Mar 27, 2024 Board of Directors Regular Meeting Agenda

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WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP ORDER OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HERE THIS EVENING. ESPECIALLY HONORED TO HAVE REVEREND DANIEL , WHO IS THE LEAD PASTOR AT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH TO GIVE OUR INVOCATION. HE IS A NATIVE OF RALEIGH TEXAS AND GRADUATED FROM TEXAS AND THEM IN 2013. A DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION. WENT ON TO RECEIVE HIS MASTERS OF DIVINITY FROM DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL IN DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA. DANIEL HAS BEEN MARRIED TO HIS WIFE ALEX FOR 10 YEARS AND THEY HAVE THREE BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS , GRAYSON, CAMERON, AND SCOTTY.

[1. Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance;]

REVEREND LUMPY? THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, DR. SNYDER.

WOULD YOU BOW IN PRAYER WITH ME? ALMIGHTY GOD, THIS HOLY WEEK WE PAUSE TO PRAISE YOU FOR YOUR GOODNES, LOVE AND FOR YOUR MERCY. AS WE JOURNEY TOWARDS THE CROSS THIS WEEK, WE THANK YOU THAT JESUS WAS PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS.

WE THANK YOU THAT HE TOOK HIS SINS UPON HIMSELF SO THAT WE COULD BE FREELY FORGIVEN. MOST OF ALL, WE THANK YOU THAT THE EMPTY TOMB PROMISES ETERNAL AND ABUNDANT LIFE. WE THANK YOU THIS DAY FOR THE PLACE THAT WE CALL THE WOODLANDS. WE THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE WHO WORK DILIGENTLY TO CREATE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT . WE PRAY THAT THIS COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE TO BE AND BECOME A PLACE WHERE GENERATIONS LIVE , WORSHIP, WORK, LEARN, AND PLAY. WE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE FACING HARDSHIPS, WHETHER FOOD INSECURITY, HEALTH CHALLENGES , RELATIONAL DIFFICULTIES, OR UNCERTAIN FUTURES. WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE CLOSE TO THE HURTING AND BROKEN HEARTED. WE PRAY FOR YOUR PROTECTION OVER OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, SHERIFF'S, FIREFIGHTERS, EMTS, AND ALL THOSE WHO SELFLESSLY AND SACRIFICIALLY WORK TO KEEP US SAFE. FINALLY, WE PRAY YOUR SPIRIT WILL COME AND BE IN THIS PLACE . WE PRAY THAT YOUR LOVE WILL GUIDE THE DISCUSSIONS THAT WILL OCCUR AND DECISIONS MADE WILL HONOR YOU AND THAT YOU WILL EMPOWER AND EQUIP OUR CIVIL SERVANTS TO DO THE WORK YOU HAVE CALLED THEM TO DO. AND ALL THESE THINGS WE

ASK IN YOUR HOLY NAME, AMEN. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND NOW, WE WILL ASK DIRECTOR BAILEY TO PLEASE LEAD US IN A PLEDGE TO OUR COUNTRY AND WONDERFUL STATE. DIRECTOR

BAILEY? >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, WHEN AND

INDIVISIBLE. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR BAILEY.

[2. Proclamations;]

MARY, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE VILLAGE ASSOCIATION WITH US THIS EVENING. WE WANT TO THANK YOU AND I CALL ON DIRECTOR WATSON TO PLEASE READ PROCLAMATION IN HIS HONOR.

>> BIT PROCLAIMED, WHEREAS, APART FROM HIS PROFESSIONAL CAREER OF OVER 56 YEARS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, AIRLINE EXECUTIVE, AND POLITICAL APPOINTEE, BRUCE CUNNINGHAM WASN'T ENDEARED LEADER , TRUSTED ADVISER, AND MENTOR WHOSE SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY AND VILLAGE OF GROGAN'S MILL SPENT OVER 35 YEARS, WHERE HE LIVED AN UNPARALLELED LIFE OF SERVICE AND GENEROSITY , AND WHEREAS, AS A NATIVE OF QUEENS, NEW YORK, MR. CUNNINGHAM GREW UP IN A MARINE CORPS FAMILY , ATTENDED NORWICH UNIVERSITY, RECEIVING A BACHELOR OF ARTS IN AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, AND NEW YORK UNIVERSITY RECEIVING A MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT, BOTH WITH HONORS, AND PURSUED FURTHER EDUCATION AT THE NEW YORK INSTITUE OF FINANCE. OR AS MR. CUNNINGHAM SERVED AS A CAPTAIN IN THE ARMY RESERVE, SUBSEQUENTLY, IN KEEPING WITH

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IN THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS.

IT'S INTERESTING, YOU KNOW SOMEBODY JUST FROM THE TOWNSHIP SIDE, BUT HEARING HIS BACKGROUND, WOW, I HAD NO IDEA

ABOUT ANY OF THAT. >> I CAN SAY, BRUCE, HE TAUGHT US SO MUCH ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP AND THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT WENT BY THAT HE DIDN'T EDUCATE YOU ABOUT ALL THINGS TOWNSHIP .

WE THINK SO HIGHLY OF HIM AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE HE GAVE.

FARMERS MARKET LIVES IN HIS LEGACY BECAUSE HE WAS A STAUNCH ADVOCATE FOR THE FARMERS MARKET. WE CHERISH IT TO THIS DAY. WE WILL SEE YOU SATURDAY. THAT'S RIGHT.

>> GOOD COMMERCIAL. >> THANK YOU, ALL.

[3. Call meeting to order;]

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I ASK EACH BOARD MEMBER TO INDICATE HIS OR HER PRESENCE BY RESPONDING WITH SOME AUDIBLE SOUND OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT AS I CALL ROLE. DIRECTOR BAILEY? DIRECT YOUR HEISER, DIRECTOR NELSON, DIRECTOR SEKULA-GIBBS, DIRECTOR WATSON, DR. SNYDER .

BY THE ROLLCALL IT IS DETERMINED THAT A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF MEMBERS ARE PRESENT TO DECLARE THAT WE HAVE A

[4. Receive, consider and act upon adoption of the meeting agenda;]

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> DISCUSSION. >> I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER A SUGGESTION THAT WE DELAY UNTIL NEXT MONTH THE ITEM 11, AGENDA ITEM 11, WHICH RELATES TO THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE. I THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF INTERESTING POINTS THAT NEED TO BE BROUGHT UP AND CLARIFIED AND I WOULD RECOMMEND BEFORE WE VOTE ON THIS THAT THE BOARD WATCH THE WOODLANDS MUD NUMBER ONE MEETING FROM LAST MONTH SO THAT WE CAN BE BETTER INFORMED AND MAYBE BRING ERIC PETERSON IN TO DISCUSS WITH US.

HE IS THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE WATER AGENCY.

>> WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS FOR OVER A YEAR AND HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK ON THE TABLE . NO, I WATCHED THE MUD WHEN SECTION OF -- THERE DISCUSSION WHICH WAS TO MAKE LIMITED.

CAN WE WATCH IT WHEN WE BRING UP THE AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 11? IT'S ON YOUTUBE? IT'S 30 SECONDS.

>> NO, IT'S 10 MINUTES. IT'S 10 MINUTES. 49 MINUTES TO 59

MINUTES. >> ISN'T THAT SOMETHING THAT ONE WATER TASK FORCE WOULD TAKE UP?

>> NO, WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE POTENTIAL PLAN IS FOR THE BOARD GOING THAT COULD HAPPEN.

