THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP. Board of Directors Meeting REGULAR BOARD MEETING. March 22, 2017

Transcription

1 THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP Meeting REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTIES OF HARRIS & MONTGOMERY The of The Woodlands Township met in regular session, open to the public, on March 22, 2017, posted to begin at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Board Chambers at the office of The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas, within the boundaries of The Woodlands Township. STANDARD ITEMS 1. Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance; Chairman Gordy Bunch introduced Ms. Susan Daniels of the Bahai's of Montgomery County South to lead the invocation. Teagan Gleason, Brenna Gleason, Lauren Moore, Morgan Jones, Kennedy Jones, and Nicole Rawls of the American Heritage Girls Troop 1318 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and Texas State flag. 2. Call meeting to order; Chairman Bunch called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. and declared that notice of this meeting was posted 72 hours in advance inside the boundaries of The Woodlands Township at the office building located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, Texas. The roll was then called of the duly elected members of the Board with all members present. Present: Staff Present: Chairman Gordy Bunch; ; ; Treasurer Ann Snyder; ; ; Don Norrell, Monique Sharp, John Powers, Alan Benson, Karen Dempsey, Nick Wolda, Susan Welbes, Miles McKinney, Bret Strong, Robin Cross 3. Receive, consider and act upon adoption of the meeting agenda; Motion by: moved to adopt the meeting agenda with the following changes: Moved Consent Agenda Item 7(a) and 7(h) to the regular agenda. Second by: 1

2 4. Recognize public officials; There were no public officials present. 5. Public comment; The following individuals provided public comment: Dr. Enrique Rosero- 243 Hazelcrest Dr; thanked the Board for the release of the diversity proclamation and expressed his concerns on cultural discrimination, safety, and right of freedom. Iris Mahon- 38 Silver Maple Pl.; expressed her concerns and personal experiences of cultural/religious inclusion. Recommended Multi-Cultural/International Events be held in The Woodlands. Judy Moore- 6 Elfen Way; representing herself and neighbors/friends, expressed concerns of cultural/race discrimination in schools and the general public, and her support of activities in The Woodlands to increase diversity. Perla Soto- 51 Waning Moon; expressed her concerns as a Mexican American on the anti-immigration sentiment, as well as her uncomfortability and lack of feeling welcomed within the U.S. Deborah Leiber- 5 Featherfall Pl.; representing the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), expressed her concerns/family experiences on diversity in The Woodlands, and encouraged implementing programs to make all races and backgrounds feel welcome. Maitane Tidwell- 47 E. Sunny Slope; Thanked the Board for the release of the diversity proclamation, and shared her hopes for success of implementing the proclamation. Recommended a formation of a Diversity/Inclusion Board to take action and help to spread communication of this issue throughout The Woodlands. Terry Domino- 115 Douvaine Ct.; expressed her concerns of the financial effects of diversity on the community, and suggested an addition of the verbiage "sexual orientation" to the diversity proclamation. Deanna Adams- 126 Genesee Ridge Dr.; expressed her concerns of discrimination against black residents from Law Enforcement. Jimena Mendoza- 58 N. Altwood Circle; shared her family experience of discrimination against religious diversity being taught in school curriculum. Mignon Mabry- 54 Stardust; Retired English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in The Woodlands, has witnessed discrimination against foreign students, and encouraged everyone to do more than just proclaim their commitment to diversity, and change the outlook of our community. Liah Olson- 18 Dunewing; expressed her family experience of discrimination in schools, and her support towards coming together as a community. Dr. Abbas Jaffari- 58 W. Bracebridge Circle; expressed his support of religious diversity in The Woodlands. 2

