The City Council on July 2 approved moving the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce into a Main Street space in the Odd Fellows building and adopted the associated consent-item actions that established terms for the Chamber and co-tenant arrangements.

Background and vote: The Chamber has leased space at the train depot for $1 per year and asked to relocate downtown to increase visibility. Staff said the Odd Fellows building is privately owned by the International Order of Odd Fellows but the Odd Fellows’ lease with the city allows the city to sublease portions with owner approval. Council approved the consent item after a short discussion that included a council member declaring a recusal for a perceived conflict; the item passed on a unanimous vote of the remaining council members.

What was discussed: Council members asked whether market-rate studies had been done, who staffs the front counter for public access, and how security and space-sharing with Athens Environmental Services would be managed. Staff said the Chamber’s share of space and utilities was being determined by percentage of square footage occupied rather than a full market-rate reset, and that a locked door will secure city offices while Athens staff or Chamber representatives will greet visitors during business hours.

Chamber reaction: The Chamber’s president, who stepped in to speak during the council discussion, told the council the board believes a downtown presence "will help us to serve and be more visible to our businesses," and that the move was intended to increase contact with local merchants.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the sublease documents and coordinate any needed public-access improvements and signage; the council asked staff to examine customer service access and ensure appropriate staffing or appointment protocols for development and public-works inquiries.