2 Boards to Discuss Golf Course Project

The details of a long-awaited park and golf course planned on the western edge of the Conejo Valley will come before the City Council and park district this week.

But the Conejo Recreation and Park District may not be able to pay its share of the $2 million in upfront costs for the 277-acre Hill Canyon Regional Recreational Facilities Project.

“We just don’t have the dowry for this marriage,” said Tex Ward, general manager of the park district.

The groundwork and timeline that spells out the planning, construction and funding for the project is expected to be approved at tonight’s City Council meeting and again at Thursday’s meeting of the park district board of directors.

An ad hoc committee, made up of two members of each panel, has been meeting since December and has recommended that the two agencies evenly split the upfront costs and eventual revenues. The committee estimated that upfront costs--hiring several architects, environmental consultants and engineers--will amount to about $2 million.

The only problem is, the park district doesn’t have the money.

Recognizing the district’s financial bind, the committee is recommending that the city lend the district the money. The loan would be repaid after the two agencies decide on a mechanism for financing the project, which could cost as much as $11 million.

The park district can come up with $250,000 in cash, which, if approved Thursday, would come from Lake Sherwood development money and a trust account. The city would cover its costs, and another $750,000 for the park district, with developer fees.

In addition, both the City Council and park board will review a timeline to build the ambitious project, which will include the city’s second municipal golf course, a lake and trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

According to the timeline, a team of consultants will be formed by March, the same month the design stage will begin. A report examining the environmental impacts will be ready by July, with final approval scheduled for October.

Construction is anticipated to begin next January and should run through November. After finishing touches and time to let the landscaping flourish, golfers may be able to tee off by February 1999.