[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6226285,"mediaKeyId","3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375","parentId",3512573,"title","Board selects Quiddity to provide engineering for SH‑242 pathway grant; CEO authorized to negotiate agreement with TxDOT oversight","audioSeconds",216,"startMs",3754000,"endMs",3970000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375&start=3754&end=3970","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375/thumbnail_3754000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226285/The-Woodlands/Montgomery-County/Texas/Board-selects-Quiddity-to-provide-engineering-for-SH242-pathway-grant-CEO-authorized-to-negotiate-agreement-with-TxDOT-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226285-525ea550cfdb1841765e4197a2423e4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178619&Signature=Vj6VVoFm3K8yM3gDez5XmJjb7Dhkq0xz5-LkasH5YD~X~sa1JJpOto2f1z4zKvPFgpqHPZw7lZggZif~xe7m9la4ZGWVTvEfeKE8aSWMjxstTKn3w4e3r-e40KjbYal5DBNIgc0LgwWfs0qzl6ZO4OBky4vLIOf0Rqac6gquMKc11xWNprfMbj4eVIaH3D6MZ-QaVnSqgWzvaprczAEoldQ4y8Eb~u-cO6NNqHo-04nc2kWcLV6FGRjpPgiHj3pfx7yeSA13Qr4aOrQc151y-R42DOmTVTiE7UeIm471vc20Pp3p2SEJh6DSiFixgXBjaV1HnIU23t66ttnhWUFQcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","The Woodlands","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Woodlands Township board on May 20 approved the selection of Quiddity Engineering LLC as the top-ranked firm to provide planning and engineering services for a Transportation Alternatives grant-funded pathway project along State Highway 242.

Staff told the board the Texas Department of Transportation previously approved a grant to the township for the SH‑242 pathway project and that the township must now select and contract with an engineering firm to design the segment running from FM‑1488 toward I‑45 and adjoining neighborhoods. According to the presentation, three firms responded to the solicitation and Quiddity scored highest in the evaluation rubric.

“The next step in that is to select an engineering firm,” staff said, adding that state procurement rules require negotiations after rank selection; if the township cannot reach agreement with Quiddity, the authorization will allow staff to negotiate with the second-ranked firm.

The motion approved the Quiddity selection and authorized the president and CEO to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement within the budget and subject to Texas Department of Transportation approval. Director Richard Franks moved the selection and Director Eisler seconded; the board approved the award by voice vote.

Why it matters: The SH‑242 pathway is intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility connecting neighborhoods to regional corridors and supports the township’s Bike Month proclamations and broader active-transportation planning.

What happens next: Staff will negotiate scope and fee with Quiddity, finalize a contract subject to TxDOT review/approval and proceed to project design and permitting steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The Woodlands Board of Directors Regular Meeting May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board selected Quiddity Engineering LLC to provide engineering services for a TxDOT-funded SH‑242 pathway project and authorized the president/CEO to negotiate a professional-services agreement within the grant budget and subject to TxDOT approval.","taxTitle","The Woodlands, Montgomery County, Texas","taxId",2809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226289,"Board approves easements allowing three small-cell power crossings for Verizon",71,3489000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375&start=3489&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375/thumbnail_3489000.jpg","/articles/6226289/The-Woodlands/Montgomery-County/Texas/Board-approves-easements-allowing-three-small-cell-power-crossings-for-Verizon","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226289-d94e3aac73b39fe2f50d05e443783cc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178619&Signature=eDiWmAHJg~F~jvLr8lqENTDAjl-QZ8AoEcQsxUmhDE3e5RyXFW9~ofl4-9WSkRYIoeGqiBfCbLiS2lSSf3C0anHBpm7MNdcP5ZuU3T-CgQLwLvDOuOreGkGga003RHRGLulM5S7GyHYW8GKW4FSEzjBgSAUCCeHy-jSBdtgdRLq3stHoARFZfUaKa~iYwMwnhv4yhR83HV6nt3LOzeWUvV7zL6WGUZMbXSeefZFmLFKiToEjaDf~pe5lDkYEOTkf8sbpk~A6vMP1SQYmBgbd4XQPD2CuzUeV~IHqeLGt8fZEk~SYMmV0kp6bcVVGeRETfjDbH3nyTF5dFxGj1Dctqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted May 20 to approve easement agreements that allow electrical lines to cross township-owned reserve islands for three small-cell sites proposed by GTE MobileNet of South Texas Limited Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless.

