The Magnolia City Council on Nov. 10 approved a 10-year contract with Axon Enterprises Inc., which supplies Magnolia Police’s body cameras, tasers and evidence software.

The discussion: Police Chief Kyle Montgomery, speaking to the city council, said Axon’s software and technology were critical to the department's operations and efficiency, especially cutting down the time staff spends handling evidence.

Also on the agenda:

• The City Council approved rezoning 60 acres of land at the northeast corner of Mill Creek Road and FM 1488 from rural to semi-urban residential. The move makes way for the Pinemoor single-family community development. The development will have 216 single-family homes.

• Magnolia is moving $271,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from rehabbing two of the city’s water plants to payroll and salaries for the public works department.

• Magnolia lost its recently hired city secretary Tiffany White in October. The position is open again for applications.

The gist: At the Nov. 10 regular meeting, the Tomball ISD board of trustees reviewed legislative priorities for the upcoming 90th legislative session. TISD Board Secretary Michael Pratt outlined funding struggles, noting that the current basic allotment of $6,215 creates difficulties since 87% of the budget is for employees. Pratt highlighted several areas where district spending exceeds state funding:

• $1.5 million more for safety and security

• $5.3 million more for special education

• $9 million more for transportation

Also on the agenda: The board approved using 2025 bond funds for two construction contracts. Hellas Construction will oversee athletic improvements at Creekside Park and Tomball Memorial High School for $5.19 million, with a $650,000 contingency.

CFI Mechanical was awarded a $4.95 million contract for HVAC installations at three elementary schools, the maintenance shop and the carpentry shop, with a $200,000 contingency. Additionally, the board approved increasing the contract for the new Tomball Innovation Center Building #4 to $2.93 million using Bond 2021 funds.

From local churches to statewide traditions, see which organizations are collecting donations to feed Houstonians this holiday season. This list is subject to change and not comprehensive.

Participating organizations:

• Cy-Fair Helping Hands

• St. John Vianney Catholic Church

• Prince of Peace’s Thanksgiving Loaves & Fishes

• 14th Annual Fifth Ward Fall Festival & Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

• Keep US Fed Montgomery County

• City Wide Club and CW 39 Super Feast

• Operation Turkey

• Montgomery County Food Bank

• East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry