August 2021

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Fire Department (non-emergency) 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

Harris – Montgomery Counties MUD No. 386, 281-290-6500

Emergency 911

For emergency information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST-FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.

message from The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

S&P RAISES TOWNSHIP’S CREDIT RATING

Standard & Poor’s has raised its credit rating on The Woodlands Township’s general obligation debt from “AA” to “AA+”. In its ratings report, the credit agency noted the Township’s history of conservative financial management, maintenance of very strong reserves for more than a decade, prudent debt use, and consistently growing major revenue sources.

Budget 2022

The Woodlands Township expects to present and adopt the 2022 budget this month. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for the full schedule of meetings. More information about the Township’s budget and budget process is online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/budget.

Pools

Township pools close for daily use on September 6, 2021. Several pools remain open for the post season. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools for pool schedules and additional information.

In Case You Missed It

• The Woodlands Township celebrated Parks and Recreation Month in July.

• The Township continued its pursuit of equitable share of federal COVID-19 funds.

• The Woodlands Township re-launched its incorporation study website, www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com

For more information about the work of The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6

Bob Milner Director, Position 7

Jeff Jones President and General Manager

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Community Magazine is a monthly publication of The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of The Woodlands

The printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine are supported entirely by advertising revenue. Please patronize the advertisers whenever possible, and tell them you saw their ad in this magazine and appreciate their support.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Community Magazine, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX, 77381, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. The editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of The Woodlands Township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the Township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents. Information from the Township takes precedence over information submitted by any other source.

The Woodlands Community Magazine has earned three Communicator Awards of Distinction, the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, a Merit Award from The Service Industry Advertising Awards and a Gold MarCom Award.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives

Graphic Designers

Cheryl Kirsch

Jim Callahan

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations

Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors Perry Frank

Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069

281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

Early Detection Starts With Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

Advanced Breast Screenings Close to Home

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Center in The Woodlands, our specialists review your mammogram history and track results over time — detecting changes earlier. That’s why getting your mammogram starting at age 40 — or earlier, if you have a family history — is so important.

Our Breast Care Center offers:

• The latest 3D mammogram technology

• Board-certified breast imaging radiologists

• Acceptance of most major insurance plans

Your health is our priority. To better protect you, we took it one step further by requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians, staff and employees.

242

Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 936.270.3600 to schedule your mammogram today.

We do not require a doctor’s order for your annual screening mammogram.

The Woodlands

The Woodlands

PUBLIC EDUCATION SUMMARY

As The Woodlands Township continues to study the possibility of Incorporation (Incorporation=City of The Woodlands), the following public education summary document is provided for your information. The Public Education Summary compares key topics arranged in categories and how they would be affected if the community remains as The Woodlands Township, OR if it becomes the City of The Woodlands. Topics include law enforcement, drainage and flood mitigation, path to local control, government authority, utilities, transportation/roads, building standards, community planning and financial implications.

www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com

Currently...

• The Township is working to finalize the financial analysis of the cost of a city.

• The Township will be conducting community forums this fall.

• No official decision has been made to place incorporation on this year’s ballot, as of printing time of this magazine. The deadline to call a November 2021 election is Monday, August 16, 2021.

What is The Woodlands Township?

The Woodlands Township is a “Special Purpose” government district, authorized by state statute. The Township is unincorporated and its boundaries are within both Montgomery County and Harris County, the Extraterritorial Jurisdictions of the City of Houston and the City of Conroe, and primarily within the municipal utility boundaries of 11 Woodlands Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs).

Though the Township governance and administrative model has allowed it to offer municipal types of services, core service areas such as law enforcement and transportation infrastructure maintenance are delivered by county agencies. Water, wastewater, and stormwater management services are provided by multiple Municipal Utility Districts throughout

The Woodlands. While the Township has entered into contracted arrangements with the county agencies to provide enhanced law enforcement services, the Township’s authority to direct those services is limited.

In 2018, The Township Board of Directors initiated a study to consider the benefits and impacts of municipal incorporation. This draft study has been completed and the Township Board of Directors is considering placing incorporation on a future general election ballot for consideration by the voters of The Woodlands.

The following summary has been developed to show changes in governmental responsibility and services that would occur with municipal incorporation of The Woodlands.

Please take time to read this article about how incorporating into the City of The Woodlands could affect you.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• The Woodlands Township

The Township is prohibited by state statute from directly hiring law enforcement personnel (or creating a police department). The Township chooses to provide law enforcement services through Township funded contracts with Montgomery County under the supervision on the County Sheriff and Harris County through the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have local control of all law enforcement services. The city can establish its own central police department and provide services within the two county areas of The Woodlands, which would allow for a consistent policing philosophy throughout the community. An option would be to create a police department and continue to contract for some law enforcement services.

