James Bolling

Purcell has a new Chief of Police.

Purcell City Manager Bobby Elmore announced to the city council at Monday’s regular monthly meeting that he has appointed James Bolling as the new chief.

Bolling has been serving as assistant chief.

Elmore officially retired as chief October 1 and moved up from interim city manager to city manager.

Elmore said it has been his great honor over the past 26 years to serve along side so many great men and women on the Purcell force.

“I know James will lead with professionalism and integrity,” Elmore said.

Also in his report, Elmore said over 4,000 people attended the third annual Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival.

Elmore praised the efforts of Serena Melton and Elisabeth Baker for their work, along with all departments of the city, who chipped in where ever help was needed.

“We had assistance from Wadley’s EMS, McClain County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Lexington,” Elmore said.

Plus, Purcell Municipal Hospital developed a strategic plan just in case a need arose.

Overall, the entire event was dubbed a complete success despite persistent drizzle and sprinkles during the day.

Elmore reported bids will be opened October 15 for the stair project on Red Hill. Removal of cedar trees will begin in January on Red Hill to create a fire break from the Conger Field press box and to create better viewing of the football field from the hill.

Elmore also addressed the possibility of a crossing for students at the high school and junior high.

He has reached out to ODOT to seek financial assistance for the project.

“If we don’t get a grant there’s just nothing we can do without dedicating a whole lot of money to it,” Elmore told the council.

He also reported the tennis courts have been resurfaced along with new nets and that bids are going out to replace fencing.

Purcell Municipal Hospital is in the process of establishing a trust. The council appointed Danny Jacobs, David Shirley and Steve Sherman as the initial trustees for the trust.

Assistant Public Works Director Marco Castillo reported installation of Christmas lighting at the city lake has started and that the north part of the lake road would be closed starting October 13 for the decorating process.

Council members Bobby Bruehl, Jay Tate, Adam Demorest and Greg Wheat approved the final plat for the Arbors Addition Phase 1 and rezoned property west of Purcell on SH 74 from agricultural/residential to commercial/office so McClain County can construct a new office for the county election board.

The board also approved final payment and delivery method of a truck for the rural fire department.

In the public works portion of the meeting, trustees voted to extend the deadline to developers for subdivision rebates.