At its regular monthly meeting last Thursday at the Community Room of the Police Service Building, Purcell’s City Council was told the StreetScape project remains on schedule to be wrapped up by mid-November.

Planning is currently underway for landscaping of the project. Upkeep of the landscaping will be handled by Parks and Street Department personnel.

The council voted to ban the use of tobacco and vaping on city owned or leased properties and vehicles.

The board approved a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to learn more about domestic violence and to show support for the numerous organizations and individuals who are providing advocacy efforts, services and assistance to victims.

Council members gave the green light to rezone the old hospital property at 1500 N. Green Avenue from R-2 to C-2.

The board also:

• approved a new hydraulic swivel for Ladder 21 in the sum of $34,813.37.

• approved the white vinyl fencing be deemed surplus and a new metal fence to be installed at Hillside Cemetery.

• approved a budget of $10,000 for recruiting expenses.

• approved Adam Demorest to replace Matt Simon on the Parks & Recreation Board.

• approved the purchase of a 2024 4WD Crew Cab 3/4 ton Silverado from Carter Chevrolet for the low bid of $51,590.

• approved calling for the annual city election to be February 13, 2024.

• approved to declare bricks removed from Main Street during the StreetScape project to be surplus.

During his treasurer’s report Victor Lohn told the council sales tax through August is up 7.71 percent over last year and up 7.99 percent over budget.

The use tax and tobacco tax are also both above budget.

Lohn said electricity and water both had positive variances and that both the general fund and the Purcell Public Works Authority (PPWA) expenses were below revenues.

In the PPWA portion of the meeting the board voted to approve the city manager or Mayor to execute the residential subdivision reimbursement agreement with Rausch Coleman concerning Southbrook Addition phase 1.

Final approval must come from the city manager and city attorney.

Board members approved establishing policies and fee schedules related to increasing new user impact fees and sewer tap fees.

They also approved a budget of $10,000 for recruiting expenses.