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Environmental Services outlines tree, stormwater and septic programs in work session update
Summary
Environmental Services reported program metrics and initiatives including a tree rebate (17 applications), a TCEQ‑audited five‑year stormwater plan, outreach to 10 elementary schools, and plans for a homeowner septic‑education program and exterior inspections of apartment complexes.
Director Matt Woods told council the Environmental Services Department met inspection and permitting goals for 2025 and is pursuing a set of education, outreach and regulatory efforts in 2026, including tree‑protection work, a homeowner septic‑education program, and exterior apartment inspections.
Woods described three department divisions — Property Standards (code enforcement), Environmental Health Services (EHS) and Environmental Resources (urban forestry and stormwater) — totaling 18 full‑time employees. He said the department conducted tree giveaways, rolled out a new tree‑rebate program (17 applications to date), and submitted a five‑year stormwater management plan to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which audited and issued a compliance letter.
On outreach, Woods said staff visited 10 elementary schools and reached 956 second‑grade students in 2025 and performed 27 other outreach events; the department also supported Keep Flower Mound Beautiful cleanups and pollinator garden plantings. EHS will launch a homeowner septic education initiative to help residents understand on‑site sewage facility maintenance as Cross Timbers subdivisions expand.
Woods told council the department is developing frameworks to engage established neighborhoods and will update HOA and neighborhood resource web pages. He flagged a five‑year staffing plan that delays additional hires until growth necessitates them (potential additions in 2028–2030).
Council and staff also discussed rodenticide and mosquito control practices. Woods said mosquito spraying is targeted to laboratory‑confirmed West Nile detections and is done at night with low‑volume ground applications; the town maintains a no‑spray list for beekeepers and other residents. On rodent control, Woods said education is the first approach and that rodenticide remains the most effective tool for active infestations while staff continue to experiment with alternatives, including rat birth control.
The presentation concluded with metrics and planned programs for 2026. Woods invited follow‑up questions from council and said staff will continue coordination with Parks and other departments on planting and outreach.
