Shenandoah City Council Meeting Update for January 31, 2024

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Shenandoah City Council held its first meeting of 2024 on January 31. In attendance were Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), Ted Fletcher (Position 2), and Ron Raymaker (Position 1).

Items discussed included:

Capital Projects Report – No Council action needed; report only.

Arbor Day Proclamation – This proclamation is one of many requirements necessary for the City to maintain its status as a Tree City. National Arbor Day is recognized on April 26. This is the same date the City is proposing to proclaim as Arbor Day; however, in order to coincide better with the local planting season, staff coordinates with the Shenandoah Civic Club to schedule the annual celebration, tree give away, and plant share on March 2. Council voted 5-0 to approve the Arbor Day designation.

Sick Pool Committee Appointments – The Committee is composed of eight regular full-time employees from the following departments: two each from the Police Department and Public Works; one each from the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Administration Department, Community Development Department, and Finance Department. Committee members shall be appointed by Council. Odd-numbered positions expire in odd-numbered years and even numbered positions expire in even-numbered years. Current members are Position 1 – Joel Gordon, Police Department; Position 2 – Jeremy Thompson, Police Department; Position 3 – Abby Adams, Community Development; Position 4 – John Mayner, CVB; Position 5 – Debbie Pilcher, Administration; Position 6 – Tammy Daley, Finance; Position 7 – Lamar Broadus, Public Works; and Position 8 – Leslie Stevens, Public Works. Council voted 5-0 to approve the reappointment of all the current even-numbered positions except CVB which will now be held by Billy Adams.

Ordinance calling the May 4, 2024, City General Election – The Ordinance calling the election is a necessary part of the election process and provides details such as which terms are expiring, times and dates of the filing period, early voting schedule, and other details with regard to how the election is to be conducted. Council adopts an Ordinance calling the general election each year. The Ordinance is provided to the election administrator, along with an Order of Election signed by each member of Council. This election is for the Mayor and Council Positions 1 and 5. Council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance.

Election Services Agreement and Joint Election Agreement with Montgomery County and Participating Entities for the May 4, 2024, City General Election – Each year, the City contracts with the Montgomery County Elections Office to provide election services and personnel to conduct the general election. The Joint Election is part of these services and allows multiple entities to share equipment, personnel and costs of elections taking place on the same date. Council voted 5-0 to approve the agreement.

Proposal from Bleyl Engineering for Preliminary Engineering Report Concerning Regional Drainage – Council tabled this item until a future agenda.

Proposed Purchases from Equipment Replacement – This is a routine procedure that is required to expend money from this fund. Staff needs to purchase three angel armor body armor for new hires. This vest type eliminates the need for two separate vests, heavy and regular, and provides better protection for $7,449.70. Council voted 5-0 to approve the purchase.

Proposed New Police Officer Position – Chief Dunlap recently filled the two open positions and found a third candidate, during testing that he feels would be an excellent addition to the department. Staff is requesting approval of a mid-year position at the cost of $64,181. Council voted 5-0 to approve the new position.

Ratification of Accounts Payable for December – Council voted 5-0 to approve the accounts payable.

Civic Club Updates

• Civic Club will be supporting the Arbor Day event on March 4 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Public Works bays.
• Civic Club will be involved in both March 23 activities. Charley Ballmer will be helping with Trash Bash, 8 a.m. - noon, for those residents needing help with items. Civic Club will then host the Easter at the Park event from 10 a.m. at the City Park.

City Administrator Updates

• The David Memorial extension project is on schedule and is now in the county's section of construction.
• New entry signs (3) should be completed in mid-February.
• The new water plant #3 is in progress with the clearing and grubbing phase about 90% complete.
• The Polar Bear Plunge held in January had eight brave people take the jump. Attendees had a great time on a very cool morning.

Executive Session

i) Tex. Gov't § 551.076. Deliberations Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits.
ii) Tex. Gov't § 551.087. Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
a) Consideration and if determined appropriate, take action resulting from the item(s) listed under Executive Session,

No action was taken in the Executive Session.