>> THE BOARD CAN HANDLE IT HOWEVER THEY WANT. STAFF HAS WATCHED THE VIDEO AND ARE PREPARED TO SUMMARIZE IT FOR THE BOARD IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT.

>> OKAY. >> MY PREFERENCE WOULD BE TO PROCEED RATHER THAN KICK IT ANOTHER MONTH.

>> OKAY. >> AGENDA ITEM D, CAPSTONE PARK , I GET A LITTLE PTSD. DO WE NEED TO PULL THAT?

>> AGAIN, --. >> BEEN THERE, DONE THAT.

>> IS UP TO THE BOARD. THE MATERIALS WERE IN YOUR PACKAGES. IT'S A ROUTINE PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT AND IS

FULLY BUDGETED. >> ALL RIGHT. NEVERMIND.

>> SO, OKAY. THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION BY DIRECTOR HEISER, SECONDED BY DIRECTOR NELSON HAS BEEN -- REQUEST TO DELAY ITEM 11 CONCERNING THE ONE TASK FORCE.

>> CAN WE HAVE A VOTE ON THAT?

>> STAFF, I'M JUST SUMMARIZING BEFORE WE BOUGHT. STAFF HAS RECOMMENDED THAT -- CAN DO A SYNOPSIS OF AGENDA 11 AND THE

MUD WHEN. >> THIS AGENDA ITEM IS FOR ADOPTION OF THE BOARD MEETING AGENDA , NOT FOR TAKING ACTION

ON INDIVIDUAL ITEMS. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY

BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED? >> OPPOSED.

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>> THE MOTION PASSES. NEXT ON THE AGENDA IS TO RECOGNIZE

[5. Recognize public officials;]

MR. GEORGE NEWMAN WHO IS A DIRECT . WELCOME, MR. NEWMAN.

AND ALSO, MR. PAUL NELSON WHO IS A MUD DIRECT, MUD SEVEN.

[6. Public comment;]

LIVINGSTON. I KNOW YOU SIGNED IT AS CRAG, BUT IT IS, DR. ,

IS IT NOT? >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE. LAST WEEK A PUBLIC COMMENTATOR STOOD HERE AND URGED THE REGRESSION OF FALCON WHEN PART FROM NATURAL TO FAKE GRASS REPRESENTING A CLUB OF PLAYERS, CRICKET PLAYERS , HE SAID THAT FAKE GRASS WOULD MAKE THE BALLS BOUNCE MORE TRUE . I WAS TAUGHT TO PLAY BASEBALL BY THE GREAT JACK CRAVENS OF GRANADA HILLS, CALIFORNIA. OUR TEAM PRACTICED ON A FIELD OF GRASS AND DIRT , NEVER WERE WE TOLD TO EXPECT THE BALL TO BOUNCE TRUE FOR US. OUR COACH USED THE NATURAL IRREGULARITIES OF THE FIELD NOT ONLY TO TEACH US HOW TO FIELD ABLE, BUT ALSO ABOUT LIFE. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE WOODLANDS ACTING ON THE WISH OF 100 CRICKET PLAYERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING TRUE BOUNCING BALLS IS RIGHT NOW SCALPING A 30-YEAR-OLD WONDERFUL PARK IN INDIAN SPRINGS. LAST MONTH, AND EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION WAS READ IN THIS ROOM . SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE PROCLAMATION READ , THE WOODLANDS HAS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. WITH THAT IN MIND, I DO ASK, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY UNDERMINE SUCH -- UNDERMINE A CARDINAL OBLIGATION TO PRESERVE NATURAL HERITAGE ELOQUENTLY REITERATED RIGHT EAR IN THIS ROOM JUST LAST WEEK? THERE IS STILL TIME . IN 1949, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LOUIS JOHNSON CANCELED THE BUILDING OF THE USS UNITED DATES , A SUPER CARRIER THAT COST $1.85 BILLION. JOHNSON CANCELED IT FIVE DAYS AFTER THE KEEL WAS LAID DOWN IN NORFOLK. PRESIDENT TRUMAN REALIZED THE ERROR AND STARTING ITS CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPORTED THE DEFENSE SECRETARY. IF TRUMAN COULD REVERSE A DECISION OF THAT MAGNITUDE, CANCELLATION OF THE FAKE GRASS PROJECT ISN'T HARD TO FATHOM. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON ONCE SAID, THE BETTER OF WATERLOO WAS WON ON THE PLAYING FIELDS OF EDEN. HE DID NOT MEAN THE ARTIFICIAL TURF OF EDEN. HE MEANT THE REAL GRASS OF EDEN WHERE BRITISH OFFICERS LEARN TO STAND THEIR GROUND, NOT TO PREDICT HOW FRENCH CANNONBALLS WERE GOING TO BOUNCE. LET'S GET BACK TO REAL GRASS, STOP THIS UGLY CONVERSION. PAYOFF THE CONTRACT IS. UPGRADE TO REAL GRASS, MAKE BIRTHDAY MEAN SOMETHING IN THE EAST END OF INDIAN SPRINGS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, DR. LIVINGSTON. I APOLOGIZE, I DID NOT READ THE PREFACE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS. SO, PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND OPEN MEETINGS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED. PUBLIC COMMENT AGENDA ITEM IS INCLUDED AT THE BEGINNING OF ALL REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD ADOPTED POLICY TO PRODUCE THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS FOR A LONG CONSTITUENTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD , WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ACCEPT PUBLIC COMMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES. EACH PERSON WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD MUST FIRST SIGN THE SPEAKERS ROSTER, INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO MAKE GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, ADDRESS A TOPIC NOT INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA WHO WISH TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEMS MUST DO SO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT. INDIVIDUALS WILL BE LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF THREE MINUTES REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF TOPICS . IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 15 SPEAKERS SIGNED UP FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENT, EACH SPEAKER WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO MINUTES. SPEAKERS WILL BE TAKEN IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY SIGN-UP. STATE LAW PROHIBITS THE BOARD FROM FORMALLY ACT ON A SPECIFIC ITEM OR PUBLIC COMMENT UNLESS IT APPEARS ON THE POSTED AGENDA. THEREFORE, ANY BOARD DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT INCLUDED ON THE POSTED AGENDA IS LIMITED TO

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FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE TOWNSHIP STAFF, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MY NAME IS SIEBEN -- SIMON I'M THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS FOR YOUR HOMETOWN PROVIDER OF YOUTH SOCCER. WE'VE GOT TWO OR THREE THINGS COOKING AT THE MOMENT FOR YOU -- YOUTH SOCCER. I HAVE A TRYOUT FLYER AND I THINK YOU HAVE GOT A COPY OF THEM. THIS IS TRYOUTS AND CAMPS . IT IS A MARKETING GUIDE OF TWO THINGS WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING NOW ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SPRING SEASON AND THROUGH THE SUMMER. TRYOUTS FOR US, MAINLY FOR GROUPS OF PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE AREA . WILL OFFER THOSE STARTING IN THE MONTH OF MAY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS HERE IN OUR LOCAL FACILITIES . FOR THE YOU 10 THROUGH YOU 1819 EIGHT AGE GROUP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, THOSE WILL BE HELD AT THEIR BRANCH AND GOSLING. IT WILL BE A BUSY TWO WEEK PERIOD WHERE WE WILL NATURALLY BE RETAINING AND BRINGING ALL OUR CURRENT LOCAL PLAYERS BACK FOR NEXT FALL AND INVITING NEW PEOPLE WHO ARE COMING INTO THE LOCAL AREAS. THAT'S HAPPENING MAY THE SIXTH FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. HAVE OUR CAMPS UP AND RUNNING FOR REGISTRATION FOR THE SUMMERTIME. WE HAVE 12 CAMPS IN THE WOODLANDS . IT IS A TIME FOR KIDS TO GET THROWN ONTO A SOCCER FIELD, TO GIVE THE PARENTS A LITTLE BIT OF A BREAK. WE WILL TAKE THEM FOR JUNE, JULY, AND BEGINNING OF AUGUST AND WE WILL HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES FOR OUR SOCCER CAMPS. FOR THE AGE GROUP OF 3+, IT IS AMAZING WE ARE NOW DRILLING DOWN TO A THREE-YEAR-OLD COMING OUT TO PLAY SOCCER , BUT THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GETTING TOLD BY PARENTS AND OUR MEMBERS WOULD LIKE, SO WE WILL PUT ON SOME CAMPS FOR THE LITTLE ONES . WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT, AND THAT WILL GO THROUGH JUNE THROUGH JULY. TOURNAMENTS, WE HAVE A THREE VERSUS THREE TURF CUP THIS COMING WEEKEND .

