BATH

The City Council has called a special election to fill the vacancy in Ward 7 left by the recent death of Ruthe Pagurko.

Meeting for the first time since Pagurko’s death last Friday, the council called for the Nov. 6 special election according to city charter.

There’s a short window of opportunity for anyone who wishes to fill the remaining year on her term. Nomination papers are available beginning today, and must be returned by noon on Oct. 15.

Pagurko had served on the City Council for seven years.

Prior to the vote on the special election, Jamie White and Jennifer Becze — Pagurko’s daughters — watched from the back of the council chambers as Chairman David Sinclair called for a moment of silence following the Pledge of Allegiance.

“As we’re all aware,” Sinclair said, “the city and this council lost one of their own last week. She was a friend and a trusted colleague.”

The Rev. Steve Rowe, Pagurko’s pastor at the First Baptist Church, also spoke.

Councilors then took turns reading parts of a proclamation written in Pagurko’s honor, which will become a permanent recognition. Sinclair proclaimed Bath “as a city in mourning, and that her light will continue to shine in the city.”

In other business, the council unanimously approved an order to apply for a Land & Water Conservation Fund grant for the Bath Recreation Department.

Recreation Director Steve Balboni said the grant would help pay for installation of synthetic turf at the MacMahon Field tennis court and track-and-field area. Balboni said the department has raised $400,000 through private donations and is hop- ing for a federal grant of up to $200,000.

In response to Councilor Steve Brackett, Balboni said workers would tear out the natural grass and replace it with turf, which he said has a life expectancy of 15 to 18 years.

Councilor Meadow Merrill inquired if receiving the money would constitute implicit support of the project. City Manager William Giroux explained that the council endorsed the project when about $230,000 had been raised. But the plan would go back to councilors for a final approval, Giroux said.

Giroux referred further comment to city solicitor Roger Therriault.

“The goal was not to fund it, but endorse it,” Therriault said. “It’s city-owned, so the city still can go up or down on it.”

Balboni said the application is lengthy, and due in mid-November.

Merrill asked Balboni if the project actually would preserve water, and benefit the environment.

“It’s preserving outdoor space, and outdoor recreational opportunities,” Balboni responded.

Councilor Kyle Rogers asked Balboni what would happen to the project if the federal government came up with only part of the $200,000.

“We would have to re-evaluate,” Balboni said. “We would continue fundraising.”

A Walk-A-Thon for just that purpose is scheduled for Oct. 14.

lgrard@timesrecord.com