Boardroom Briefings for November

Published on November 24, 2025

The Woodlands Board of Directors held two meetings in November.  A special meeting was held on November 14 to canvass the November Board election, and a regular meeting was held on November 19. Agendas for all Board meetings are available on the Township website for full public review, and meeting videos may be viewed online for anyone who wishes to follow the proceedings.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025

The Board held a special meeting on Friday, November 14 to canvass the November 2025 Township Board of Directors Election. The Board unanimously adopted Order No. 018-25 canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the election. The results were tabulated by combining canvass results provided by Montgomery County and Harris County election offices for The Woodlands Township. Names are listed in ballot order. All results below are considered official. Learn more about the November 2025 Election online here.

Position 5
Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, 9,651 votes

Position 6
Adam Lamb, 6,365 votes
Allan Bounds, 1,757 votes
Philip Ikharebhore, 856 votes
Maria Holmes, 4,115 votes

Position 7
Cindy Heiser, 9,784 votes

The November 14, 2025, agenda was limited and may be viewed online here. The remaining briefing is in reference to the Board meeting held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025, REGULAR MEETING

PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation Recognizing The Woodlands High School Tennis Team State Champions
Vice Chairman Craig Eissler read a proclamation recognizing The Woodlands High School Tennis team for claiming its first UIL 6A state championship on October 23 at Baylor University in Waco, where the Highlanders defeated Round Rock Westwood 10-9 in the title match following a 10-9 semifinal win over Seven Lakes and dominant playoff victories over Nimitz, Cypress Ranch, Klein Cain, Tyler Legacy and Bridgeland. The proclamation highlighted the team’s undefeated 19-0 season, its 84-match district win streak, multiple match wins in boys doubles, girls doubles, mixed doubles, boys singles and girls singles, and commended Head Coach Kevin McIlvain, Assistant Coach Brett Kendall and the student-athletes, including team captains and players from the senior, junior, sophomore and freshman classes, for their commitment, sportsmanship and excellence on and off the court.

READ THE PROCLAMATION

Prior to administering the Oaths of Office during the Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Board meeting, the Board recognized outgoing Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder for her distinguished service to the community. Dr. Snyder, who served five terms on the Board, was commended for her long-standing commitment to public service and her leadership in areas that have shaped the community’s long-term success. The Board highlighted her significant contributions to public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility, regional collaboration and nonprofit and community partnerships, noting her influential role in strengthening programs that support residents of all ages. Dr. Snyder was also recognized for her deep involvement in education and mentorship, as well as her consistent engagement with service organizations, local nonprofits and civic groups throughout her tenure.

Several members of the public delivered comments expressing appreciation for Dr. Snyder’s dedication, professionalism and the steady leadership she provided over many years. Dr. Snyder expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her appreciation for the work of the Board, staff and community partners.

OATH OF OFFICE
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Judge Lisa Michalk of the Montgomery County 221st District Court administered the oaths of office to the newly elected Directors of The Woodlands Township. Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs took the oath for At-Large Position 5, Adam Lamb took the oath for At-Large Position 6, and Cindy Heiser took the oath for At-Large Position 7.

OFFICER ELECTION
After the oaths of office were administered, Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey reviewed with the Board the process for electing officers. The Board elected its officers for 2026 as follows: Brad Bailey as Chairman, Craig Eissler as Vice Chairman, Linda Nelson as Secretary and Richard Franks as Treasurer.

REGULAR AGENDA 

REVIEWED APPLICANTS – Review applicants and hold interviews for Development Standards Committee
Director of Covenant Administration Kimberly McKenna briefed the Board on applicants for the Development Standards Committee. She reported that five applications were received by the October 31, 2025, deadline and reviewed for required professional credentials. Applicants included Arthur Bredehoft, John Anthony Brown, Roger Goertz, Mildred Pombo and Robert Reuter. McKenna noted that candidates were invited to the Wednesday, November 19, 2025, meeting and that the Board interviewed those who were present. She stated that appointments for the two Township designee positions, and Howard Hughes/The Woodlands Development Company’s appointments will be made at the December 4, 2025, regular Board meeting.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

APPROVED – Revisions to Township Order No. 020-09 to include 2026 Recreation Facility Operating Hours and Fees
The Board of Directors unanimously approved a revision to Township Order No. 020-09, Adopting Park User Fees for the use of Park, Recreation and Open Space Areas of The Woodlands Township. The revisions include adjusted hours for select facilities and the establishment  of an  Event Center rental fee. Prior to approval, a public hearing was held in accordance with Board policy and no members of the public provided comment.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

APPROVED – Purchase of Commuter Buses
Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut presented a request to procure 25 new commuter buses for The Woodlands Express. She reported that the Township conducted a competitive request for proposals and received one responsive bid from Motor Coach Industries, the current fleet manufacturer and the only domestic producer meeting federal Buy America requirements. Haut outlined planned upgrades, including enhanced passenger seating, improved outlets, expanded air conditioning capacity, bike storage, electronic stop announcements and flushing restrooms. She noted that the buses will arrive wrapped in Township branding and that delivery is anticipated by September 2026. The total cost is $24.3 million, fully funded through federal sources with no Township funds required. Following the presentation, the Board of Directors unanimously approved authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to execute the contract.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

Note, Agenda Item 19 to Receive, consider and act upon an Amended and Restated Donation Agreement with The Woodlands Arts Council (C-2014-4940A7), was deferred to a later meeting date.