APPROXIMATELY, 175 TEAMS WILL COME INTO BEAR BRANCH FOR A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITY STARTING AT 7:30 IN THE MORNING, CLOSING DOWN AROUND 7:00 P.M. IT IS A FESTIVAL OF ENTERTAINMENT AND I SAY THAT BECAUSE THERE IS A THREE ON THREE SOCCER THEME WITH A ROSTER OF SIX PLAYERS, BUT THERE IS DANCE COMPETITIONS, FACE PAINTING, EASTER EGG HUNT, AND THE MASCOT WILL BE OUT. THERE IS LIVE MUSIC. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA, COME OUT AND SEE WHAT WE ARE UP TO. THAT WILL BE AT BEAR BRANCH AND THERE WILL BE 5 TO 7000 PEOPLE ON-SITE CAMPING OUT FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT.

>> THANK YOU, SIMON. THAT BRINGS US TO NEXT ON OUR ROSTER MR. RANDY JOHNSON. MR. JOHNSON? WELCOME.

>> GOOD EVENING. I'M RANDY JOHNSON WITH THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND I'M HERE TO READ A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO CHIEF BUCK OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THIS WAS WRITTEN BY DR. CASEY PATRICK WHO IS OUR MEDICAL DIRECTOR BOTH FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HOSPITAL DISTRICT. FOR NICHOLAS SMITH, THE DIVISIONS CHIEF IN CLINICAL SERVICES AND BY CHIEF CROCKER WHO IS OF OUR QUALITY. CHIEF BUCK, WE ARE WRITING ON BEHALF OF MCA TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION FOR CHEAP HANSONS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO EMS OPERATIONS AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT.

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FURTHERMORE, HIS EFFORTS TO FACILITATE TRAINING, QUALITY REVIEW AND COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES BETWEEN THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MC HD HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE.

THESE ENDEAVORS HAVE NOT ONLY STRENGTHENED THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE BUT HAVE ALSO DIRECTLY BENEFITED THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE BY ENSURING A COORDINATED AND HIGH-QUALITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE. 'S COMMITMENT TO FOSTER A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM WITH AN EMS IS COMMENDABLE. THROUGH HIS DEDICATION, CHIEF HANSEN HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OUR COLLECTIVE MISSION TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL CARE AND SERVICE . WE APPRECIATE SINCERELY CHEAP HANSONS ONGOING PARTNERSHIP AND HIS DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES . WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT OUR CONTINUED COLLABORATION WILL YIELD FURTHER SUCCESS AND ENHANCE THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE . THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE EXCELLENT WITHIN THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR ONGOING PARTNERSHIP AND FUTURE ACHIEVEMENTS , SINCERELY, DOCTORS PATRICK, SMITH, AND CROCKER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THIS LETTER IF I MAY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT. ARE VERY BLESSED TO HAVE CHIEF BUCK AS WELL AS ALL OF HIS FIREFIGHTERS AND STAFF AND THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORT THAT WE HAVE WITH THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

>> HE IS RIGHT BACK THERE. MAKE SURE TO SETTE UP WITH HIM

ON THE WAY OUT. >> THANK YOU, RANDY. THAT BRINGS US TO OUR LAST PUBLIC COMMENT, SPEAKER MR. PILKINGTON . WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM YOU TO THE BOARD.

MY -- MY NAME IS BRAD ELKINGTON. I HAVE LIVED HERE A LONG TIME. I REPRESENT MYSELF. I WANTED TO FINISH MY COMMENTS ABOUT THE NEW WOODLANDS 311 TICKETING SYSTEM. THE OLD SYSTEM, YOU CAN SUBMIT A TICKET AS EITHER PRIVATE WHERE ONLY THE SUBMITTER COULD BE THE TICKET OR PUBLIC WHERE ANYONE CAN VIEW THE TICKET. THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS SEMI PRIVATE WHERE ANYONE CAN SEE THAT YOU SUBMITTED A TICKET, BUT ONLY THE SUBMITTER CAN READ THE DETAILS, AT LEAST I THINK THAT'S HOW IT WORKS. THE ISSUE IS, FOR PEOPLE WHO LOOK AT THIS THING, THEY CAN TELL THAT SOMEONE HAS SUBMITTED A TICKET ON THEIR PROPERTY , WHICH LEADS TO AN ESCALATION OF TENSIONS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AS THEY MAY COME LOOKING FOR YOU. SINCE THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME ONCE, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE -- I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CAN DO THAT GIVEN THE CURRENT BACK END IS DIFFERENT. I HAD A SUGGESTION THAT PERHAPS WHAT THEY COULD DO, IS BY DEFAULT HAVE ALL OF THAT ENFORCEMENT TICKETS AS VISIBLE TO ONLY WHOEVER AND THE SERVICE REQUEST COULD BE PUBLIC BECAUSE IF SOMEBODY WANTS A TREE CUT DOWN, YEA, IF SOMEBODY IS COMPLAINING THEN , BOO. OKAY. THE NEXT THING I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT WAS , I WAS OVER AT THE CONCERT AT NORTH SHORE PARK THE OTHER DAY AND IT WOULD BE HIGHLY BENEFICIAL IF THEY COULD CHANGE THE EXIT FROM THE PARK SO THAT THERE WAS A RIGHT TURN ONLY LANE AND A STRAIGHT AND LEFT TURN ONLY LANE. IT PROBABLY -- YOU WOULD WANT TO WHITED ENOUGH FOR TRUCKS BUT FOR RESIDENTIAL VEHICLES , JUST KIND OF SHAVE THE SITE. ANYWAY, THAT WOULD FACILITATE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC EXITING EVENTS IN THE PARK AND YOU COULD EVEN PUT A TRAFFIC OFFICER THERE. WE SWITCH THE SIGNALS AND IT WOULD BE MAKING GETTING OUT OF THERE EASIER. THE NEXT SUGGESTION WAS THAT

YOU --. >> YOU OR THREE MINUTES IS UP.

YOU CAN COME BACK NEXT WEEK. THE BEEP IS ME. I APOLOGIZE.

