[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6460807,"mediaKeyId","5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad","parentId",5827554,"title","Votes at a glance: Conroe council approves city contracts, grants, budget amendments and settlement participations","audioSeconds",3412,"startMs",3612000,"endMs",7024000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad&start=3612&end=7024","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad/thumbnail_3612000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6460807/Conroe/Montgomery-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Conroe-council-approves-city-contracts-grants-budget-amendments-and-settlement-participations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460807-aede55124ca4c21e33209da5df3dcf9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770509457&Signature=mOP5KIEsO~eIUb8aTYXuyhVf8ePVBrX2lqO6w70PmfnbaCUA4BXGIs30b3Xe4lM8sg6AiAnboa2woMJgG-XbIY3wAK3F-C7u8A6uM-V~bG~gEZKs6gnLE375VtaHWz4CYrb36yrQpgMaodUT64nh4LthNVbKLwu1XeqCGQ~1Riku3P9paKn~eKiomrgVUpGvti4L3O9~CU~6fwIA5dKespsRf10exr18rCMu-vsrPhskLSL7FKEAODmXjRNPIuro~TiSXsHLdveHP4IsWKfcww~go7XXrVAy~4KltQOxpR19DWfsR~oCXg1pqGL8uidD2~wHXXYYGRDaSGKUbh2J8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Conroe","date","2025-09-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Conroe City Council on Sept. 25 approved a series of procurement awards, grant allocations, budget and capital program amendments, and other routine items during its regular meeting. Most motions passed on voice votes; the meeting transcript records no detailed roll‑call tallies.

Key approvals and authorizations included:

- Midtex Oil: Annual citywide fuel contract recommended and approved (amount described in packet; motion carried on voice vote).
- Road base/materials: Awarded to Vulcan Materials with alternates; annual contracts for hot mix and associated materials approved.
- Citywide landscaping: Annual award to Alpha Lawn Care approved.
- TxDOT utility agreement: Resolution authorizing the city's standard utility agreement to relocate utilities for the SH 242/I‑45 flyover; the project is 100% reimbursable and staff recommended approval.
- Easement payment: Council approved a payment to Methodist Hospital for an easement related to the TxDOT project after a motion and voice vote.
- MS4 environmental consulting: One‑year contract with LJA Engineering for municipal stormwater (MS4) compliance approved ($71,000 recommended).
- Annual software/hardware renewals: Council approved renewal and sole‑source purchases over $50,000 as listed in the packet (IT and department renewals).
- Gulfstream/North Hampton drainage improvement bid: Council approved moving forward with the drainage award to address chronic flooding in those subdivisions.
- Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District: Additional funds approved to increase the city's allocation ($106,631.81 requested) to reduce risk of penalties for overuse.
- Crime Victim Assistance grant: Authorization for an official name change required to close a previously approved OOG grant; approved.
- Fire apparatus: Authorization to order one replacement brush/booster truck (VERF) approved (HGAC pricing; expected delivery 24–25 months; price cited in packet).
- Sale of Sam Houston School: Council authorized the mayor to sign sale documents for 5.67 acres including the historic building to OPI 601 Partnership LLC for $4.3 million (see separate article).
- Annexation consent: Resolutions consenting to additions into Montgomery County WCID No. 205 (two tracts) approved.
- CVB arts and cultural grants: FY26 arts grants approved, total $210,000 (CVB funds).
- Madden Media: PO for tourism marketing/agency services approved (third year of contract).
- FY24–25 operating and CIP amendments: Council approved end‑of‑year housekeeping amendments to operating and CIP budgets (appropriations and roll‑forwards described in packet).
- External audit services: Contract awarded to Pertuller, Brown & Hill for three years with optional extensions.
- August 2025 monthly financial summary: Council accepted the report covering general fund, water/sewer operating fund and CIP balances.
- Opioid litigation settlements: Council authorized participation in state‑negotiated settlements involving Purdue Pharma and other manufacturers; the city’s projected share to join the settlements was recorded and council approved staff completing required documents.
- Nomination to regional board: Council selected a candidate by consensus vote to replace a board member for the remaining term.
- Special election notice: Council provided notice of a Nov. 4, 2025 special election on charter amendments and outlined early voting dates and registration deadlines.

