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09.02.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager New: Township approves $86.8 million budget and tax rate 09.11.10 by Matt Stephens, The Courier Township approves $86.8 million budget and tax rate08.31.10 by Matt Stephens, The Villager Special Township Board Meeting-Summary08.31.10 The Woodlands Township Note: The property tax rate of 32.74 cents per $100 valuation is an increase in taxes due to increased average property appraisals, even though the rate is less than the present rate of 32.8 cents. Areas where spending cuts can be made without decreasing our quality of life follow: * Eliminate $60,000 for new songs for the fountain. We already have a song inventory. * Eliminate non tourist area horse patrols, such as residential and business areas south of The Waterway and west of Grogan's Mill Road. Replace with fully qualified law enforcement as needed. * Reduce energy usage/costs by 10 percent. * Make waterway boats self supporting within one year rather than five years (could save as much as $400,000). Saving would allow new hotel taxes to be better spent, such as on more law enforcement in Town Center areas. New: Vendor measures help ensure safety, fun at area parks 09.01.10 The Courier-opinion New: Recent robberies encourage more patrols 09.01.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager Township assumes Lake Woodlands operation in 2011 08.31.10 by Matt Stephens, The Villager Township board must follow through on committee issue 08.26.10 The Courier-Opinion The Woodlands Township adopts budget for 201108.26.10 The Woodlands Township Deputies targeting school zone scofflaws08.27.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Township sets $86.8 million budget08.26.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Township allows mobile vendors in parks08.26.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Township seeks Town Center transit terminal08.25.10 By Matt Stephans, The Courier Woman robbed at park08.25.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager Posted on 26 Aug 2010 by cwh
Posted on 20 Aug 2010 by cwh
08.16.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Sterling Ridge Park and Ride adds 370 parking slots08.15.10 By Charlie Bier, The Courier Bond refinancing could save township $6 million 08.13.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager With vehicle pursuits up, deputies get spikes08.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands County appoints committee for mass gathering ordinance 08.11.10 By Howard Roden, The Villager County mulls permits for large crowd events08.10.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands More than 2,000 runners expected at 10 for Texas08.10.10 By Lauren Hodges, The Villager Township committees: Tough luck for Hausman, Campbell? 08.06.10 Courier-Opinion Note: All board members were elected and should be allowed to serve - on their choice of committees. Posted on 06 Aug 2010 by cwh
08.05.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Important: Township raises HOT tax, rejects mounted patrol cut 8.02.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Note by Claude: Residents are encouraged to stop by the Waterway turning basin anytime to see from four to six boats sitting unused. Refurbishing six boats when only two are needed makes no sense. Each boat is designed to carry 50 passengers. Last year ridership was two people per hour per boat per ten hour usage day. Taking 5 years to try to justify operation and maintenance of six boats wastes taxpayer's money. Six years prior service apparently proved to the present owners that maintaining six was not justified. * Alpha & Omega patrols in tourist areas is a unique but expensive tourist feature of The Woodlands. However, A&O patrols outside of tourist/mall areas seems of little value. Non-tourist areas that would continue to have this expensive service include only one of our two Wal-Marts, one HEB grocery store, one church and only a few residential and business properties outside tourist areas. This uses taxpayer money that could be better used for more effective real law enforcement. And, it is discriminatory usage of money that belongs to all 93,000+ residents, most of whom do not receive this service for their home or business. Water rates set to rise around county8.05.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Township directors unhappy with committee appointments 08.03.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Brady bashes government8.04.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier Woodlands traffic lights to soon be synched8.04.10 By Mike Taylor, The Courier Oktoberfest is set for The Woodlands8.04.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Fighting crime on 2 wheels in Woodlands8.03.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands As wealthy spending weakens, so does economy08.02.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Note: Some aspects of our local economy may be at risk due restrictions on US/Gulf Coast oil well operations. The Township budget includes increased spending. Township to study feasibility of more sports facilities07.30.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Law enforcement dominates budget talks07.29.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands * Summary of July 28 Regular Board Meeting* Revised Schedule for Board of Directors Meetings* The Township budget process underway* View the 2011 Budget and available brochures Montgomery County Commissioners approve $236M budget-includes $1.8 million increase for Sheriff’s Office. 07.29.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Lightning sparks fires in The Woodlands 07.27.10 By Andrew DuBois & Nancy Flake, The Villager Waterway in The Woodlands making headway07.24.10 By David Kaplan, Houston Chronicle Posted on 26 Jul 2010 by cwh
