Febuary 18, 2025 Board Meeting
"What became of the suggestion to do itemized billing for our water bill? I, for one, want to know what I am paying for trash, and most importantly want to know if /when you raise the rates?"
Response – Currently, we are analyzing our water rates and our supplements to the district, including water, sewer, security, trash, etc. We have come to no conclusion on raised rates.
"When can we expect to get the $1.00 reduction that the NWHWA passed?"
Response – We will be doing a thorough investigation of all items to review in reference to our water rates. Until then, no decision will be made.
January 28, 2025 Board Meeting
"How much is new park employee getting paid? What is her hourly wage or salary?"
Response – $29 per hour/40 hours a week
"Since the park is no where close to being open how do you justify paying this employee when there's nothing to do? Please explain."
Response – Currently, the Park Manager, has taken this time to get to know the park through referencing all blueprints including as-builts and punch lists. She has met with various contractors to receive training on mechanical, plumbing, fire alarm systems, electrical, and playground and miscellaneous equipment. The training is on normal operation, maintenace, and seasonal procedures. The Park Manager created job descriptions for roles needed to staff the park. She has created policies and procedures that are ready to implement when additional employees are hired. She is creating training materials for employees to be prepared for the opening of the park. The Park Manager is also developing relationships with area businesses to benefit the park once opened. The Park Manager continues to work with the GM, Ron Schkade, Bridgestone Board members, and Admin assistant on the process for the pavilion/park and MUD building rentals.
December 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Resident asked about the NHCRWA fee reduction and if that change is passed on to the homeowner?
Response – The Board is aware the North Harris County Regional Water Authority recently reduced the rates it charges to the District for groundwater and surface water. The Board also knows the District pays all its bills with money from its customers and taxpayers. As a result, the Board is examining many of the District's services to determine the most fair, transparent, and long-term sustainable way to pay for them. This examination includes the fees charged by the North Harris County Regional Water Authority. In an effort to minimize confusion for District customers, the Board intends to complete its examination and implement all changes at one time, rather than making many small changes over time.
"When will the new park open?"
Response – We’re thrilled to see the enthusiasm and anticipation building among our residents as they eagerly await the opening of our brand-new park! As you may have noticed, the park is currently roped off, but we're happy to report that the wait is almost over.
Our team has been working tirelessly to bring this fantastic community space to life. We understand that it has taken longer than we originally anticipated, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as we ensure everything is just right.
The final touches are being put in place, and we're now awaiting the last step before opening the gates to the public: a Certificate of Occupancy from the fire marshal. This important certificate ensures that the park meets all necessary safety standards and regulations, paving the way for everyone to enjoy the facilities safely.
While we’re excited to open as soon as possible, we’re also planning a grand opening celebration this spring to officially welcome you to this wonderful new space. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see you enjoying the park soon!
October 15, 2024 Board Meeting
"This question was asked early on the appointment of the new board, but was never answered. I still have neighbors that want an answer. Your campaign told residents that the MUD was $6 million dollars in the hole. Can you explain this and provide an answer for our residents?"
Response – Thank you for your question. The current board was elected on May 4, with 60% of the votes cast by the voters of Bridgestone MUD. Only one member of the current board is an appointee. The information you requested is part of the District’s public records and is available for review at your convenience. Specifically, the details regarding the $6 million dollar deficit can be found on the Documents page of our website, under Financial Documents (Budget Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2023). I would draw your attention to the Actual Net Profit line of the budget, which shows the District took a loss of $6,847,116.80 for 2023.
You may also wish to review Bridgestone MUD’s annual financial report, as provided by McCall Gibson Swedlund Barfoot PLLC. I would draw your attention to page 38 of the report, which shows the Capital Outlay and Repairs, Net of Advances for 2023. This figure shows that the District spent $4,518,367 (59.10%) more than the budgeted amount for the year.
September 17, 2024 Board Meeting
“The tax expert stated that WDM (Water District Management) did not collect tax revenue from the Allora apartments. How is this possible when WDM is required to follow the rate order and collect tax revenues?”
Response – A billing mistake was made by WDM.