>> I WANTED TO CLOSE MY THANKING MR. NUNEZ FOR HIS HELP WITH THE VARIOUS ITEMS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

[7. Receive, consider and act upon reports from Village Association representatives;]

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>> THAT'S VERY GENEROUS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THAT BRINGS US TO AGENDA ITEM 72 RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FROM VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES . WE HAVE TWO WITH US THIS EVENING FROM ALDEN BRIDGE AND COCHRAN'S CROSSING. MARIANNE OR TRICIA? WHICH WOULD LIKE TO COME FIRST? MARIANNE? VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION. AS ALWAYS, IT IS

NICE TO HAVE YOU. >> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING, CHAIRWOMAN SNYDER AND DIRECTORS, MY NAME IS MARIANNE AND AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE. WE HELD OUR ANNUAL MEETING ON MARCH 19TH AND RECEIVED LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT FROM SPECIALIST MCCARTY. WE SEE TO THE BOARD FOR THIS YEAR.

CHANDLER FARLEY LEFT THE BOARD AND WE WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER MARK STEPHEN COOK . THE SAME OFFICERS WERE ELECTED TO SERVE HER FOR ANOTHER YEAR, MYSELF AS PRESIDENT, GREG SHERLOCK VICE PRESIDENT, KAREN CARR AS A SECRETARY AND REGGIE IS THE TREASURER. WE HAVE 15 BOARD MEMBERS RIGHT NOW SO WE HAVE FOUR OPEN POSITIONS ON THE BOARD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO A BBA INFO AT GMAIL.COM. WE MET WITH COMMISSIONER RILEY AND HIS STEP ON MARCH 6TH AND TALKED ABOUT THE NOISE AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS ON RESEARCH FOREST AND BRANCH CROSSING. THE COMMISSIONER AGREED TO CONDUCT A TRAFFIC STUDY SHOWING HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE DRIVING ON BRANCH CROSSING AND THEY WILL PLACE A MOBILE SPEED TRAILER TO RECORD SPEED AND WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT STOP SIGNS OR OTHER PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AIDS ARE APPROPRIATE AT THE INTERSECTIONS INTO THE ADDITIONS. HE IS ALSO LOOKING AT THE FLASHING YELLOW LIGHTS FOR LEFT TURNS ON RESEARCH FOREST. CROWN RIDGE AND WEST ALDEN BRIDGE TO SEE IF THE YELLOW LIGHTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED DURING RUSH HOURS. WE HAD A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING UPDATES FROM COMMISSIONER RILEY. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DR. YOUR SEKULA-GIBBS FOR ATTENDING THE MEETING WITH US.

>> AND JOE AND KATHY LOOKS AT A.

>> YES, AND THAT RESIDENCE AS WELL. WE RECEIVED 20 APPLICATIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. WE PLAN TO DETERMINE THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AT OUR NEXT MEETING.

WE ARE BUSY PLANNING OUR EVENTS FOR THE YEAR . PLEASE CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IN THE WOODLANDS MAGAZINE FOR INFORMATION. OUR NEXT MEETING IS ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9TH AND ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> THANK YOU, MARIANNE. THAT BRINGS US TO COCHRAN'S CROSSING VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION. TRICIA . GOOD EVENING.

>> THANK YOU, CHAIRWOMAN SNYDER, DIRECTORS. I'M TRICIA, PRESIDENT OF THE COCHRAN'S CROSSING VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION.

WE HAD OUR FIRST MEETING WITH OUR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD LAST NIGHT AND IT WAS REALLY NICE TO HAVE A FULL BOARD AGAIN. WE HAVE 18 MEMBERS. WE PASSED OUR BUDGET AND WE GOT TO WORK RIGHT AWAY. WE ARE HAVING OUR FIRST COMMUNITY SPIRIT EVENT AND IT IS GOING TO BE AT TORCHY'S TACOS IN THE COCHRAN'S CROSSING VILLAGE CENTER. IF YOU TELL THEM YOU ARE THERE FOR COMMUNITY SPIRIT NIGHT, 15% OF PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT OUR EDUCATION FUND, WHICH HELPS LOCAL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.

IT'S GOING TO BE HELD FROM 4:00 TO 8:00 P.M. ON APRIL 15TH. I KNOW, TECH TODAY. WE THOUGHT, TAXES AND TACOS , BECAUSE NOTHING -- I KNOW. NOTHING IS GOING TO SOOTHE THAT BALM OF HAVING TO WRITE A CHECK TO THE IRS LIKE A TO AND MAYBE A MARGARITA. PLEASE, COME OUT.

>> IT'S ONLY THE ONE IN COCHRAN'S CROSSING. OR:00 TO 8:00 P.M. YOU HAVE TO TELL THEM YOU ARE THERE FOR. IT IS FOR THE STUDENTS, REMEMBER. IF YOU ALSO KNOW A SENIOR IN COCHRAN'S CROSSING, THEY ONLY HAVE FOUR MORE DAYS TO GET THERE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IN. WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN MINIAPPLICATIONS IN. WE ARE HANDING OUT FIVE $1000 SCHOLARSHIPS. PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT. THE APPLICATION IS ON OUR WEBSITE COCHRAN'S CROSSING.ORG.

LASTLY, OUR NEXT MEETING IS GOING TO BE ON APRIL 23RD HERE AT THE TOWNSHIP AT 6:30 P.M. WE ARE GOING TO BE HOLDING OUR OFFICER ELECTION THEN AND I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR SERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE COCHRAN'S CROSSING VILLIAGE ASSOCIATION AND I HAVE TRULY ENJOYED SEEING THE IMPACT

[00:35:03]

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP THIS PAST YEAR, TRICIA. I CALL FOR A MOTION , SECOND TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORTS. IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR

[ CONSENT AGENDA]

IS THERE A MOTION ? IT HAS BEEN MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> ON BEHALF OF THE --. ANY PUSH BACK UP SO I CAN SEE THE NUMBER, PLEASE? D. SINCE WE ALREADY BROUGHT IT UP, JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE PARKS.

I KNOW IT WAS VERY WELL DISCUSSED IN THE MATERIAL AND I READ IT AND IT WAS VERY CLEAR. THERE MAY BE RESIDENCE AT HOME TO THIS AND DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. IT DOESN'T HURT TO HAVE A BRIEFING ON IT.

>> IT HAS BEEN AMENDED. THERE IS -- IT HAS BEEN REMOVED.

ANYONE BOARD MEMBER HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT. IS THERE A MOTION AGAIN ? DIRECTOR BAILEY, AND SECOND? IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. APPROVE ALL ACCEPT 8 D WHICH WILL BE FIRST ON OUR AGENDA BEFORE WE ASK UPON THE FINANCIAL REPORT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

[d. Receive, consider and act upon an award of proposals for playground equipment at Capstone Park (C-2024-0227), Sawmill Park (C-2024-0230), and Terramont Park (C-2024-0228);]

>> THANK YOU. THIS WAS FOR PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS AT CAPSTONE PARK, SAWMILL PARK AND TERRAMONT PARK. THE BUDGET WAS $500,000 AND THAT 2024 CAPITAL. WE WERE SLIGHTLY OVER WITH THAT , AND OVERAGE OF 4483 AND $.44 WILL BE COVERED IN SAVINGS AND OTHER PROJECTS. WITH THAT, THE BACKGROUND IS , WE SENT OUT THE NEIGHBOR AFFECTED LETTERS TO GET THE SURVEY THAT WAS FROM THE RESIDENCE AROUND THESE PARTS , WHAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN AND THINGS THEY LIKE, THINGS THEY DON'T LIKE. SO, USE THAT AND COME TOGETHER WITH THE PLAN THAT YOU SEE HERE. WE USE CO-OPS FOR THAT . THAT WAS INITIALLY SAID. IF THERE IS ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING

IN PARTICULAR. >> AND ANY MAJOR CHANGES TO

THE EQUIPMENT? >> DEFINITELY AT CAPSTONE PARK.

