THOUSAND OAKS : Bills Could Delay Museum Expansion
A request by the Conejo Valley Art Museum for extra space may be denied because of $12,000 in unpaid utility bills.
Maria Dessornes, president of the museum that is housed in an old library building now called the Wilbur Gallery at 191 W. Wilbur Road, asked the Thousand Oaks City Council for more room after the city’s chamber of commerce vacated its portion of the 3,500-square-foot building last month.
The debt is owed to the city.
Dessornes said if the bills weren’t waived, “we wouldn’t be able to pay them.” She contends that the museum could generate more revenue through donations and memberships if it had more exhibition space.
Museum volunteers say they need additional room for office space, equipment and storage.
“I don’t see why they shouldn’t expand,” Councilman Frank Schillo said. “I mean, the space is there, it’s vacant. I think if the museum agreed to make payments on the $12,000, the council would agree to it.”
The City Council is expected to make a final decision at its April 13 meeting.
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