September 2026 Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Stovall 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

Absent

Commissioner Reid

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.

Mayor’s Update

Mayor Stovall reported to the Board that work on the water project continues to progress. Crews working along Highway 15 South are expected to continue advancing toward town over the coming weeks.  Additional work has begun on Lewis Street, while the Main Street crew will continue its work toward Town Hall.  The Mayor noted that project staff is working diligently to meet all compliance requirements and thanked everyone involved for their efforts.  Residents were asked to remain patient as construction continues, particularly when unforeseen weather conditions affect scheduling.  Mayor Stovall also thanked residents for keeping town officials informed about project-related concerns.  Mayor Stovall informed the Board of several upcoming community events.  The Town of Stovall will have a booth at the Hot Sauce Festival this weekend in Oxford.  The booth will be located on College Street across from First National Bank.  Volunteers will staff the booth and provide information about the Town of Stovall.   Residents with historical items, artifacts, or promotional materials they would like displayed are encouraged to contact Mayor Stovall.  The Mayor also announced that the Harvest Festival will be held on October 3, 2026. The event will feature food trucks, live entertainment, historical reenactments, children's activities, contests, and other community events.  The Cycle NC event is scheduled for October 6, 2026. Hundreds of cyclists are expected to visit Stovall as part of the statewide ride.  Mayor Stovall asked Board members if they had any updates to report.  Commissioner Barker reported that she attended a Granville Green meeting and learned that information regarding the county's litter-reporting website is now available to the public. She stated that coordination efforts are underway with county law enforcement to address litter enforcement procedures.  Commissioner Barker also encouraged community members to volunteer for a cleanup committee being organized through Granville Green. Additionally, she reported that she plans to coordinate with NCDOT to obtain materials and supplies needed for litter collection activities within the community. She expressed support for continued community involvement in litter prevention and beautification efforts throughout the Town of Stovall.

Mayor’s Coin

Mayor Stovall also announced that presentation of the Mayor's Coin would be postponed until the next meeting so all recipients could be present.

Police Reports

Chief Williams gave an activity report for the Stovall Police Department for the month from August 11, 2026, to September 8, 2026.

Activity was as follows:

·         371 Miles of Patrol

·         4 Reports

·         10 Warnings

·         3 Citations

·         2 Larcenies at Dollar General

·         Drug complaint

Chief Williams informed the Board that the Granville County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic checkpoint in Stovall the previous day.  The checkpoint lasted about 1.5 hours, during which several citations were issued for driving with a revoked license.  Chief Williams also reminded the Board that the Crime Stoppers Banquet will be held on October 27 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Water Reports

Commissioner Rivenbark presented the water report and stated that Oxford bills 1,303,000 gallons of water, and Stovall bills customers 959,660 gallons.  In August, the Town conducted system flushing, which used 253,600 gallons of water.  Commissioner Rivenbark also reported a major water main break on August 26 along Highway 15, resulting in significant water loss.  An additional water line break occurred on the day of the meeting, but the Town's maintenance staff responded quickly and repaired the issue. The Board expressed appreciation to Glenn and Tammy Hughes for lending the Town their track-hoe while the Town's equipment remains out of service.  Officials noted that their assistance was instrumental in completing the emergency repair work and helped the Town avoid additional expenses.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve the minutes of August 11, 2026.  Motion carried unanimously.

Stovall Fun Day

Commissioner Barker informed the board that Stovall Fun Day will be held on October 24.  The event will be coordinated with Stovall Methodist Church's Fall Festival and expanded to include additional churches, vendors, and activities.  Commissioner Barker mentioned that an NCDOT street closure permit will be required to use Main Street.  Mayor Stovall and Commissioner Royster informed that Stovall Fun Day must have NCDOT approval, Insurance coverage, police protection, and any required health department approvals.

A motion was made by Commissioner Barker and seconded by Commissioner Royster to approve the forthcoming resolution needed for the NCDOT closure request and the DOT closure resolution.  Motion carried unanimously.

Park Closure for Cycle NC

Commissioner Royster informed the Board that Stovall Park will serve as an official rest stop for Cycle NC riders on Tuesday, October 6. Riders are expected to arrive intermittently between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with an estimated 700 to 800 cyclists visiting the park throughout the day. To ensure the event runs safely and efficiently, police coverage will be provided, and volunteers will be needed to assist with event activities.  Commissioner Royster also reported that Oxford Old Fashioned Ice Cream is expected to be on site to provide refreshments for participants.  Due to the event, the park will be temporarily closed to the public and will reopen after the event concludes and cleanup is complete.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve closing Stovall Park to the public on October 6 during the event and reopening after cleanup.  Motion carried unanimously.

Quote from Lewis Electric for Electrical Work in the Attic

Administrator Parrott informed the board that unsafe electrical conditions and exposed wiring exist in the attic. Lewis Electric provided an estimate of approximately $635 to $685 to correct the issues and bring the conditions up to safety standards.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve and authorize repairs pending distribution of photographs and estimate details to the board.

Insurance Agreements NC League of Municipalities

Mayor Stovall informed the board that following the town's switch to NC League of Municipalities insurance coverage, two agreements required approval as listed:

·         Risk financing fund membership resolution

·         Inter local agreement for self-insurance pooling

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve and authorize Mayor Stovall to sign both agreements.

Traffic Control Equipment Purchase

Commissioner Barker informed the board of plans to purchase traffic-control equipment to improve safety during roadwork on roads. The proposed purchase includes barricades, warning devices, and related equipment, with an estimated cost of approximately $4,765 (not to exceed $5,000), plus additional safety items.  Commissioner Barker informed the board that she hopes Powell Bill funds may be used for this purchase.

A motion was made by Commissioner Barker and seconded by Commissioner Royster to approve the purchase, contingent on confirmation that Powell Bill funds may be used for the purchase.  Motion carried unanimously.

Temporary Clerk

Mayor Stovall informed the board that, due to the town clerk's anticipated medical absence, the board discussed hiring Janet Claiborne temporarily to cover the Water billing, Meter reading data entry, Customer service, and Office support.

A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve to hire Janet Claiborne at $15 per hour, up to 25 hours per week and additional hours if emergency circumstances existed, during the clerk's absence. 

Commissioner Shirts

Commissioner Barker reported that she is obtaining quotes for embroidered shirts for commissioners and staff and will present pricing at a future meeting.

Public Comment

Mayor Stovall recognized Joshua Hunter, 623 Puckett Street, who addressed the Board regarding drainage and flooding issues affecting his property, the lack of follow-up on a complaint submitted in August, street maintenance concerns including drainage ditches and roadway conditions, school bus access on Puckett Street, and concerns regarding employee work practices and use of town time.  Mayor Stovall responded that the drainage issue is currently being reviewed by the board and noted that school bus routing decisions are made by the school system rather than the Town.  He also reminded attendees that the public comment period is intended for citizens to address the Board and is not meant to be a question-and-answer session.

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