I MEANT -- TO BE HONEST, IT'S A SMALL , WHAT IS CURRENTLY THERE. GRADING TWO SEPARATE 2 TO 5-YEAR-OLD STRUCTURE AND 5 TO 12-YEAR-OLD STRUCTURE LIKE MOST OF THE OTHER PARKS. RIGHT NOW THERE IS ONLY ONE STRUCTURE THAT WAS THERE . IT IS ALSO ADDING ADDITIONAL SWINGS. THAT WAS REQUESTED . THERE IS ONE BELT SWING AND WHEN TODDLER SWING

THAT WILL BE EXPANDED ALSO. >> IF ANYONE WENT TO THESE THREE PARKS, WHICH I DID, CAPSTONE, SAWMILL AS WELL AS TERMITE, THEY ARE ALL IN NEED OF EITHER BEING UPDATED OR REVISED OR REPLENISHED. THEY ARE SEVERAL YEARS OLD.

>> THAT IS CORRECT. IT IS TIME.

[00:40:01]

>> FROM THE DRAWINGS, IT LOOKS LIKE EVERYTHING WAS A SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE, AT LEAST TO CAPSTONE.

>> DEFINITELY, YES. >> A QUESTION ABOUT THE TIMING OF OUR REPLACEMENT . WE HAVEN'T 151 PARKS. THAT IS A LOT OF PARKS TO SERVICE. DO YOU THINK AS THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS THAT WE ARE IN AN ADEQUATE CYCLING WITH EVERY 12 TO 15 YEARS, WHICH IS WHAT THE BACKUPS SAID? OR DOES THAT

NEED TO BE RECONSIDERED? >> RIGHT NOW FROM WHAT MY EXPERIENCES IT IS FINE. WE ARE ABLE TO GO THROUGH. THERE IS NOTHING OUT THERE THAT WE ARE MISSING. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE. WE HAD FIVE PLAYGROUNDS THIS YEAR. LAST MONTH YOU APPROVED TWO OF THEM AND THESE ARE THE LAST THREE.

THERE IS ONE MORE AT COCHRAN'S GRAIN BUT THAT IS ONE SMALL ELEMENT THAT WE WANTED TO CHANGE OUT. SO, AND THEN WE ARE READY FOR NEXT YEAR. FOR ANOTHER FIVE. THE CYCLE IS

PERFECT RIGHT NOW. >> THANKS.

>> IF YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE -- AT WHAT IS IN OUR PACKET.

SAWMILL PARK, IT IS RUSTED. IT IS CHIPPED.

>> THAT GETS TO MY POINT. ARE WE GOING FAST ENOUGH? YOU JUST CITED CHAIRMAN SNYDER, SOME OF THESE PARKS ARE PRETTY DILAPIDATED BEFORE THEY GET THEIR NEW CYCLE OF EQUIPMENT.

THAT'S REALLY -- IT SPEAKS TO MY QUESTION, ARE WE GOING QUICKLY ENOUGH? DO WE NEED TO ACCELERATE OUR CYCLE?

>> WITH SAWMILL, A PERFECT EXAMPLE, THAT WAS RENOVATED IN 2012. ACTUALLY, THAT WHOLE PLAYGROUND WAS REPLACED EXCEPT FOR THIS PIECE. THIS PISTE AT SAWMILL IS 5 TO 12-YEAR-OLD PIECE, WHICH IS -- IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND LARGE. WE HAVE ACTUALLY RAMPS THAT GO UP TO IT FOR WHEELCHAIRS AND WHATNOT SO IT IS A VERY ELABORATE PLAYGROUND. THAT'S WHY THIS ONE PIECE IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE. BUT, AT THE TIME, IT WAS NOT NEEDED IN 2012 . WOULD HAVE CPSI'S. THERE ARE ALWAYS 10 OF US OUT THERE EXPECTING -- INSPECTING IT MANUALLY. IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS, WE WILL DEFINITELY MOVE PLAYGROUNDS UP THE LIST AND BASICALLY IF NEEDED.

>> IF I RECALL, THE FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR ENHANCEMENT TO OUR PARKS AND RECREATION WERE DISCUSSED IN AUGUST OF 2022 AND WE ALLOCATED THE FUNDS THAT WERE DESIGNATED FOR ANOTHER ENTITY TO ENHANCE AND ADDRESS SOME OF THE SHORTCOMINGS IN OUR PARKS. IS THAT SOMEWHAT CORRECT?

>> EVERYTHING WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE WAS ACTUALLY PART OF OUR RESERVE STUDY, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2013 AND AS JOHN MENTIONED, WE REVIEW ANNUALLY. WE HAVE OUR CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND . INSPECTORS GO AND LOOK AT THAT. THIS IS PART OF THE ROUTINE, NORMAL PLAYGROUNDS REACH THE END OF THEIR LIVES AND WE ARE RIGHT THERE AND REPLACING THEM SO

THAT WE DON'T HAVE ISSUES. >> THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

>> FOLLOWING UP ON THE QUESTION, HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DECIDING FIVE-YEAR, 10 YEAR, HOW FAST VERSUS PUTTING IN NEW TURF FIELDS? HOW DO YOU WEIGH THAT OUT? HOW IS THAT DECIDED?

LASTS? >> THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS OF REPLACING FIVE OR SIX OR 10, HOWEVER MANY YOU DO VERSUS ADDING A NEW SPORTS FIELD ON AND ABOVE WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT

NOW? >> BASICALLY, WE ALREADY HAVE A LIST AND WE KNOW EVERY PLAYGROUND WHEN IT WAS PUT IN.

WE HAVE THIS LIST. WHAT WE WILL DO IS, THE NEXT ONES THAT ARE UP, THE NEXT FIVE WILL GO AHEAD AND BUDGET TIME WILL REQUEST. SOMETIMES IT IS PRETTY EASY AND THEN SOMETIMES IT ISN'T. LAST YEAR , THERE WAS ACTUALLY THREE VILLAGE PARKS THAT NEEDED TO BE CHANGED OVER, WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE. 225,000 FOR EACH ONE. WE HAD A BUDGET MORE THAN THIS YOUR. WE LOOK AT THAT LIST AND IF NECESSARY, WE WILL JUST MOVE THEM DOWN THE LIST . SOME OF THEM, UNFORTUNATELY , THE PLAYGROUND ONLY LASTED 10 YEARS. WE HOPE 15 TO 20 YEARS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THAT PLAYGROUND WHICH WE WERE INVOLVED SORT OF WITH BUT THE DEVELOPER PUTS THEM IN. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT PLAYGROUND COMPANY IS NO LONGER

[00:45:03]

IF WE CAN? >> LET ME REPHRASE MY QUESTION.

WE HAVE 151 PARKS . ALL OF THEM ARE GETTING OLDER. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WE ARE GOING TO REPLACE SO MANY EQUIPMENT VERSUS PUTTING IN A NEW ASTROTURF OR REPLACING ASTROTURF FIELD? HOW WAS THAT DECISION MADE? SHOULD WE INVEST MORE IN PARK EQUIPMENT OR MORE IN A TURF FIELD?

>> MADAM CHAIR , I THINK WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THESE THREE PARKS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IS ON THE AGENDA. IF WE WANT TO ASK THAT QUESTION RELATED TO THESE PARKS -- OTHERWISE THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING FOR BUDGET CONVERSATIONS. I'M NOT TRYING TO CUT OFF THE BOARD BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT

STAYING ON TOPIC. >> OKAY.