DRAINAGE AND FLOOD MITIGATION

DRAINAGE AND FLOOD MITIGATION

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have authority over drainage and drainage planning in The Woodlands. This primary authority is with the two county governments and the Municipal Utility Districts.

• City of The Woodlands

The city can establish and enforce drainage standards within the community and initiate projects for drainage improvements. If the city abolishes and absorbs the MUDs, the city gains broader authority over these matters.

REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (RPA)

• The Woodlands Township

In 2007, The Woodlands Township entered into contractual Regional Participation Agreements (RPAs) with the Cities of Houston and Conroe, which provide that neither city will annex any part of The Township for 50 years. The RPAs were authorized by state statute and subsequently approved by The Woodlands voters who authorized the creation of the Township as it currently exists by approving the boundaries, approving an elected seven member Board of Directors and approving the implementation of an ad valorem property tax levy.

Following the voter approval of creation of The Woodlands Township, by agreement, the Community Associations of The Woodlands were dissolved and all services and responsibilities transferred to the Township. The RPA agreements provide that at time of incorporation, the Cities of Houston and Conroe will release the property within The Woodlands Township boundaries from their respective ETJs, meaning that they could no longer annex The Woodlands.

• City of The Woodlands

At Incorporation, the Regional Participation Agreements provide that property located within the ETJs of the City of Houston and Conroe and within The Woodlands Township boundaries, would be released from the ETJs of the two cities and become part of the boundaries of the new City of The Woodlands. All properties within the new City of The Woodlands would no longer be subject to annexation by the City of Houston or the City of Conroe.

CONTINUATION OF TOWNSHIP SERVICES AFTER INCORPORATION

• The Woodlands Township

The current level of service provided by the Township is expected to continue following incorporation. The Township directly provides services such as, but not limited to, fire department, covenant administration, environmental services, garbage and recycling, neighborhood watch, parks and recreation, street lighting, transportation, among others.

• City of The Woodlands

The current Township services will continue to be provided by the city following incorporation and the city will assume additional responsibilities as a General Law City.

ADDRESSING COMMUNITY NEEDS

• The Woodlands Township

The Township is dependent on at least 15 other entities to provide transportation planning, streets and right-of-way management; law enforcement services; utility services, drainage / flood mitigation; and address community subsidence issues. Changing service needs in The Woodlands (whether funded by the Township or others) will require approval of the various government entities.

• City of The Woodlands

A city government has the statutory authority to act on behalf of the community to directly provide and manage these community service needs.

continued on page 8

GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY

• The Woodlands Township

The Township is a special purpose government district with limited authority and can only establish and enforce rules on property it owns (Township parks, pathways, pools, facilities and recreation centers) in accordance with its enabling legislation.

• City of The Woodlands

The city will have municipal powers and authority as provided to a General Law City and can initiate and enforce rules for community standards through establishment of city ordinances (examples – animal control, fireworks, noise violations, tree preservation restricting clear cutting, street parking, road right of way and utility corridor management authority, law enforcement, etc.) as defined by State Law. If the City were to change to Home Rule, its authority and ordinance-making authority would be broader and defined by its voter-approved City Charter.

UNIFORMITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

• The Woodlands Township Transportation, roadway maintenance, law enforcement, drainage, and development review within The Woodlands fall under the governmental authority of Montgomery County (Precincts 2, 3 and 4), Harris County (Precinct 4), the City of Houston ETJ, the City of Conroe ETJ and the 11 MUDs primarily operating within Township boundaries.

• City of The Woodlands

The direct authority for transportation, roadway maintenance and law enforcement is assumed by the city government at incorporation. The city council can, but is not required to, take action to abolish the MUDs and assume operations as a municipal utility at any time, following incorporation. In addition, the new city is removed from the ETJs of the cities of Houston and Conroe, and the role of the two counties is diminished.

FORMAL RECOGNITION AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTING THE WOODLANDS

• The Woodlands Township

The Township is not officially recognized as the local government representing Woodlands residents by federal, state or regional planning organizations.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would be the recognized as the local government representing the interest of Woodlands residents to all levels of government (federal, state, county, cities and regional planning organizations).

AUTHORITY IN REGIONAL PLANNING MATTERS / COMMUNITY STANDING

• The Woodlands Township

With the exception of the Township’s public transit services, the Township has no standing in regional planning matters, local roadway transportation planning and other matters such as water and sewer rates, groundwater pumping, subsidence, flooding and stormwater management.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have standing in all of these matters, assuming the MUDs become part of city operations following incorporation. If the MUDs do not become part of city operations following incorporation, the city would still have standing in regional planning matters, local roadway transportation planning and other matters other than the water, sewer and related service provided by the MUDs.

