Boardroom Briefings for October 2025
Published on November 04, 2025
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held two regular meetings during the month of October. The Board of Directors Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Following the election, the Board will convene for a Special Meeting to canvass the results on Friday, November 14, and will hold its next Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 19. The following provides a summary of actions and discussions from the October meetings. Agendas and more meeting information is provided online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/boardmeetings.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
VIEW AGENDA
PROCLAMATIONS
Veterans Day Proclamation
Treasurer Richard Franks read a proclamation recognizing Veterans Day. The proclamation honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and encourages all residents and businesses in The Woodlands to commemorate Veterans Day through appropriate ceremonies and expressions of gratitude. A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Central Fire Station on Tuesday, November 11, at 4 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.
READ THE PROCLAMATION
The Woodlands Recycles Day Proclamation
Secretary Linda Nelson read a proclamation recognizing The Woodlands Recycles Day. The proclamation highlights the community’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability through waste reduction, recycling and composting efforts. It acknowledges The Woodlands Township’s award-winning Recycle Right education program and high resident participation in curbside recycling. Saturday, November 15, 2025, was proclaimed The Woodlands Recycles Day in The Woodlands, Texas.
READ THE PROCLAMATION
President’s Report
President and CEO Monique Sharp commended two Township employees during her President’s report, Martin Gantt of Covenant Administration and David Hernandez, Parks Facilities Foreman, for their courageous actions on September 8. The pair rescued a driver from a burning vehicle after witnessing a collision at Lake Woodlands Drive and Lakeside Boulevard. Their quick response and teamwork exemplified outstanding public service and dedication to the community.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:
- Receive, consider and act upon approval of the minutes of the August 6, 2025 Special Board Meeting, August 18, 2025 Board Budget Workshop #1, August 20, 2025 Board Budget Workshop #3, August 21, 2025 Board Budget Workshop #4, August 21, 2025 Regular Meeting, and the August 27, 2025 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
- Receive, consider, and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for September 2025;
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
- Receive, consider and act upon The Woodlands Fire Department FY 2026 approved vehicle purchases;
- Receive, consider, and act upon an award of bid for liquid (C-2025-0376) and dry (C-2025-0375) pool chemicals;
- Receive, consider, and act upon a proposal from Alpha Paving Industries, LLC for the Millbend Loop Renovation Project (C-2025-0463);
- Receive, consider and act upon a budget amendment for hazardous tree removal;
- Receive, consider and act upon the First Amendment To On-Call Property Services Agreement for on-call property services required at the Township's Park & Ride facilities (C-2024-0555A1);
- Receive, consider, and act upon updated criteria for the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan per Federal Transit Administration requirements;
- Receive, consider, and act upon an award of contract to Miam Electric for Transportation Facilities Electrical Services (C-2025-0380);
- Receive, consider and act upon a security software purchasing agreement (C-2025-0477);
Regular Agenda
APPROVED – Grogan’s Point Nature Trail Pathway Bridge Repair
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented budget amendment options for the repair and replacement of the Grogan’s Point Nature Trail Bridge, which was closed in September 2024 following significant damage from flooding and Hurricane Beryl. After reviewing four alternatives, the Board approved Alternative 1—bridge repair at a cost of $407,797.17—by a vote of four to two, with Directors Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Dr. Ann K. Snyder opposed. Chairman Brad Bailey was not in attendance.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED REPORT – Houston-Galveston Area Council 2050 Regional Transportation Plan with Regard to the Future Widening of Grogan’s Mill Road
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Todd Stephens presented an update on the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and the potential widening of Grogan’s Mill Road. Stephens explained that while the project was originally introduced in the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan and remains listed in the current 2045 plan for fiscal year 2027, it has now been moved to the year 2045 in the draft 2050 plan. The Transportation Policy Council is expected to take action on the 2050 plan in spring 2026. The Board accepted the report by a vote of five to one, with Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs opposed. Chairman Brad Bailey was not in attendance.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED REPORT – Water Renewal The Woodlands Committee Working Group Update
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Todd Stephens presented an update on the Water Renewal The Woodlands Committee Working Group. The initiative, led by The Woodlands Water Agency and the San Jacinto River Authority, focuses on modernizing aging water infrastructure and engaging the community through transparency and collaboration. The working group includes representatives from local partners, MUDs, village associations and residents who meet regularly to review projects and share information with the community. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
