[0:09] >>>  good evening. Welcome to the woodlands township board of directorers regular meeting july 16th 202
[0:15] at p.m. Starting off with our voin case. Please welcome franky rodriguez
[0:20] associate pastor from-- point angel can church who helps lead
[0:25] life group and leadership development training his and his wife camille have five grown children.
[0:30] reverend, welcome. >> thank you. I'm blessed to be here. May we pray.
[0:35] gracious and loving god. With thanksgiving in our hearts we come to you father for the news that we've received even
[0:43] this week as of monday when we have been able to provide a
[0:48] safe haven box of joy and the baby that was presented to our
[0:57] care. And that will now have a place it can call home. A couple it can call mom and
[1:04] dad. Thank you for the opportunity to serve all your children. I get to be herer occasionally.
[1:10] the men and women on our board of directors have to be here all the time. And for that, lord would you
[1:16] bless their faithfulness that as they work with charity and
[1:20] justice for all, that they would have this time returned to them twice fold. And that they would be
[1:28] refreshed and renewed to do the work that you've called them to do. Bless our community that we
[1:34] might serve all the strangers who come in. In your name, we pray, amen. Thank you very much.
[1:40] >> thank you reverend. Appreciate it. All right. Join us for the pledge of
[1:44] allegiance. To the american and texas flags.
[2:16] all right item two. It is 6:02 p.m. I declare the court of state law of this meeting was post there'd days
[2:22] in advance of this meeting. Posting occurred inside the boundaries of the woodlands township at this building.
[2:28] requires at least four board members be in attendance to establish quorum for conducting business.
[2:32] ski each board member to indicate your present as I call role. Vice chairman eissler.
[2:38] >> present. >> director franks. >> present. >> director heiser. >> here. >> director lamb.
[2:43] >> here. >> director nelson. >> here. >> director sekula-gibs.
[2:48] >> here. >> by rolle call I declare we have quorum. Item three.
[2:53] consider action adopting meeting agenda located on pages one through three of your pact. Call on motion to adopt agenda.
[3:00] moved by director frank seconded by dr. Sekula-gibs.
[3:05] all those respond by saying aye. Item carries. Recognize public officials.
[3:11] item four we have two here. Hardest working nan woodlands arthur brindenhoff saw you last night here at the meeting good
[3:22] job. Second hardest working man scott preston rdrc sterling ridge.
[3:27] welcome. Thank you for coming. You're not sitting by your buddy.
[3:31] >> I know. Kind of threw us off a little
[3:35] bit. >> we're on break. >> all right. That's all the public
[3:40] officials. Moving onto agenda item number
[3:45] five. Public comment. Welcomed and encouraged. A public comment agenda items
[3:49] include at the beginning of all regular border meeting ajen dmas accordance with the board adopted foil produce the most
[3:55] efficient and effective process for allowing constituents to address the board. The woodlands township board of
[3:59] directorers accepts public comments in accordance with the following guide lynes for participating in public
[4:04] meetings. Number one each person wishing to address the board must first sign in the speak drawer
[4:08] provided by the board secretary. Number two individuals who wish to make general announcements address the topic that is not included on the agenda or wish
[4:15] to address specific agenda items must do so under the
[4:20] public conference agenda items at the beginning of the meeting. Must be limited to total of
[4:25] three total regardless of topic. If there are more signed up for each comment each speaker will
[4:30] be limited to two minutes regardless of number of topics. Number five four speakerser taken in the order in which
[4:36] they are receiveed. Speakers will not be allowed to yield time to another person on the list. Number five state law prohibits the board from formally acting
[4:43] on specific items for the public comment unless it appears on the posted agenda. Therefore any board discussion
[4:47] of items not included in the posted agenda is limited to questions for clarification and whether or not an item be
[4:53] placed on future board of meeting agendas. Speakers will not express opinion, view points or any
[4:58] issue but are permitted to debate on an issue. Speakers will not use profanity. Comments from speakers may be made to the board as whole or
[5:04] individual directorers. I ask you to please put your cell phones on silent. We have four speakers here
[5:10] tonight. First up, deacon tom vicnare.