3 Ed Bingman- 11 Sunbeam Pl.; expressed the importance of letting people who are most impacted by discrimination in our community be the voice to come up with solutions to promote diversity in The Woodlands. Ginny Cunningham- 47 Firethorn Pl.; expressed her support of Cultural Arts, and the need of an appropriate indoor entertainment venue to produce live shows and other performing arts in The Woodlands. Randy Johnson- representing the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD); shared an EMS update, and the results of a Quality Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) survey, resulting in exceptional results in Montgomery County/The Woodlands. He also thanked The Woodlands Fire Department and first responders in The Woodlands area for helping MCHD achieve this level of success. MCHD has also achieved a reduced tax rate by 45% for EMS runs. Dolores Lopez Cardenas- 386 S. Rush Haven Circle; expressed her concerns of a potential change in the outlook of Law Enforcement from minorities due to Texas Senate Bill 4, and her efforts to maintain a positive perception of Law Enforcement in The Woodlands. Jennifer Baca- 23 Postvine Ct.; representing Coalition For Equality, and expressed her support for the Board for their release of the diversity proclamation. John Wertz- 74 N. Veranda Ridge; requested financial data for a Homestead Exemption for citizens over 65, and requested a future agenda item to address this topic. Reverend Donna Renfro- representing Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church; suggested an addition of the verbiage "gender identity" to the diversity proclamation. Chief Deputy Ken Culbreath- representing the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office; thanked the Board for hearing out citizen needs, and addressed the Sheriff's participation in the 287(g) program. In hopes to inform residents in fear that this program is being used as an incarceration tool, not an enforcement tool, he shared that illegal immigrants must first be introduced to the criminal justice system and be arrested for something unlawful, then go through the legal system and be detained in order to be eligible for deportation. 6. Receive, consider and act upon reports from Village Association representatives; The following Village Association (VA) representatives provided a report: Alden Bridge VA- President, Steve Leakey thanked the Board and guest speakers/public comment for coming out and having their voices be heard; Announced that Deputy Jason Hopper will be moving to another assignment, and thanked him for his 4 years of service to the Alden Bridge VA; Introduced two new representatives appointed to the Alden Bridge VA as Juan Costellanos and Liah Olson; Announced Congressman Kevin Brady as guest speaker for an upcoming meeting; Shared updates of Alden Bridge volunteer efforts in The 2017 Woodlands Marathon and The Woodlands Flea Market;Yard of the month program to start soon. Cochran's Crossing VA- President, Stuart Schroeder announced Captain Allison Allen as the upcoming guest speaker for the Cochran's Crossing VA meeting; an update was provided by Deputy Jason Hopper at their last meeting about motor vehicle burglaries/tips on how to prevent them; Cochran's Crossing volunteered in The Woodlands Flea Market and will be volunteering in Earth Day GreenUp; Announced new Cochran's Crossing area representatives as Seth Farias, Phil Greggor, and Charlie Keen. Grogan's Mill VA- Vice President, Bruce Cunningham, announced new Grogan's Mill area representatives as Virginia Hill and Ed Chapman; Shared that Grogan's Mill VA has budgeted for Aging in Place, Interfaith, School Scholarships, Local Schools, and Community Activities; They are looking to expand Grogan's Mill Farmers Market; and requested dates for Public Hearings for Incorporation; Expressed their support towards the diversity proclamation and cultural arts. 3

4 Motion by: moved to receive and file the reports from the Village Association representatives. Second by: CONSENT AGENDA 7. Receive, consider and act upon the Consent Agenda; (This 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 any Board Member making such request prior to a motion and vote.) Motion by: moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the following changes: Move Consent Agenda item (a) and (h) to the Regular Agenda. Second by: a. Receive, consider, and act upon approval of the February 16, 2017 Minutes, the February 22, 2017 Board Planning Session Minutes, and the February 22, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Minutes for the of The Woodlands Township; requested a correction on his vote towards the motion from "NO" to "ABSTAIN" on the Consent Agenda for the February 16, 2017 Minutes, item 6(l), to receive, consider, and act upon an award of bid for special event production services (C ). Motion by: moved to change the February 16, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Minutes to reflect the correction of 's vote. Second by: 4