>> THANK YOU , MR. STRONG. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? IF NOT, IS THERE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO -- FOR 8D. IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSE? MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU. THAT BRINGS US TO REGULAR AGENDA. I DIRECT YOU TO PAGE 93 AND CALL UPON OUR CFO MS. SHAW TO PRESENT .

[9. Receive, consider and act upon the financial report;]

>> THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN SNYDER. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS EVENING I WILL BE PRESENTING THE FINANCIALS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY FOR MONTH ENDING IN FEBRUARY. THE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGETED REVENUE IS 58 MILLION 19,000. YEAR-TO-DATE ACTUALLY COLLECTED IS 58,074,000 FAVORABLE VARIANCE OF $54,848.

THE POSITIVE VARIANCE IS MADE UP OF SEVERAL POSITIVE VARIANCES DUE TO HIGHER THAN BUDGETED AMOUNTS AND ADMISSION MIXED BEVERAGE PROPERTY TAX. WE HAD SOME INTEREST REVENUE. A POSITIVE VARIANCE IN PROGRAM REVENUES .

THESE ARE OFFSET BY THE UNFAVORABLE VARIANCE IN SALES TAX COLLECTION OF 482,000 , AND THOSE TOGETHER MAKE UP THE FAVORABLE VARIANCE OF 54,880 . THE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGETED OPERATING EXPENDITURES IS 20,029,000 YEAR-TO-DATE ACTUAL EXPENDED 15,722,000 FOUR YEAR-TO-DATE VARIABLE VARIANCE OF 4,307,000 . AT THIS TIME, THE MAJORITY OF THESE FAVORABLE VARIANCES ARE DUE TO TIMING OF WHEN THEY ARE BUDGETED AND EXPENDED AND WE DO HAVE SOME POSITIONS IN MOST OF THE DEPARTMENTS. NOT ALL OF THEM. NEXT SLIDE IS MIXED BEVERAGE.

THIS REPORT IS THROUGH MARCH. FUTURE DATE BUDGETED IS 298,000 . YEAR-TO-DATE ACTUALLY COLLECTED, 364,706 .

YEAR-TO-DATE VARIABLE VARIANCE OF $66,706 . THIS IS THE YEAR-TO-DATE SALES TAX DEPOSITS. THIS WOULD BE THROUGH MARCH AS WELL. THE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGETED IS 20,340,000 YEAR-TO-DATE ACTUALLY COLLECTED, 19,364,000 FOUR AND UNFAVORABLE VARIANCE OF 975,000 . THAT THE PROXIMALLY $357,000 LESS COLLECTED IN 24 THEN IN 23. ABOUT 4.8% LESS THAN BUDGETED. THIS NEXT SLIDE IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE I SHOWED LAST MONTH . IT IS BROKEN OUT BY THE 15 CATEGORIES IN THE NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION CODES. IT HAS BEEN TRENDING OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, THE RETAILS AND ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICES MAKE UP ABOUT 65% OF OUR DEPOSITS AND THOSE TWO HAVE BEEN TRENDING UPWARDS WHEN COMPARED TO 2023. NEXT SLIDE IS HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX. THIS IS ONLY THROUGH FEBRUARY. YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGETED IS 1,236,000 YEAR-TO-DATE ACTUAL, 1,335,000 YEAR-TO-DATE

[00:50:05]

BUDGET. >> CAN I INTERJECT? CAN YOU GO BACK TO THE SALES TAX SLIDE. I HAD A QUESTION ABOUT THAT. ONE MORE. YEAH. SO, A COUPLE QUESTIONS . WE ARE SEEING AN INCREASE LOOKING AND LIKE A PERCENTAGE INCREASING AS TO A NEGATIVE VARIANCE . IF I'M READING THIS RIGHT, THREE AND HALF PERCENT DOUBT AT 6 1/2 . IS THERE A TRIBUTE IN THIS DECLINE OF ACTUAL VERSUS BUDGET BASED ON A NATIONAL PULLBACK? PERHAPS SPENDING BASED ON INFLATIONARY ISSUES? DO WE ANTICIPATE THIS CONTINUING TO WIDEN IN TERMS OF WHAT WE BUDGETED RELATIVE TO WHAT WE ARE RECEIVING? YES, SOMEBODY.

I CAN SEE HOW LESS SPENDING AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IS SOMETHING THAT IS NORMAL, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE GROWING INTO MARCH.

>> TO ANSWER , THE BIGGER QUESTION IS, NO WE DO NOT BELIEVE IT WILL CONTINUE TO WIDEN IN TERMS OF THREE AND HALF, FOR TO HAVE, 5 1/2. THAT'S NOT WHAT WE ARE SEEING.

AS WE DISCUSSED, THERE IS -- IT IS NOT THE ONLY REASON.

THERE IS A TAXPAYER, SALES TAXPAYER WHOSE HEADQUARTERS HAVE MOVED OUT OF THE TOWNSHIP . WHAT WE ARE SEEING HERE , WE CAN TRACE BACK A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THAT TO NO LONGER RECEIVING THE REVENUE THAT WE WOULD HAVE TYPICALLY RECEIVED.

ALSO, MANUFACTURING , WHICH YOU SAW ON THE NEXT SLIDE IS DRIVING SOME OF THIS DOWN. I'M SORRY, WHOLESALE TRADE IS DRIVING SOME OF THIS DOWN. THAT CAN BE VERY CYCLICAL AND WE KNOW THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR IN THE FIRST QUARTER THAT SOMETHING THAT WE EXPERIENCE A LOT. SOME OF THIS WE PROBABLY COULD HAVE ADJUSTED IN TERMS OF WHEN WE BUDGETED IT AND DIDN'T MAKE THAT CHANGE THIS YEAR. ALL OF THAT TO SAY, THERE IS A LOT GOING ON HERE AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO WATCH IT. I'M NOT ALARMED AT ALL BECAUSE I CAN TRACE IT BACK AND WE HAVE HAD MANY DISCUSSIONS. WE CAN TRACE IT BACK TO TWO OR THREE KEY THINGS THAT WE KNOW WE NEED TO MAKE UP FOR, BUT WE HAVE SO MUCH CONSTRUCTION COMING ON. RIGHT NOW, CONSTRUCTION IS HARDLY ANYTHING. WE KNOW FOR INSTANCE CONSTRUCTION IS GOING TO END UP MAKING OF OR SOME OF THAT.

QUESTION. >> I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT, OUR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICE ACCOMMODATION REMAINS VERY STRONG, BUT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POINT THAT MONIQUE PUT IT OUT. HORFORD HEADQUARTERS IN NEW ORLEANS MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. THEY ARE HUGE CASH REGISTERS THAT ARE HERE AND NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS THEY ARE IN, IS IMPORTANT. MAKING SURE WE ARE AGGRESSIVELY GOING OUT RECRUITING. REPLACING WITH MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP OUR GAME BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT

FOR US TO HAVE THOSE YEARS. >> THAT IS CORRECT. WHAT YOU CAN SEE, IT IS OUR WHOLESALE TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION AND WAREHOUSING, WHICH ARE THE TWO THINGS I REFERENCED THAT ARE DRIVING THIS. IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOP FIVE CATEGORIES, THEY MAKE UP 80% OF OUR SALES TAX AND ALL EXCEPT FOR MANUFACTURING ARE TRENDING UP. THAT IS WHY WE FEEL POSITIVE

WHEN WE LOOK AHEAD. >> THANK YOU. OTHER COMMENTS QUESTIONS FOR EITHER OR OUR CFO. IF NOT, IS THERE A MOTION ? IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSE? MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU VERY