LOCAL ORDINANCE MAKING AUTHORITY

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have the ability to create local laws affecting the broader community (ordinance making authority).

• City of The Woodlands

A general law city would have the ability to create and enforce local laws within the Statutes of the State of Texas (ordinance making authority) to address matters of community wide concern, such as animal control, fireworks, noise, parking, clear cutting, etc.

COUNTY SERVICES

PROVIDED IN THE WOODLANDS

• The Woodlands Township

The County governments determine the level of service to be provided in The Woodlands. The County Sheriff has the responsibility to provide law enforcement services in unincorporated areas. The Township pays for enhancements to these two basic county services (see page 14). In addition, the County provides animal control, environmental health, fire marshal and permitting.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would determine and have local control over the level of service to be provided in The Woodlands.

EMERGENCY AUTHORITY DURING DECLARED DISASTERS

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have community-wide emergency authority during declared disasters. Emergency authorities are vested in Federal, State, county and incorporated cities. The Township may participate in Mutual Aid.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have the authority to declare and respond to a local disaster with limited exceptions.

UTILITY/RIGHTS OF WAY MANAGEMENT

• The Woodlands Township State and county governments have specific but limited authorities for management of the public road rights of way in The Woodlands including utilities in the right of way.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would assume authority for the management of the public road rights of way within The Woodlands boundaries and could collect fees from certain types of utilities. The city could pass a right of way management ordinance, which would provide more authority in managing construction and utility installation within the right of way.

MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

• The Woodlands Township Municipal utility services are currently provided to Woodlands residents primarily through 11 Municipal Utility Districts. The MUDs are independent government entities and The Township has no authority over water, wastewater and drainage services in The Woodlands.

• City of The Woodlands

Following incorporation, a City Council can opt to enact an ordinance that abolishes the MUDs and assumes all assets, liabilities and operations of the MUDs and operate as a city municipal utility.

ACCESS FEES / FRANCHISE FEES

• The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Township does not collect any access fees or franchise fees from utility providers.

• City of The Woodlands

A city would have a new revenue stream from utilities.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

• The Woodlands Township

With the exception of the Township’s public transit services, the Township does not have authority for roadway transportation planning within the Township boundaries. This authority rests with the cities that have ETJ authority within The Woodlands (Houston and Conroe) and with the overlapping county governments.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have authority for transportation planning within The Woodlands boundaries. The City would automatically become a voting member of Houston-Galveston (H-GAC), who is responsible for long-range mobility planning and redistribution of state and federal funding.

ROADWAYS WITHIN THE WOODLANDS

• The Woodlands Township

State and County governments have authority for management of the roadways and road right of way in The Woodlands, including roadway expansions and extensions.

BUILDING STANDARDS

WOODLANDS COVENANT MANAGEMENT

• The Woodlands Township

The Development Standards Committee (DSC) currently provides covenant administration in The Woodlands and the Township provides staff services to support covenant enforcement.

• City of The Woodlands

Provided that The Woodlands does not adopt municipal zoning, the Township’s covenant administration process can continue.

PLAN REVIEW AND BUILDING INSPECTION

• The Woodlands Township

The Township performs plan review and limited building inspections

• City of The Woodlands

The city would assume authority over and responsibility for roadways and rights of way within The Woodlands boundaries, except for SH 242/College Park Drive, which is a State Highway. The city would adopt its own thoroughfare plan.

TRAFFIC CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT

• The Woodlands Township

County governments have authority for management of traffic lights and speed limits on roadways within The Woodlands, except for SH 242/ College Park Drive, which is a State Highway managed by TxDOT.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would assume authority for traffic management and would have the ability to establish speed limits within The Woodlands boundaries and could choose to continue to work with the County or change to local control of traffic light systems. SH 242 is under the authority of TxDOT, and could become subject to a “Municipal Maintenance Agreement” with the city.

per the Covenants and Standards of The Woodlands. Montgomery County and Harris County, along with the City of Houston and City of Conroe through their ETJs, have authority for plan review and building inspections in their respective jurisdictions that overlap The Woodlands Township boundaries.

• City of The Woodlands

If the city adopts planning and zoning, the city will have direct authority for a building code including plan review, permitting and building inspections, but cannot directly enforce deed restrictions or covenants.

continued on page 11

ENFORCEMENT OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have the authority to enact and enforce ordinances to reflect community standards for issues such as clear cutting, animal control, fireworks, noise violations, street parking, speed limits, tree preservation, right of way management, etc.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have ordinance making authority as authorized for General Law Cities and would have a municipal court for enforcement of local ordinance violations.

COMMUNITY PLANNING

LAND USE PLANNING AND PLAT APPROVAL

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have authority over land use planning and plat approval for property within The Woodlands.