[5:18] deacon, welcome. >> thank you.
[5:25] I am representing st. Anne pat-- catholic church in the knights of columbus. And we just want to express our
[5:34] appreciation for the baby box. Obviously everybody knows that there was a baby left this week in the box.
[5:40] and so it's doing its purpose. I want to thank all of ya'll.
[5:45] I understand directorer franks. Chief palmer-- and president
[5:53] sharp was very involved in getting this approved. Most famous for being known as danielle vicnare's
[6:02] father-in-law who works for the chief. So she was involved in acquiring the baby box.
[6:06] so we want to thank everyone for approving this and that
[6:11] it's doing its job. >> thank you so much deacon.
[6:17] just dr. Shelley sekula-gibs really brought that to us.
[6:21] it was a 7-0 vote and when monique called in week, we
[6:27] were-- my jaw dropped. It was a very, very special day. And got a lot of attention.
[6:32] >> and if I might also add chairman, that director kyle
[6:38] watson was very helpful and I got a second on that from then
[6:42] chairman anne snyder. So everybody that heard about it was excited about it. And it's a testament to the
[6:50] woodlands that we support life. >> all right, next up.
[6:55] stewart schroeder. Good friend stewart worked hard, hard on the 4th of july parade which I think is by far
[7:00] one of the best we've-. Thank you stewart. And all the volunteers. >> thank you very much.
[7:05] chairman bailey and members of the board, I realize you don't
[7:11] regulate inter-- texas but I'm asking for help in advocating for the residents regarding a problem.
[7:16] at 12:29 a.m. On july 6th, we experienced a power outage.
[7:21] upon checking the intergy app it did not show any service
[7:25] outages and all the lights werer illuminated in my neighbours homes across the street.
[7:30] I reported the outage on the app. Hooked up our cpap machine batteries and went back to
[7:35] sleep. Early in the morning when I woke up, the pourer was still off and the intergy app only
[7:40] showed a localized outing involving eight customers. I called intergy and spoke with a customer service rep and
[7:45] asked for an update. They really had no new information. I t cause of the outage turned
[7:51] out to be a 36-year-old padmounted transformer in my neighbour's yard that decided to retire itself.
[7:57] at this point chairman bailey I want to thank you for getting
[8:01] involved. Soon intergy contractors began a task of replacing the transformer with a new one.
[8:07] I have photos of the old one to demonstrate the extremely poor condition of the transformer which I've shared with chairman
[8:15] and I would ask him to show it to you. >> we'll pass it down and shelley to look at it.
[8:19] >> the focus of my complaint, contractors informed me-- and I
[8:24] spend a lot of my day out there talking with these guys, and
[8:28] believe me, it was hot. And they did a wonderful job.
[8:32] that intergy, texas does not have an adequate inspection
[8:37] program of their infrastructure. They seem to wait for hardware to fail before replacing it.
[8:45] I know for a fact monique maintains a life cycle place in the program in the township budget but it appears that
[8:52] intergy, texas does not do this or they budget insufficiently for capital replacements. I'm asking for your help in
[9:00] putting pressure on stewart barrett and the others at intergy that insist on a more robust replacement program.
[9:06] in conclusion, I always try to be thankful. Even though intergy fell short in this situation, I'm thankful
[9:12] for two things. I'm not on the ercott grid and I don't have to rely on centrepoint and the
[9:19] de-regulated circus. >> thank you stewart. Appreciate it. Next up.
[9:24] heather ramsey. Representing the woodlands area chamber of commerce. Heather, welcome.
[9:29] >> thank you mr. Chairman. Good evening directors. I'm here on behalf of the woodlands area chamber of
[9:36] commerce to announce the 2026 community citizen of the year
[9:41] award winner. This award recognizes a local resident who has provided leadership to improve the
[9:48] economic, civic and cultural well being of the woodlands area. This year's winner spearheaded
[9:55] the township's first ever homestead exemption for
[9:59] residence. Fought to redirect a significant share of mixed beverage tax revenues back to
[10:06] the township. Increased the number of officers and mounted patrols in business areas of the
[10:13] woodlands. And advocated for the township to secure a seat on hgac's transportation policy council.
