October 2021

October 2021

On the Cover

The Woodlands Township will hold a historic election on November 2, 2021, having placed incorporation on the ballot. Read more on page 3 and on page 10.

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

Community to Vote on Incorporation

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors took action on Friday, August 13, 2021, to place incorporation on the ballot for the election on November 2, 2021. Since 2018, The Woodlands Township has held over 50 Planning Sessions/Special Meetings, has more than 60 video hours of live streaming, recorded and posted on the website, and numerous reports and summaries regarding Incorporation. The Incorporation website can be found at www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com.

Two propositions will appear on the November 2, 2021 ballot. Proposition A creates the City of The Woodlands and sets its maximum initial tax rate. Proposition B depends on Proposition A passing. Proposition B transfers the rights, responsibilities and authorities of the Township to the new City of The Woodlands, dissolving the Township.

BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR THE INCORPORATION ELECTION

Residents of The Woodlands can vote “for” or “against” the propositions below:

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP – PROPOSITION A

Authorizing the Type-A city incorporation of The Woodlands Township District and the adoption of an initial property tax rate of not more than $0.2231 per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of taxable property.

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP – PROPOSITION B

Upon incorporation of The Woodlands Township District into a Type-A General Law City to be called the City of The Woodlands, the transfer of the rights, powers, privileges, duties, purposes, functions, responsibilities, the authority to issue bonds, and the authority to impose taxes from The Woodlands Township District to the City of The Woodlands.

Early voting begins Monday, October 18, 2021. For more on The Woodlands Township election, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/novemberelection.

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 Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

Providing Better Options for HEART & VASCULAR CARE in The Woodlands

Through specialized programs, clinical trials and a commitment to challenging conventional thinking, our comprehensive team of cardiovascular specialists is improving outcomes and providing better options for heart and vascular care in your community.

Our doctors specialize in treating a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including:

• Adult congenital heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Heart failure

• Heart rhythm disorders

• Valve disease

• Vein and artery disorders

And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe throughout your visit.

To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/debakey/woodlands or call

The Woodlands Township Election

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Candidates in Ballot Order

Three at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2021 election, designated as positions 5, 6 and 7. Each office carries a two-year term, and all three positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery and Harris County. Per the Township’s enabling legislation, a Director is not entitled to compensation for service on the Board.

Ballot positions for candidates who have filed are as follows:

Position #5 Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

Position #6 Ann K. Snyder

Position #7 ................. Zipporah Singleton Luis R. Granados, Bob Milner

Voting Eligibility

To vote in The Woodlands Township election, you must be a registered voter in the county of your residence and a resident of The Woodlands Township.

Voting Hours and Polling Sites

The Woodlands Township contracts with Montgomery County and Harris County to manage elections in their respective areas of the Township.

Montgomery County

To view the full list of voting dates, polling hours, polling sites (once available) or to check voter registration, or to inquire about voting by mail, please visit www.MontgomeryVotes.org or call the Montgomery County Elections Office at 936-539-7843.

Harris County

To view the full list of voting dates, polling hours, polling sites (once available) or to check voter registration, or to inquire about voting by mail, please visit www.HarrisVotes.org or call the Harris County Election Information Line at 713-755-6965.

Relevant Voting Dates*

October 4, 2021 ......... Last day to register

October 18, 2021 ............ First day of early voting by personal appearance

October 22, 2021 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked)

October 29, 2021 Last day of early voting by personal appearance

NOVEMBER 2, 2021 ......... Election Day

Ballot Language for the Incorporation Election

Residents of The Woodlands can vote “for” or “against” the propositions below:

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP –PROPOSITION A

Authorizing the Type-A city incorporation of The Woodlands Township District and the adoption of an initial property tax rate of not more than $0.2231 per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of taxable property.

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP –PROPOSITION B

Upon incorporation of The Woodlands Township District into a Type-A General Law City to be called the City of The Woodlands, the transfer of the rights, powers, privileges, duties, purposes, functions, responsibilities, the authority to issue bonds, and the authority to impose taxes from The Woodlands Township District to the City of The Woodlands.