Several procurement items were included in the consent agenda and approved collectively. Most approvals were routine renewals, grants or reimbursements; staff said multiple projects are reimbursable or funded in existing operating or capital budgets.

Where the transcript records only a voice vote, the council recorded motions and seconds but did not provide line‑by‑line roll‑call vote tallies in open session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conroe - Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved multiple contract awards, budget amendments, grant allocations, an opioid‑litigation participation and other routine items on Sept. 25. Most actions carried by voice vote; no detailed roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public transcript.","taxTitle","Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas","taxId",2810,"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},6460812,"Conroe Council approves sale of old Sam Houston School to developer for affordable housing",207,5044000,5251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad&start=5044&end=5251","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad/thumbnail_5044000.jpg","/articles/6460812/Conroe/Montgomery-County/Texas/Conroe-Council-approves-sale-of-old-Sam-Houston-School-to-developer-for-affordable-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460812-a3f1341a6396176160f3c70d3cc449c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770509457&Signature=Akl5KqFmJaUXBHIpMkxxapbHMDGnWIckbkrloVPynIjZnIlUscQ2t7REAOSUISnAMWPcXQILjwOKC2i5PwC3LZ3ZAh1jtUogrPdbI8ycARwE7ky5kad2J4v3ux-oqvGjPIWaA0ujDxCZSTzsmVJqt4IQwaT2djvb9mcEzGNkcnB~MFOS6lhVFA3DetobZYAVnAMKDO4rWixdDLXuS6REbqg-z~JqiW6iM9GLVr5H5YQXKbLnCrUpJXKwLvbvwJg-7pd1O6AMLc~ezfVUX8W96p81AWeTbQQUIZjmhJYraoMlUUpufITmqlTX4zDHoRt2wyMev5c~aGAYm~kE40K2hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Conroe City Council on Sept. 25 approved the sale of 5.67 acres that includes the historic Sam Houston School building to OPI 601 Partnership LLC (Overland Group) for $4.3 million.

City staff said the 1937 school building sits on more than 11 acres and that the city will sell a portion of the land — 5.67 acres — to the developer. Ms. McKeska, city staff, told the council the buyer plans a project of roughly 71 affordable housing units and will begin restoration work that the city had been unable to fund.

\"We are selling the building for 4,300,000 dollars,\" Ms. McKeska said, and the sale proceeds will pay off about $2.9 million remaining on the debt the city holds for the property. Council members praised staff for reviving the deal and noted the redevelopment will return the property to the tax roll; staff estimated a post‑restoration value around $28 million.

Councilman Hardman thanked staff for resurrecting the transaction and called it a rare good deal for the city. The council approved the mayor’s authorization to sign the special warranty deed and related sale documents. The motion carried on a voice vote with one nay recorded.

The sale leaves the city with roughly six additional acres to use or sell for other purposes, staff said. The buyer will begin restoration and rehabilitation of the historic structure under the terms of the sale agreement. Councilmembers noted the affordable housing outcome and historic preservation of the school as key benefits.