07.23.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Township plans $12M in capital projects for 201107.22.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Note: These are staff proposals. Residents - it's your money and community. Your input is important in deciding how your money is spent. Is The Woodlands tossing money into a sinking venture? 07.20.10 The Courier - Opinion Committee recommends hotel tax increase07.21.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Hotel tax floated to support water taxis07.20.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note by Claude: To review earlier "Tour Boat" articles on my website, do a Control F - and enter "water taxi" without quotes. Amount of yearly loss by others (not the Township) earlier reported as $130,000 for 2009 and $240,000 in Courier article 1/28/10 and Ultimate Woodlands article 1/21/10. The Township Board needs additional taxpayer input on this matter. Is tour boat operation and maintenance of six boats the best use of a half million dollars of new hotel tax dollars? With only an average of two persons per boat per hour last year, maintaining only two boats (50 passenger capacity each) could easily handle the need. Natatorium too crowded for two Woodlands teams07.20.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Pavilion launches new website with contest for tickets07.20.10 By The Villager Township sees sales tax revenue climb in July07.14.10 By Nancy Flake, The Villager Burglary arrest in Sterling Ridge 07.14.10 Villager Neighborhood watch works. Are you active in yours? Making Money Magazine Cut07.14.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Williams tabbed to lead key Senate committee07.14.10 By The Courier Convention bureau to define tourism business07.13.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Lights, camera, action in The Woodlands07.13.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Black Forest Ventures set to open two more office buildings 07.12.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager Children’s museum encourages creative and imaginative play 07.12.10 By Matt Stephens-The Villager Rainwater harvesting takes hold in county07.12.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 11 Jul 2010 by cwh
Posted on 26 Jun 2010 by cwh
06.17.10 By Lauren Hodges, The Villager Death of ‘Reckless Robber’ solves five county bank robberies (includes summary of local robberies) 06.11.10 By The Villager Death of ‘Reckless Robber’ solves five county bank heists (includes picture) 06.11.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Township adds patrols on pathways06.10.10 By The Villager Forest Full of FunCreekside YMCA Adventure Center draws big crowds 06.06.10 By Haylee Spencer, The Courier Facilities set to fix buses, trolleys, water taxis06.04.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note: Additional public input on the waterway tour (not taxi) boat operation is needed. Is rebuilding and maintaining six boats justified? Average ridership for last year was only two people per hour per boat for the six waterway tour boats, not counting the Captains. Sterling Ridge Park & Ride site is expanding06.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Expansion project on Research Forest Drive began June 106.01.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager Residents urged to update evacuation registry info06.01.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager Summary of May 26 Township Special Meeting06.01.10 The Woodlands Township Township Directors take oath of office, honor retirees05.26.10 The Woodlands Township Township Board elects officers05.26.10 The Woodlands Township Township board makes changes in transition05.26.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Tough to lead new Township board05.26.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Multi-Disciplinary Training Center Provides Common Ground for Fire, Police05.17.10 By Mary Rose Roberts, Fire Chief.com New features added to community alert system05.26.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Suggestion: Funding foundations to facilitate and encourage public/private funding05.26.10 A suggestion by Claude Hunter Posted on 26 May 2010 by cwh
Posted on 22 May 2010 by cwh
Posted on 14 May 2010 by cwh
Posted on 09 May 2010 by cwh
