COUNCIL TO STUDY MUSEUM.

Byline: Cecilia Chan Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS - The city is looking into the possibility of one day having its own art museum.

The City Council stopped short of endorsing Councilwoman Linda Parks' request for the city to set aside land now for a museum later. However, it voted 4-1 Tuesday to direct city staff to determine the make up of a proposed committee to study the feasibility of a museum in Thousand Oaks. Councilman Michael Markey voted no.

``I do support putting an art museum in the city,'' Parks said. ``I'm concerned there won't be land available in the future.

``I think it's a good idea. This is to me a real benefit to our city.''

Parks backed off from her proposal to use the eastside parcel of the Civic Arts Plaza, where a children's science museum and IMAX theater are planned, after hearing comments from fellow council members and the community that was not a good idea.

``I think it would be better for us to have it elsewhere,'' said Jane Brooks, chairwoman of the Arts Commission. She said that putting too many ``issues on this property will be hurting ourselves.''

Mayor Dennis Gillette said his concern with looking at the use of the east parcel is that another proposal could potentially derail the current development being planned there.

Councilman Dan Del Campo said he liked the idea of a museum in the community but he questioned who will pay for the facility and the land.

Markey said he had a real concern with getting government involved in what should be a private venture. He said the museum should be like the proposed Discovery Center, which is raising its own money for a building.

Maria Dessornes, president of the Conejo Valley Art Museum's board of directors, wanted the council to allow that museum to use the city's 401 Hillcrest Drive site or the east side parcel for a home. The 14-year-old museum, which sponsors the annual Artwalk, has been without a home for about five years and joined the debate over Parks' proposal for a museum at the site.

However, Councilman Andy Fox he did not support having Dessornes' group rent the 401 Hillcrest site, which the Parks and Recreation Department also is interested in using. He said the park district would provide greater benefit to the community and was ``in a better position to meet its lease obligation.''

In other action the council:

--awarded a $492,794 construction contract for part of the final repairs to a major pipeline, Unit W, that burst and spilled 86 million gallons of raw sewage into the ocean in 1998. Repairs are to begin July 1.

ASI Civil Constructors came in with the lowest bid, beating out seven other bidders.