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The East Aldine Management District (EAMD) Board of Directors met virtually on June 24 to review district finances, receive community updates, and approve several initiatives supporting local services, infrastructure, and youth engagement.

Community Partners Share Updates

High Meadows Library

Judy Rodríguez of the Friends of High Meadows Library thanked the district for a recent community ride-along and shared highlights from summer programming. The library’s goal is to reach 5 million minutes read through the Summer Reading Program. Other offerings include:

  • Unplug and Play board game afternoons (Tuesdays)
  • Citizenship Classes (Thursdays at 1 p.m.)
  • The Magic of Color art workshops (Mondays at 5:30 p.m.)

Lone Star College–East Aldine Center

Student Services Manager Cendy Soto and Financial Aid Advisor Ana Moros reported on enrollment and scholarship support, especially for DACA and undocumented students. FAFSA assistance is ongoing for Summer Bridge and incoming fall students.

Harris County WCID No. 74

Director José Reyna invited attendees to the district’s next meeting on June 25 at 1 p.m.

Financial Highlights and Board Approvals

Financial Report

The Board approved financials for the first five months of 2025, noting:

  • $6.1 million in revenue, exceeding projections by $291,000
  • $3.45 million in expenditures, $603,000 under budget
  • Reserve and capital fund balances exceeding $15 million

Other Approvals

  • Disclosure Services Agreement Renewal with HTS Continuing Disclosure Services to maintain compliance as the district continues issuing bonds.
  • Board Reappointments: Directors Bob Beasley (Position 6), Gilbert E. B. Hoffman (Position 8), and Carlos Silva (Position 9) were recommended for reappointment through June 2029.
  • ICMA Membership: $1,200 was approved for Executive Director Richard Cantú to join the International City/County Management Association, supporting leadership development.

Sales Tax Growth Reflects District Resilience

Executive Director Richard Cantú, recovering from surgery, reported a 14.7% month-over-month and 7.4% year-over-year increase in sales tax revenue, outpacing many neighboring areas. Chair Carlos Silva praised the district’s fiscal strength, calling it “truly remarkable.”

Cantú also shared updates on infrastructure improvements, streetlight repairs, Recycling Center operations, and coordination with local partners.

Enhancing Community Spaces and Infrastructure

  • Town Center Phase III: The Board approved Invoice #4 from Asakura Robinson for $18,224.16 for design and community engagement work.
  • Splash Pad & Holiday Tree: Up to $10,000 was approved for summer splash pad repairs and $16,375.14 for holiday tree refurbishments. Bids for potential new decorations are still under review.
  • Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension: The Board approved Outlay Request #65 totaling $154,407.48, including contractor payments and engineering services under the Texas Water Development Board.

Public Safety Update

The Public Safety Committee reported 191 arrests in May, along with drug-related incidents and vehicle recoveries. Sergeant Hernández credited collaboration with partner agencies for ongoing success.

Board members discussed community concerns about Flock camera technology and emphasized the importance of transparency and education to address privacy misconceptions.

Supporting Local Events, Accessibility, and Advocacy

The Board approved several community-focused actions:

  • $5,000 Sponsorship of the 2025 Scenic Houston Dinner (October 16), supporting livable, well-designed public spaces.
  • $2,500 Sponsorship for the Jensen Jubilee Fall Festival, promoting engagement in high-tax-revenue areas like Little York and Hwy 59.
  • Secondary Interpretation Services: Tecolotl was added as a backup to Ronquillo Consulting Group to provide Spanish interpretation when needed. The Board also discussed exploring American Sign Language support for future events.

Youth Engagement and Back-to-School Support

Two initiatives from the Health, Education, and Community Engagement Committee were approved:

  • Youth Night: End of Summer Fun Festival: Set for Friday, August 1, the $30,000 event will feature food, music, games, and interactive activities for middle and high school students at Town Center.
  • Back-to-School Shoe Drive: The Board approved support for the American Legion’s effort to provide 100 pairs of shoes to children from families in need. Trustees also encouraged outreach to families of children with special needs who may require adaptive footwear.

Gateway Public Art and Creative Milestones

The Board approved Task Order #9 with Up Art Studio for $4,000 to support final design and project management for the Gateways Public Art Project. Once designs are finalized, budgets will return to the Board for review.

Other Arts Updates:

  • JFK Art Way Project: Permits secured; construction to begin soon along JFK Blvd.
  • Love Letters Mural Project: Community input session scheduled for July 1 at James Driver Park, featuring artist DUAL.
  • Town Center Labyrinth Sign: Interpretive signage has been installed.
  • New Mural: Local artist Primo and MacArthur High student Kaylee Jiménez completed a mural behind Town Center; a dedication is scheduled for Friday.

Scholarships for MacArthur High Graduates

The Board approved a $1,000 allocation to Lone Star College–East Aldine Center to fund two $500 scholarships for MacArthur High School graduates. The committee noted growing financial need among students and aims to expand scholarship access for adult learners and GED students in future phases.

Stay Connected

For more information or to download the June 2025 meeting agenda, visit the East Aldine Management District website. Learn more about efforts to improve mobility, enhance public spaces, and serve residents across the district.