*The Texas Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the State of Texas and provides the dates set forth herein. Interested persons are encouraged to visit the Secretary of State’s Election Division website at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/index.shtml or contact the Secretary of State’s Election Division by telephone at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) to obtain the most current information.

October 2021

Please visit the Township’s online calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for the very latest information on Township events and cancellations regarding The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, Development Standards Committee and Residential Design Review Committee Meetings, Village Meetings, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and many other Township-related activities.

NO CHANGES IN GARBAGE SERVICE THIS MONTH. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/holidaytrash.

Photo by Erica Flocke

Lake Woodlands Wildlife from a Kayak Point of View

The Woodlands is absolutely filled with wildlife; you just have to know where to look! Lake Woodlands can be an ideal place to start, as it is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the area. Naturally, it’s easiest to see your favorite birds, turtles, fish and other critters from the vantage point of a boat since every corner of Lake Woodlands can be explored. Kayaks are especially quiet and allow you to get closer views of wildlife than possible on land. The new pedal kayaks also allow for a hands-free approach to aid aspiring photographers.

From the seat of a kayak you can watch as turtles slide into the water from the banks or floating logs, talk to the ducks and geese floating beside you, see herons and egrets waiting for fish to swim within striking distance, peer into the woods and fields along the lake’s edge that abound with deer, raccoons and squirrels, or see bald eagles hunting in the sky above. Lake Woodlands has a little something for everyone!

Wildlife Viewing Tips

• Apply sunscreen (and re-apply throughout the day) and drink water frequently!

• Store your smartphone in a waterproof case and hold on tightly.

• Watch closely for butterflies and dragonflies on flowers by the shoreline.

• Pack binoculars for gazing across the lake for various bird species.

• Go quietly around corners to catch a group of turtles basking in the sun.

• Look down, too! You might already be surrounded by a school of small fish.

• Pause under the bridges and look up to see summer birds nesting in the eaves.

• Listen for the frogs that croak in the evening from dark, unknown corners.

See More Critters

Every month, the boat house staff will highlight one of our local wildlife species with a “Critter of the Month” post on Facebook and Instagram. Like us on Facebook at www.faceboook. com/rivarowboathouse and follow us on Instagram at @rivarowboathouse. The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department also offers extensive information about our wildlife on their website, blog and in frequent nature classes offered in both in-person and virtual formats. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ Wildlife to learn more.

By Erica Flocke

Come explore some of the most special places in The Woodlands that can only be seen from the water — and encounter a few new friends while you’re at it! Make a reservation for Riva Row Boat House or Lakes Edge Boat House, and explore our various watercraft options at www.rivarowboathouse.com.

The Woodlands is home to a bevy of wildlife from birds and turtles to fish and deer. Reserve your watercraft at Riva Row or Lakes Edge Boat House and experience nature from a kayak point of view.

Photos by Erica Flocke

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 7 p.m. Meetings are usually scheduled at the Township office complex, 2801 Technology Forest. You are all welcome to attend.

Our August Yard of the Month winner was the Hamilton family on Windfern Place. Glenn and Jamie truly proved they have a green thumb, with a mix of greenery and flowers.

And now, let’s switch gears and start looking this month for the highly coveted Spookiest House in the Village award (best Halloween decorations) at the end of October. When you are cruising the neighborhoods, looking for all those goblins and ghouls, send your favorite address to AldenBridgeYOM@gmail.com no later than Saturday, October 23, 2021.

Plans for the Alden Bridge Fall Festival are underway for next month. Circle your calendars for November 6, 2021, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., since you will not want to miss this great event! We will have food, games, a DJ, a rock wall, and much, much more. We want to see everyone out with their families to enjoy a great time at Lakeside Park- and the best part, it’s FREE for all to attend!

