At its June 8 regular and budget workshop meeting, the Willis ISD board of trustees reviewed a five-year timeline plan from the Willis ISD long-range planning committee, as well as the latest update to the district's budget from Willis ISD Chief Financial Officer Garrett Matej.

Sorting out details: The planning committee had been organizing the timeline since their first meeting Jan. 22. According to the district’s website, the purpose of the committee is to “guide facility, budget and program decisions that support the district’s long-term vision.”

The long-range planning committee timeline was presented to the board by the committee spokesperson, James Miller. Miller said that the committee focused on multiple district needs throughout its eight district meetings. These needs included technology, transportation, facilities assessments and fine arts. 

The breakdown: The committee has recommended that the district use the fund balance and future bonds to finance 10 projects. The projects were selected based on needs and the length of completion within a five-year timeline.

Conroe City Council backed a regional groundwater proposal that could nearly double the amount of groundwater available for pumping in Montgomery County, and during the same July 9 meeting, council delayed a $300,000 holiday lighting agreement.

The details: Council voted 3-2 to approve a resolution supporting the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District’s proposed desired future conditions, with council members David Hairel and Shana Arthur voting against the measure.

Desired future conditions are long-term goals used to guide groundwater planning. The proposed conditions would increase Montgomery County’s modeled available groundwater from 97,000 acre-feet to approximately 199,000 acre-feet annually while keeping the existing standard to retain a median 70% available drawdown remaining through 2080. 

The resolution does not change groundwater pumping limits on its own. Instead, it signals Conroe’s support as Groundwater Management Area 14 considers adopting the proposed conditions, according to documents. 

Also of note: Council also postponed a proposed $300,000 agreement renewal with Southern Lighting for the Candy Cane Park Drive-Thru Christmas Celebration. The motion to defer passed with no opposing votes.

Officials with Common Bond celebrated a June 29 opening of their new location at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, according to a June 29 news release.

The details: The new Common Bond location combines the brand's to-go concept with its bistro and bakery options to offer both on-the-go and dine-in options, per the release.

Items on the eatery's menu include:

• Sandwiches
• Pastries
• Salads
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Drip coffee and lattes
• Iced refreshers and energy drinks

• Opened June 29
• 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston

United Airlines will offer year-round nonstop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Cartagena, Colombia, beginning Dec. 17, Houston Airport System officials announced via a June 30 news release.

The big picture: With service already available to Bogota and Medellin, Cartagena marks the third destination in Colombia from Houston. Per the release, the new service further strengthens Houston's role as a leading gateway to Latin America.

Quote of note: "Colombia has been an important part of United's Latin America network for more than 30 years, and our new service to Cartagena reflects our continued investment in the country and commitment to offering customers new and distinct travel experiences," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of Network Planning and Global Alliances for United Airlines, in a statement.

Check it out: Beginning Dec. 17, United will offer four weekly flights during the winter season between IAH and Cartagena, and tickets are now available.