The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on December 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at Town Hall 107 Main Street, Stovall, North Carolina.
Mayor Williford was present and presiding.
Board Members Present
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Sneed, and Commissioner Stovall
Absent
Commissioner Lunsford
Administrator Present
Janet C. Parrott
Police Chief Present
Craig Williams
Clerk Present
Ummala Rowley
Mayor Williford called the meeting to order and started with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation
Commissioner Sneed spoke an opening prayer.
Mayor’s Update
Mayor Williford informed the board that last week McGill Associates met with our town’s Water and Sewer employees at the Town Hall, and the meeting was productive. The construction bid should start around the first of 2025. Mayor Williford expressed his hope and desire that the town has a peaceful holiday season.
Police Report
Chief Williams gave an activity report for the Police Department for the month of December 10, 2024, to January 14, 2025. The activity was as follows:
• 262 Miles of Patrol
• 3 Reports
• 15 Citations
• 4 Verbal Warnings
• 4 Written Warnings
· 0 Arrest
Commissioner Sneed informed the board that he would like the Chief or officers to patrol the park during the Christmas event.
Sale of Police Car
Mayor Williford stated that Administrator Parrott had advertised the 2003 Crown Victoria in the local newspaper. The town is accepting sealed bids, which will be opened after 5:00 p.m. on December 27, 2024.
Approval Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Stovall and seconded by Commissioner Sneed, to approve the November 12, 2024 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
Water Report
Commissioner Lunsford was absent, and therefore, no water report was available.
Old Business
Leak at the Fire Hydrant on Dale Street
Commissioner Roberts informed the board that the leak may not have been caused by the fire hydrant, but could have originated from a spring. He questioned why the issue had not been addressed. Commissioner Stovall responded by stating that the matter has been discussed over the course of the last few meetings and is documented in the minutes. He also mentioned that fellow Commissioners had met with adjoining land owners to discuss the issue. He also mentioned that a town employee had cut off the hydrant and the Town notified the fire department that it would no longer be operational until the issue had been resolved. Commissioner Stovall stated to the Board that the Town is currently working on fixing this issue.
Recreation
Commissioner Sneed reminded the board that the park will have a Christmas event on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He would like the Chief or officers to patrol the park during this time.
Debit/Credit Card Machine
Commissioner Stovall informed the board that Square requires the purchase of a Generation 10 or higher iPad, which costs $280 at Best Buy. Square will provide the stand.
Upon setup, Merchant One will supply the Town with a new DEJAVOO QD4 device at no charge. If we decide to cancel the service, we must return the device to Merchant One.
First National Bank offers a no-cost service fee program that enables the Town of Stovall to charge customers fees for payments made with debit or credit cards and electronic checks. This program includes implementation, ongoing support, and maintenance. Additionally, reports will be provided to facilitate the manual reconciliation of your FNB deposit accounts and billing software systems. We will collaborate with you to enable online payment acceptance on your website. Customers can pay their Stovall bills using Visa, MasterCard, and Discover debit or credit cards. They also have the option to pay by electronic check by entering their checking or savings account information instead of credit card details. Funds will be transferred to your First National Bank deposit accounts within two business days after settlement. Commissioner Stovall mentioned to the board that he has 3 quotes from each company. Quotes as listed:
Debit/Credit Card Options
Commissioner Stovall presented three (3) quotes from third-party providers regarding a credit/debit card machine for Town Hall to be used in payment of water/sewer bills. The three quotes were from Square, Merchant One, and First National Bank. Commissioner Stovall explained the advantages and disadvantages of the three providers. Discussion of the Board ensued.
First National Bank offers a no-cost service fee program that enables the Town of Stovall to charge customers fees for payments made with debit or credit cards and electronic checks including implementation, ongoing support, and maintenance. Additionally, reports will be provided to facilitate the manual reconciliation of deposit accounts and billing software systems. Customers can pay their Stovall bills using Visa, MasterCard, and Discover debit or credit cards. Citizens also have the option to pay by electronic check by entering their checking or savings account information instead of credit card details.
Commissioner Stovall stated that the Town also needed a policy concerning debit/credit card machine payments and that he would provide a sample at the next meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Stovall and seconded by Commissioner Roberts, to approve filling out an application with First National Bank for the card machine at this time and then bring the policy for approval at the January meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
New Business
Audit Contract
The administrator mentioned to the board that the audit had not been completed and at some point, the town would have to amend the contract between May & Place and the Town of Stovall with new dates for completion.
Public Comment
Mayor Williford recognized Miss Phylicia Barker. Miss Barker introduced herself and informed the board that she is hosting Stovall’s Roadside Farmer’s Market at Mr. Frank Timberlake's property on US Highway 15 North. She emphasized that it is a family business called Barkers Farm, where they will be selling fresh produce and vegetables.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Stovall and seconded by Commissioner Sneed. Motion carried unanimously.
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