5 b. Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Community Services; c. Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Law Enforcement and Community Policing; d. Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for Transportation (Park and Ride and Trolley System); e. Receive, consider and act upon Administrative Reports for The Woodlands Fire Department; f. Receive, consider and act upon a proclamation in support of Earth Day; g. Receive, consider and act upon a proclamation in support of "Go Red for Women's Day" (as requested by Director Fillault); h. Receive, consider and act upon a proclamation in support of Arts Month in The Woodlands (as requested by Economic Development Committee); requested an amendment to The Woodlands Township Proclamation proclaiming that The Woodlands has integrated the arts into the planning and development of the community from its inception; to add the verbiage "Whereas, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra is sponsoring The Woodlands Symphony Homegrown Concert on April 30, 2017 hi-lighting native musicians, local artists, and The Woodlands Area Youth Symphony" following the section of the proclamation stating "Whereas, The Woodlands Art Council is presenting The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival at Town Green Park and The Woodlands Waterway on April 7-9, 2017; and". Motion by: moved to approve the amended proclamation to include The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra. Second by: ABSENT i. Receive, consider and act upon a proclamation in support of World T'ai Chi Day (as requested by Chairman Bunch); j. Receive, consider and act upon approval of an interlocal cooperation agreement with Montgomery County regarding special event permitting (C ); k. Receive, consider and act upon a Memorandum of Agreement to allow an encroachment onto the Restricted Open Space Reserve A, Village of Sterling Ridge, Section 72; 5

6 REGULAR AGENDA 8. Receive, consider and act upon a briefing on the 2017 Woodlands Marathon (as requested by Director McMullan); Willie Fowlkes, Race Director of The Woodlands Marathon presented a video overview of The Woodlands Marathon, followed by a report on the 2017 event which took place on March 4, Mr. Fowlkes shared that the event raised $186K for various charities, and $22K for various volunteer organizations, and details of the demographics of 2017 race competitors. Mr. Fowlkes explained that The Woodlands Marathon Management, LLC. has been in contact with the Boston Marathon, and it has been determined that the Boston Marathon would not accept qualifying times from The Woodlands Marathon due to the accidental change in distance of the race. Board discussion followed on potential accident prevention solutions for future The Woodlands Marathon events. Motion by: moved to receive and accept the report on the 2017 Woodlands Marathon. Second by: ABSENT 9. Receive, consider and act upon a presentation of the Cultural Arts Feasibility Study Phase I, Needs Assessment; Nick Wolda, Director of Community Relations and President of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), introduced Duncan Webb of Webb Management Services to provide an update of the Cultural Facility Needs Assessment Report. The report of the survey results were dependent on different factors such as Arts participation inside and outside The Woodlands, Barriers to Participation, Cultural Development in The Woodlands, and Respondent Characteristics. There were a total of 1,270 usable responses, and 1,165 of those responses came from The Woodlands Zip Codes. Motion by: moved to receive the Cultural Facility Needs Assessment Report from Webb Management Services and consider Phase II of the process at an April Board of Directors meeting. Second by: 6

7 10. Receive, consider and act upon an update on the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church construction project (as requested by Chairman Bunch); Deborah Sargeant, Chairman of the Development Standards Committee (DSC) presented a report on the progress of the St. Anthony of Padua construction project, which has been monitored for progress and improvements by the DSC. The St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church is currently undergoing fence construction and installation, and adding new trees and additional reforestation. Reforestation for Phase 1A, which includes the area to the South of the sports fields adjacent to the MUD ditch is complete, and Phase 2 reforestation which includes the area to the South of the main chapel along the MUD ditch will begin within the next two weeks. Board discussion followed and concluded that there has not been an adjustment to the size of the trees to be planted with the new reforestation. Motion by: moved to receive and file the report on the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church construction project. Second by: 11. Receive, consider and act upon a presentation on the 2016 Residential Survey, by National Research Center, Inc.; Nick Wolda, Director of Community Relations and President of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), introduced Erin Caldwell, Senior Research Associate at National Research Center to present the additional results of the 2016 Residential Survey, distributed in hopes to target the younger demographic in The Woodlands. The survey results were dependent on different themes such as Governance, Community, Law Enforcement/Safety, Covenants/Deed Restrictions, Communications, Economic Development, and Transportation and Mobility. The report reflected a response rate of 30% for the second batch, and an overall response rate of 25%. Of the total responses, 42% of the respondents were under the age of 44, and 58% of the respondents were over the age of 44. Motion by: moved to receive the presentation and final report on the 2016 Residential Survey by National Research Center, Inc. Second by: 7

