Covington officials are hoping for a hospital to be built in the city, and the City Council passed a resolution supporting the idea.

The members passed the resolution unanimously calling on the Washington state Department of Health to issue a Certificate of Need for a hospital in the city.

The only medical institution currently seeking a Certificate of Need for a hospital in Covington is MultiCare.

The nonprofit medical organization has plans to construct a 58 bed hospital on the site were the Urgent Care facility is located. MutliCare intends to build a free standing emergency unit to be opened in 2012 and the hospital in two phases, if the Certificate of Need is approved.

MulitCare filed the Certificate of Need document and a decision is expected later in the summer.

Valley Medical has plans to construct a free standing emergency department in the Town Center area of Covington. According to Mike Glenn, senior vice president of business development for Valley, the public hospital applied for a Certificate of Need to add 60 beds to Valley Medical Center in Renton.

Auburn Regional Medical Center has filed a certificate to add 70 beds.

Hugh Kodama, administrator of Covington MultiCare, spoke at the meeting in support of the resolution.

Kodama said by phone Wednesday, “Building a hospital (in Covington) is good for the city and good for residents.

Glenn spoke against passing the resolution. In an e-mail sent Wednesday, Glenn stated Valley had sent a letter to the City Council opposing the resolution.

“Valley and MultiCare have both submitted applications to the Department of Health for the right to expand health care services in our region….

“Our opposition to the resolution is that it will be interpreted by some as supportive of one project over another, and therefore an endorsement of one organization over another. We asked the council to maintain impartiality with respect to this process.”

At the City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Wagner said, “I definitely agree we need a hospital for our citizens and a birthing center close by would be good.”

Councilwoman Marlla Mhoon said, “It is so important to our community to have living wage jobs. Also think of Black Diamond and that service area out there. We are in that path.”

Councilman Mark Lanza pointed to the need for closer access to a hospital for residents.

Councilman Wayne Snoey also pointed out the need for a hospital in the community, especially for people without a vehicle.

“Folks who have to seek medical care might have to spend half a day on the bus,” Snoey said. “For me that is a tipping point.”

Councilman Jim Scott said, “We are a retail hub; we should be a medical hub.”