ACCEPTED REPORT – Update on Respect the Path Education Initiative
Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen presented a comprehensive update on the Respect the Path education initiative. Petersen reported that the campaign, launched in August, has continued to progress with weekly distribution of videos and educational materials across Township communication channels. She noted that content featuring injury statistics and other safety information has generated significant engagement. Petersen also stated that Neighborhood Services has supported the initiative by conducting a series of popup events to provide direct community education on pathway safety. She further reported that the campaign will continue through December with additional holiday related materials in development. Petersen advised that the Fire Department is monitoring pathway related incidents and providing data to the Communications Department and that an increase in helmet use has been observed since the initiative began. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

NO ACTION TAKEN – Harris Central Appraisal District 2026 Board of Directors Appointment Process
Director of Intergovernmental Relations Todd Stephens briefed the Board on the upcoming election for two Harris County Appraisal District board positions that begin on January 1, 2026. Stephens reported that five candidates have been nominated, including Martina Lemond Dixon, Bill Frazer, Jason Morris, Melissa Noriega and Ann Williams, noting that Dixon and Noriega currently serve on the board and are seeking reelection. He explained that the Township may cast up to two votes, either for one candidate or split between two candidates, and also has the option to take no action. Stephens outlined the process by which votes from conservation and reclamation districts are aggregated and assigned. The Board unanimously agreed to take no action.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

ACCEPTED – Order No. 020-25 Amending Order No. 013-10 Imposing Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw reviewed an amendment to Township Order 013-10 regarding hotel occupancy tax collection for short-term rentals. Shaw explained that the amendment will allow short-term rental operators with monthly tax liabilities under $2,500 to remit their hotel tax on a quarterly basis, easing administrative burdens, while still allowing operators to pay monthly if preferred. During discussion, the Board noted growing regional trends in short-term rental licensing and permitting and requested that a more detailed review of short-term rental operations and permitting be brought back for future consideration. Following discussion, the Board unanimously approved the amendment and directed staff to bring back an agenda item to discuss short-term rental operations and the permitting process in more detail.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

ACCEPTED – Monthly Financial Reports
Chief Financial Officer Kellan Shaw presented the financial report through October 31, 2025, which included September figures. Shaw reported year-to-date budgeted revenues of $127.1 million and year-to-date actual revenues of $131.3 million, resulting in a favorable variance of $4.1 million driven primarily by a $3 million favorable variance in sales tax, unbudgeted contributions and higher than budgeted program revenues, partially offset by lower administrative fees and interest income. Year-to-date budgeted expenditures totaled $114.8 million, with actual spending of $108 million, producing a favorable variance of $6.8 million due to lower personnel costs from open positions and timing or savings in contracted services. Shaw also reported year-to-date sales tax collections of $72.2 million against a budget of $71.3 million, hotel occupancy tax collections of $8.5 million against a budget of $8.7 million, and mixed beverage tax collections of $1.3 million. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

ACCEPTED – Visit The Woodlands Quarterly Report
President of Visit The Woodlands Nick Wolda presented the Q3 2025 quarterly report, noting continued marketing and sales efforts to strengthen hotel and retail tax performance. Wolda stated that Visit The Woodlands anticipates improvement in November and December with a strong holiday marketing plan. He reported that sales efforts remain active, with more than 370 events in the pipeline and strong room bookings already secured for 2026, reflecting confidence in next year’s performance. Wolda reviewed advertising reach, including 35.2 million impressions, 5.6 million social media impressions, and continued out-of-market campaigns across digital, social, print and Major League Baseball placements. He highlighted audience growth, noting Visit The Woodlands is approaching 100,000 followers across platforms. Wolda also reported ongoing work with influencers and hotel partners, development of new packages, and preparation for a December 17 presentation to the Visit The Woodlands Board on long-term strategic planning. The Board unanimously accepted the report.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

ACCEPTED – Appointment of Newly Elected Directors to The Woodlands Township Economic Development Zone Board of Directors
Chief Administrative Officer Karen Dempsey provided an overview of The Woodlands Township Economic Development Zone, noting that the EDZ is a separate political subdivision of the state with a governing body appointed by the Township under Resolution No. 014-07, which created the zone. Dempsey explained that, for administrative consistency, officers of the Township Board have historically been elected to serve concurrently as officers of the EDZ. The Board unanimously appointed the newly elected directors, Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Adam Lamb and Cindy Heiser, to the EDZ Board.

VIEW AGENDA ITEM

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 Administrative Reports for Community Services;
• Receive, consider and act upon the Communications Metrics Monthly Reports;
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing for October 2025;
• Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department;
• Receive, consider and act upon a Park Use Agreement with Interfaith of The Woodlands for Veggie Villages (C-2025-0454);
• Receive, consider and act upon an award of contract to McKenna Contracting Inc., for playground fall surfacing installation (C-2025-0438);
• Receive, consider and act upon a lease agreement with Aries Building Systems, LLC for temporary office buildings and equipment related to the Parks and Recreation Department Campus renovation (C-2025-0496);
• Receive, consider, and act upon an award of contract for uniform rental services, first aid supplies, and other supplies and materials (C-2025-0469);
• Receive, consider and act upon service agreements for emergency tree and debris removal related to extreme weather events (C-2025-0405);
• Receive, consider, and act upon an award of contract for fleet maintenance services (C-2025-0437);
• Receive, consider and act upon renewal of the Township's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Agreement (C-2019-0368A2);

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 Aaron Hoffstadter, Village of Grogan's Mill
• President Eric Fishhaut, Village of Sterling Ridge

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

PHOTO: Members of The Woodlands High School Tennis Team with The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.