ROCKINGHAM — Four council members were sworn in during Rockingham’s December meeting, including Mayor John Hutchinson, council members Denise Sullivan and Debbie Wrenn, and newly elected councilman Greg Leberth, who is filling the seat previously held by Gene Willard.
Council members also voted to re-elect Sullivan as mayor pro tem. She has held the position since 2021. Sullivan was additionally elected to continue serving as Rockingham’s representative on the Lumber River Council of Governments, with Leberth appointed as the alternate delegate.
“Denise Sullivan has served faithfully in that role – has been recognized for outstanding service in that role,” Hutchinson said.
“She’s done an awesome job. Let’s let her keep at it ‘cause she’s been recognized for outstanding work,” councilman Bennett Deane added.
Deane was appointed to continue serving as the city’s representative on the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority Board, a role he has held for the past two years.
Council members also reappointed Herman Brady of the Brough Law Firm as city attorney. Sabrinia McDonald was reappointed as city clerk, and Kim Williams as deputy clerk.
During the meeting, Deane shared concerns he has received from residents regarding loud vehicles in the community.
“I’ve personally been woken up many times. It seems like it may be a particular vehicle.”
Police Chief George Gillenwater said the individual vehicle has drawn the attention of the Rockingham Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol.
“That’s not to say there aren’t other trucks out there that are loud… this one in particular has been cited a number of times now for various reasons and refuses to get the matter fixed. We’re trying to do what we can within the law,” Gillenwater said. “We are aware of it and we’re doing everything to address it.”
Deane emphasized the impact the vehicle has had on residents, saying the truck is “extremely disruptive to neighborhoods… andit’s terrorizing our community.”
Gillenwater noted the city could consider a response that would be “very aggressive,” though he was unsure whether the situation had reached that point.
“It’s there,” Deane said, followed by Holly Howe.
“It’s not like it just goes by during the day… It’s usually 10:30, 12 o’clock at night and it’s very common,” Deane said.
Gillenwater said complaints from neighbors and the broader community have been received over the past couple of months.
“We’re doing everything we can and exploring every option we have,” Gillenwater said.