VIEW AGENDA
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda consists of non-controversial, or “housekeeping” items required by law. One motion with modifications, if applicable, approves for action, all items contained within the Consent Agenda. Items may be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda by a Board Member making such a request prior to a motion and vote. To view more information about each item, please review the Meeting Agenda online.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors:
- Receive, consider and act upon approval of the minutes of the September 4, 2025 Special Meeting to adopt the 2026 Budget, September 4, 2025 Public Hearing on the Proposed 2025 Property Tax Rate, September 18, 2025 Regular Meeting, and the September 25, 2025 Regular Meeting for the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township;
- Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Community Services;
- Receive, consider, and act upon the First Amendment to the 2023-2025 Tree Removal Service Agreements with Yellowstone Landscape - Central, Inc. (C 2023-0134), Monster Tree Service (C-2023-0329), Cypresswood Tree Services LLC (C-2023-0330), and JNE Tree Services LLC (C-2024-0687);
- Receive, consider, and act upon the Amended And Restated Service Agreement Relating To Trail Maintenance In The George Mitchell Nature Preserve (C-2019-0400);
Regular Agenda
ACCEPTED REPORT – Quarterly Law Enforcement Report
Representatives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 and Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3 presented the Quarterly Law Enforcement Update. Officials reported that overall crime levels in both counties remain steady or trending slightly downward, with proactive enforcement efforts contributing to continued low crime rates. Highlights included the success of a regional task force addressing organized theft and “bank jugging,” as well as ongoing efforts targeting retail theft planned for the holiday season. The Montgomery County Precinct 3 provided updates on specialized units addressing child exploitation and criminal interdiction, which have led to multiple felony arrests and significant drug and asset seizures. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
DEFERRED – Monthly Financial Report
The monthly financial report was deferred to the November Regular Meeting as Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw was not in attendance.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED AND PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED – 2026 Recreation Facility Operating Hours and Fees
Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan presented the proposed 2026 Operating Schedule for Recreation Facilities, including the Recreation Centers, Texas TreeVentures and the Boat Houses. McGowan reported that cost recovery remains strong at 100 percent, consistent with previous years. The schedule reflects minor adjustments to holiday hours, while facility operations and fees remain largely the same. Implementation of one proposed new fee, the $5,000 per day rental rate for the Event Center (The Woodlands Ice Rink at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion), would require a public hearing prior to approval. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 operating schedule and scheduled a public hearing for November 19 to adopt an amendment to Township Order 020-09 related to park user fees.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED REPORT – Township’s Water Conservation Education Program Overview
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented an overview of the Township’s Water Conservation Education Programs following a public comment commending the Rain Barrel Program. She explained that the Township provides workshops, classroom lessons and community outreach promoting responsible water use and native landscaping. While the Township does not supply rain barrels, it partners with The Woodlands Water Agency to promote the Agency’s rebates and education that encourages residents to conserve water and protect local waterways. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED REPORT – Township’s 2025 National Night Out Program Overview
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey presented a report on the Township’s National Night Out Program. The annual event, coordinated by the Neighborhood Services Department with law enforcement and public safety partners, promotes community engagement and neighborhood safety. Held the first weekend in October, this year’s event featured 289 neighborhood parties with participation from more than 9,000 households. The program has earned numerous national awards, including multiple first-place honors over its 35-year history. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
ACCEPTED REPORT – Village Presidents’ Council Update
Treasurer Richard Franks provided an update on the Village Presidents’ Council meeting held October 6. All village associations were represented at the meeting. Director of Communication LeaAnn Petersen presented a report highlighting the Communications Department’s activities over the past year. The council also discussed ongoing issues within the villages, including the use of e-devices on pathways and the importance of sharing the Township’s educational Respect the Path messaging.
VIEW AGENDA ITEM
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
Meeting agendas, videos and more are available online at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
PHOTO: Pictured left to right: Township Director Cindy Heiser, Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Veteran and Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens, Veteran and Customer Care Representative Wayne Gassmann, Veteran and Treasurer Richard Franks, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Secretary Linda Nelson, Vice Chairman Craig Eissler.