Jane Hardcastle, of The Woodlands, speaks to the board of directors as other speakers line up behind her during The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Town Hall Meeting at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Photo by David HopperMore than 400 residents packed The Woodlands Township Town Hall meeting Wednesday in a session that was part political rally and part issues discussion.
Following short presentation on key issues for the township board in 2010 and the new Woodlands division in The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, about two dozen people took to the microphone to make presentation or ask questions of the township board. Some included candidates for county judicial offices; others revived political debates among the board members, and still others brought concerns over issues in the community.
Among the topics addressed were crime, roads, property taxes, bonds, water taxi, security, franchise fees, solicitors, covenants, consultants and bidding. It took more than 2-1/2 hours to answer audience questions at the meeting, held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.
“We are gratified at the number of people that turned out to show an interest in their community,” said Nelda Luce Blair, chairwoman of The Woodlands Township. “We are excited about the united government. This is the 27th day of the first government in The Woodlands.”
Several speakers addressed crime in the community, especially home burglaries and car burglaries that have plagued neighborhoods.
Capt. Andrew Eason of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Division 6 said while some suspects have been arrested for these crimes, patrols continue through Woodlands neighborhoods, including special targeted overtime patrol during the day and overnight, to try and target these incidents.
“I think we have enough officers, and we have a good command presence,” Eason said.
Fred Collins of Panther Creek wants to rid The Woodlands of door to door solicitation. While The Woodlands can’t enact ordinances banning the practice, residents were encouraged to not answer the door or to contact the sheriff's office if solicitors refuse to leave the property.
“We derive pleasure in running those people off,” Eason said.
Others expressed concern over road projects in the community, including the extension of Research Forest to Egypt Lane off of FM 2978 and the extension of Kuykendahl Road to FM 1488. While these projects are under discussion, it is the county, not The Woodlands, that oversees most road projects in the county. One Woodlands High School student said traffic cones along Woodlands Parkway were making her drive to school dangerous.
Two residents expressed concern that the township voted to take on the Woodlands Waterway water taxis without getting input from the public. In addition to water taxis, Adrian Heath of Cochran Crossing said he did not want to see the township pay for a ice rink study or to continue to pay for Alpha and Omega Mounted Patrol in The Woodlands. That money should be used for law enforcement, Heath said.
“I’m not concerned about blunders, it’s the plundering I’m worried about,” Heath said.
Curt Anderson of Alden Bridge asked the township if the township would be eligible to collect the cable television access fee paid by residents on their bills. That funding is earmarked for The Woodlands Development Co. to access to the developer’s easements in the community and will not be turned over to the township, said Alex Sutton, a board member and co-president of The Woodlands Development Co.
Tom Sifferman of Alden Bridge said has been pleased with the transition process, but he still wants to see township meeting at 7 p.m., more competitive bidding and less consultants.
Blair said nighttime meeting may be considered in the future. The township board turned back a proposal by board member Peggy Hausman at a meeting earlier in the day to offer one evening meeting a month.
Several residents wanted to revive the debate over incorporating The Woodlands as a city, and Township President Don Norrell said an effort will begin this fall for the public to determine The Woodlands future form of governance.
Under an agreement with Houston, The Woodlands is free to pursue its own form of governance after May, 2014.
Township Issues for 2010
Woodlands Township President Don Norrell outlined the key issues to be addressed by the township board in 2010 at a town hall meeting Thursday. Among those are:
• Elect four new board in May and transition the board from 11 to seven members
• Reorganize board committees
• Study of future governing options
• Undertake the 2011 budget process
• Consider an over 65 property tax exemption
• Conduct a Capital reserve study
• Sell general obligation bonds
• Construct fire stations for Creekside Park and Indian Springs
• Negotiate the ownership and operations of the water taxi to Woodlands Convention and Visitor Bureau
• Study a permanent ice rink at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
• Extend trolley service to village centers
• Create Woodlands District in The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Source: The Woodlands Township