Council approves TEFRA bond for hospital expansion, CDBG consolidated plan and Auto Plaza BID assessment

The West Covina City Council on July 15 approved several items by formal vote: authorization for a tax‑exempt bond hearing tied to a hospital expansion, adoption of the city’s five‑year Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan (program year 2025–2029) and confirmation of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Improvement District annual assessment.

TEFRA bond for hospital expansion The council conducted a TEFRA hearing and approved a resolution supporting the issuance of tax‑exempt revenue bonds by the California Statewide Community Development Authority (CSCDA) for the benefit of M and A Health. Staff said bonds will not obligate the city financially and that no more than $90 million in bond proceeds are expected; $74 million would be used for projects at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina with the remainder for affiliated projects in neighboring cities. Tony Blakely, vice president of facilities and construction for M and A Health, attended to answer questions. Motion (Resolution 25‑42) passed on a roll call vote 4‑0 (Councilwoman Rosario Diaz absent). Mover: Brian Gutierrez; Second: Lehi Lopez Villaro.

CDBG consolidated plan (program years 2025–2029) Staff presented the proposed five‑year consolidated plan and a one‑year action plan for use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including budget assumptions based on an $830,000 annual resource estimate (grant plus program income), statutory caps on administration and public services, and a list of proposed public‑service subrecipients. Staff noted carryover of previously approved activities totaling $1,380,000 and recommended status‑quo public‑service funding for city‑administered projects and the housing‑rights center. The council held the required public hearing and approved the plan; roll call recorded a 3‑0 approval with two members absent. Mover: Mayor Pro Tem Lehi Lopez Villaro; Second: Ollie Cantos.

West Covina Auto Plaza Business Improvement District The council confirmed the annual report and levied the assessment that will appear on the county tax roll for fiscal year 2025–26. The annual report covers the Auto Plaza district consisting of seven dealerships and sets a total district budget of $121,168; each site’s assessment is $16,524. The assessment funds maintenance, insurance, utilities for the reader board sign, landscaping and repayment of the remaining loan amount to the city. No public speakers opposed the assessment; council approved the resolution by roll call vote 3‑0 (members absent as noted). Mover: Mayor Pro Tem Lehi Lopez Villaro; Second: Ollie Cantos.

All three items were adopted by the council during the meeting; staff will carry forward implementation steps outlined in each staff report.