[10. Receive, consider and act upon adoption of the 2024 Budget Calendar and a related amendment to the Board of Directors 2024 Meeting Schedule;]

>> IN YOUR PACKET UNDER AGENDA ITEM 10 THERE ARE TWO CALENDARS RELATING TO THE 2025 BUDGET AND 2024 PROPERTY RATE OPTION A HAS THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS ON AUGUST 5TH THROUGH THE NINTH. ANY BUDGET DISCUSSION WOULD BE MADE WITHOUT KNOWING THE FINAL PROPERTY TAX VALUATION SINCE

[00:55:04]

IF YOU DO CHOOSE OPTION A, THIS WOULD GIVE YOU THE OPTION OF ADOPTING A RATE THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE VOTER APPROVED IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER. THE SECOND CALENDAR IN YOUR CALENDAR IS OPTION B WHICH IS AUGUST THE 19TH THROUGH THE 23RD. OF THIS CALENDAR WOULD PROVIDE ADVANTAGE OF KNOWING THE CERTIFIED PROPERTY VALUES AND NO NEW REVENUE RATE WHILE MAKING BUDGET DECISIONS. IT WOULD NOT ALLOW YOU THE OPTION OF ADOPTING YOUR RATE. IT WOULD HAVE TO BE VOTER APPROVED. IN ADDITION TO THAT DECISION, WE WOULD ALSO NEED TO DISCUSS A DATE FOR THE BUDGET STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION . THIS MEETING IS HELD IN MAY. WAS HELD ON MAY 19TH LAST YEAR AND IT PROVIDES DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY INITIATIVES OR AGENDA ITEMS THAT THE BOARD WOULD HAVE

DURING BUDGETING. >> IN ADDITION TO DECIDING ON THE BUDGET CALENDAR , WE WILL MEET IN OCTOBER. IT IS ALSO FOR THIS BOARD TO DECIE FOR THE BUDGET WORKSHOP IN MAY EITHER WE HAVE DONE IT ON A FRIDAY FROM 8:30 TO NOON OR WE HAVE DONE IT PRIOR TO A BOARD MEETING THAT IS ALREADY SCHEDULED IN MAY. SO, IT IS AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD.

DISCUSSION? >> I PREFER IN ADVANCE OF AN EXISTING MEETING RATHER THAN A FRIDAY, BUT THAT IS MY

PREFERENCE. >> I CONCUR.

>> SO THAT WOULD BE --. >> EITHER A WEDNESDAY OR

THURSDAY. >> WE MIGHT NEED , IF I MAY SUGGEST, MORE TIME TO DO IT . MAY 16TH PRIOR TO THE MAY 16TH MEETING AND THEN MAY 22ND IS THE WEDNESDAY MEETING .

16TH IS THE 30TH. WOULD THAT BE CONVENIENT?

>> YEP, 16TH WORKS. >> OKAY. AND WE HAVE MET TWO AND HALF HOURS, SO 3:30 TO 5:30 SO WE WOULD HAVE A BREAK.

IF WE NEEDED ADDITIONAL, WE COULD ALSO MAKE THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY. BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE ALSO -- AND WE CAN HAVE ONE MOTION UNLESS YOU WANT TO PUT ON THEM SEPARATELY. TO DECIDE IF WE WANT TO ADOPT OPTION A, WHICH IS AUGUST 5TH AND KELLAN OUTLINED THE PROS AND CONS OF DOING THAT AS WELL OR OPTION B, WHICH IS THE 19TH THROUGH THE 23RD.

>> I SAY OPTION B. I'M ACTUALLY IN NEW JERSEY FOR THAT

OTHER WEEK. >> I TAKE THAT AS A MOTION?

>> SECOND. I MAY BE IN SOUTH CAROLINA THAT WEEKEND.

>> OKAY. SO, I HEARD THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND TO ADOPT OPTION B AS THE 2024 BUDGET CALENDAR NECESSARY TO ADOPT THE 2025 BUDGET AND 2024 PROPERTY TAX RATE AS WELL AS PROPOSED REVISED BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE AND TO DESIGNATE MAY 16TH, 3:30 P.M. 2024 AS THE DATE FOR THE BUDGET STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION. DIRECTOR WATSON AND DIRECTOR NELSON HAVE MADE A MOTION AND SECONDED .

DISCUSSION , COMMENTS? IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

[11. Receive, consider and act upon an appointment to the One Water Task Force;]

>> THANK YOU . AS WAS STATED EARLIER, LAST SPRING THE BOARD INDICATED ITS INTEREST IN RECONSTITUTING AND PARTICIPATING IN A ONE WATER TASK FORCE ON WATER RELATED ISSUES FOR THIS REGION. AFTER THAT DECISION, THE M.U.D.

DIRECTORS OR SOME DIRECTORS HAD COME TO THE STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION AND ASKED THE BOARD TO CONSIDER THAT OPTION.

THE BOARD DID INDICATE HE WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE .

[01:00:01]

THERE ARE SEVERAL MUDS WITHIN WOODLANDS WATER AND THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE THAT RECOMMENDATION BACK TO THE OVERALL BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS A RECOMMENDATION TO CONSIDER FOR ALL THE M.U.D. 'S AS WE RECONSTITUTE THIS EFFORT.

>> QUESTION? DID YOU LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE MEETING, TODD? OR JUST THE SECTION RELATED TO WOODLANDS OR WHEN WATER?

>> I WATCHED PART OF THE DISCUSSION DURING THE INVESTMENT PLAN . THEY ARE GOING TO BE NEEDING AS WELL AS

THAT ONE WATERPARK. >> IT WAS ABOUT AN HOUR LONG AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE BOARD TO WATCH AND LEARN . THERE IS A LOT OF IMPORTANT DISCUSSION THERE. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT LED UP TO THE REQUEST A YEAR AGO TO RECONSTITUTE THE WOODLANDS WATER WAS THE IDEA THAT THE RIVER OF AUTHORITY REQUESTED 10 YEAR PLAN FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS OF ABOUT $700 MILLION , GIVE OR TAKE. THERE IS A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW TO FUND THAT. THEN, THE IDEA WAS TO JUST KEEP ON DISCUSSING. SOME OF THESE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED A LOT OVER THE YEARS , MANY YEARS, INCLUDING WHAT IS NOW CALLED A WATER RECLAMATION PROJECT. IT USED TO BE CALLED WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT NUMBER ONE AND NOW IT IS CALLED WATER RECLAMATION . THEY CHANGED THE LANGUAGE A BIT.

THAT IS ABOUT 280 MILLION AND THEN A LOT OF OTHER PROJECTS THAT DEAL WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF WATER . NOT NECESSARILY FLOOD CONTROL OR DIRECTLY DRAINAGE , BUT THAT COULD BE FEASIBLY WITHIN THE SCOPE OF WHAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE. THAT IT MOVED INTO ASKING FOR THIS NOT ONLY TECHNICAL EXPERT, BUT ALSO SOMEBODY WHO WOULD UNDERSTAND THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE. THERE WERE TWO FEATURES TO THIS CONSULTANT. WHEN I SAW THAT, I THOUGHT, THAT MAY BE SOMETHING WE DON'T WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN BECAUSE THE BOARD PAYING FOR A CONSULTANT THAT IS A TECHNICAL EXPERT ON WATER ISSUES WHO IS NOT SOMEBODY WE HIRE BUT SOME OTHER ENTITY HIRES AND PAYING FOR CONSULTANT THAT IS -- HAS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT POLITICAL ASPECTS. A LOBBYIST IS WHAT I WAS HEARING. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT FROM A LEGAL STANDPOINT. I'M NOT SURE IF OUR ATTORNEY WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THAT. THAT IS WHY I WANTED TO DELAY IT , SO WE COULD GET SOME MORE INPUT ON THAT BEFORE WE MADE A

DECISION ABOUT GOING FOR. >> WE NEED MORE INFORMATION. I WOULD SAY WHAT'S BEFORE THE BOARD TONIGHT IS AN APPOINTMENT TO THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE AND THEN FURTHER AS THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE MAKES REQUESTS, WE DON'T EVEN KNOW RIGHT NOW THAT THEY ARE GOING TO ASK THE TOWNSHIP TO PARTICIPATE OR HOW.