Celebrate America Recycles Day at the 3R Recycling Drive-thru on November 13, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Woodlands High School Parking Lot at 6101 Research Forest Drive. This year’s Village Recycling Challenge item is Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs.

A couple things to point out--No tube lights over 4 feet. Light bulbs must be intact, not broken. This friendly competition awards funds for scholarships to Villages with the highest participation, donated by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. Please place bulbs in a separate box and label with your Village’s name or tell the volunteer when you drop off. For

more on what items you can drop off, go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environmentalservices.

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department is offering the Plant for Pollinators Program again for 2021. Residents who register a garden between June 1 and December 1, 2021, will earn a point for their village. The top three villages will be awarded a cash donation for their village scholarship fund.

Don’t forget our website, www.aldenbridge.org, Facebook page, or email newsletter as ways to keep up with the latest news of our village. If you don’t receive the email newsletter, send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com so you can be added to the mailing list.

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Cochran’s Crossing

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association hopes to see everyone on October 24, 2021, at the outdoor annual Fall Festival at Shadowbend Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Come out and enjoy the free games for the kids, bounce houses, inflatable slide, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, giant Jenga, Gaga Ball, music, and food!

The board is selling booths for the Fall Festival through October 3, 2021, to 100% benefit the education and scholarship fund. Booth pricing is very reasonable! If you are interested in a booth, please visit www.cochranscrossing. com for more details about the event and a booth application form. Contact us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

There are currently two village challenges to help raise scholarship and education funds. The first is the Water Wise Challenge. Please go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation to pledge to turn off your sprinklers by October 15. The second is the light bulb challenge. Please don’t throw away burnt out light bulbs or

light bulbs you can no longer use. Save them and bring them to the 3R Bazaar on November, 13. Help us to win the challenge! Every light bulb counts!

Please stop and don’t drop to help keep our village and our lakes and streams clean. Please do not drop animal waste bags in the storm drains. The bags decompose and the feces are released into our Township water sources. The bags also clog up the drains, causing water backup after heavy rains. Blowing leaves and grass clippings down storm drains is illegal. Even though green, it is detrimental to aquatic life, backs up the storm drains, and are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Instead, put clippings and leaves out properly for Green Waste pickup on trash day.

Please join us at the next meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township building. Please follow our Facebook page, Village of Cochran’s Crossing Association, and visit our website www.cochranscrossing.com, and email at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

Submitted by Cynthia Kessinger

Creekside Park

October is here and that means it is National Night Out month. National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships. Each year, residents of The Woodlands are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors. Neighbor knowing neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. National Night Out (NNO) is on Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 3 to 6 p.m. Communities are encouraged to host neighborhood parties. Local law enforcement and The Woodlands Fire Department will visit with residents that register their parties with the continued on page 16

Township. The NNO Community Safety Expo will take place at Northshore Park from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021.

As of September 1, 2021, EMS 11 has replaced Cypress Creek EMS for emergency medical and ambulance services. ESD 11 will be responding to 911 calls in the Creekside Park area. Please note, going forward when you call 911, Creekside Park residents will need to specifically request to be transferred to ESD 11 dispatch if the resident needs ambulance services.

The Creekside Park Village Association (CPVA) is hosting a community spirit and safety event on October 23, 2021, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Rob Fleming Lodge and Park. Save the date and come out to meet local public service officials and neighbors. Enjoy free food and live music during the event.

Monthly village association meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Rob Fleming Rec Center. Join the next meeting on September 7 at 7 p.m. and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with news and events in the village of Creekside Park.

Submitted by Melissa N. D’Mello

Grogan’s Mill

Our bi-monthly newsletter is an easy way to stay up to date with your

community. Sign up at www.grogansmill. org/news-and-events.

Bring your used alkaline (nonrechargeable) batteries, from your home, workplace, friends, and families to The Woodlands Farmer’s Market where we will hold them until the challenge officially begins. The Village could win up to $1,000 which we use to support schools and student scholarships in Grogan’s Mill.