05.08.10 By Howard Decker, Ultimate Woodlands Leadership Montgomery County hands over ‘new’ clinic05.05.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier Note: Leadership Montgomery County is a great organization in which too learn how good leadership can make our great community even better. Move to night meetings: better late than never 05.03.10 Conroe Courier - Opinion Note by Claude: Three times the Township Board majority voted NO on allowing evening meetings. Now, two members change their mind when its time to ask for your vote. If they had allowed evening meetings earlier they might have learned, as I did, that you did not want them to spend your tax money for things you did not ask for and did not want. And, we would have a lower tax rate for residents and businesses as a result of your wisdom and guidance. Important: Candidates must respect, comply with laws during elections04.28.10 Conroe Courier - Opinion IRS complaint made against TWT candidate04.28.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Township Board holds monthly meeting, discusses increased law enforcement and fire station updates* Summary of April 28 meetingCyclists peddle national biking designation05.03.10 by Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 03 May 2010 by cwh
Posted on 30 Apr 2010 by cwh
Posted on 26 Apr 2010 by cwh
Posted on 20 Apr 2010 by cwh
04.18.10 By Matt Stephens Note: There may be a correlation between incumbents who received the most donations and their voting records on spending your money. I am proud that I voted no on increasing Township taxes vs. last year's assessments and yes on more transparency. It is your money and your community. Your vote can help elect the majority of our future seven member board. Choose carefully for each of the four positions. Important Governance Information: a historical summary by Claude Hunter Following are several articles you may find useful: Understanding The Woodlands Transition in Governance by The Woodlands Township * Regional Participation Agreement between Houston and The Woodlands, as unanimously approved by the Houston City Council. A similar agreement was unanimously approved by the Conroe City Council. * Houston's Historical Timeline relative to The Woodlands, by Claude Hunter, updated Feb. 10, 2010. * Why we cannot become a city now, by Claude Hunter, updated Nov. 8, 2007 * Map: How Houston Grew, by Jay Carr, Houston Chronicle, Oct. 8, 2006 Composite of Township Legislation through 2009.Legislation to create Town Center started in 1993 and has been modified several times. In 2007 it was modified to allow begining of creation of our own local government free of the threat of annexation and now called The Township. * SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day and earlier unanimously (31 to zero) by the Senate. Bill Text. This bill took effect immediately. * HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was unanimously (29 Yea, 0 Nea) passed by those present in the Senate on May 26th and earlier passed the House (147 yea, 0 nay) by those present and voting. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill took effect September 1, 2009 * The district was expanded and renamed "The Woodlands Township" and all elected and appointed directors of The Woodlands Township became accountable to the voters for every dollar of taxes collected or spent and every policy approved. True democracy began May 10, 2008 as five Directors, who were not elected at-large, were replaced. The board will transition to a seven member fully board following election of four Director positions May 8, 2010.  Posted on 18 Apr 2010 by cwh
Posted on 15 Apr 2010 by cwh
Posted on 13 Apr 2010 by cwh
04.09.10 Opinion, The Courier Weekend in the Woods: April 9-1104.09.10 By Diane Shirah, Ultimate Woodlands Children's Museum to reopen in July04.09.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands updates fire station plans for Fire Stations 7 (Creekside Park) and 8 ( Indian Springs & Panther Creek) 04.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Agenda Packet for April 7, 2010 Woodlands Fire Department (WFD) Board Meeting Note by Claude: During WFD Board and 2010 Township Budget Meetings last year we pursued possibly switching start and estimated completion dates for Fire Stations 7 and 8. For various reasons, we were unable to do so then. On April 7, it was my pleasure to make a motion to recommend to the full Township Board to accept a revised construction schedule for FS 7 and 8, which will switch their completion timing. The WFD Board unanimously approved. More on this itemTownship board tackles fiscal issues04.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Check out Town Center in green style04.08.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Note by Claude: Unlike Township Tour Boats (Water Taxis?) this service to residents and visitors is not kept afloat by tax dollars. Attendance an issue in upcoming township election04.07.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Wild about wildflowers04.07.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Note: Please refrain from trampling wildflowers so others may enjoy them this year and next. Posted on 08 Apr 2010 by cwh
Posted on 03 Apr 2010 by cwh
