August 2026 Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Stovall Police Department, 318 US Hwy 15 S, Stovall, North Carolina.

Mayor Jeffrey G. Stovall present and presiding.

Board Members

Commissioner Barker, Commissioner Rivenbark, Commissioner Royster, Commissioner Sneed

Administrator Present

Janet C. Parrott

Clerk Present

Ummala Rowley

Police Chief Present

Craig Williams

Mayor Stovall called the meeting to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Invocation

Commissioner Sneed spoke an opening prayer.

Donation from Wake Electric in the name of Allen Nelson

Mayor Stovall delivered a speech expressing his appreciation to Wake Electric and the WeCare Foundation for honoring Allen Nelson and for their generous donation to the Stovall Police Department.

Mayor Stovall then recognized Chief Williams and invited him to share remarks regarding Allen Nelson and Wake Electric. Chief Williams acknowledged the significance of the donation to the Stovall Police Department and expressed gratitude for the partnership and generosity demonstrated by Wake Electric and the WeCare Foundation. Commissioner Baker, Commissioner Sneed, and County Commissioner Jay recognized the positive impact of community partnerships and emphasized the importance of honoring Allen Nelson, whose life and service made a lasting difference in the community. Special recognition was given to Allen Nelson for his dedication, service, integrity, and commitment to helping others. The Board reflected on the values he represented and the lasting influence he had on the Town of Stovall and its residents. It was announced that a commemorative plaque would be permanently displayed in the Stovall Police Department lobby in honor of Allen Nelson and in recognition of all he stood for. The plaque will serve as a lasting reminder of his legacy and the importance of community service, compassion, and dedication. The Board extended its sincere appreciation to Wake Electric and the WeCare Foundation for their generosity and continued support of the Town of Stovall and its Police Department. The recognition ceremony concluded with the unveiling and dedication of the commemorative plaque honoring Allen Nelson.

Swearing-in of Vicki Reid

Mayor Stovall recognized Town Clerk Ummala Rowley, who swore in Vicki Reid to fill a new commissioner vacancy, and she congratulated her.

Mayor’s Update

Mayor Stovall informed the Board that the water project continues to move forward, and additional information on the project's recent progress will be provided later in the meeting. Mayor Stovall announced that the next construction meeting for the water project is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, at 1:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Mayor Stovall also advised the Board that the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments will hold its annual banquet and awards ceremony on September 24 at 6:30 p.m. Board members interested in attending were asked to notify the mayor. Mayor Stovall informed the Board that the Town’s Employee Appreciation Lunch will be held on Friday at 12:00 p.m. Employees planning to attend should notify the Chief Williams. He also noted that Sheriff Fountain will host a listening session at the Senior Center in Stovall on Wednesday, August 19, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., providing residents with an opportunity to share concerns and feedback.

Mayor’s Coin

Mayor Stovall reported that Lori Sharp and Deborah Bullock of the Stovall Branch Library could not attend the meeting, and he announced that both individuals had been selected to receive the Mayor's Coin in recognition of their exceptional service and longstanding contributions to the Town of Stovall and the surrounding community. The Mayor highlighted the recipients' efforts to transform the library into a welcoming community gathering place where residents can connect, share information, and participate in local activities. Mayor Stovall stated that Lori Sharp and Deborah Bullock exemplify

dedication, service, and community leadership, and that the Mayor's Coin serves as a token of the Town's appreciation for the lasting positive impact they have made on the Stovall community.

Police Reports

Chief Williams gave an activity report for the Stovall Police Department for the month from July 14, 2026, to August 11, 2026.

Activity was as follows:

· 460 Miles of Patrol

· 6 Reports

· 2 Assaults

· 2 Complaints

Chief Williams informed the board that the department investigated and addressed two assault-related cases, a drug case involving a juvenile, and two nuisance complaints. He stated that he paired up with the Granville County Sheriff's Office, the department conducted a traffic checkpoint on the 29th. The operation resulted in at least one drug-related charge and several driving violations. He noted that similar enforcement efforts are planned for the future. Chief Williams announced that he had been selected to receive a law enforcement recognition award at an upcoming Crime Stoppers banquet on October 27. The town officials expressed their congratulations and indicated that the Town would purchase a table for the event, consistent with past practice. The Board thanked Chief Williams for his continued service and recognized the Police Department's active month of enforcement and community safety efforts.