Staff described the item as permission for the power lines that feed the small-cell nodes to cross township-owned reserve parcels; placement of the wireless nodes in the public right-of-way is regulated separately and not an action for the board. “This basically is an easement for the placement of small cell nodes in 3 different locations within the right of way,” Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes told directors.

Directors discussed the appearance and size of the nodes; staff said many nodes are mounted on or replace existing streetlight poles, are roughly 20 feet tall and painted in muted colors to blend with existing infrastructure. Several directors described the nodes as incremental service improvements.

Director Eisler moved to approve the easement request; Director Sekula Gibbs seconded. The board approved the easements by voice vote.

Why it matters: The decision allows utility crossings on township-owned parcels that provide power to cellular infrastructure in neighborhoods; that physical crossing is within township purview even though pole-mounted small-cell equipment in the right-of-way is governed by other authorities.

What happens next: Township legal staff will finalize easement documents and the president/CEO is authorized to execute the final agreements in form approved by township legal counsel.","Directors approved easement agreements to permit electrical service lines that cross township reserve areas to power small-cell nodes for Verizon in three neighborhood locations. The action does not approve small cells in the right-of-way, only the crossing of township-owned reserves for power.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226294,"Performing-arts groups urge township to build a larger performing arts center",774,2046000,2820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375&start=2046&end=2820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375/thumbnail_2046000.jpg","/articles/6226294/The-Woodlands/Montgomery-County/Texas/Performing-arts-groups-urge-township-to-build-a-larger-performing-arts-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226294-dcd32854f3865f18d22fb91a4c7eee4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178619&Signature=ObQeX7uA3JIdEqSO9CKhHBkCi~H3iC9Yz0Qoe7YaT9VGOwWw2ymKZVHo-eDTe5DPIm6f3fzKXfYDRAadI45VfIqmIpSsJ6loIZ7F6rTp7S~4p7OG15aPChBg81rrkIngKKYX9SqPmdlBeNthRMtYQJ-4Kt7bBZbrY7w-V~qi743ROkZ9smmKZomic~prcqZmT4ZTD~irpaKVRT0UISuptQ7Yrbly7qDJXLnz1WuXkHyIhR7f1izwzZfZiQ6IrRspvjo3PkHTJXkRPNU9H2OWsZEfr2qsjK3OBXieHZOJ2u8pZRp07Z3v0I6~3de4Vrze~QBec8tExfuVUs~hC7JwNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple performing-arts organizations and artists used the meeting's public-comment period on May 20 to press the township to pursue a performing arts center, saying existing local spaces are too small or too costly for larger productions and touring shows.

Meredith Alexander, president of Class Act Productions, said the group has outgrown small stages and would use a larger venue for bigger-scale productions. “We are very much in favor of a performing arts center here in The Woodlands,” Alexander told the board.

Gary Heath, president of the Woodlands Performing Arts Society, summarized economic and cultural arguments: he said communities with indoor performing-arts centers capture significant economic benefits and offer a central venue for local ensembles. Sarah Preisler Eddins, director and operator of a local training company, described families driving to downtown Houston for rehearsal space and cited box-office revenue figures from her prior work, saying a central venue would keep cultural dollars local.

Jenny Wright of the Woodlands Waterway Arts Council told directors the April arts festival drew about 20,000 patrons and estimated an economic impact of $6.5 million; she said festival proceeds support year-round arts programs and student scholarships. Carol Singham, representing the Woodlands Diversion, described recent collaborative seasons staged at Lone Star College and urged more steady, local performance infrastructure.

