RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Security changes, an emergency repair on the Yellow Bridge, and challenges in preparing the 2021/22 audit were key topics at the Rancho Murieta Community Services District Board’s Sept. 18 meeting.

A new Community Service Officer position, a shift in mission, full cost recovery from the Rancho Murieta Association (RMA) for code enforcement behind the gate, automatic generation of a security log, and increased community outreach were among the key elements of a proposed overhaul of the district’s security department. General Manager Mimi Morris and Director of Finance and Administration Mark Matulich outlined these changes in a three-page summary, which Matulich further explained during the meeting.

Currently, the district’s budget funds one sergeant and three patrol officers. However, with the recent resignation of Sgt. Mel Outram, only two patrol officers remain.

Matulich noted their intention is to fill the sergeant position but propose replacing the third patrol officer with a new, unarmed Community Service Officer. This position would offer more flexibility in providing gate coverage as needed, reduce district liability by eliminating firearms, and broaden the pool of potential candidates.

The security statement also suggested updating the department’s mission by adding “Crime Deterrence” to the current focus of “Observe and Report.” In line with this, they aim to increase staff presence in areas with higher criminal activity, specifically the commercial area across the street.

The proposal also includes a greater use of technology, such as piloting automated gate access at the North Gate between 10 a.m. and 6 a.m. and fully interconnecting community video cameras to allow for easy retrieval of footage.

Another important aspect is ensuring full cost recovery. This includes increasing bar code rates to keep pace with software costs, introducing a new vendor/contractor pass with an annual fee, and ensuring RMA is fully responsible for all repairs at the North Gate, which it owns. Additionally, RMA would be required to fully reimburse the district for staffing costs related to code enforcement behind the gate.

Improving and automating security incident reporting is another priority. They propose deploying a new incident tracking system that would auto-generate the Security Log, facilitating better communication with the community.

A related goal is to enhance community outreach and engagement. To achieve this, they suggest creating a staff and community-driven roundtable that would meet quarterly to assess risks and develop strategies to improve safety.

After Matulich’s comments, the board had no further questions. They voted 4:0 to approve the proposed security changes and create the new Community Service Officer position. Director Steve Booth was absent from the meeting.

Interim Director of Operations Travis Bohannon sought approval for the emergency repair of a leak discovered in a recycled water line connecting the Wastewater Treatment Plant to Bass Lake, where it crosses the Yellow Bridge. The leak was located in the rubber section of an expansion coupler. The plan was to isolate the section of pipe using valves to repair the damaged coupler and replace a second coupler as a precaution. However, to Bohannon’s frustration, no isolation valves could be found, even after consulting a retired utility supervisor for assistance.

“We looked at the original plans, which were on rice paper, but they weren’t there,” he said.

Bohannon then brought in TNT Commercial Contractors to drain the pipe using a fire hose, and another company, Tap Masters, to install water stops on both sides. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the bid from Tap Masters was valid for only one day. He expected the repairs to be completed within the next two days.

“I want to make it 100% clear that, as of yet, we have not gotten any recycled water into the river, but we need to get this repaired before it gets worse,” Bohannon stressed.

As has happened before, the state Water Control Board could levy a massive fine on the district should any recycled water end up in the Cosumnes River. 

President Tim Maybee moved to authorize the repair at an estimated cost of $28,000, not to exceed $30,000. The vote was unanimous.

Morris explained that the preparation of the second overdue audit for 2021/22 was taking longer than expected because Matulich was managing multiple critical tasks. These included resolving issues with water meter billing, establishing day-to-day accounting procedures, reconciling unpaid developer fees and deposits, ensuring the full utilization of grants before they expire, and addressing security concerns following the resignation of Security Chief Kelly Benitez.

When Butler asked Matulich if he was still on track to complete the 2021/22 audit by April or May of 2025, Matulich responded that he believed it was possible but emphasized that there were significant issues to resolve. “What was really shocking was the district’s books for 2021/22 didn’t balance in total debits and credits, which is like impossible,” he said.

One issue was related to the 2014 Community Facilities District, which should have been treated as a separate entity but had been mixed in with other financial accounts. Additionally, there was an audit-clearing account holding approximately half a million dollars in transactions that had not been properly allocated to the correct funds.

Matulich explained that the team faced a decision: whether to undo previous work or start fresh. They ultimately chose to repost all financial transactions—7,000 so far—even though this approach would take more time. “But now we are going to have a clean set of books, and we are going to have a process to apply to the 2022/23 transactions,” Matulich said.

Bohannon reported that the repair of the pipe conveying water from the Cosumnes River to Calero Reservoir would be ready for testing the following week.

Morris mentioned that the district would begin assessing the water and sewer line situation in Murieta Village. When the area was constructed in the 1970s, the main lines were placed beneath the mobile home sites rather than under the streets.

The board approved a new records retention policy recommended by district counsel, in line with state law requirements.

The board discussed maintenance at Lost Lake, a small pond off Reynosa Drive that is overgrown with duckweed. Morris stated that she wanted to research which agency is responsible for the detention basin before proceeding with any action.

Bohannon reported that construction of the underground infrastructure had started in the Residences subdivision near Stonehouse Park.

Morris informed the board that consultants were still working on the final draft of the Integrated Water Master Plan. “We anticipate a technical review assessment before making any formal decisions regarding the report and its recommendations,” she said.

The board next meets at 5 p.m. Oct. 16.