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook. com/WoodlandsFarmersMarket. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

Submitted by Jennifer Robinson

Panther Creek

The Woodlands Township Board has called for you to vote on incorporating The Woodlands to become the City of the Woodlands. Please study the issues involved before voting on November 2, 2021. Information can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ novemberelection and other civic groups. Before then, there is a harvest of events for you to attend. Check with

www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org for the return of this opportunity to find bargains and treasures. The date of the Fall event is being set. Kids of all ages love trucks.

On Saturday, October 2, come to the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park from 9 a.m. till noon to explore all kinds of big trucks.

Visit with neighbors on October 3 at one of the many award-winning National Night Out Neighborhood Parties to be held all across The Woodlands. Check with the Neighborhood Watch person on your street on how to participate or become the party leader yourself. Guides and free party materials are available at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/nationalnightout or call 281-210-3800.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

The Sterling Ridge Village Association will be having our 14th Annual BBQ and Kids Festival, which will be held October 2, 2021, at Crane Brook Park. The event is free to the public and will have plenty of BBQ, games for kids, bounce-houses, cotton candy, face painting, pony rides, the fire department and sheriff’s office meet and greets, etc.

The Sterling Ridge Village Association has donated $2,200 to Coulson Tough Elementary School to purchase new TVs for their library to advertise new books and to Cedric Smith Elementary to purchase new desks for their 2nd grade classrooms. The association is also creating a scholarship program for local high school students. There will be more information to follow on how to apply.

The Sterling Ridge Village Association meets on the first Thursday of every month, and our next meeting will be October 7, 2021, at the RE/MAX office at 6620 Woodlands Parkway at 7 p.m. Visit us online at www.sterling-ridge.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

Community Recycling Guidelines

Keep The Woodlands recycling program going strong by refreshing your knowledge of curbside guidelines. Above all, follow the Golden Rule of Recycling: place only the approved items in your recycling cart. Items other than those specified are considered contaminants. Common contaminants include plastic bags, tanglers (cords or string), food waste, hazardous waste, and Styrofoam. These items harm machinery, endanger workers and reduce the value of the approved materials. Many items that don’t belong in your curbside cart can be recycled locally. Find where to take plastic bags, electronics, Styrofoam, batteries and more with The Woodlands Township Recycle More Guide, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recyclemore.

For questions about recycling, contact the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800, enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recycling.

To report a missed pickup, service issue or schedule bulky trash, please contact Waste Management at cssatex@wm.com or

The National Night Out Community Safety Expo, coordinated by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, is a day of food, fun and public safety demonstrations. Residents will have the opportunity to meet and thank the first responders. Those attending can enter public safety equipment from local, state and federal agencies, ask questions, and learn about what they do. In addition, local community organizations participate with information and giveaways on health and wellness, emergency preparedness and more.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY SAFETY EXPO

By Susan Martin

Saturday, October 16, 2021 • Noon to 3 p.m. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

Expected Participants

• 16+ Public Safety Agencies

• 100+ Public Safety Personnel

• 30+ local agencies, organizations and businesses

Demonstrations

• Law Enforcement K-9 demonstrations

• Fire Safety and firefighter equipment

• Entergy Arcs and Sparks –Power Line Dangers

• NEW! Drone Demonstrations

Food and Entertainment

Residents will also enjoy music and free food (sponsored by H-E-B) and Dietz and Watson Meats. Sandwiches will also be provided by Chick-fil-A and Firehouse Subs. The kid zone includes a bounce house, music, face painting, games, crafts and musical instruments! Mascot guests will include Puffy Pinecone, McGruff the Crime Dog, Smokey the Bear and more. Free parking is available across from Northshore Park at 9500 Lakeside Boulevard.

WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR A Great Day on Lake Woodlands

By Erica Flocke

Take some time to explore Lake Woodlands!

Water activities are a great way to see new places and enjoy a day on the water.