Directors thanked the speakers and noted the board discussed supporting performing arts in its strategic planning. Separately at the meeting the board created an ad hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee to explore park and recreation uses for a township-owned parcel; the performing-arts requests were tied by some speakers to the larger question of how the township invests in cultural and recreation infrastructure.

Why it matters: Several local arts groups said a dedicated mid-size/large venue would expand arts education, allow touring shows that draw hotel and restaurant business, and support a growing local performing-arts ecosystem.

What happens next: The public comments were received; board members said they will factor arts infrastructure into planning. The board also authorized a public committee to study uses for the South Gosling parcel where future public facilities could be considered.","Local theatre companies, arts nonprofits and performing-arts advocates told the board the community lacks a mid-to-large venue and urged The Woodlands Township to plan a performing arts center. Speakers described educational and economic benefits and urged board support as groups seek rehearsal and performance space.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226299,"Township tables banking decision after debate over hometown bank and technical integration",2076,5172000,7248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375&start=5172&end=7248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375/thumbnail_5172000.jpg","/articles/6226299/The-Woodlands/Montgomery-County/Texas/Township-tables-banking-decision-after-debate-over-hometown-bank-and-technical-integration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226299-0457758e505f9f9dc830851f2bb915c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178619&Signature=CdlTlBanVPFe0r-1aYWl2QAKolo0DLZ4RmxRMBtFHQHQxAe9xGsAHM811mItRtfqLxdxgS3bTKVvxwmblA5qfeSJ3LkI7Bgq0zi8uZQh0G~fK9GStYtQswcu4Lvk~6xecSQjZ1oiXsIwKMziVglnrFQvQF2f-bsXBUmSpSdsN3mqoz9vjczxLAsUKNYu7nF92R7xOGVXpqE0YI2jaaKKgqbRgOfZRw3paxfjm9RbjSLeyfWdMXvhhQ12-v2huLznzlw0GPnRc8PzIOR~~cJrKlnRPgrNWGe0PiB-GfHJS93nFIZ8aKWz14OQ4jl3kUpD8C0Dy9y8eWTHiVa0pmyJ1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodlands Township on May 20 delayed selecting its depository and merchant-services provider after a lengthy presentation by independent consultant Linda Patterson and a robust discussion about community banking, fees, and technology integration.

Patterson, hired by staff to evaluate seven proposals, said the lowest net-cost and highest-earnings option in her spreadsheet analysis would be to institute a nightly sweep to a money-market vehicle and award the core banking contract to Wells Fargo. “The recommendation is pretty clear cut and straightforward: it's to institute the sweep account and award that contract to Wells Fargo,” Patterson told the board.

Several board members urged keeping banking locally. Chairman Brad Bailey told the board he favored using the hometown Woodforest National Bank because of its philanthropic history in the community: “I personally think we stick with our hometown bank,” he said.

Staff cautioned that Woodforest’s platform does not automatically integrate with the township’s Tyler financial system. Finance staff told directors that moving to Woodforest would likely require substantial IT work, a budget amendment and could require adding staff to manage integrations. Monique Sharp, the township’s president and CEO, said staff could pursue negotiations and report back.

After discussion the board voted to table the banking award so staff can get more information and meet with Woodforest; the motion to table passed 4–3. Directors asked staff to return with details on how Woodforest would support required automation, remote deposit, lockbox and other services the township uses.

Why it matters: The township handles large transaction volumes for municipal services and events; banking fees, merchant-service rates and investment yields affect operating revenue. The board must balance fiscal best practices against community preferences for local banking relationships.