The land area within The Woodlands lies within Montgomery County, Harris County and the Exterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the cities of Houston and Conroe. These counties and cities have the authority for planning and plat approval.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have authority over land use planning and plat approval in The Woodlands.

COMMUNITY MASTER PLANNING

• The Woodlands Township

With the exception of the Township’s public transit services, the Township does not have authority over transportation planning, roadways, water and sewer utilities and drainage. Long-range planning for these services in The Woodlands is the responsibility of various governments and MUDs with boundaries or ETJs that overlap The Woodlands.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would have direct authority to master plan for mobility and transportation, and the ability to assume authority for utilities and drainage (if abolishing the MUDs).

PROPERTY TAX FREEZE FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS

• The Woodlands Township

The Township is not authorized by state statute to enact a property tax freeze for individuals who are disabled or over the age of 65.

• City of The Woodlands

The City Council has the statutory authority to enact a tax freeze for individuals who are disabled or over 65 years of age. The estimated annual cost of enacting this provision is included in the computation of the incorporation maximum initial tax rate.

MUNICIPAL COURT

• The Woodlands Township

The Township does not have statutory authority to create a municipal court to adjudicate local violations. County JP courts handle all traffic violations and miscellaneous county violations and the counties collect revenues from fines and fees.

• City of The Woodlands

A city municipal court would adjudicate Woodlands local ordinance violations including traffic citations, and retain and collect fines and fees.

ACCESS TO FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING

• The Woodlands Township

Although the Township has received limited state and federal grant assistance in past years, the majority of state and federal grant programs for local government needs are directed to municipalities. An example is the recent federal funding for pandemic relief in the 2020 CARES Act and the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which was directed to municipalities, counties and state governments.

• City of The Woodlands

The city would be eligible to participate in all federal and state funding programs extended to municipalities.

INCORPORATION / ADDITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES

• The Woodlands Township

Township revenues sources include ad valorem property tax, sales tax, hotel occupancy (HOT) tax, cultural arts admissions tax, and user fees. In addition, the Township receives Federal grants for transit service.

• City of The Woodlands

Township revenues sources are expected to continue at existing levels. The city would have additional revenue sources such as the alcohol beverage tax, franchise fees, municipal court fees and fines, events admissions tax funding and potentially additional state and federal grant funding (examples: roadway grants, coronavirus/ pandemic relief funds, Community Development Block Grant funding).

INCORPORATION / ADDITIONAL COST TO RESIDENTS

• The Woodlands Township

The current Township property tax rate is 22.31 cents per $100 of value.

• City of The Woodlands

The incorporation financial analysis is currently being updated this summer to reflect the current market conditions.

For more financial information, including payments related to regional participation agreements, county service enhancements and tax rates over the years, please see page 13.

The following charts illustrate payments related to regional participation agreements, payments for county service enhancements and a comparison of tax rates.

REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS

REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO THE CITY OF CONROE 2008 - 2021

REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON 2008 - 2021

This graph illustrates the annual payments to the City of Conroe per the Regional Participation Agreement, otherwise known as an RPA. This agreement protects The Woodlands from annexation by the City of Conroe and also allows The Woodlands to be automatically released from Conroe’s extraterritorial jurisdiction if The Woodlands incorporates as a municipality prior to 2057.

This graph illustrates the annual payments to the City of Houston per the Regional Participation Agreement, otherwise known as an RPA. This agreement protects The Woodlands from annexation by the City of Houston and also allows The Woodlands to be automatically released from Houston’s extraterritorial jurisdiction if The Woodlands incorporates as a municipality prior to 2057.

TOTAL ESTIMATED REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT PAYMENTS TO THE CITY OF CONROE OVER 99-YEAR TERM

TOTAL ESTIMATED REGIONAL PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT PAYMENTS TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON OVER 99-YEAR TERM

This chart shows what has been paid to date and estimates payments for the duration of the agreement. The agreement continues regardless of whether or not The Woodlands incorporates as a municipality. Without this agreement, The Woodlands could not incorporate portions of the community within the City of Conroe’s annexation area unless first obtaining the city’s permission.

This chart shows what has been paid to date and estimates payments for the duration of the agreement. The agreement continues regardless of whether or not The Woodlands incorporates as a municipality. Without this agreement, The Woodlands could not incorporate portions of the community within the City of Houston’s annexation area unless first obtaining the city’s permission.

continued on page 14

ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO HARRIS COUNTY FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE TOWNSHIP 2021 BUDGET

The Woodlands Township supplements both Harris County and Montgomery County for enhanced law enforcement services. For Harris County, the Township funds $1,349,088 annually for all personnel with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office patrolling The Woodlands. The costs incurred for these enhanced services are funded by the Township because The Woodlands desires a higher level of service than the County is willing to provide as base level services funded through its County property tax levy. Additionally, the Township pays the Harris County Appraisal District $64,000 annually for property appraisal services and Harris County $25,000 annually to administer governmental elections.

ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE TOWNSHIP 2021 BUDGET

The Woodlands Township supplements both Montgomery County and Harris County for enhanced law enforcement services. For Montgomery County, the Township funds $10,790,126 annually for all 92 patrol deputies that cover The Woodlands with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The costs incurred for these enhanced services are funded by the Township because The Woodlands desires a higher level of service than the County is willing to provide as base level services funded through its County property tax levy. Additionally, the Township pays the Montgomery Central Appraisal District $404,900 annually for property appraisal services and Montgomery County $70,000 annually to administer governmental elections.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cost for Streetscape Maintenance

The Woodlands Township mows and maintains several hundred miles of road rights-of-way, in addition to more than 400 village and neighborhood entries. This includes the cost of maintaining the counties’ rights-of-way throughout The Woodlands. The Township paid $6,130,173 in 2020 for contracted Streetscape Maintenance Services to maintain the landscape in the county road rights-of-way. The costs for these enhanced services are funded by the Township because The Woodlands desires a higher level of service than the Counties are willing to provide as base level services funded through the Counties’ tax levies.

THE

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY

On average, The Woodlands Township’s tax rate is about 10% of the overall tax bill for residents in Montgomery County. The two largest portions of the tax bill is from the school districts and Montgomery County. (A small portion of homes in The Woodlands are zoned to Magnolia Independent School District. Their tax rate is $1.2744 per $100 value.) Note: This chart is for illustrative purposes only. The specific tax rates and resulting percentage of the tax bill for any given property may vary based on the specific overlapping taxing jurisdictions and any property tax exemptions granted.

THE

On average, The Woodlands Township’s tax rate in the Village of Creekside Park is about 8% of the overall tax bill for residents in Harris County. The two largest portions of the tax bill are from Tomball Independent School District and Harris County. Note: This chart is for illustrative purposes only. The specific tax rates and resulting percentage of the tax bill for any given property may vary based on the specific overlapping taxing jurisdictions and any property tax exemptions granted.

The Woodlands Township’s tax rate has continued to decline or remain the same since its formation in 2010 when the former Town Center Improvement District and the Community Associations of The Woodlands were combined to create the current Township government. Prior to 2010, most municipal-type services were provided by three large community associations and funded through ad valorem property assessments. The tax rate declined approximately 32% from 2010 to 2021.

Boat Houses Switching to Fall Schedule

By Erica Flocke

Believe it or not, summer is winding down and kids will soon be returning to school!

Nevertheless, the boat houses in The Woodlands Township are open year-round and there are still plenty of warm days ahead to enjoy a day on the water in your hometown!

Beginning on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Riva Row Boat House will be open from 9 a.m. to sunset, with the last boat going out one hour before sunset (last call at approximately 7 p.m. now but moving earlier as winter approaches). Riva Row Boat House will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lakes Edge Boat House will also be open from 9 a.m. to sunset, with the last boat going out 1 hour before sunset. However, Lakes Edge Boat House will be open weekends only this fall: Friday through Sunday. Reservations are not required at either location but are highly recommended. Weekends will still be very busy times throughout the month of October, and popular boats will sell out from time to time. To make a reservation and explore the various watercraft options please visit www.rivarowboathouse.com. For more information call 281-210-3965 or email boathouse@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Lakes Edge Boat House

Open 9 a.m. to Sunset, Friday through Sunday only

Closed Mondays through Thursdays

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-2065

www.lakesedgeboathouse.com

Riva Row Boat House

Open 9 a.m. to Sunset, five days a week

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

2101 Riva Row

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-3965

www.rivarowboathouse.com

Daily Rental Rates

KAYAKS

Single ............................. $20 for first hour

Tandem $25 for first hour

Pedal Single* $30 for first hour

Pedal Tandem* ...............$35 for first hour

PADDLE BOARDS

Stand-up Paddle Board .... $25 for first hour

Elliptical Paddle Board* $30 for first hour

SPECIALTY BOATS

Swan Pedal Boat* $30 for first hour

Water Bike ........................ $30 for first hour

* Riva Row Boat House only

ALL VESSELS

• $5 for each additional hour when purchased prior to your adventure

• Late returns will be charged the full hourly rate for additional time

• Life jackets & paddles are included in all rentals

• Waivers must be signed and on file for all users

Photos by Erica Flocke

Sign Up Today for the Township’s Online Fall Vegetable Gardening Class

Saturday,

Thedecisions you make and actions you take in your own garden and landscape affect the environment around you. Learn supportive strategies for planning a sustainable fall organic vegetable garden by participating in The Woodlands Township Environmental

Services Department’s free online Fall Organic Vegetable Gardening Class on Saturday August 21, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Vegetables that grow well in our fall climate include beans, peas, spinach, Swiss chard, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower and beets.

