CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

Mayor Debbie Cook honored one of Huntington Beach’s younger residents,

who saved the life of an infant in late February.

WHAT IT MEANS:

In presenting a commendation plaque to Christopher Rathkey, Cook said

she was impressed by the youngster’s display of heroism.

At his own 14th birthday party on Feb. 17, Rathkey noticed his infant

cousin floating in the family’s pool at their Danube Drive house.

Rathkey dove into the pool and pulled the 15-month infant, Mia Buck,

out to safety. Mia had crawled through the house’s doggie door.

Christopher’s father, who also attended the City Council meeting,

resuscitated the infant, who had turned blue. Mia is not expected to

suffer any long-term brain damage from the incident.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“We have a hero in our own backyard,” Cook said to Rathkey, as he

accepted his accolade. “It’s great that you took such quick action.”

No vote

IN FAVOR/AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council approved preliminary plans for a new senior center in

Huntington Beach. The council also hired a consultant to develop a

financial analysis of the project.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The council took an early step toward a big-ticket upgrade of the

senior facilities in the city. The city could either revamp the Rodgers

Senior’s Center or build a completely new center at another site.

With the approval, the council authorized the hiring of Pulse

Marketing, the consultant that will analyze how the new center could be

funded.

The city is paying Pulse $48,000 for the work.

At the Monday meeting, council members said a new center was

long-overdue in the city.

“I think it’s important that we move forward on this,” Councilwoman

Shirley Dettloff said. “The senior needs in this city are growing.”

But Councilwoman Connie Boardman said she wanted more answers about

how the city would pay for the new center.

The council has previously allocated $126,436 to a senior-issues fund.

That money could be tapped.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“I think we need to look at how to fund this,” Boardman said. “I’m

really skeptical about how we’re going to afford a new senior center.”

Vote: 7-0

In FAVOR / AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

Councilman Ralph Bauer resigned as “mayor pro tem,” handing the

largely ceremonious title to Councilwoman Connie Boardman.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Bauer’s move paves the way for Boardman to ascend to the mayor’s seat

next year, when the council elects a new mayor.

Boardman was first elected to the council with Mayor Debbie Cook in

November 2000. Her term expires in 2004.

The two women filled seats vacated by Tom Harman, who won a seat in

the State Assembly, and Dave Sullivan, who was termed out.

Boardman will hold the mayor pro tem title until November 2002, when

four council seats are up for grabs. The seats of council members Bauer,

Shirley Dettloff, Peter Green and Grace Winchell will all be open.

Vote: 7-0

IN FAVOR/ AGAINST

NEXT MEETING

When: May 20, 7 p.m.

Where: Council Chamber of City Hall, 2000 Main St.