ITEM 4. 9
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ITEM: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF LATHROP AND THE GREATER LATHROP
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT
AND DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES AND RELATED BUDGET
AMENDMENTS
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Resolution to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) between the City of Lathrop
and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce for
Business Support and Development, and Community
Engagement Initiatives and Related Budget
Amendments.
SUMMARY:
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) (Attachment B) establishes a collaborative relationship between the City of Lathrop and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce to support local business development and community leadership programming. Under the MOU,
Premier
the City will participate at the Chamber' s
Community Partner level and contribute toward business workshops and a new Business Leadership Program. The Chamber will provide program coordination, outreach, recognition, and business -focused support services.
This MOU includes authorization by the City Manager to waive associated facility fees, permit fees, and staff time costs related to events that are co -sponsored by the City.
The Chamber will still be required to submit all permit documentation and comply with all insurance and regulatory requirements associated with events as applicable by City policy.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Lathrop and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce share an interest in strengthening economic development, supporting business retention, and expanding resources available to local businesses. The Chamber serves as a key partner by providing networking opportunities, business advocacy, public education, and programming that enhances the region' s economic vitality.
To support these efforts, the City and Chamber seek to enter into a one- year MOU outlining joint commitments, responsibilities, and financial contributions. This mutually shared vision will expand business - focused programming, improve access to resources, and foster leadership development within the community. The MOU also formalizes expectations for City participation and Chamber - led program deliverables.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 2
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MOU BETWEEN CITY OF LATHROP AND GREATER LATHROP CHAMBER RECOMMENDATION:
The M0U provides the structure for delivery of several key initiatives that enhance community and economic development. Specifically, the agreement includes:
City participation at the Premier Community Partner membership level, including recognition at Chamber events and placement at key annual community programs.
Delivery of two Small Business Workshops coordinated by the Chamber, open to all businesses regardless of Chamber membership, focusing on topics such as marketing, incentives, workforce, financing, and available resources.
Creation and administration of a Business Leadership Program, " Leadership Lathrop" designed to deepen participant understanding of local government, business and economics, education, transportation, and public safety while strengthening leadership skills.
Establishment of a clear framework for outreach, program delivery, recognition, and shared economic development goals.
The applicable facility fees, permit fees, and staff time costs associated with co -sponsored events that would be waived under this M0U are de minimis in nature, provide a public benefit to the community, and are not subsidized from other rate payers.
This coordinated approach supports the City' s objectives of promoting sustainable growth, strengthening business engagement, and offering accessible, high - value programming for the community.
Staff also recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to make minor, non -substantive edits to the M0U as necessary, provided that such edits do not alter the material terms or financial obligations of the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City' s total financial commitment under this M0U shall not exceed $ 17, 000 in financial obligation payments and $ 3, 250 for staff time costs. Funding for this M0U was not included in the City Council approved budget for the fiscal year 26-7 and therefore staff is requesting an allocation of funds from the General Fund as detailed below:
Increase Expenditures
1010-1- 30- 420- 01- $ 17, 000
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 3
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MOU BETWEEN CITY OF LATHROP AND GREATER LATHROP CHAMBER ATTACHMENTS:
A. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lathrop Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lathrop and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce and related budget amendments B. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lathrop and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT PAGE 4
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MOU BETWEEN CITY OF LATHROP AND GREATER LATHROP CHAMBER APPROVALS:
Barbary Harb Date
Economic Development Administrator
d
i--- 3C- 1: 74C1----- T-evir a% / 7, 04
Cari James
Finance Director
Date
tr/ 6/ roZ4,
Thomas Hedegard Date
Deputy City Manager
u( wup
Salvador Navarrete Date
City Attorney
Steen J. Salvatore Date
City Manager
f •lA• 2(0
RESOLUTION NO. 26-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LATHROP TO
APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ( MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY
OF LATHROP AND THE GREATER LATHROP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR
BUSINESS SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
INITIATIVES AND RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the City of Lathrop ( CITY) and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce ( CHAMBER) share a common interest in strengthening economic development, supporting business retention, and promoting community prosperity within the City; and
WHEREAS, the CHAMBER provides valuable services to local businesses through advocacy, networking programs, public education, and initiatives that enhance economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, both parties desire to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance communication, promote business - friendly initiatives, and support business - focused programming that benefits the residents and businesses within the City; and WHEREAS, the MOU outlines responsibilities of the CITY and the CHAMBER related to business workshops, leadership development, and the CITY' s participation with the CHAMBER at the Premier Community Partner membership level; and WHEREAS, the CITY agrees to provide financial support not -to -exceed 17, 000 for membership participation, two Small Business Workshops, and the CHAMBER' sLeadership Lathrop Business Leadership Program; and WHEREAS, the CITY further agrees to waive associated facility fees, permit fees, and staff time costs related to events that are co -sponsored by the CITY; and WHEREAS, funds were not included in the City Council approved budget for fiscal year 26-7; and
WHEREAS, staff requests a budget adjustment from the General Fund to increase expenditures by $ 17, 000 for fiscal year 26-7; and WHEREAS, staff recommends that the City Council approve an MOU between the City of Lathrop and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce for business support, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lathrop, hereby approves the MOU between the CITY and the CHAMBER for business support, leadership development, and community engagement and increases the budget in account # 1010-1- 30- 420- 01-by $ 17, 000.