There are two boat rental locations in The Woodlands that are open to the public. Riva Row Boat House offers eight options: single kayaks, single pedal kayaks, tandem (two-seater) kayaks, tandem pedal kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, elliptical paddle boards, water bikes and swan pedal boats. Lakes Edge Boat House offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards and water bikes. Below are some tips to help you prepare for the water.

Check Weather Conditions

Proper planning for the weather can make, or break, any trip. If there is a good chance of thunderstorms or lightning in the area, it’s suggested that you reschedule your adventure. If the high

temperature is forecasted to be extremely hot, it may be advisable to plan your trip for another day – especially if traveling with children, pets or elderly family.

Dress Appropriately

Kayaking is a water sport, so plan on getting wet when you go out on the water. Jeans are not recommended for boating because the fabric does not dry very fast. If the forecast is calling for sunny day, bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Wear a Lifejacket

We cannot stress this enough! At Riva Row and Lakes Edge it is mandatory that all guests wear lifejackets (personal flotation devices). We have several sizes available and will help

you pick one that will fit you best. Your lifejacket should fit snugly and should always be worn while on the water.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is exceptionally important, particularly in Texas! While on the water, plan on drinking half-to-one liter of water per hour on a normal summer day. Riva Row and Lakes Edge both sell water and Gatorade to help you stay hydrated.

Know Your Route

Be sure to plan a route before you head out. Estimate how far you want to go and how long it will take to make the trip. There is a map of Lake Woodlands on our website, and at each boat house dock, with estimated paddling times to help plan your trip.

LOCATIONS & HOURS

LAKES EDGE BOAT HOUSE

9 a.m. to sunset

Closed Monday through Thursday

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-2065

RIVA ROW BOAT HOUSE

9 a.m. to sunset

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

2101 Riva Row

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-3965

DAILY RATE

Single Kayak $20 for first hour

Tandem Kayak $25 for first hour

Pedal Single* ................. $30 for first hour

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

Stand-up Paddle Board $25 for first hour

Elliptical Paddle Board $30 for first hour

Swan Pedal Boat* $30 for first hour

Water Bike $30 for first hour

*Riva Row Boat House only.

Lifejackets and paddles included in all rentals. All vessels are $5 for each additional hour when additional hours are purchased prior. Late returns will be charged the full rate for additional time. No cap on hourly rental lengths, but vessels must be back by closing time.

Photos by Erica Flocke

Election Signage Guidelines

All political election signage must conform to The Woodlands Standards Section 2.10 and Section 2.12 as seen below.

The State of Texas Election Code, the State Transportation Code, Montgomery County and Harris County Ordinances and The Woodlands Covenants and Standards regulate political signage in The Woodlands Township.

The Woodlands Residential Standards Section 2.10 Political Election

2.10 POLITICAL ELECTION SIGNS AND NONGOVERNMENTAL ELECTION SIGNS

Signs and NonGovernmental Election Signs (https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/DocumentCenter/View/4042/2019Standards-Final-document?bidId) allow one political election sign promoting a candidate for each office or issue on the political election or nongovernmental election ballot to be placed by an owner of a lot on their lot

This Standard is applicable to all single family lots and street rightsof-way, including medians and cul-de-sac island areas within The Woodlands. Primary authority over street rights-of-way rests with Montgomery or Harris County. Signs placed within the street rightsof-way in The Woodlands Township must comply with applicable state and county laws and regulations as well as these Standards. Where any applicable mandatory state law governing elections applies, said law takes precedence over any conflicting standard contained herein.

A. Definitions

1. Political election is an election administered by the Montgomery County Elections Administrator, Harris County Election Administrator or by The Woodlands Township.

2. The Woodlands Township nongovernmental elections are elections administered by or on behalf of The Woodlands Township, including but not limited to, Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association elections.

3. Political election sign is a placard, banner, flag or device that promotes a political candidate or a ballot item for a political election. A two-sided sign is considered one sign.

4. Nongovernmental election sign is any sign that promotes a candidate or a ballot item for an election administered by or on behalf of The Woodlands Township. A two-sided sign is considered one sign.