8 12. Receive, consider and act upon a presentation on the Bear Branch Park Master Plan; Note: Agenda Item 14 was moved before this item. Dr. Chris Nunes, Director of Parks and Recreation introduced Shane Howard, Senior Vice President of Burditt Consultants to present an overview of a draft of the master plan for Bear Branch Park, which included the renovation of the recreational pool, park and parking improvements, and a recreation center expansion. The Board provided direction on Phase 4 of this project, which included the development of a 50 meter pool and all the associated equipment, locker rooms, and restrooms. Motion by: moved to provide input on the draft Master Plan for Bear Branch Park and direct staff and Burditt to return in April to present the final draft Master Plan and details regarding the 50 meter pool proposal relative to the existing pool's bathrooms and pool house options. Second by: 13. Receive, consider and act upon Texas Municipal League Insurance Claim related to Bear Branch Park Swimming Pool; Dr. Chris Nunes, Director of Parks and Recreation presented an overview of the claim related to the damage of the Bear Branch Park pool provided by the Texas Municipal League (TML). The report outlined a total claim for up to $1.3 million. $761, would be payable to The Woodlands Township upon approval of the Board, $278, would be payable to The Woodlands Township upon completion of the project, and up to $235,000 more would be payable to the Township for contingencies, such as electrical work, de-watering or chemical controllers. Motion by: moved to accept the actual cash value of the insurance claim settlement from Texas Municipal League for the Bear Branch Pool. Second by: 8

9 14. Receive, consider and act upon a proclamation in support of George Mitchell's vision of diversity in The Woodlands; Note: This item was moved before item 12 on the Regular Agenda. Note: The Board recessed the meeting at 8:55 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 9:10 P.M. President/General Manager of The Woodlands Township, Don Norrell presented an overview of the proclamation released in support of diversity in The Woodlands. Board discussion followed on proposed revisions to Section J of the proclamation to read "Whereas, The Woodlands community shall always endeavor to remain a place for all residents- regardless of race, nationality, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, identity, and socio-economic status- to live, work, play and learn in harmony with neighbors, employers, teachers; and fellow citizens;". Motion by: moved to approve the proclamation in support of diversity in The Woodlands as amended. Second by: 15. Receive, consider and act upon the selection of a provider for Transit Planning and Transit Program Consulting Services (C ); Transit Planner, Chris LaRue presented an overview of the bids received by The Woodlands Township for Transit Planning and Transit Program Consulting Services from AECOM, Robert T. Babbit, P LLC., HDR Engineering, Inc., Moore & Associates, Walter P. Moore, and Warner Transportation Consulting. After review and evaluation of factors such as Cover Letter, Key Personnel, Relevant Experience, at least three references, and fee/rate, HDR Engineering, Inc. was selected. Motion by: moved to award the contract for Transit Planning and Transit Program Consulting Services to HDR Engineering, Inc. and authorize the President/General Manager to negotiate and finalize the associated agreement. Second by: 16. Receive, consider and act upon the financial report; 9