Beets are a cool season crop and are easy to grow in the fall garden in southeast Texas. Both the stems and roots are edible and delicious, providing two completely different healthy foods from one plant. Planting time in our climate is late September to early October. For variety in the garden and for cooking, try growing red, yellow, white and Chioggia (striped) beets.

By Ann Hall

Beet seeds are available at local retailers or may be purchased from online seed companies. With only about 35 calories per beet, this delicious vegetable is also a source of fiber, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and nitrates. Roasting beets whole preserves their sweet, earthy flavor and prevents the loss of juices (bleeding). Learn more about growing beets and other cool season vegetables in our online Fall Vegetable Gardening Class. This free class, taught by local gardening experts, is full of practical tips. Register today at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ Environment.

Alden Bridge

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 10, at 7 p.m. Meetings are scheduled at the Township office, 2801 Technology Forest, and we welcome your attendance. Public comments are encouraged, and we are always looking for new Board members to volunteer. Email us at abvainfo@gmail.com if you are interested.

Our June Yard of the Month winners were Roxanne Hoye and Jill Brian of 47 Verbena Bend Place. They’ve done a great job showcasing a wide variety of colorful plants and garden decorations to brighten up their yard—check it out if you are in the area. We’ll have one last 2021 award on September 1, 2021, so send your nominations for best front yard in our village to aldenbridgeyom@gmail.com. Please submit your nominations no later than August 20, 2021.

A couple fun events to put on your calendar---the first is right around the corner. Grab your swim suits and head to the Alden Bridge Pool Party at Alden Bridge Park, Saturday, August 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry to the pool is free. It’s a great

opportunity to get the entire family out, meet your neighbors, and stay cool in this summer heat.

Also, mark October 16, 2021, down for the Alden Bridge Fall Festival at Lakeside Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch this space in the months to come for more details!

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department has kicked off the Plant for Pollinators Program again for 2021. Residents who register a garden between June 1, 2021 and December 1, 2021 will earn a point for their village. If you were part of the program in 2020, you can renew your registration. The top three villages will be awarded a cash donation for their village scholarship fund.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

As pollinators face a serious population decline due to habitat loss and pesticide/herbicide use, planting a pollinator garden is one way you can support bees, butterflies, and many more pollinators. Just go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/1460/Register-Your-Garden for more information on the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge or to register/renew your garden. Alden Bridge placed second in 2020… let’s take first place this year!

Our monthly email newsletter is distributed to over 1,000 residents. Please send us your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com so you can receive the most current news of Alden Bridge. Your email address will not be shared and will be used solely to distribute

news of our village. Also, don’t forget to like our Facebook page and check our website for news between newsletters –www.aldenbridge.org.

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Cochran’s Crossing

Please join us at the Bear Branch Pool from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 8, 2021, for a free Back to School day at the pool! We hope to see lots of Cochran’s Crossing residents enjoying the fun! The association has planned cookies, popcorn, Kona Ice and fun pool toys for the event.

The village board is busy planning the free family Fall Festival. Please mark your calendar for October 24, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m. More details will

be coming, but there will be games, food, music, inflatables, a petting zoo and more! It’s always a fun afternoon!

The village board is selling booths for the fall festival to 100 percent benefit the education and scholarship fund. It is a great opportunity to advertise your business to the community for a very reasonable price while reaching a large number of residents. If you are interested in a booth, please visit www.cochranscrossing.com for more details about the event, requirements in order to have a booth, and an application form. Contact us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

The village board currently has one area representative position available. If you are interested in serving on continued on page 22

the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board, please contact us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com.

Please join us at the next meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township building. Please follow our Facebook page, Village of Cochran’s Crossing Association, and find us on our web page, www.cochranscrossing.com, and email us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

Submitted by Cynthia Kessinger

Creekside Park

As summer vacation comes to an end and school preparations begin, please be mindful of your speed in school zones and watch the crosswalks for kids. A few helpful road safety reminders to share with kids:

• Be alert when crossing any roadway. Stay on the right-hand side of

crosswalks. Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street, and keep watching as you cross. Be aware that drivers have differing levels of eyesight and skill in operating motor vehicles.

• Make sure you are seen by making eye contact with the driver, wear bright color or reflective clothing at night and carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic on the edge of the road as far from the travel lane as possible.

• When crossing, use all your senses and don’t use your cell phone for calls and texting.

• Use caution when crossing driveways and alley entrances. Divers may not expect you to be there or see you.