THIS IS REALLY JUST ABOUT ASSIGNING SOMEONE TO THE TASK FORCE. AS MORE INFORMATION COMES BACK, WE WILL GET TO CONSIDER THE TYPES OF THINGS YOU ARE BRINGING UP.

>> I AGREE WITH THAT. IT'S A GOOD POINT. AS ANYTHING IS PRESENTED TO BE SUPPORTED OR FUNDED THROUGH THE TOWNSHIP, WE HAVE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS WITHIN OUR ENABLING LEGISLATION, WITHIN OUR SCOPE AND ABILITY TO FUND. I DON'T THINK APPOINTING ANYBODY TO THE TASK FORCE COMMITS US TO ANYTHING OTHER THAN DISSIPATION.

>> AS SOMEONE WHERE MY DAY JOB REQUIRES LEGISLATION, THERE IS

[01:05:04]

>> NEGATIVE. >> ARE THERE DISCUSSION? I DO KNOW BECAUSE I TOO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRETY BUT THEN HEARD , I THOUGHT YOUR QUESTION WAS ABOUT THE PART-TIME CONSULTANT ALLOCATING PERHAPS $5000 FROM M.U.D. WHEN BUT IT IS SOMETHING THEY ARE VERY MUCH IN TUNE . THEY ALSO HAD EXPRESSED THAT WE INITIATED OR INSTITUTED THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE AS A BOARD LAST SPRING. SOMEONE MAY ASK, WHAT TOOK SO LONG? LEADERSHIP CHANGES AND WOODLANDS WATER, SJR EIGHT AND INTEREST FROM THAT TOWNSHIP IS SOMETHING THAT -- AND I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL M.U.D. DIRECTORS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE WORKED LONG AND HARD ON HAVING THIS HAPPEN. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE SAME AS PRESIDENT SHARP. OUR LEGAL COUNSEL IS, THEY WOULD LIKE A BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED SO THAT THEY CAN MOVE FORWARD. THEY ARE NOT ASKING AT THIS TIME FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TOWNSHIP BOARD. WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT CINDY HEISER AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>> DISCUSSION? I WAS GOING TO ASK , FROM WHAT I SEE THE ROLE OF THIS PERSON IS REALLY TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE ON THIS BODY . I BELIEVE THERE ARE 60 ENTITIES REPRESENTED IN THE LAST WATER TASK FORCE. IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> IT HAD GROWN FROM THAT DRAINAGE TASK FORCE TO THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE AND YES, IT WAS BROUGHT AND INCLUDED A LOT OF REPRESENTATION FROM HARRIS COUNTY, FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AS WELL AS HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD MANAGEMENT. SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT USE IN GALVESTON AREA. IT WAS A BIG BEHEMOTH.

THERE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD WHO HAS THE BACKGROUND , KNOWLEDGE THAT SOMEONE LIKE THAT . BUT YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS ON THAT TASK FORCE WHO ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE FROM THAT TOWNSHIP BE ABLE TO COME BACK

AND REPORT OUT. >> IT HAS BEEN MOVED BY MYSELF, SECONDED BY DIRECTOR BAILEY TO APPOINT CINDY HEISER AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ONE WATER TASK FORCE. FURTHER DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE .

OPPOSED? >> I HAVE STAYED. I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION BEFORE I MOVE THIS PROCESS FORWARD.

>> MOTION PASSES -- EXCUSE ME. FIVE AND ONE ABSTENTION.

[12. Receive, consider and act upon an update regarding the Village Presidents' Council;]

>> I'M THRILLED TO GIVE THIS UPDATE. I ACTUALLY REALLY LIKE THIS COUNSEL.WE MET ON MONDAY MORNING -- MONDAY NIGHT MARCH 4TH . THE ATTENDANCE IS 100%. ONE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THAT PRESIDENT CAN COME, THEY DO SEND SOMEBODY IN THEIR PLACE.

I FEEL LIKE THEY VALUE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THOSE MEETINGS . A LOT OF GOOD CONVERSATION. PRESIDENT AND CEO MONIQUE SHARP GAVE A GREAT STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS OF WHAT IS GOING ON, ANYTHING BETWEEN FINANCIALS , PARKS AND REC, NUMBERS, TAXES , LOTS OF LIVELY CONVERSATION AROUND WHAT SHE SHOWED. AND THEN WHEN WE OPEN THE FLOOR UP TO DIFFERENT QUESTIONS AND WE TALKED ABOUT LIGHTING WITH ENTERGY. IT'S ALWAYS AN UPBEAT MEETING. WE HAVE A LOT OF BENCHMARKS WHERE THEY TALK ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDRAISING . I KNOW RICHARD FRANKS , WHEN

[01:10:02]

AN A GREAT JOB WITH IT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND

SECONDED . >> SHE WANTS TO HAVE MORE

DISCUSSION. >> OKAY. IT'S BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSE? MOTION

[13. Recess to Executive Session to discuss matters relating to real property pursuant to §551.072, Texas Government Code; deliberation of economic development negotiations pursuant to §551.087, Texas Government Code; discuss personnel matters pursuant to §551.074, Texas Government Code; discuss IT network or critical infrastructure security pursuant to §551.089, Texas Government Code; and to consult with The Woodlands Township’s attorney pursuant to §551.071, Texas Government Code;]

[14. Reconvene in public session;]

[15. Consideration of items to be placed on the agenda for next month's meeting;]

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT WE HAVE STANDING POSITIONS ON OUR AGENDA WHERE THE TASK FORCE THAT WE HAVE PRODUCED RECENTLY, THAT THEY HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY KNOW THAT THEY CAN REPORT TO US. WE HAVE A LOT OF TASKFORCES, THE BUDGETS THE HOMELESS TASK WARD AND THAT WATER TASK FORCE, WOULD BE

GOOD TO HAVE A STANDING ITEM >> THAT IS RELATIVE WHEN THEY ARE READY TO REPORT. > THEY DON'T HAVE TO REPORT

BUT THEY MAY REPORT. >> WE HAVEN'T APPOINTED THAT.

WE WILL IN APRIL. THEY NEED TO DO A CHARTER. IT HAS BEEN

[16. Board announcements; and]

>> CHANNEL 2 HAD A BIG STORY ABOUT IT THIS MORNING. THEY HAD

ALL KINDS OF PHOTOS. >> IT WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY.

WHILE IT WAS BLAMING -- PLAYING. I CAN SEND IT TO YOU.

PRESIDENT SHARP WILL SEND THE YOUTUBE VIDEO FROM THE M.U.D.

WHEN MEETING FOR OFFICE TO VIEW. ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS? . IF NOT, I CALLED FOR A MOTION SECOND TO ADJOURN.

>> SO MOVED. >> IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED. IT IS 8:08. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.