During the July 1 Purcell City Council meeting, the council voted to postpone any discussion and possible action concerning possible de-annexation of the land annexed back in 2010.

The council also voted to postpone any adjustments to the peddlers and solicitors fee schedule, which applies most often to food trucks servicing within city limits.

The city currently charges a progressive rate for peddling/soliciting permits — $35 for three days, $100 for 30 days, $175 for 90 days and $500 for a year. Lexington currently charges $250 for an annual permit.

City Manager Sam Demel said the city waived the fee for the food trucks and street vendors who participated in June’s Art Walk.

Monthly department reports revealed tornado sirens had not been sounding regularly when tested. Emergency Management Director Rachael Huey said the issue with the tornado sirens was due to some hardware and software issues. New system upgrades had already begun so they could “correct that problem before any storms.”

Mayor Graham Fishburn also said to “pray for rain” as the city was struggling to maintain sufficient water levels.

The council also voted to approve the appointment of Mike Hamilton and Lloyd Frizell to the Purcell Rural Fire Board, replacing Tim McGowen and Ron Davis, both of whom have served two-year terms.

Upon recommendation from the Cemetery Advisory Board, the council approved up to $35,000 to construct three paved sidewalk extensions at the Hillside Cemetery Veterans Memorial. The memorial is down to its last four spaces.

In need of a new police vehicle, the council approved the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Durango to supplement the police department’s fleet. The new vehicle costs $44,752.

The council also approved nearly $24,000 to upfit various vehicle equipment.

During the Purcell Public Works Authority meeting, the council awarded a project to lay a 12-inch water line to improve the Well #17 infrastructure to Christian Construction. The council approved the use of the city’s 2019 bond proceeds to pay for the project and other improvements to the well.

The council took no action during an executive session in which they discussed the labor contract between the city and the local Fraternal Order of Police, the labor contract between the city and the local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, pending litigation and employment discussions regarding Demel and City Treasurer Victor Lohn.