• Adults should supervise children when crossing streets. Smaller children may be difficult for drivers to see, and young children may not be able to judge whether it is safe to cross a street. Harris county constables have also received clearance to start enforcing Texas Attorney General’s advisory on golf carts and off-highway vehicles being used on public roadways. Off-highway vehicles include ATVs, ROVs, UTVs and Sand Rails. All golf carts and off-highways vehicles must now display the appropriate license plate to legally operate on a roadway. Operators must possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit with an adult present to operate the vehicle on a public roadway. Golf carts and off-highway vehicles traveling at a speed of not more than 25mph are also required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. Our constables will be setting out to educate those operating golf carts in our neighborhoods.

Follow the Creekside Park Village Association Facebook page to stay up to date with events and happenings. We look forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings which are held on the first Tuesday of the month at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park.

Submitted by Melissa N. D’Mello

Indian Springs

Taste of the Village

It is the time of year the Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) board is busy planning and organizing the Annual Taste of the Village. The event will be held on October 23, 2021 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Indian Springs Shopping Center located at the southwest corner of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway.

The Taste of the Village is free to all attendees and is one of the most anticipated community events. Initiated over 16 years ago by ISVA,

it was designed to be an outreach effort to bring local residents and businesses together for a fun-filled, family-friendly occasion. The annual event draws more than 4,000 people from across the area and funds the ISVA Community Service Scholarship. “It is a great place to taste local foods, learn about local businesses, watch our local artists perform and mingle with your neighbors,’’ said ISVA President and event chair Michael Saucier.

In addition to sampling tasty treats from a variety of food vendors and visiting 40 booths of local businesses and community organizations, families will adore several amusements that will be on-hand. Entertainment includes a live band, inflatables, face painting, balloon artistry, and several walking entertainers for the kids. There will also be a raffle for numerous prizes, such as gift cards, leisure outings and electronics to name a few.

continued on page 24

For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and reserving a booth for your business, please contact michael.saucier@ indianspringsvillage.com.

Used Light Bulb Collection

Save your burned out light bulbs for delivery to the 3R Bazaar on November 23, 2021. We’ll collect them before the event if you cannot make it.

Falconwing Park Renovation

We’re excited and pleased to announce our speaker for our July 13th Indian Springs Village Association meeting is Chris Nunes, Head of our Parks & Recreation Department. Come hear this exciting news.

Staying Informed

As we try to increase communication with our neighbors, we’ve expanded our presence on social media platforms. Recently, we’ve added an Instagram page and a LinkedIn page in order to better communicate with you. When you get a chance please like, follow and/or subscribe to any and all of our pages. www.instagram.com/indianspringsvillage www.linkedin.com/company/ indianspringsvillage www.facebook.com/IndianSpringsVillage

Submitted by Carol Stromatt and Michael Saucier

Panther Creek

A flag-waving thank you is due to the many PCVA volunteers, veterans, and residents who made our annual Flag Day Picnic in June another great success. Turnout at Ridgewood Park was one of the largest ever. Hosts and guests had a grand old-fashioned summer get together. The traditional large flag display representing all the branches of our armed services had been collected and shared by the late John Nanninga. The tradition will continue. The PCVA crew of chefs grilled over 400 hot dogs and hamburgers that were served with fresh fix’ns and many other picnic treats including snow cone treats of many flavors from the ever popular KONAICE truck. The Ridgewood Park free pool day was fun for all on the hot Saturday afternoon.

M. J. Curry, our Program Specialist from The Woodlands Township distributed much useful information but will be leaving us as she and her husband Kevin Curry, who directed our annual Panther Creek Scholarship program, will move on up to Wyoming. They will both be missed. Put the Saturday closest to Flag Day on your calendar for next year’s Panther Creek old style

neighborhood picnic. All residents of Panther Creek are welcome.

On August 12, 2021, you can give a very special thank you to our first responders. On that Thursday we will hold a blood drive. Donate blood and receive a free T-shirt while supplies last, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, August 12, 2021, at The Woodlands Township office located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, The Woodlands. Cupcakes will be served.

As you head off to whichever vacation spots you choose this summer, or over the Fall holidays, don’t forget to protect your home by notifying the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and the deputies of our local constable, Ryan Gable, to keep an extra eye on your property while you are gone. The program is free while you travel from two to thirty days at a time. Since it began many years ago, no home registered with The Vacation Watch Program has been burglarized while residents were off enjoying their vacations. Online registration is fast and easy at www.mocosheriff.com and www. mcco3.org/services/vacation watch.

