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Santa Paula council authorizes multi-year MOUs with Chamber and Optimist Club for Cruise Night and parades
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to execute multi-year MOUs with the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce for Cruise Night (five events) and the Optimist Club for the Labor Day and Christmas parades; the MOUs outline shared responsibilities, 50% revenue reimbursement for city services and reporting expectations.
The Santa Paula City Council on March 26 authorized the City Manager to execute memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce to manage Cruise Night and with the Optimist Club of Santa Paula for the Labor Day and Christmas parades. The MOUs cover multiple years, outline a partnership approach to event operations, require insurance and special-event permitting, and contemplate a 50% revenue share of gross receipts to reimburse city services up to the city’s costs.
Parks & Rec Director Greg Barnes told council the city provided roughly $30,000 in services for the three signature events last year (five Cruise Nights and two parades). Chamber Chair Elena Bridal said the Chamber plans five Cruise Nights beginning May 1 and is soliciting sponsors (sponsorships from $250–$5,000 per season) and volunteers; she reported more than $15,000 already raised for Cruise Night.
Council discussion focused on the MOU term (five years), the reduction of Cruise Night from seven to five events this season, how the city will account for on-duty staff time versus overtime, the need for clear reporting and performance updates during the MOU term, and whether the city will allow other community groups to run additional events not covered by the MOUs. Optimist and Chamber representatives confirmed insurance requirements and noted the Optimist International Foundation provides 501(c)(3) capacity for tax-deductible donations.
Councilmember Cornell moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the two MOUs; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will implement the agreements, work with the Chamber and Optimist Club to finalize timelines and fundraising, and provide post-event and periodic reports to council.