5. For purposes of this section, the word sign, when used alone, shall include both political election signs and The Woodlands Township signs.

B. Location, Duration and Number

1. No person may place a sign on any right-of-way of a road unless authorized by The Woodlands Township or its designee. This section does not apply to the right-of-way of a road or highway in the state highway system.

2. One political election sign promoting a candidate for each office or issue on the political election or nongovernmental election ballot may be placed by an owner of a lot on his or her lot beginning the 90th day preceding the day of the political election or nongovernmental election and must be removed within 10 days following the day of the political election or nongovernmental election.

3. Two Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association nongovernmental election signs promoting each candidate or issue on the nongovernmental election ballot may be placed a minimum of 25 feet from the building entrance at each early-voting polling place during the 24-hour period preceding the day early voting in a nongovernmental election begins and must be removed within 24 hours following the day early voting ends.

4. Nongovernmental election signs may be placed at each polling place 24 hours before the day of the election and must be removed within 24 hours following the day of the election.

beginning the 90th day preceding the day of the political election or nongovernmental election and must be removed within 10 days following the day of the political election or nongovernmental election.

For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

C. Sign Criteria

Political election signs must:

• Not contain any offensive language or graphics, or display anything that may be deemed offensive.

• Not be portable.

• Not be lighted, accompanied by music, sound, balloons or streamers, or be portable and be distracting to motorists.

• Be ground-mounted and not attached in any way to plant material, traffic control devices, light standards, trailers, vehicles or other existing structures or objects.

• Be no larger than four feet high by six feet wide.

• Not exceed five feet in total installed height (including post, if any). Nongovernmental election signs must:

• Be in good repair and aesthetically pleasing in keeping with the character of the community.

• Not be lighted, accompanied by music, sound, balloons or streamers, or be distracting to motorists.

• Not exceed six square feet in area.

• Not exceed five feet in total installed height (including post, if any).

D. Lot Owner Approval

Political election signs may not be placed on a lot without the prior written consent of the owner of the lot. Nongovernmental election signs may not be placed on a lot without the prior written consent of the owner of the lot.

E. No Message Approval

Approval of a sign does not imply approval of the message.

F. Removal

The Plan Review Committee, The Woodlands Township or its designee has the right to remove any sign in violation of this Standard.

APPROVALS

Pre-Approval

Political election signs and nongovernmental election signs are pre-approved and require no application as long as they comply with this Standard.

Committee and Staff Approval

All other signs require an application and must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Plan Review Committees or its designee.

The Woodlands Township reserves the right to approve signs and banners in locations other than the designated major intersections attached for permitted locations for certain signs. Only one two-sided sign will be allowed at any one of the major intersections listed.

If for any reason it is determined by staff that an application is to be reviewed by a Plan Review Committee, it will not be eligible for staff approval and will be posted for committee review at the next available Plan Review Committee meeting.

You did your part to slow the spread. Now, do your part to

SPREAD THE RECOVERY.

THE WOODLANDS 33RD ANNUAL Wildflower Festival

Saturday, November 6, 2021 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Rob Fleming Park in Creekside

The highlight of this event is the thousands of wildflower seed packets that are distributed free to the community by our generous Seed Sponsors. The Seed Sponsors are corporate partners that have helped underwrite the cost of the seed packets. In addition to the seed packet distribution, the festival has other familyfriendly activities such as the Bluebonnet planting ceremony, wildflower crafts, bounce houses, face painting, DJ, food trucks and more! For complete details, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Never underestimate the power of human connection.

Kindness is a gift that each of us is born with. And when we share it, the goodness that’s released is amazing. Our human connection is important to our well-being, but it’s essential when we’re sick and hurting. For decades, we’ve been proud to bring world-class medical and academic excellence to our communities. But we also know that treating every patient with kindness, empathy, and respect is key to healing. Humankindness is what we call this strength. It has stood the trials of life and the test of time, and it leads us forward every day. Learn more at stlukeshealth.org.