It is not too soon to start planning your participation in our nationally recognized neighborhood National Night out Party. As of this writing the date has not been set, so check with your PCVA Area Rep, or contact us at: www.panthercreekvillageassociation. org to get the latest information about this and a possible return of the ever popular, indoor Woodlands Flea Market.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

The Sterling Ridge Village Association is starting to prepare for the 14th Annual BBQ, which will be held October 2, 2021! The event is free to the public and will have plenty of BBQ, games for kids, bounce-houses, cotton candy, face painting, pony rides, fire department and sheriff’s office meet and greets, etc. If you are interested in

sponsoring the event, visit our website under Sponsors.

Please join us at our twice a month Artisans & Farmers Market! It is held at the Colonnade Shopping Center, 30420 FM 2978 on Sundays. This month’s dates are August 8 and August 22nd from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Sterling Ridge Village Association meets on the first Thursday of every month. Our next meeting will be August 5, 2021, at the Remax office at 6620 Woodlands Parkway at 7 p.m.

Visit us online at www.sterlingridge.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow the village association and the Artisans & Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram for information about upcoming events.

Submitted by Thomas Principale

Submitted by Steve DiGerlando

Notice Regarding Candidate Filing Period For THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP ELECTION

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election will be held on November 2, 2021.

The last day to file an application for placement on the ballot is August 16, 2021, at 5 p.m. For more information on filing, please visit The Woodlands Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.

MONITOR YOUR YARD FOR MOSQUITOES

and Fight the Bite!

By Megan McNairn

InTexas, it is mosquito season. Though mosquitoes have been out since temperatures warmed up in March, the Texas Department of State Health Services tests mosquitoes from May to November when diseases such as West Nile virus are more active.

Southeast Montgomery County has been a hot spot for West Nile virus after it first appeared in Texas in 2002. Since 2005, The Woodlands Township has focused on monitoring mosquito-borne disease and educating the public about bite prevention and reducing breeding sources.

Last year, The Woodlands experienced high incidence of West Nile virus – 92 of 800 (11.5 percent) mosquito samples sent for testing showed evidence of disease. In response, the Township Environmental Services staff inspected more than 2,300 storm sewer basins, driveway culverts,

meter boxes and other features in search of places where disease-carrying mosquitoes lay their eggs.

While Township staff tackle public spaces, you can do your part by targeting areas of standing water around your home. The biggest culprits for mosquitoes are French drains, water meter boxes and gutters. Purchase Mosquito Dunks® from any home and garden store and use them to control mosquito larvae anywhere water can’t be eliminated.

The Township Environmental Services Mosquito Team reminds residents to take a moment every week to empty containers holding water and scrub out birdbaths. During the warm temperatures of summer, standing water is fertile ground for mosquito growthit only takes seven days for a whole new generation of flying, biting adults to emerge.

For more information on mosquito-proofing your yard, and a review of The Woodlands Township Mosquito Surveillance and Education activities in 2021, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/MosquitoInfo.

To report a mosquito problem, please email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.

By Holly Steinke

In an emergency, call 9-1-1

ACTIVITY, CALL: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office - Non-Emergency: 936-442-7797

Harris County Constable’s Office, Pct. 4 - Non Emergency: 281-376-3472

For more safety tips, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Also, please like and follow The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ townshipneighborhoodwatch.

PREVENT BURGLARY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Take Away the Opportunity

AT HOME:

• Remove all valuables from your vehicle.

• Park your locked vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible.

• If you park in a driveway, always lock your vehicle, remove your garage remote and any items of value from the vehicle, and activate the alarm.

• Install motion sensor lighting where you park your cars.

WHILE OUT AND ABOUT:

• Do not leave any items in plain view in your vehicle.

– Take valuables in with you, when possible. If necessary, hide valuables and packages in your trunk before arriving at your destination and parking.

– Avoid leaving firearms, wallets, purses or important documents in your vehicle.

– If you must leave a firearm in your vehicle temporarily, please take steps to store it properly:

• Use a secure storage device which is kept out of sight in the vehicle.

• When you arrive home, secure firearms in a locked home storage area.

• View the brochure Firearms Safety in Vehicles from Project ChildSafe on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website and find out about a free gun lock at www.mctxsheriff.org/residents/projectchildsafe.php

• Park in well-lighted areas; avoid parking in remote areas.

• Activate your vehicle alarm system and check that all doors are locked.

• Call law enforcement and notify the business’ security of any suspicious activity or persons.

in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher.

please call

Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community

Joe’s surgery is now in the rearview mirror. We put it there.

Even before we meet one another, we know we have something in common. Because if you’re facing a neurological issue — you not only want compassion and technology, you want expert physicians with a never-give-in, never-give-up attitude. The kind of attitude that put Joe’s surgery in the rearview mirror, and put Joe back on the dance floor.

We’re The Woodlands Hospital, taking pride in changing destinies. Find out how at StLukesHealth.org/Neuro.