10 16. Receive, consider and act upon the financial report; Assistant General Manager of Finance and Administration, Monique Sharp, provided an overview of the General Purpose Statements for the two months ended February 28, The report reflected a favorable variance of $1.3 Million in expenditures, a 3.5% increase in hotel tax from 2016, and a 3.5% increase in sales tax from February Motion by: moved to accept the financial report for the two months ended February 28, Second by: 17. Receive, consider and act upon a Letter of Support to use the Hardy Toll Road for a portion of the 2018 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas bicycle route; Assistant General Manager of Community Services, John Powers presented an overview of potential routes for the 2018 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas event, which included the use of the Grand Parkway. However, the consideration of the Grand Parkway request presented challenges to TxDOT which included a rules change by TxDOT and would be most difficult to obtain the use of this route within the timeline required by the Ironman registration deadline for the 2018 event. In result, a Letter of Support has been written to the Harris County Toll Road Authority to request to use the Hardy Toll Road for the bicycle portion of Ironman Texas in Motion by: moved to approve a Letter of Support to use the Hardy Toll Road for a portion of the 2018 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas bicycle route. Second by: 18. Receive, consider and act upon improvements to the Board Chambers; Director of Information Technology, William Pham, presented a report on the operational and acoustical challenges the Board Chambers faces due to it's architectural design. These challenges included audio reflection, audio reverb, and audio clarity on the dais. Mr. Pham presented potential improvement recommendations which included positioning of the lectern to the front and center of the dais; as well as the consideration of adding and augmenting of audio/visual equipment to display 10

11 high definition content. Board discussion followed. Motion by: moved to approve an acoustical engineering study to determine which acoustical tiles will improve the performance of the Board Chambers, and to table the audio and clarity issues to the April 2017 meeting. Second by: 19. Receive, consider and act upon adjustments to the 2017 Board meeting schedule, including establishment of a special Board planning session to discuss incorporation-related matters and adoption of a meeting schedule for review and approval of the 2018 budget; Karen Dempsey, Assistant to the President of The Woodlands Township presented an overview of the revised 2017 Board Meeting schedule, which included a Special Planning Session on Incorporation Related Matters, and a proposed Board Budget Meeting. Board discussion followed and it was determined that future Special Planning Sessions will take place in the Board Chambers. Motion by: moved to approve the Board Budget Meetings, and take no action on selecting a date for the second Special Planning Session on Incorporation Related Matters, recognizing that staff is going to solicit the Board to determine a suitable date. Second by: 20. Receive, consider and act upon a reimbursement and cost sharing agreement with The Woodlands Development Company for a pathway along Kuykendahl Road; Assistant General Manager of Community Relations, John Powers presented an overview of the ongoing maintenance of the pathway along Kuykendahl Rd. between Flintridge Dr. and Timarron Dr. Funding for this pathway was not included in the Comprehensive Community Services Agreement (CCSA), but The Woodlands Land Development Company (TWLDC) has indicated a willingness to fund 50% of this project to complete this construction, so The Woodlands Township will fund the remaining 50%. 11

12 Motion by: moved to approve the reimbursement cost sharing letter of agreement and authorize the President/General Manager to submit the letter of agreement to The Woodlands Land Development Company for consideration, and approve the 2017 Capital Budget Amendment for the project with the funding to be provided by the Capital Reserve Fund Balance. Second by: CLOSED MEETING (if applicable) 21. Recess to Executive Session at 10:35 P.M. to discuss matters relating to real property pursuant to , Texas Government Code; deliberation of economic development negotiations pursuant to , Texas Government Code; discuss personnel matters pursuant to , Texas Government Code; and to consult with The Woodlands Township's attorney pursuant to , Texas Government Code; Chairman Bunch informed the Board that it would be necessary to recess to closed session. 22. Reconvene in public session at 11:22 P.M.; Chairman Bunch informed the Board that it would not be necessary to take action on matters discussed in the closed executive session. DISCUSS FUTURE AGENDA /ANNOUNCEMENTS 23. Consideration of items to be placed on the agenda for next month's meeting; Chairman Bunch informed the Board that an item for the Over 65 Homestead Exemption and a report of the Development Standards Committee's (DSC) draft policy for Air BnB will be placed on the agenda for next month's meeting. 24. Board announcements; and There were no Board announcements. 25. Adjournment. Motion by: moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:24 P.M. Second by: 12

13 Laura Fillault Secretary, 13