The Woodlands Township Board Meeting covers arts, Earth, and e-vehicles

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held its most recent public meeting on March 26, where several agenda items were covered, including:

• Proclamation Recognizing Theater In Our Schools Month – A proclamation recognized March 2026 as Theatre In Our Schools Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation highlighted the importance of theatre education in developing well rounded, confident and empathetic students while strengthening skills such as creativity, communication and teamwork. It also emphasized the role of theatre programs in shaping future leaders and enriching the community.
• Proclamation Recognizing Earth Month in The Woodlands – A proclamation recognized April 2026 as Earth Month in The Woodlands. The proclamation highlighted the Township’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship through programs such as recycling initiatives, tree planting events and environmental education. It also encouraged residents, businesses and schools to participate in activities throughout April that promote sustainability and help protect the community for future generations.
• Approval of Selection of Polco National Research Center to perform the 2026 Residential Survey – Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen provided an overview of the survey, explaining that the Township conducts the statistically valid survey every two years using a randomized sample of residents. The survey serves as a benchmark to evaluate Township services and helps inform policy and budget decisions. The 2026 survey will be conducted earlier in the year, with distribution planned for May and results presented in June to align with budget planning. The Board unanimously approved the selection of Polco National Research Center to perform the 2026 Residential Survey.
• Report from Waste Management – Waste Management representatives provided a presentation to the Board, highlighting their ongoing partnership with The Woodlands Township and sharing 2025 service updates. The presentation included key performance metrics, noting service to more than 35,000 homes and approximately 5 million annual collection touches. Recycling participation remained high, with about 88% of residents participating and a contamination rate of 12%, well below the industry average. Waste Management also presented funding to support environmental education initiatives, including programs such as recycling outreach, tagging to reduce contamination and specialty recycling efforts. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
• Report from Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol – Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol presented an overview of its services in The Woodlands, reporting more than 85,000 documented public interactions and calls for service in 2025, averaging over 230 contacts per day. The presentation outlined the courtesy patrol’s role in visibility and deterrence, as well as coordination with local agencies on incidents, traffic management and community support. Board members asked detailed questions and requested that additional information be provided regarding training, operational scope and the use of public funds for services on private property. Following discussion, the Board accepted the report in a 6 to 1 vote, with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs in opposition.
• Report on E-vehicle Educational Campaign, Injury Statistics and Safety Concerns – Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen initiated discussion on the Township’s Respect the Path educational initiative, providing an overview of ongoing outreach efforts, partnerships and campaign messaging aimed at improving pathway safety. The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Palmer Buck and Montgomery County Hospital District Chief James Campbell presented incident data related to calls for service, highlighting trends in e-device and bicycle accidents, including injury rates, lack of helmet usage and increased risks at intersections. Representatives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 addressed legal considerations regarding motorized devices, noting limitations in current state law and enforcement authority on roadways and Township property. The Board discussed potential legislative solutions, enforcement strategies and continued collaboration with regional partners to address safety concerns. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
• Approval of Amended and Restated Lease Agreement of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve with The Woodlands Land Development Company, L.P. –Chief Operating Officer Dr. Chris Nunes presented the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement for the George Mitchell Nature Preserve with The Woodlands Land Development Company, L.P. He provided historical context on the approximately 2,000 acres preserve, outlined the Township’s role in maintaining and operating the trails and explained that the agreement establishes a 50-year lease focused on conservation, open space and passive recreation. The lease also supports long term plans for eventual land conveyance to the Township. Following discussion, the Board unanimously approved the agreement.
• Financial Report – Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the 2025 year-end financials and a 2026 year-to-date update. Revenues exceeded budget by approximately $6.3 million, while expenditures were about $5.3 million under budget. Sales tax collections totaled $78.9 million, $1.4 million above budget and 7% higher than 2024. For 2026 year to date, sales tax revenue is approximately $23.4 million, about $931,000 above budget, with hotel occupancy tax slightly below budget and mixed beverage tax performing as projected. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
• Adoption of Ad Hoc Communications and Marketing Committee Charter – The Board unanimously approved the Ad Hoc Communications Committee charter and affirmed the appointments of Directors Linda Nelson, Adam Lamb and Cindy Heiser to serve on the committee, which will support Board led communications initiatives and priorities.
• Quarterly Update on Transportation-related Matters – Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens led a quarterly update on transportation related matters, with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs providing details on State Highway 242 projects. The update included progress on roadway and drainage improvements, upcoming direct-connector construction and project timelines and costs. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
• Village Presidents’ Council Update – Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update from the Village Presidents’ Council, noting strong attendance and a comprehensive presentation from the Montgomery County Sheriff, who addressed questions and shared public safety information. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
• Approval of Short Course Golf Complex Term Sheet – Following closed session, the Board unanimously approved the term sheet with Early Bird for the short course golf complex on the South Gosling Tract. The term sheet outlines key business terms and represents progress toward a formal agreement for the project, which aims to expand access to public golf while preserving the natural character of the property. The concept includes a short course with complementary food and entertainment offerings, creating a new recreational destination for residents.
• 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 JC Harville, Village of Cochran’s Crossing
  • President Nancy Becker, Creekside Park Village Association
  • President Aaron Hoffstadter, Grogan’s Mill Village Association
  • President Andrew Freeman, Panther Creek Village Association
  • President Eric Fishhaut, Sterling Ridge Village Association

Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.