No detailed preservation covenant language or final site plan was discussed in open session on Sept. 25; staff said additional development approvals and building permits will be required before construction or adaptive reuse work begins.","Council authorized sale of 5.67 acres including the old Sam Houston School building to a private developer for $4.3 million; the buyer plans about 71 affordable housing units and the sale will pay off outstanding city debt on the property.",{"_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},6460817,"Conroe residents press council over Collier Point clearing, drainage and tree-canopy rules",1672,182000,1854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad&start=182&end=1854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827554-318d7b6a6184696ba6a22070f75460ad/thumbnail_182000.jpg","/articles/6460817/Conroe/Montgomery-County/Texas/Conroe-residents-press-council-over-Collier-Point-clearing-drainage-and-tree-canopy-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460817-ded22dd846af3e1562f380401df229fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770509457&Signature=oq9TQ~1hx~a~-m66jhistcSSqmPFYsUWDtGs9T65xlNTG4HHDrDg84jSPUe3RW00I~hvZSgjZGUIkYE6qDAoQXd-V6f3dXOIlksgsunRZ1YP0fkWC-BdYmqfGz~Kn0vZVDZtXxnFykqrIiSiPFYjr00~VjxdGz95ZQ6HdxzVnB7E1lHXxxplmB~NyDMDSkzO6kvJ7PNp5QBTzSG90rcaFsh7k2I0iEGwdmi3xfqXwFS3m41OOrXDrEIg6LZ-nL91OrMj1-soF~0LsHUfSVZSC89DkcPQm7OZyQ7RiCJqDxrP3lx4kz1pZZC2IssNDLfEdyIjxnxEOh3X9VCie0vNgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents urged the Conroe City Council on Sept. 25 to stop further clearing and to require stronger drainage and tree‑preservation measures for the Collier Point subdivision.

Residents said the proposed 200‑home development is landlocked, that an older, narrow country road is the only planned access, and that neighborhood streets could become unintended cut‑throughs. \"Any such connected access would forever diminish the quality of life that exists in our neighborhoods,\" resident Buddy Smith told the council, presenting a stack of neighbors' signatures opposing use of Brockston and Forest Estates streets.

The issue surfaced again when several speakers — including homeowners in Forest Estates, Roxton and Broken Bow — described erosion and repeated flooding near their properties and said the recent clear‑cutting on the Collier Point site has worsened runoff and heat‑island effects. \"Since the tree canopy and vegetation have been totally removed ... air temperature will increase substantially,\" Swanette Smith said.

City staff told the council the development currently has a clearing permit and a development permit under the city's 2018 tree ordinance but that operations are on hold. \"There is no public access through Rockston, and for or Forest Estates. It is a fire access easement only with a gate, a crash gate, knockbox,\" Ms. McGuire, city staff, said, adding that the primary vehicular access is planned off Old Country Club Road. She said the city has authorized only limited cleanup and storm‑water controls while it works through design and permit questions.

Staff and the city's forester also told the council they have identified potential noncompliance with the site's tree permit and have stopped further clearing pending revisions. The forester said some lots encroach into an 18‑foot buffer recognized under later rules and that drainage improvements will require straightening a ditch that benefits neighboring homes.

Council members from across the dais said they were surprised the project continued under the older 2018 ordinance after the 2022 tree ordinance returned the city to a stronger preservation standard. \"I'm tired of being informed by citizens before I hear from the city,\" Councilwoman Marsha Porter said. Several council members asked staff to produce a list of other projects still operating under the 2018 ordinance and to return with options for tighter process controls and a regular update on Collier Point.

City staff said they will meet with the developer next week to develop an action plan and that any concessions, variances or formal changes would be brought to council for consideration. Staff also said section‑by‑section compliance and drainage work are being incorporated into the developer's civil plans.

The council discussion was strictly informational; no policy or permit change was approved on Sept. 25. Councilmembers repeatedly asked for earlier notice of large clear‑cutting and for clearer rules so staff and developers cannot rely on discretionary exceptions.

Residents who testified said they will continue to press the city for stricter enforcement and for project changes that protect adjacent properties, tree canopy and neighborhood safety.","Residents from Forest Estates and neighboring subdivisions told the Conroe City Council they oppose traffic cut-throughs and objected to clear‑cutting at the Collier Point site. Staff said development is on hold pending design changes and potential tree‑permit noncompliance; council members pressed for better notice and tighter process controls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Conroe council approves city contracts, grants, budget amendments and settlement participations

Conroe Council approves sale of old Sam Houston School to developer for affordable housing

Conroe residents press council over Collier Point clearing, drainage and tree-canopy rules