Shenandoah City Council meeting update September for 11, 2024

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Shenandoah City Council met on September 11, 2024, In attendance were Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Frank Robinson (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), Ted Fletcher (Position 2), and Ron Raymaker (Position 1). Agenda items included:

• Recognition of storm recovery volunteers
• Constitution Week Proclamation – September 17, 2024, marks the two hundred and thirty-seventh anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. The Twin Creeks chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, located in The City of Shenandoah, has requested a proclamation designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. DAR Regent Cherry Calender accepted the proclamation from the Mayor. No council action required; proclamation only.
• Approve funding for the 180-Day General Fund Reserves – Per the general fund reserve policy adopted August 2020, the City must hold a minimum of 180 operating days of costs in reserves. The estimated dollar amount to cover the 2024-2025 general fund operating budget is currently $33,223 a day. The amount required for reserves will be $5,980,140. The difference from the balance in the fund currently and what is needed is $348,711. Council voted 5-0 to approve the funding.
• Emergency Purchase over $20,000 – The red diesel fuel spill took place July 11, 2024, during a storm event. Our Public Works department contained the spill by the lift station. Hazmat International was called immediately for cleanup services to contain the ditch and outfall into Lake Woodlands. The spill was estimated to be between 50-100 gallons at the jobsite; most of which was contained before reaching Lake Woodlands. Staff is seeking reimbursement from TMLIRP and FEMA. The water and sewer fund will be paying for this invoice. Council voted 5-0 to approve the emergency purchase.
• Investment Policy – The State of Texas requires the City to review/adopt an investment policy annually. The Investment Policy Committee has communicated on the current policy and no changes were proposed. The policy presented for approval is the same policy that was adopted last year. Council voted 5-0 to approve the Investment Policy.
• Change Order No. 3 for Shenandoah Veterans Point at Vision Park – Change Order No 3 includes the conduit and wiring needed for the security cameras at the park. It will provide the three circuits needed for flagpole lights, monument lighting, and security cameras and will add the photocells and timers to control the lights. Council voted 5-0 to approve the Change Order.

City Administrator Updates

Shenandoah Police Department was invited to join a taskforce with another agency; unfortunately, the time demand is too great for SHPD to sacrifice the time of an officer for this taskforce. SHPD was the first agency invited because they are the “leading proactive agency in the county”.

The I-45 Major Intersection Project is beginning to gain momentum. City Staff met with Bleyl Engineering and TxDOT on site to discuss getting the project ready to bid.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.