What happens next: Staff will meet with Woodforest Bank and return with a staff report and recommended approach at the next regular meeting (board directed staff to return with further detail before a final decision).","The board paused a decision on a depository and merchant-services contract after hearing a consultant recommend a sweep-and-Wells-Fargo option; several directors urged keeping funds with local Woodforest National Bank. Directors voted to table the matter for more staff follow-up on technology integration and transition costs (vote to table: 4–3).",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226304,"Woodlands law enforcement reports falling crime trend; board forms ad hoc public safety committee",1133,4132000,5265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375&start=4132&end=5265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3512573-1312ae9f0c682497f81cad1771b12375/thumbnail_4132000.jpg","/articles/6226304/The-Woodlands/Montgomery-County/Texas/Woodlands-law-enforcement-reports-falling-crime-trend-board-forms-ad-hoc-public-safety-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226304-0847099c1f71986044a0a9e61be5df12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178619&Signature=Pr6I54Q0gERjUTCgoegSo1PHK7z8xHV7wBAFLDM4DQ7uWb5YAwZYrg2H5le4ZmeJRVbeAkKqSgvx7LvZpvaNdj9rxvoJ-ksVPC7YsQ9E9gksZxunqKc~4Z7NO3KzPOu6StOH7SFKTbTqYZFGICqGZgVxAQQ7HU7sjAQLGpk2M08IFKS5g9uRpjIf5XgqFUBCrhf1f4dtSguGUKsZftSPx1XmB6aN0y-VAgbS4VW7TpCaW5t4JJSBbvf7wNN-CDc9FHe0FofIw37YLWj5QVvfmxyN~p9aoi6HMS~gQpw-qwzhJ9ScU21~GO~N9fCnt2FDN6TzuUb1ORQXzVjW-UQVtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodlands Township Board of Directors on May 20 received a quarterly law-enforcement update from Montgomery County and local constable offices that the board characterized as largely positive and moved to form an ad hoc public safety committee to help review next year’s policing budget and related contracts.

The update covered first-quarter service volumes, crime categories of concern such as family violence and assaults, and enforcement work by the township-funded crime reduction and traffic units. “However, the, crime trend is heading down,” Captain Ryan Drody of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said while summarizing the 15-month trend shown to the board.

The report emphasized proactive enforcement and special initiatives. Assistant Chief Rick Bass described the township-funded Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), saying the unit targets organized retail theft, burglary crews and other groups that cause repeated harm to businesses and residents. “So identifying those groups and taking care of them is what these guys do,” Bass told directors, citing a March operation that led to arrests and the clearing of multiple burglary cases.

The board accepted the report. Director Cindy Heizer moved to receive and accept the quarterly update; Director Richard Franks seconded the motion and the board voted to approve the report.

Separately, directors created an ad hoc public safety committee to examine supplemental policing services and budget requests ahead of 2026 contract negotiations. Chairman Brad Bailey nominated Director Franks, Director Anne Snyder and himself to the committee; the board moved and seconded the appointments and voted to form the panel.

Why it matters: The township funds supplemental public-safety resources beyond county and constable contracts (traffic enforcement, crime reduction, community policing). The new committee will review program performance and make recommendations to the full board before the board sets the 2026 budget and finalizes any contract changes.

What directors said: On the record, township leaders emphasized that public safety is a top priority and that the township’s funding supports specialized units and event-driven policing that local agencies said helps keep crime from rising.

What happens next: The public safety committee will review budget requests from law enforcement providers and make recommendations to the full board; any formal contract changes or new spending still require full-board approval.

","Montgomery County and local constables presented a quarterly enforcement update showing a fluctuating but overall downward crime trend. The board accepted the report and created an ad hoc public safety committee to review budget requests and contract negotiations for 2026 supplemental services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board selects Quiddity to provide engineering for SH‑242 pathway grant; CEO authorized to negotiate agreement with TxDOT oversight

Board approves easements allowing three small-cell power crossings for Verizon

Performing-arts groups urge township to build a larger performing arts center

Township tables banking decision after debate over hometown bank and technical integration

Woodlands law enforcement reports falling crime trend; board forms ad hoc public safety committee