The Town Council has agreed to participate with the Chamber of Commerce in operation of a new Visitor Center going into the Park Place development along Verde River Drive at Avenue of the Fountains.

The current Visitor Center is at the existing Chamber headquarters at Verde River Drive and Palisades Boulevard. Town staff has provided material for distribution from that center.

The town has recently been looking for a more centrally located site for the Visitor Center that is more easily accessible to foot traffic. A location inside Town Hall was considered, but would require complete interior improvements.

Town staff began discussing a joint effort with the Chamber when it learned that the Chamber of Commerce would relocate to the new downtown development.

The Visitor Center would be separate from the Chamber offices. The center would occupy about 500 square feet of the approximately 5,000 square feet being leased for the Chamber offices.

The council had been asked to budget $30,000 for the joint effort for the upcoming fiscal year. However, in considering the budget for the year the council deferred the allocation, not expecting the project to be complete in time for this coming year.

However, the Chamber is going forward with a lease and expects to be able to take over the space in November to begin the various tenant improvements.

Chamber CEO Scott Soldat-Valenzuela told the council it needs the town’s commitment so they can complete lease negotiations.

“We have talked about the importance of a visitor center to be able to offer visitors the information they want,” Soldat-Valenzuela said. “I know (the Chamber) can do the job with very little involvement from (the town).

“I think we will see lots of pedestrians as well as drive-up visitors.”

Councilman Henry Leger said he supports the partnership with the Chamber but he is still uncomfortable committing funds without having an operating agreement with the Chamber.

Town Manager Grady Miller said he would have the operating agreement ready for council consideration when they meet next in August.

Councilman Dennis Brown has no concern.

“I think with the effort that is being put into this even if there is a little hiccup we can work through it,” Brown said.

The council voted unanimously to approve the partnership contingent on the approval of an operating agreement.