[10:21] they demanded accountability for the failure of service response in wake of hurricane destruction.
[10:29] he led a transformative $2 million reforestation
[10:33] initiative. Preserving the community's iconic natural environment. Provided innovative
[10:40] leaderership as the chair of visit the woodlands showcasing the area's natural beauty and vibrant offerings.
[10:47] including the spend the weekend in the woodlands campaign.
[10:51] supported the chamber of commerce by speaking at numerous economic outlook conferences, telling the story
[10:59] and the prosperity of the woodlands. When interviewed recently about the area, chairman brad bailey
[11:06] said, what makes the woodlands truly great is our people. Our residents, our business ownerers, our philanthropists.
[11:14] our artists, our community leaders and our visitors.
[11:18] we are a community that makes things happen. On behalf of the woodlands area chamber of commerce, chairman
[11:25] bailey, you make things happen. For all of these reasons the
[11:32] woodlands area chamber of commerce honours you as the 2026 community citizen of the year.
[11:37] I would like for chairman justin kendrick and president and ceo aaron cox to come up for us to get a photo and
[11:43] congratulations. We hope you will all join us at the annual meeting. Oh congratulations.
[12:05] you bet. Well deserved. Thank you. >> this was a surprise.
[12:10] thank you so much. I appreciate it.
[12:17] >> they probably came to see linda nelson.
[12:41] okay you can go home mom and dad. I know. I didn't.
[13:14] thank you for the woodlands area chamber of commerce. Chairman bailey, I can speak on behalf of everyone and say very
[13:19] well deserved. Well deserveed.
[13:24] >> I was just texted someone. Did we piss off the chamber? Why are they here? Literally just texted that.
[13:32] so thank you so much, look. It's a we board it's not a me
[13:38] board. Every single person today on the dios since I've been here for four years have all 100%
[13:43] loved the woodlands. We bring different perspectives to things. Different ideas. And that's what we do in the woodlands.
[13:49] we put our heads together and solve big problems. We have dialogue and debate. We listen to a lot of public
[13:56] comments. But they come out of heart and soul. And I think every single
[14:01] person, staff as well. We come up with a lot of harebrained ideas that we have to ask them to take on and do.
[14:08] and they do it exceptionally. And reforestation is one of
[14:12] those. It wasn't $2 million it was 3
[14:16] I'm just saying. And I hope it's $4 million but it's not budget time. But no the reforestation
[14:22] invasive species it was a huge, huge task. And still this day staff does so much I called chris all the
[14:28] time. I called monique. Nick. Every single person. So we have incredible staff. And it takes all of us to make
[14:33] this thing work. And I really appreciate the businesses. The business community I grew up as a restauranteur. So business is important in our
[14:43] community. Thank you. All right, moving on.
[14:52] thank you so much. I'm really, really honoured. All right got one more public comment.
[14:57] I'm sorey. Steve barry.
[15:03] >> good luck following that, steve. >> I like to say that tox money coming in I know a certain lot
[15:10] of people that give a lot to the country. And the area. Come on in.
[15:14] >> thanks for having us here. Thanks for what we all do. Maybe next in the chamber can go after us us.
[15:21] but we just wanted to talk about the film festival that we
[15:26] did last year and were planning on again. Fairly good success for what we are doing. We had 132 submissions from 20 different countries.
[15:35] obviously a lot from overspaeps one of our big initiative was high school kids. We contacted 80 different high
[15:40] schools. Mostly from texas. All around half of our submission wes got from
[15:46] students that were allowed to submit for free. Lone star college was a big supporter for us.
[16:02] we've had to be bigger and better every year not just about the film festival but about making films and creating
[16:09] that. A lot of unique things here.
[16:18] the kevin brady centre was also another part of that.