Resolution No. 26- Page 1 of 2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lathrop finds the fee waiver in Section III (d) to be de minimis in nature, provides a public benefit to the community, and is not subsidized by other rate payers and that staff time costs shall be limited to an amount not -to -exceed $ 3, 250.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lathrop authorizes the City Manager to make minor, non -substantive edits to the MOU as necessary, provided that such edits do not alter the material terms or financial obligations of the agreement.
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 10th day of August 2026, by the following vote of the City Council, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
PAUL AKINJO, MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Teresa Vargas, City Clerk Salvador Navarrete, City Attorney Resolution No. 26- Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT B
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF LATHROP AND THE GREATER LATHROP CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ( MOU) is entered into by and between the City of Lathrop, a California municipal corporation ( hereinafter referred to as " CITY") and the Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit 501( c)( 6) organization ( hereinafter referred to as " CHAMBER"). The CITY and the CHAMBER may be referred to herein as " Party" or collectively as " Parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the CITY and the CHAMBER share a common interest in supporting economic development, business retention, and community prosperity within the CITY; and
WHEREAS, the CHAMBER serves as a resource to local businesses by providing advocacy, networking opportunities, and programs that strengthen the economic vitality of the CITY; and
WHEREAS, the CITY recognizes the value of collaborating with the CHAMBER to enhance communication, promote business -friendly initiatives, and encourage sustainable growth; and
WHEREAS, both Parties desire to formalize their understanding to ensure coordinated efforts, mutual support, and ongoing cooperation that benefits residents, businesses, and the CITY.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED BY THE PARTIES HERETO AS FOLLOWS:
I. Purpose
The purpose of this MOU is to outline the collaborative responsibilities of the CITY and the CHAMBER in support of business programming, business development, and community engagement.
II. Greater Lathrop Chamber of Commerce Commitments
The CHAMBER agrees to:
a. Accept the CITY' s membership at the Premier Community Partner level, to include the following:
VIP table of 10 at the Annual CHAMBER Gala
Table at the Shrimp Boil Community Fundraiser ( or
equivalent event)
Premium booth placement at Cars, Crafts & Community
event ( or equivalent event)
1 of 5
Attachment B
Recognition as Premier Community Partner at all CHAMBER events
Two ( 2) annual Business Spotlight Feature emails to be distributed to all members
Prominent recognition on the CHAMBER' s website
homepage
b. Conduct two ( 2) Small Business Workshops intended to provide continuous education and support to business owners.
Workshops will be open to all businesses, regardless of CHAMBER membership, and will focus on topics such as
marketing, advertising, financing, incentives, workforce, and resources available, among others. The CHAMBER will
coordinate the program and panelists for the workshops, facilitate outreach and advertising of the events, as well as provide refreshments.
c. Create and administer a Business Leadership Program that will consist of a series of workshops to educate business and community leaders on local government, business and
economics, education, environment and transportation,
health/ human services, and public safety. The purpose of the Leadership Lathrop Program is to give participants a deeper understanding of their community, while helping strengthen their leadership skills and engage more effectively in local initiatives. The CHAMBER will coordinate site visits, speakers, refreshments, all materials needed for each workshop, and promote the program to the community.
