RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Preventing non-residents from trespassing behind the gates and increasing speed enforcement in next year’s budget were key topics at the Rancho Murieta Association (RMA) Board meeting on Oct. 15.

The board also discussed extending Stonehouse Park’s closing hours from dusk to 10 p.m. to accommodate pickleball players and considered proposals for adding shade covers at both dog parks and the spray park. 

Additionally, the board approved a reserve study showing the association is 85% funded and approved a new fee schedule with only one increase.

Gate Security

Director Chris Childs informed the board that he and Director Tom Reimers, chair of the Compliance Committee, proposed forming an ad hoc committee to explore options for enhancing security at both gates, with a focus on the North Gate. Due to its design, non-residents have been able to enter the community on foot, by bicycle, or in golf carts for years.  Recently, the issue has worsened with juveniles misbehaving on electric dirt bikes.

“We need to stop non-residents from coming in and trespassing on our property,” said Reimers. After discussion, the board unanimously approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to address the security issue. Childs and Reimers will return to the November board meeting with a charter, goals, and a name for the committee. Board President Scott Adams said RMA would invite community members to join the committee.

Barcode Deactivation

As part of efforts to curb trespassing, Reimers reported that the Compliance Committee recommended deactivating all non-resident Rancho Murieta Country Club barcodes after a 30-day notice. “One of the main reasons for doing this is that we don’t have any way of finding them when they are causing violations on our streets,” he explained.

Violations include excessive speeding, with Lidar cameras documenting speeds as high as 85 mph on Murieta Parkway and driving a car across the Yellow Bridge. Additionally, some non-residents are using their club barcodes to access restricted areas of the community. 

The current rule only allows them to drive to the club via Alameda Drive during posted country club hours and when attending special events. Additionally, residents in The Villas and Murieta Gardens who aren’t RMA members, are using country club social memberships to obtain barcodes.

During the discussion, Adams urged caution, suggesting a meeting with the country club first. The board unanimously agreed to delay barcode deactivation until that meeting takes place, with a representative from the Rancho Murieta Community Services District, which issues barcodes based on RMA policy, also invited.

Budget Considerations

General Manager Rod Hart presented the proposed 2025 budget but postponed approval pending further discussion about a proposed addition. The Compliance Committee has requested funding for two more speed cameras at a cost of $31,256, which would increase monthly dues by $1.09, and a full-time staff position to handle the numerous citations generated by the existing Lidar cameras. The new position would cost $84,000, resulting in a $2.92 monthly dues increase.

Hart explained that the committee wants to relieve the two compliance officers from administrative tasks, allowing them to return to field duties. Considerable discussion followed about the need for more data before making a decision.

As it stands, the proposed 2025 budget includes a $108,507 increase over this year due to rising costs for employee wages, benefits, insurance, utilities, and street lighting. This would lead to a 2.3% budget increase and raise monthly dues from $161 to $164.77. The board plans to hold a special meeting in early November to finalize the budget.

The board also considered a $55,000 proposal to add shade covers at the dog parks and spray park. Hart suggested that the funds should come from the Parks Committee, which has a budget of $308,000. The board agreed, and Hart will prepare a bid packet.

Stonehouse Park Hours

Adams, chair of the Governing Documents Committee, proposed extending Stonehouse Park hours from dawn to dusk to dawn to 10 p.m. The change was prompted by a security officer enforcing the current closing time, which conflicted with pickleball players using the lighted court after dark. Signs at the court state the dusk closing time.

Childs expressed concern about opening the entire park after dark, but Adams suggested that public comments could guide further adjustments after community feedback. The board voted 5:1 to send the rule change out for review, with Childs voting against it.

Additional Approvals

The board approved the 2025 Reserve Study, which showed reserves are 85% funded. The study recommended a 1.1% increase in reserve funding, from $68,000 to $69,000 per month.

A proposed fee schedule for 2025 was also approved, with the only change being an increase in the variance fee from $100 to $200. This fee is typically assessed for driveway variances, which require about four hours of staff work, including mailing 20 to 30 letters to neighbors.

Hart reminded the board to encourage voting in the upcoming election of directors before the Annual Membership meeting on Nov. 21. Ballots and materials will be mailed that week. He also announced a meet and greet with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the RMA building.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18, followed by the Annual Membership meeting on Nov. 21. A special meeting will be held in early November to adopt the 2025 budget, though the exact date was not confirmed at the time of this report.