Water Reports

Commissioner Rivernbark presented the water report and stated that Oxford bills the town for 1,194,000 gallons of water and Stovall bills customers for 649,244 gallons of water, with a difference of 544,756 gallons. Commissioner Rivernbark mentioned that there is no flushing for July; they are still under construction, and there has been no water breaks since they have been installing the water lines.

Approval Minutes

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve the July 14, 2026 minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.

Old Business

Planning Committee Appointments

Commissioner Royster reported that, as of the close of business on August 7, three individuals had expressed interest in serving on the Planning Board: Sabine Stovall, David Huff, and Mike Williford. Commissioner Rivenbark confirmed that David Huff had withdrawn from consideration; Commissioner Royster recommended reappointing Sabine Stovall and appointing Mike Williford to the Planning Board. The Board advised that one alternate position would remain vacant and open to interested applicants. The appointments would be for three-year terms beginning in September 2026 and ending in September 2029. Mayor Stovall congratulated Mike Williford on his appointment and thanked all volunteers who serve the Town. The Mayor noted the Planning Board's important role in reviewing zoning and development matters, conducting investigations, and recommending actions to the Board of Commissioners. Mayor Stovall also said the Planning Board would receive future assignments and planning matters for consideration.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve the reappointment of Sabine Stovall and Mike Williford to the Planning Board.  Motion carried unanimously.

Update on Park Maintenance

Commissioner Sneed provided an update on maintenance needs at the town park. Commissioner Sneed reported speaking with the appropriate parties about available budget funds and confirmed receipt of a maintenance quote from Herbert Ramsey. Commissioner Sneed noted that Mayor Stovall and Commissioner Sneed met with Mr. Ramsey on-site to review the required work. Mr. Ramsey originally installed the park pathway and is familiar with the park's layout, construction requirements, and ongoing maintenance needs. The Board indicated its support for proceeding with the recommended maintenance work and engaging Ramsey to complete the project.

Granville Green Update

Commissioner Barker provided an update on the Town's participation in the Granville Green litter prevention and beautification initiative. Commissioner Barker reported that litter awareness signs have been installed, including signage at the local school and three signs within the Town of Stovall. She also shared that she and Mayor Stovall held their first official meeting regarding the program to determine the best approach for supporting cleanup efforts throughout the community. The Mayor participated by documenting problem areas, taking photographs, and assisting with litter cleanup activities. Commissioner Barker stated that feedback from the Granville Green organization had been very positive. Representatives expressed appreciation for the town's cleanup efforts and the photographs submitted documenting progress. She noted that Stovall is currently one of the municipalities actively participating in the program and helping reduce litter throughout the northern portion of Granville County. Commissioner Barker explained that discussions have taken place about organizing cleanup efforts by designated sections of the county. While Granville Green is not currently dividing the county into separate service areas, local volunteers may focus on specific sections of town. Residents interested in serving on a community litter committee were encouraged to notify Town Hall so it could schedule organized cleanup activities. She also advised that Granville Green have funding available to assist with certain projects and supplies, provided the municipality demonstrates active participation in the program. The Board was informed that a community cleanup day is being planned, during which volunteers would be assigned sections of town to collect litter and improve public spaces. Commissioner Barker also shared information on reporting large discarded items, such as furniture, mattresses, or other bulky debris. Residents who encounter such items may contact 911 to start the removal process through the appropriate channels. Mayor Stovall thanked Commissioner Barker for her leadership and continued involvement with the Granville Green program, and expressed appreciation for her efforts to improve the Town's appearance and cleanliness.

Town Census

Mayor Stovall discussed recent concerns about the Town's population count and emphasized the need to ensure all residents are properly included in census data used for funding allocations. He noted that the current reported population of approximately 390 residents does not accurately reflect the number of people living in the Town and indicated that at least two streets may have been omitted from the census count. As a result, the Town may be receiving less funding than it is entitled to. The Board was informed that additional information would be provided to Janet Parrott, Town Administrator, on the procedures needed to verify the Town's actual population. Mayor Stovall advised that a door-to-door count may be necessary to ensure all residents are accounted for and encouraged citizens to cooperate with volunteers or officials conducting the survey. He said an accurate count is critical because population figures directly affect the funding and resources available to the Town. Commissioner Royster considered alternative methods for gathering household information. The suggestion was to include a notice or sticker with monthly water bills asking residents to report the number of individuals in their household. The Town could then compile and analyze responses, allowing it to focus door-to-door efforts only on households that did not respond. Board members agreed this approach could improve efficiency while helping verify the community's population count. Commissioner Royster concluded that additional guidance would be needed before moving forward and agreed to revisit the matter at the next meeting after receiving further direction from census officials. Mayor Stovall thanked Administrator Parrott for her work on the issue and reiterated the importance of achieving an accurate population count for the benefit of the Town and its residents.

