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Council approves memorandum of understanding with newly reconstituted Soledad Chamber of Commerce
Summary
The council formalized a partnership with the reconstituted Soledad Chamber of Commerce by approving a memorandum of understanding that provides office space and limited in-kind outreach support for chamber activities.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 6295 to formalize a partnership between the City of Soledad and the newly reorganized Soledad Chamber of Commerce (a local 501(c)(6)). Tensee Vargas, economic development coordinator, presented the proposed MOU and summarized the chamber’s recent history: a merchants group formed in 2019 reorganized in 2023 as the Soledad Chamber of Commerce and established 501(c)(6) status to pursue funding and programs. The MOU would provide in-kind city support (office space and outreach assistance) and formalize collaboration on business-retention, attraction and community events.
Sandy Fuerte, president of the Soledad Chamber of Commerce, and other chamber board members attended and described recent chamber activities, including support for business openings (for example, Tractor Supply), regular member network events, workshops and coordination on the Soledad Night Market. Fuerte said the chamber is volunteer-run and focused on nonpartisan business advocacy.
Under the MOU, the city will provide office space and up to 10 hours of staff outreach support per initiative (the MOU clarifies the 10-hour limit applies per collaborative initiative). The MOU requires periodic reporting on activities and contains a 30-day termination clause. Council members asked whether that level of staff time was sufficient and suggested more explicit limits or a testing period. One council member proposed a one-year term to test the relationship; staff noted the three-year term mirrors other recent partnership agreements but that the MOU contains a termination clause and that council can revisit the arrangement.
Council members also discussed safeguards to avoid political endorsements. Chamber leaders confirmed their bylaws state the organization will not engage in political endorsements and that the MOU can include language to that effect; staff and chamber leadership acknowledged the need for transparency and an annual report back to council. The council voted to approve Resolution No. 6295. The transcript shows the vote carried (a later statement in the record noted a 3–1 vote on the motion to approve; one council member requested a one-year trial and voted no).