04.01.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager UP honoring the Boy Scouts with locomotive03.30.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Meeting Summary for March 24, 2010 Township Board of Directors Regular Meeting 03.30.10 By The Woodlands Township Note by Claude Re: Item 23-Recommendations from the Committee on Governance and Nominations, which provided a slate of potential appointments by the Township Board, were seriously flawed. The Committee did not properly consider or recommend representation from villages that comprise newer parts of The Woodlands, even though there were highly qualified applicants from newer (TWA) areas. Over half the population of The Woodlands Township who reside in newer villages deserve consideration of all qualified applicants for the committee that has final say on rulings or appeals concerning Standards and Covenants Administration for any changes to their property. This flawed process needs further review as the way this was done appears discriminatory or biased and perhaps should be illegal. Memorial Hermann signs on as sponsor for The Woodlands Township sports events 03.30.10 By The Woodlands Township Search continues for Woodlands bank robber03.30.10 By Kassia Micek, The Villager New Woodlands Children’s Museum to open by mid-July03.26.10 By Charlie Bier, The Villager Township sales tax better than projections03.25.10 By Matt Stephens, The Villager Hunter seeks to maintain high standard03.22.10 By Howard Roden, The Villager Posted on 22 Mar 2010 by cwh
03.20.10 By Matt Stephens, The Courier Officials react to water taxi's making 'waste' list03.21.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note: From ridership quoted in recent presentations by Township Staff, during 2009, an average of only about 2 passengers per hour per boat took the boat tour. Why not limit losses by only rebuilding two boats and leasing or selling the others? Other questions raised by residents include: Why are the boats in such bad shape after only five years of light usage that all six boat's power trains need replacement? Is this really a valid transportation function that should qualify for $750,000 federal tax funded Brazos Transit Maintenance Facility? It appears that some decisions regarding refurbishment or repair of the boats may still be pending, so you may wish to contact Township Directors to input your opinion. Posted on 21 Mar 2010 by cwh
Posted on 16 Mar 2010 by cwh
03.15.10 By The Villager Note by Claude: Smart sprinkler system controllers do far more than simplistic "rain sensors" and I believe should be required on all new systems. On my home system, replacement of a "dumb" controller with a smart controller significantly reduced water usage and at the same time maintained or improved irrigation for landscape needs. Watch Talk Wednesdays draw crowd03.15.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager Rolling along with The Woodlands Cycling Club03.15.10 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands CVB announces upcoming events03.15.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager Woodlands sets spring, summer events03.13.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Leadership group gives clinic a facelift03.15.10 By Brad Meyer, The Villager St. Luke’s awards $50,000 to The Community Clinic03.15.10 Special to The Villager Rob Fleming Aquatic Center wins design award03.11.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands program targets smart watering03.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands introduces rainwater harvesting09.22.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Suspects caught in attempt to rob gas station03.11.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Focus on the future03.09.10 By Claude Hunter Posted on 15 Mar 2010 by cwh
03.01.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier Primary battles attract strong early voting turnout03.01.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier Suspects arrested after early-morning burglary. 03.02.10 By The Villager Cynthia Woods Mitchell Day April 29 in The Woodlands. 03.02.10 Special to The Villager Township sets day to honor Mitchell03.02.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Township SCI://TECH Showcase Annual EfTA event highlights math, science 03.01.10 By Haylee Spencer, The Villager Note by Claude: The youth of today are our future. Having had the privilege of being a judge of SCE:/TECH events for many years, I know that youth graduating from our schools are well prepared for skills that they will use to make our community and world a better place. Gourmet cupcakes coming to Indian Springs03.01.10 By Diane Shirah, Ultimate Township Township to issue $34 million in bonds02.25.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Woodlands starts community policing events02.24.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Township explores property tax exemptions02.24.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Posted on 24 Feb 2010 by cwh
Posted on 20 Feb 2010 by cwh
02.17.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Water negotiations back on for SJRA, ConroeNote by Claude: Delay during the 2009 Texas Legislative session to address concerns by Lakefront property owners has already cost residents throughout Montgomery County millions of dollars as we proceed with use of available surface water to meet our future drinking water needs. This SJRA Reply to Sen. Nichols should help residents understand the issues. Posted on 17 Feb 2010 by cwh