[16:23] >> well we really appreciate the fact that our commissioner
[16:32] over a hundred people there that night for our awards. And now we also got to premier the george mitchell on the
[16:40] woodlands and we're looking forward to next year.
[16:44] june 12th doing the same thing. And we were looking at possibly actually premiering the movie at our film festival.
[16:52] and we just want to you know-- thank you for all your support. And we look forward for continuing to work with visit
[16:58] the woodlands. And make this community truly
[17:05] international. And thank you very much. And this is the genius behind it actually.
[17:11] >> not from me. But this is about the film festival and we want to grow wit connecting with everyone e
[17:16] specially the township and the whole area. >> a lot of the tail rooms too. >> actually we did find out.
[17:22] we did a report afterward and a lot of people who came did stay and they stayed multiple days. And they hung out.
[17:34] >> we had it all in this report for you to take a look at and look forward to next announcing it.
[17:42] >> maybe you said already. What is your name sir?
[17:48] >> I'm justin woods. You go to piney woods filmfestival.org. >> what's underneath it.
[18:01] >> awesome. Thank you guys so much. Great first year. >> love your passion.
[18:07] >> paramount studios is leaving california. So we might need to do a little economic development in
[18:12] the woodlands. >> competition is good.
[18:20] all right that concludes public comment. Moving to item six. Acting on consent agenda.
[18:26] housekeeping items. No discussion will take place
[18:31] on any of the items unless moved on the consent agenda placed on any agenda prior to the board taking the motion.
[18:37] there are ten items on the consent agenda located pages 4 through 48 of your packets. I call the motion.
[18:58] >> so moveed. >> second. >> moved by director franks. Seconded by dr. Sekula-gibs. All those opposed? Motion carries. Moving onto the regular agenda. Receive and consider and act upon awards or bids. For projects north c2 26 0279.
[19:05] south c2026 0486. And tree care.
[19:15] 0488 located on pages 49 through 52 of your packet.
[19:20] I call on chris--. >> thank you very much chairman. I'm going to actually request
[19:25] this to be pushed to the august agenda. And there is one major reason. We had spoke to-- county as
[19:35] well as harris county about taking over tree scape. The sweeping operations. And because of all the storms
[19:40] that we've had the last few weeks. Fourth of july. Finally got back to me late.
[19:46] just a couple days ago. And would like to see.
[19:55] don't have anymore information from there.
[20:01] and if that information is available at that time because we have to move on with what we want to do with tree scape 2027
[20:08] really setting an august deadline for you. So we're just requesting to table this until.
[20:13] the august meetings. >> perfect. All right. >> I move to table. >> all right. Moved by director sekula-gibs
[20:20] seconded by director heiser all in favour say aye.
[20:25] motion carrys. Agenda item eight. Do we need to recess? We do?
[20:33] okay. Agenda item eight recess to board of directors recess to the regular meeting of the board of directors. It is 6:20 p.m.
[20:42] I announce it is necessary to recess to conduct a public hearing related to the proposed amendments in order number
[20:49] 005-26 to include convenant administration permanent waiver
[20:54] fee policy. Item nine public hearing convene to conduct a public hearing regarding proposed
[20:58] amendments to order number 005-26 to include convenant administration permit waiver fee policy.
[21:03] please look to pages 53 through 55 of your packet we now
[21:07] conduct a public hearing of proposed amendments. Number 005-26. To include the convenant
[21:14] administration permit fee calls upon director of administration kim mcke na to present. Welcome.
[21:26] >> come on down. >> thank you. This is in regards to the public hearing for the proposed amendments to the cad fee waiver as the amendment to be
[21:33] added to the cad convenant administration fees.
[21:37] this was something that was brought forward under the guidance of the township board identifying the need for a fee
[21:42] waiver policy when it is for financial relief related to
[21:47] catastrophic circumstances. Inclement weather or other similar hardships. So attached is the original
[21:54] order 005-26 with the inclusion of the language for the fee
[22:02] waiver policy related to those components. And if anyone has any questions bile happy to answer them.
