Pico Rivera council approves CDBG consolidated plan, updates fee schedule and advances medical-debt data ordinance

The Pico Rivera City Council on April 22 approved the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consolidated plan for 2025–2029 and the fiscal year 2025–26 annual action plan, adopted a revised fee schedule for FY25–26, and voted to advance a first reading of an ordinance allowing Los Angeles County public health to collect medical-debt data for Pico Rivera residents.

The actions matter because the CDBG plan sets the city’s use of federal housing and community development funds, the fee schedule adjustment will change rates for some city services including park fees, and the medical-debt ordinance links Pico Rivera to a countywide data-collection effort intended to inform debt-relief strategies.

Council votes and motions

- The council approved the CDBG 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the FY25–26 annual action plan. The motion was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Camacho and seconded by Dr. Sanchez; the roll call vote was 4–0 in favor.

- Council adopted a resolution amending the FY25–26 fee schedule. Council Member Lutz moved the measure and Dr. Sanchez seconded it; the resolution passed on a 4–0 roll call vote. Dr. Sanchez said the ad hoc committee discussed keeping resident park rates “at the lowest possible” while applying higher rates to nonresidents and commercial users to help fund capital improvements.

- The consent calendar (items 3–22), including an item ratifying a memorandum of understanding with Amigos de Los Rios to plant trees in city locations, was approved 4–0 after a single motion by Mayor Pro Tem Camacho and a second by Dr. Sanchez. Staff described the MOU as pairing a Cal Fire grant originally intended for several local schools with available planting locations in Pico Rivera; Amigos de Los Rios will maintain new trees for the first three years, after which the city assumes maintenance. Staff said tree planting will prioritize areas damaged by a recent tornado and sites tied to the city’s park and historic Whittier Boulevard projects.

- The council moved a first reading to adopt an ordinance referencing Los Angeles County’s medical-debt data-collection ordinance (LA County Ordinance 2024-48). Senior analyst Jesus (Jesse) Garcia briefed the council, saying county public-health figures show medical debt in Los Angeles County rose to about $2.9 billion in 2023 (up from $2.6 billion) and that “1 in 9 adults are impacted with medical debt in the county.” Garcia said the local ordinance would only authorize LA County Public Health to collect nonclinical data such as amounts of debt and participation in debt-relief programs; the county would absorb enforcement and operational costs. The motion to move the ordinance forward was carried 4–0 (mover: Mayor Pro Tem Camacho; second: Council Member Lutz).

Public comment and follow-ups

During public comment residents raised matters the council said staff will track. Jacqueline Rodriguez urged the council to reconsider new convenience fees for utility payments, saying residents on fixed incomes are being “nickel‑and‑dimed.” Adrianna Yanez, a Master of Social Work student and Pico Rivera resident, urged the council to study a local rental-assistance pilot using CDBG or other funds; the mayor and city manager acknowledged existing programs and proposed a future memo or briefing outlining current city resources and potential options. City Manager Steve provided a construction update, estimating Slauson street work would finish in about two weeks pending striping and slurry operations.

What the votes do and next steps

The CDBG consolidated plan and FY25–26 action plan set the city’s federally funded housing and community development priorities for the period and enable the city to obligate CDBG funds once federal grant agreements are executed. The fee-schedule changes become effective per the adopted resolution language; councilmembers noted the changes help address rising costs and unfunded capital projects, especially for parks. The first-reading advancement of the medical-debt ordinance allows staff to return with final ordinance language consistent with the county’s approach; Garcia said there is no fiscal impact to the city because the county will handle implementation and enforcement.

Council adjourned after brief good-of-the-order remarks and did not schedule additional public hearings on these items at the meeting.