Civic Committee Update

Mayor Stovall provided an update on plans for the 2026 Harvest Festival, which will be held in downtown Stovall on October 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He noted that the Civic Committee has been meeting regularly since February and that preparations are progressing well. The next Civic Committee meeting is scheduled for the following Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Mayor Stovall said the Harvest Festival will feature a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a DJ, food trucks, vendors, children's games, a scavenger hunt with prizes, a bounce house, live entertainment, a Stovall car cruise-in, a pumpkin carving contest, a Stovall history exhibit, a children's costume contest, a corn-hole tournament, a 50/50 raffle, and the sale of Stovall-themed apparel. Mayor Stovall emphasized that admission to the event will be free. Commissioner Royster discussed bringing back the popular "Pie in the Face" fundraising event. Commissioner Royster noted that the activity was one of the most successful fundraisers at last year's festival because of its low expenses and strong public participation. The fundraiser raises money through donations and by auctioning the opportunity to throw a pie at participating community leaders. The participants already committed for this year's event include Mayor Stovall, Sheriff Fountain, Chief Williams, Ben Causey, Assistant Fire Chief, and the event organizer. Commissioner Royster recognized Commissioner Sneed as the longest-serving commissioner, and he agreed to participate as a pie recipient. Board members thanked Commissioner Sneed for being a good

sport and supporting the fundraiser, noting that the event helps generate revenue that allows the Town to continue offering free community events throughout the year.

Construction DOT Appointments

Commissioner Barker reported that she is obtaining at least three competitive quotes for DOT-required testing services for the Town’s paving project. Several firms requested clarification on the scope of testing and inspection services. Commissioner Royster discussed limiting testing to DOT-required inspections prior to final paving to help control costs, as testing services are not included in the project budget. Commissioner Barker has received responses from two firms and will continue gathering information and refining project specifications before presenting recommendations to the Board.

Police Department Refrigerator

Commissioner Royster presented a request to the Board to purchase and install a refrigerator for the new police station. She explained that a refrigerator would be a modest one-time expense that would improve working conditions for officers and demonstrate the Town's appreciation for their service. Commissioner Royster emphasized that the request was not for an extravagant benefit but a basic workplace amenity that supports officer readiness, availability, and professionalism while on duty. During the discussion, Mike Williford announced that he was willing to donate a refrigerator to the Stovall Police Department, eliminating the need for the Town to purchase one. Board members expressed their appreciation for both Commissioner Royster's thoughtful proposal and Mr. Williford's generous offer. The Board agreed that providing a refrigerator would be a meaningful investment in the Police Department's comfort and well-being and thanked Mr. Williford for his willingness to support the officers in this manner.

Update Town Hall Phone System

Commissioner Royster reported that the Town's aging analog phone system continues to pose communication challenges, including poor call quality and reliance on staff cell phones. She presented a Spectrum Business proposal to upgrade the system to a modern VoIP platform, with better internet service, updated phone equipment, improved network infrastructure, and greater reliability. The proposal includes a one-time installation cost of approximately $1,178 and monthly service costs of $350 to $365, depending on the contract term. Commissioner Royster noted that the upgrade would improve customer service, office efficiency, and system reliability, and thanked the Town Clerk for coordinating the proposal.

Proposal Breakdown:

Cost Type	Current System	Proposed System 3-year term	Proposed System 5-year Term
Internet & Wifi	Coax Small Business	500 Mbps Enterprise Internet	500 Mbps Enterprise Internet
Phone Lines	3 Analog Business Lines	3 RingCentral Unified VolP Lic.	3 RingCentral Unified VolP Lic.
Hardware Included	Outdated Analog Hardware	1 Cisco Meraki MX68 Firewall 1 MS130-8P Switch 4 Cisco Meraki MR28 Wifi Access Points	1 Cisco Meraki MX68 Firewall 1 MS130-8P Switch 4 Cisco Meraki MR28 Wifi Access Points
Monthly Recurring	$290.00	$365.00	$350.00
One-Time Install Fee	N/A	$800.00	$800.00
On-Time Phone Buy	N/A	$378.00 (3x YeaLink T34W Handsets)	$378.00 (3x YeaLink T34W Handsets)
Total One-Time Fees	$0.00	$1,178.00	$1,178.00

Note: Taxes and applicable fees are not included in the base quote but will be calculated on the standard invoice.

