July 2026 Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on July 14, 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, and Commissioner Sneed

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.

Mayor’s Update

Mayor Stovall informed the Board that the Town's water project has officially begun. The next pre-construction meeting is scheduled for August 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The Mayor recognized Janet Parrott and town staff for their work on compliance and project coordination. On June 22, the Mayor met with Haseeb Fatmi and his legislative assistant to discuss town needs. The Mayor reported that Senator Fatmi subsequently met with the Granville County Board of Commissioners and NCDOT representatives regarding transportation and economic development issues affecting the area. A Crime Stoppers meeting was held at the new Stovall Police Station on June 30th, attendance was reported to be at least 30 people, and the event provided an opportunity to display the new facility. The Mayor continues to work on estimates for police station signage and hopes to have that information available by the next meeting. Granville County instituted its new IAR platform which rendered the Town's police radios, including both in-car and handheld units, obsolete and inoperable. The cost to replace the four radios was estimated at approximately $15,000. The Mayor contacted Jim Mangum of Wake Electric, explained the situation, and asked whether Wake Electric would consider making a donation in Alan's name. In less than 24 hours, Wake Electric and its WeCare Foundation responded affirmatively and agreed to provide the donation. The Town has since received the donation check. In recognition of this generous contribution, the donation will be formally acknowledged at the August meeting, which will be held at the police station and a plaque will be installed recognizing both Allen and Wake Electric for their support. Mayor Stovall informed the board if the Commissioners have any updates. Commissioner Barker provided an update on the county litter and recycling initiative known as "Granville Green." The program includes an online reporting platform to identify illegal dumping and litter issues for appropriate county response. Stovall received multiple informational signs promoting the initiative, which will be installed within town limits. Commissioner Barker also noted that the community litter event was scheduled for August 1, with additional information to be shared through Town Hall and social media.

Police Report

Chief Williams was absent, and there was no report for the month of June 09, 2026, to July 14, 2026.

Water Report

Commissioner Rivenbark presented the water report and stated that Oxford bills the town for 1,361,000 gallons of water and Stovall bills customers for 582,956 gallons; the difference was 778,044 gallons. There is no flushing in June, and there a lingering leak maybe a contributed to water loss. Mayor Stovall asked the board members if they wanted to give an update to the preconstruction meeting that occurred. Commissioner Barker reported that a Zoom meeting was held to address communication issues during the initial stages of the water project construction. She noted that Town officials were not notified when work began and had to contact the project engineer and contractor to obtain clarification and information regarding the work being performed. Following those discussions, a site inspection was conducted, and Town officials stated that the project was proceeding appropriately. The Town emphasized the importance of maintaining clear and consistent communication with residents throughout the project. Residents were also asked to notify the Town if construction activities result in damage to internet, cable, telephone, or other utility lines so that issues can be addressed promptly.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Commissioner Barker and seconded by Commissioner Royster to approve the June 09, 2026 minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

Old Business

Town News Letter

Mayor Stovall reported that the Board reviewed a draft newsletter covering the Water System Improvement, New Town Ordinances, and the Second Annual Stovall Harvest Festival. The Board approved the newsletter's distribution, and it will be printed on town letterhead and signed by Board members.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve the Town's letter to be sent out to the residents. Motion carried unanimously.

Vacant Commissioner Seat

Mayor Stovall announced that the application period for the vacant commissioner seat previously held by Commissioner Hughes had concluded. The position had been publicly advertised through postings at Town Hall, the post office, and online, inviting interested individuals to submit a résumé and cover letter. The Mayor asked the Town Clerk if any applications had been received. The Town Clerk reported that one application had been submitted by Ms. Vicki Reid. Board members confirmed receipt of her résumé and cover letter. As is customary, applicants were given an opportunity to address the Board. Ms. Reid then spoke in support of her candidacy, introducing herself and providing a summary of her background in public service, law enforcement, administration, and community involvement. She discussed her commitment to servant leadership, transparency, accountability, and service to the Town of Stovall. Referring to her résumé, Mayor Stovall noted that Ms. Reid had served as Chief of Police for the Town of Stovall from December 2000 through December 2009 and asked her to describe that experience and explain how she believes the police department has changed since her tenure. Ms. Reid responded by discussing changes since her time as Chief of Police, noting improvements such as the acquisition of a newer police vehicle. She recalled that during her tenure the department relied on older vehicles that frequently required repairs. She also expressed a desire to see greater police visibility through routine patrols and increased interaction with residents, stating that community members should know the officers serving the Town of Stovall. The Mayor thanked Ms. Reid for submitting her application and for addressing the Board.  Mayor Stovall informed the Board that Ms. Reid will be sworn in at the next regular meeting, scheduled for August 11.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approved Vicki Reid to fill in the Vacant Commissioner Seat previously held by Commissioner Hughes.  Motion carried unanimously.

New Business

Appointment of Planning Board Members

The board members discussed vacancies on the Planning Board resulting from term expiration, a death, and changes on the board.

Current interested individuals include:

Sabine Stovall

David Huff

Mike Williford

The applications will be accepted for two Planning Board positions and one alternate position through August 7.  Applicants must reside in town and regularly attend meetings.

Public Comment

Mayor Stovall recognized Shandria Hunt, 623 Puckett Street, who introduced herself and addressed the Board about drainage issues affecting her property. She explained that she and her husband have consulted several landscaping and grading professionals, who advised that a drainage plan or layout is needed to determine the intended flow of water in the area. According to Mrs. Hunt, stormwater from the roadway and surrounding properties collects in her yard, creating significant standing water during rain events and raising concerns about potential damage to her home's foundation. Mrs. Hunt stated that her home has been on the property for approximately four years and that the land was previously agricultural before being converted to residential use. While a drainage ditch and pipe are present on the property, she indicated that runoff appears to flow toward her yard rather than away from it. She requested assistance in obtaining any existing drainage reports, plans, or engineering information that could help determine the proper flow of stormwater and identify possible solutions. Board members asked questions about the property's grading when the home was installed and whether original site plans or blueprints were available. Mrs. Hunt explained that the home was purchased as a manufactured home and that grading work was completed primarily around the home site and driveway, but not necessarily across the entire property. She noted that a landscaping professional had suggested that runoff from neighboring properties and the roadway may be contributing to the problem. Board members discussed the importance of proper grading and drainage design during residential construction and suggested that the original installer or manufacturer may have information regarding the site's grading plan. Town officials indicated they would investigate whether any drainage records or reports exist that could provide guidance on the intended stormwater flow in the area.

Executive Session

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve going into executive session to discuss privileged or confidential information (this will be to discuss the Brightspeed claim against the town and to approval of the response letter denying liability). Motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rivenbark and seconded by Commissioner Sneed to approve going out of executive session.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to send the response letter to Brightspeed denying liability.

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Rivenbark and seconded by Commissioner Royster. Meeting adjourned unanimously.

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Jeffrey G. Stovall, Mayor                           Date

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Ummala Rowley, Town Clerk                    Date