Graham Fishburn was re-elected Mayor of Purcell while Jay Tate was elected Vice Mayor in the regular monthly meeting of the Purcell City Council at the May 8 council meeting.

The meeting was delayed from Monday night at the Community Room of the Purcell Police Service Building to Wednesday due to the prediction of severe storms May 6.

City Manager Sam Demel reported to the council ASTECH did find some asbestos in the old Purcell Municipal Hospital but so far the levels are one percent or less.

Demel reported further investigation is required to determine the level in the tile.

“If the levels remain at one percent or less it might not have to be removed,” he said.

“If it does have to be removed it is $11-$13 a sq. ft. to removed,” Demel said of the costly process.

Purcell Municipal Hospital administrators had positive news to share with the council.

Due to offering outpatient services with the addition of Dr. Amir Rumman and offering such tele-specialty services as neurology, nephrology, pulmonary and cardiology – plus maybe even dialysis – the hospital’s monetary situation is improving.

PMH CEO/CNO Chris Wright said, “After June we are not requesting any more subsidy from the city.”

The council heard departmental reports from department heads and voted in favor of Danielle Finch to join the Parks and Recreation board.

Jacob Foote addressed the council about runoff from the Arbors.

No decision was made on what to do with KQTR radio station.

However, the council approved payment of $78,249,90 to update and refurbish the city’s sirens, approved purchase of a mower for $19,273.75 and renewed the INSURICA health insurance with a 7.2 percent increase.

The council approved two police units that were declared surplus but postponed action of the 4th Avenue paving project.

In the Purcell Public Works Authority portion of the meeting the board:

• approved a solid waste resolution.
• approved a contract with CEC to the tune of $44,500 for electrical engineering on the I-35 interchange
• approved $36,956.25 for materials to repair signal lights at Third Street and Washington and Grant Avenue and Wyatt Road
• approved a $19,395.76 payment to Meyer Pump Service for a new pump for water well #5
• voted to rezone the Planned Unit Development for Freedom  Crossing to be located at I-35 and SH 59

A budget workshop meeting has been scheduled for May 30.