ROCKWELL — The Rockwell Board of Aldermen remembered one of its own at its meeting Sept. 11.

Mayor Beau Taylor began the meeting with a tribute to Alderman Charles “Chuck” Wingerson, who passed away on Sept. 4.

“I open this meeting tonight with a saddened heart,” Taylor said. “This is the first meeting after the passing of Alderman Chuck Wingerson. Chuck was a loyal servant of the town and for many years. He will be greatly missed. The community has surely lost a precious soul.”

On the agenda for the meeting was a public hearing on changes to the town’s zoning ordinance.

Town Zoning Administrator Shelley Williamson reported that the ordinance had not been updated since 1995. The Planning Board spent a great part of the winter and spring going over the ordinance to modernize it.

The plan, Williamson said, was to better align Rockwell with Rowan County standards. Care was taken to protect existing single-family structures and manufactured and mobile homes.

“Single-family houses that are already existing as of the date may continue … in use,” said Williamson.  “The idea was to lessen the impact for people who want to keep continuing to live where they were.”

The owners of homes that are grandfathered into the new zoning policies may also seek relief in meeting some of the standards in the event of damage.

The board unanimously approved six text changes in the zoning ordinance after closing the public hearing.

New business and committee reports followed, including Rockwell Civitan Club President-elect Greg Pine seeking ideas for future Civitan projects.

The Public Works Department reported an excess of mulch available free for town residents.

The board accepted a bid for road patchwork.

Police Chief Hugh Bost announced that Ron Canup will be the new sergeant on the C/D rotation. He will begin working as such when his vacated patrol position is filled. The position is being advertised to part-time and reserve officers, with a deadline of Sept. 30 to apply.

The Board of Aldermen meets the second Monday of each month at Town Hall, 202 E. Main St.