoah Resident Scholarship application process has opened for 2024 applications and will remain open until 5 p.m. March 23.

City Administrator Updates

• A resident let the city administrator know how appreciative they were for the new Vision Park detention pond park improvements. The walking pathway is already become a popular place among residents.
• Chemical room improvements at the city water plants 2 and 3, and the wastewater treatment plant have been completed.

Executive Session – According to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code as follows:

i) Tex. Gov't § 551.087. Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
ii} Tex. Gov't § 551.071. Consultation with Attorney; Attorney/Client Privilege
a) Consideration and if determined appropriate, take action resulting from the item(s) listed under Executive Session.

Session 1: started at 7:50 p.m. and closed at 8:02 p.m.

Session 2: started at 8:43 p.m. and ended at 9:32 p.m.No action was taken in either of the Executive Sessions.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.