City offers to lease office space to Chamber
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

The Moorpark Redevelopment Agency voted to lease office space at 18 High St. to the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce. The space belongs to the city and will cost the Chamber $1 per year.

"We were thrilled when Mayor Hunter asked if we wanted to move into that location and are looking forward to moving to High Street," said Debi Aquino, the Chamber's chairman of the board. The group has always wanted to be in that central part of town, she said.

This arrangement will be beneficial for both the city and the Chamber, said Mayor Patrick Hunter during the agency meeting last week.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone," said Lisa Masotti, president and chief executive officer for the Chamber.

The 1,500-square-foot office on High Street was leased to Charles Abbott and Associates and is currently occupied by the city's engineering and building and safety departments. These city departments are being relocated to new modular facilities at the north end of the Civic Center complex, and the office will be vacant on Feb. 1.

The Chamber will need to make some improvements to the space before it can move in, said David Moe, redevelopment agency manager.

"It will be responsible to pay for the improvements. That's why the city is only charging $1 per year," said Moe.

The Moorpark Chamber has been leasing an office at the Moorpark Town Center at 224 W. Los Angeles Ave. for $28,200 per year, including landscape maintenance. A new tenant is being sought to fill the current location in the Ralphs shopping center, Aquino said.

Moorpark has been providing a $20,000 annual subsidy to the Chamber in exchange for services geared to help the local business community, residents and the city, but that subsidy will end in June given the favorable lease agreement.

The Moorpark Chamber helps to promote its members and businesses in the community.

"We help with the economic vitality of the community," said Masotti, voicing her appreciation of the city's support and collaboration.

When they join the Chamber, businesses acquire networking opportunities and meet other members.

"They find their needs are mutually met through connections. People like to do business with people they know," said Masotti.