[22:08] >> I think brad this is one of your ideas to add this to that list. This was a good thing. >> yes. Well we will.
[22:14] appreciate it. We can go to public comment now. Is that right? Chairman? Okay.
[22:19] first up-- arthur brindenhoff. Arthur?
[22:26] oh-- yeah. You didn't sign up?
[22:31] >> oh art, come on. >> and scott preston you're on deck. >> pretend like duh.
[22:35] >> you're not speaking? >> art, you know the process.
[22:41] >> I think this policy-- I'm very supportive of it. Because it speaks at the heart of the woodlands when there are
[22:48] catastrophic events to really recognize that and provide some level of relief to the folks that are involved in this.
[22:56] and anyone that's gone through a catastrophic event. Understands the anxiety. And to get your house or garage
[23:09] back in sxoerd have some semblance of your life
[23:13] restored. So I think this is good and I definitely endourj board to pass the policy.
[23:25] and I like the board coming together to get this on the agenda for the residents of the sxhunt we hope we never really
[23:30] have to use it. But if there are situations that take place. Then we have the policy in place and can execute it for the people involved.
[23:37] so thank you very much for your consideration and you support
[23:42] of the policy. >> scott, do you want to speak?
[23:48] okay. That concludes public comment. I will close the public hearing and reconvene to the regular
[23:53] board meeting. It is 6:23 p.m. We will announce the meeting has reconvened and return to
[24:02] regular session. 11 order number 00-526 to include convenant administration permit waiver
[24:08] policy. I call a motion and second to approve the modification to number 005-26 including the
[24:13] convenant administration permit waiver policy. >> second. >> moved by director frank seconded by directorer heiser naul favour respond by saying
[24:20] aye. All those opposeed? Motion carrys. Bye guys. See you all. My kids are waving at me.
[24:26] sorry. All right agenda item 12 we will need to recess again. It's:24 p.m.
[24:32] we are announcing that we are now in recess to regular board-- meeting of the board of directers to kaukt public
[24:38] hearing related to proposed revisions to order number 002-26 ie adopting a policy related to memorials, artworks
[24:44] and commemorative donation on township owned properties. I call on-- well agenda item 13.
[24:55] a public hearing to refer to pages 56 through 70 states we
[24:59] will now conduct a public hearing wo pro posed revisions to order number 002-26 adopting policy related to memorials
[25:05] artwork and commemorative donations on township owned property. Chris nunes.
[25:10] >> thank you this is public hearing process of order number
[25:14] 002-06 policy related to memorials artwork and commemorative donations. When we presented a donation
[25:19] request back in april there was some concerns about time and location. And so we tried to clean that
[25:24] up. And it's memorialized in a red line version of the policy which is attached.
[25:30] basically what is added in here is a ten-year term length.
[25:34] as well as a maximum number of displays allowed through this
[25:38] process of five in the town centre area including hugh's
[25:42] landing as well as one per village. >> great, thank you. >> any questions?
[25:47] >> thank you for the effort, sir. >> okay. Thank you. >> all right. If no questions, we have a
[25:55] speaker roster authored scott I guess you're not speaking on this one either? We got the gist.
[26:03] someone sign him up. Blame nick walda.
[26:09] after public comment, we are going to reconvene into the regular meeting. It is 6:26 p.m.
[26:15] we are back in a regular session. Agenda item 15 receive consider and act upon adoption of
[26:21] modifications to order number 002-26 adopting policy related to memorials artwork commemorative donations on
[26:28] township owned property. Call for moved and seconded. Moved by dr. Sekula-gibs second by--.
[26:35] all those opposed. Motion carries. Agenda item 16 we are being recessed to executive session
[26:42] pursuant to discuss matters related to 551.072 texas government code. Deliberation economic
[26:49] development know ne gaucheuations pursuant to 551.087 texas government code. Discuss personal matters
[26:55] pursuant 551.074 texas government code discuss it network or critical infrastructure security
[27:00] pursuant to 551.089 texas government code and to consult with the woodlands townships attorney pursuant