Stovall Fun Day

Commissioner Barker reported that community members and local organizations, including Unity in the Community and Northern Granville Recreation Committee, expressed interest in holding a Stovall Fun Day and proposed September 19 as the event date. She stated that the goal was to promote community unity and engagement. Mayor Stovall and Commissioner Royster supported the event but raised concerns that the proposed date was only two weeks before the Stovall's Harvest Festival, which could split attendance and affect both events. Mayor Stovall and Commissioner Royster discussed the benefits of collaboration among community organizations and the possibility of combining efforts for future events. Mayor Stovall advised that any organization seeking to host an event on Town property must obtain necessary approvals, including NCDOT street closure permits, liability insurance, police protection, and any required health department permits.

Public Comment

Mayor Stovall recognized William Wilson of 103 School Street, who introduced himself and raised concerns about ongoing activity at a property across from his home. He reported people coming and going late at night, frequent disturbances and arguments, and possible illegal activity. He also said his security camera captured concerning behavior, including individuals relieving themselves on the property. Mr. Wilson noted that the property is near children and that one individual is a registered sex offender. He asked the town to enforce existing ordinances and address the situation. Mayor Stovall and the board acknowledged his concerns and hoped action could be taken.

Mayor Stovall recognized Tonya Sneed, who spoke about the proposed Stovall Fun Day event and the earlier discussion of scheduling conflicts with the Harvest Festival. She explained that "Unity in the Community" is a collaboration of local churches that organizes free community events funded by participating churches. Miss. Sneed stated that food, activities, and admission are provided at no cost to the public. She noted that participating churches could secure insurance and other required event items as needed. She also invited town officials and civic committee members to attend the organization's upcoming meeting to discuss coordination and possible changes to event scheduling. Miss. Sneed emphasized the group's goal of providing positive community events and bringing residents together.

Executive Session

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve going into executive session to discuss Potential Litigation. Motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sneed and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve going out of executive session. Motion carried unanimously. No action was taken during Executive Session.

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark. Motion carried unanimously.

The special meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on August 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 107 Main Street, Stovall, North Carolina.

Mayor Jeffrey G. Stovall present and presiding.

Board Members

Commissioner Barker, Commissioner Rivenbark, Commissioner Royster, Commissioner Sneed

Board Member Absent

Commissioner Reid

Administrator Present

Janet C. Parrott

Clerk Present

Ummala Rowley

Police Chief Absent

Craig Williams

Mayor Stovall called the meeting to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Invocation

Commissioner Sneed spoke an opening prayer.

New Business

Insurance Evaluation/Railroad Pros Permit

Mayor Stovall informed the board of the insurance requirements for the railroad permits associated with the Water System Improvement Project. He noted that neither an insurance specialist nor representatives from McGill Associates were present and said he would provide the best available overview. Mayor Stovall advised that the project requires three separate railroad permits: two crossing permits (Main Street and Lewis Street) and one parallel construction permit. The documentation showed that RailPros submitted a proposed agreement in March 2026, which included a $700 coordination fee and a $1,900 risk management fee. The Town has paid both fees for the Main Street crossing permit. He explained that the $1,900 risk management fee provides Railroad Protective Liability Insurance required by the railroad. Without paying this fee, the Town would need to obtain approximately $6 million in insurance coverage on its own. The discussion then continued on the railroad’s insurance requirements and permitting process.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve terminating the Town's insurance coverage with Farm Bureau and obtaining insurance coverage through the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

The motion was amended by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to provide that, upon verification by the Finance Officer that her bond coverage complies with statutory requirements, and if additional bonding is needed, the Town would also obtain that coverage through the League of Municipalities. Motion carried unanimously.

GFL Rating Increase

Mayor Stovall informed them that the Town reviewed the GFL Environmental annual Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based rate adjustment, which increased the Town's cost for residential solid waste collection from $18.48 to $19.35 per cart. To cover the increased service cost and maintain the Town's administrative fee, the Board approved increasing the residential garbage collection rate to $20.10 per month for the first cart and $14.51 per month for each additional cart. The rate adjustment will take effect immediately.

Rates to increase as follows:

•             0.87 per roll cart, from $19.23 to $20.10

•             0.65 cents per 2+ roll carts, from $13.86 to $14.51.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Sneed to approve increasing the residential garbage collection rate to $20.10 for the first cart and $14.51 for each additional cart in response to GFL's CPI-based rate increase. Motion carried unanimously.

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Sneed. Motion carried unanimously.