02.16.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands  Join me on Facebook and please contact me if you have questions. Take precautions when strangers come knocking02.14.10 By The Courier Note: Door-to-door soliciting is not illegal. However, if solicitors do not leave your premises when asked to, call the sheriff's office and report it as trespassing. They indicate they will take action. New events planned for Waterway Square02.12.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Visitors bureau targets SMERF groups SMERF=Social, military, education, religious & fraternal 02.12.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands The Woodlands reports job growth for 200902.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands church dedicates new campus02.11.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier CISD welcomes new explosives detection dog02.11.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier Water, well hot topics for county02.10.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Brackish water explored for alternate supply02.10.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Group seeks continued opposition for wells02.09.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Well opponents keep LSGCD’s feet to fire02.10.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier County fights injection well, concrete plant02.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note by Claude: Since we are "downstream" in aquifers which are our sole current source of safe drinking water, injection of waste liquids via the Old Conroe Oil Field site north of us is of concern. During a time unsuitable for issuing road bonds to cover even maintenance of our roads, both the Injection Well and the Concrete plant will burden our county taxes with need for road construction to benefit massive truck traffic to serve these private companies. I believe waste liquids should be injected closer to their primary source (southeast of Houston) and close enough to the Gulf to avoid potential threat to anyone's drinking water source. Montgomery County nixes road bond election02.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands County defers road bond discussion02.08.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Firm relocates to Waterway Square site02.08.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands CISD gets funding from Dell Foundation02.08.10 By Kasia Micek, The Villager Early voting gets under way Feb. 1602.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Convenience voting (for Village Association and RDRC election) begins Feb. 15; remember to vote!Note by Claude: Between now and May 8, as a candidate for Township Director, Position 1, there may be items on this website that can be interpreted as campaign information. Please be advised that any expenses, even if trivial, are: Pol. adv Paid for by Claude Hunter Campaign, Terry Brown Treasurer, 26002 Budde Rd., The Woodlands, TX 77380 TX 02.07.10 by Claude Hunter, webmaster Township debuts crime prevention series02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Anadarko buys its Woodlands campus02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Township honors First Lady of The Woodlands02.01.10 by Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 01 Feb 2010 by cwh
Posted on 29 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.27.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 27 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 21 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 13 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Three arrested in overnight fire01.11.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier Pregnant woman robbed at Steel City Pizza on Sawdust Road in Spring 01.11.10 By The Villager Woman robbed at gunpoint at Woodlands Mall 01.11.10 By The Villager Interfaith honors Woodlands couple01.08.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Passing the keys-Symbolic ceremony gives Township control 01.07.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager The Woodlands Township unveils new Web siteNote by Claude: Please take time to review this valuable information source. It is important that residents become familiar with our new, easier to understand and more effective, Township governance. Our commitment is that the same or better level of services will continue as before. Please let me know of any questions or concerns not adequately answered by our website or staff. Deputies arrest Woodlands robbery suspect01.05.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands ‘A True Saint’01.04.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier Restaurant owner recovering after robbery, shooting01.04.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Filing continues for village and Residential Design Review Committee elections12.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Starting Jan. 1, The Woodlands will run more like a city12.27.09 By Renee C. Lee, Houston Chronicle Cynthia Woods Mitchell dies at 8712.28.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager Cynthia Woods Mitchell, patron of the arts, dies at 8712.28.09 By Allan Turner, The Houston Chronicle The Township Board addressed 35 agenda items at Dec. 16th meeting- a summary from The Woodlands Township website Posted on 12 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 09 Dec 2009 by cwh
Posted on 19 Nov 2009 by cwh
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This website provides information on matters of interest to residents
of The Woodlands, TX. Personal views by Claude Hunter should not
be interpreted as official positions of The Woodlands Association
or other not-for-profit Corporations of The Woodlands on which he
is a Director. His views reflect input received from residents and
constituents. Note: If you find this website useful, please feel
free to share it's location with other residents of The Woodlands. |
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