III. City of Lathrop Commitments
The CITY agrees to:
a. Partner with the CHAMBER at the Premier Community Partner level at a cost of $ 12, 000, receiving the full benefits of that membership level as described in Section II ( a) above.
b. Contribute $ 2, 000 in support of two ( 2) Business Workshop events, with CITY' scontribution divided equally between the two ( 2) workshops.
c. Contribute $ 3, 000 to support the CHAMBER' s
Lathrop Business
Leadership Program.
d. Waive applicable facility rental fees, permitting fees, and associated staff time costs related to events that are co -sponsored by the CITY.
The fees that would be waived under this MOU are de minimis in nature, provide public benefits to the community, and are not subsidized by other rate payers.
2 of 5
Attachment B
Co - sponsored events are limited to no more than five ( 5) events annually with estimated staff time costs not -to -exceed 3, 250. 00.
IV. Compensation
The CITY shall pay the CHAMBER compensation in an amount not -to -exceed 17, 000, as detailed in Section III above.
V. Relationship of Parties
It is expressly understood that this is an MOU between two independent entities, CHAMBER and CITY, and that no individual agency, employee, partnership, joint venture, or other relationship is established by the MOU.
The intent of the Parties is to create an independent collaborative relationship.
VI. Indemnification
a. The CHAMBER agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the CITY, its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, contractors, and partners, against any and all liabilities, suits, judgments, settlements, obligations, fines, damages, penalties, claims, costs, charges and expenses, including, without limitation, all reasonable legal fees and disbursements, which many be imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against the CITY by reason of or resulting from this MOU.
The duty of the Indemnified Party is to indemnify and defend as set forth by this Section shall include the duty to defend as set forth in Section 2778 of the California Civil Code.
The CITY agrees to provide the CHAMBER with prompt notice of any claim. CITY shall also cooperate in all reasonable respects with the CHAMBER, its insurance company, and its legal counsel in its defense of such claim.
The obligations imposed by this section shall survive termination or expiration of the MOU.
VII. Entire MOU
This MOU constitutes the sole MOU of the Parties on this subject matter hereto and correctly states the rights, duties, and understanding of each Party as of the Effective Date.
VIII. Modifications
Any modifications to this MOU shall be in writing and will become effective when signed by both Parties.
3 of 5
Attachment B
IX. Billings
CHAMBER shall submit invoices to the CITY upon completion of each event covered in this MOU. The CITY shall remit payment to the CHAMBER within thirty ( 30) days of receipt of invoice.
X. Notices
Any notice under this MOU shall be in writing and either personally delivered or sent by First Class U. S. Mail, postage pre - paid, and addressed as follows:
City of Lathrop Stephen Salvatore
City Manager
390 Towne Centre Drive
Lathrop, CA 95330
Copy to
Greater Lathrop Chamber
of Commerce
City of Lathrop
City Clerk Office
390 Towne Centre Drive
Lathrop, CA 95330
website_ cco@ci. Iathrop. ca. us
Leandro Vicuna
Founder & Chairman
1862 Garden Farms Avenue
Lathrop, CA 95330
XI. Termination
Either Party to this MOU may for any reason terminate this MOU at any time by giving thirty ( 30) days' written notice to the other Party. Upon termination of this MOU as herein provided, the CITY shall have no obligation to compensate the CHAMBER except for services provided prior to termination.
XII. Effective Date
The effective date of this MOU shall be from the date of its full execution and continue through June 30, 2027, unless terminated earlier by either Party providing thirty ( 30) days' written notice.
XIII. MOU Authorization
By our signature below, we certify that our respective policy boards have authorized us to enter into this MOU on behalf of our agency. 4 of 5
Stephen Salvatore Date
City Manager
City of Lathrop
Approved as to Form
Salvador Navarrete
City Attorney
5 of 5
Leandro Vicuna
Founder & Chairman
Greater Lathrop Chamber
of Commerce
Date
Joe Nelson
Treasurer
Greater Lathrop Chamber
of Commerce
Date
PAGE LEFT
INTENTIONALLY
BLANK