“Has anyone been held accountable for this oversight, and what steps are being talcen to rectify the situation?”
Response – The Board is currently discussing options to address this oversight.
“How did this failure to collect taxes go unnoticed, and what reporting mechanisms are in place to prevent such oversights in the future?”
Response – Rules and regulations have been put in place to ensure this mistake will not happen again.
“What options does Bridgestone MUD have to recover these funds?”
Response – Several options are currently being discussed.
“Can the board provide a detailed justification for spending money on a new AV system that allows remote meeting attendance, especially given that one board member has already missed over eight meetings in the past year?”
Response – The AV system will provide the ability to record meetings and upload them for viewing. The AV System will also allow residents, consultants, and board members to attend remotely.
“How will the board ensure that remote attendance doesn’t lead to reduced accountability or engagement from elected officials?”
Response – Our elected officals do not take their responsiblities lightly.
“Has a cost-benefit analysis been conducted to compare this expense against other potential uses of these funds that might more directly benefit residents?”
Reponse – Yes, this analysis has been conducted.
“What policies will be implemented to prevent abuse of remote attendance privileges and maintain the expected in person participation at meetings?
Response – Bridgestone MUD will continue to comply with all state guidelines for quorum. The requirements for meeting attendance will not be changed.
“What metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness and utilization of this new AV system once implemented?”
Response – The Board will closely monitor the AV system’s utilization.
“I would like to say that I am very disappointed by the lack of professionalism of this board. I have personally witnessed board members texting during the meetings, cleaning their fingernails and even spitting in bottle while the meeting was being held. I’ve seen them voting and/or seconding motions on amendments, that I do not believe that they know what they are voting for due to the lack of attention. I have watched board members spend half of their time signing correspondence or, from what I understand, are checks versus paying attention to the business at hand. I believe that these things should be signed either before the meetings or after the meetings or even in the executive sessions. If you have a job and cannot make it before the meeting or something keeps them from staying after the meeting, or during the executive session, then I believe that representing the community is the wrong place for you and maybe you should resign your position. As a member of the Bridgestone MUD board of directors you should be giving these meetings your undivided attention while in session.”
Response – Our elected officials do not take their responsibility lightly and will continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
“It is my understanding that a written agreement must be in place between Bridgestone MUD and Bridgestone Greenway Conservancy Park prior to any fund raising or operations may begin. When will this written agreement be prepared and executed so that we can move forward for the park. Time is of the essence with the park hopefully available to open to the community within the next 90 days.
Response – The Board of Directors of Bridgestone MUD is currently reviewing options for the park opening.
September 5, 2025 Board Meeting
“Bridgestone MUD Board Meetings”
Response – Resident asked that this item be addressed at the September 17th meeting.
“Temple Bell”
Response – Resident asked that this item be addressed at the September 17th meeting.
“Is the new board willing to take over the non-profit to help cover the park’s maintenance costs?”
Response – At this time the Board is trying to figure out how we will operate the park, either by a company or in-house. Right now the Non-Profit is working on getting donors and volunteers together to establish a program.For now the Board has to take care of the park since they built it.
“When will the questions from last month’s meeting be posted on the website and will answers be posted as well?”
Response – Each month the answers will be posted on the website before the next meeting.
Interested in the park
Response – Thank you for having interest in the park.
Members that have a desire to participate in park activity development such as the butterfly garden, teaching kids o to fish in the park pond, craft shows, Christmas tree lighting, low cost dog/cat vet exams/vaccines, and last but not least, my favorite, food truck park. I also think fundraising events should be organized to identify possible sponsorship by a major contributor for the naming of the pavilion, fees for rental of pavilion, vendors for the market days/craft shows, food truck park [projected annual income of $60,000]. Thank you for your consideration of these requests.
Response – Thank you for the recommendations for park activity and getting people involved.
August 20, 2024 Board Meeting
“I am asking what become of the WD $350,000 billing matter? It discussed and resolved in executive session, where is the transparency?”
Response – In response to your question, this issue is still in litigation therefore we cannot disclose any information at this time.
“Concern about batch concrete plant proposed on Gosling Rd.”
Response – Thank you for the information. We will take it under advisement.