RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - An internal conflict that first surfaced at the April board meeting, proposals for new recreational facilities, a request to allow motorcycles on the North, and ongoing issues with barcode stickers were among the topics discussed when the Rancho Murieta Association Board met on May 20. (See "RMA, CSD Boards Discuss Barcode Stickers".) 

The board also addressed several additional topics and approved three contracts, including one for $481,000 to asphalt community streets. 

A rift between Rancho Murieta Association Director Danny Carrillo and the rest of the board emerged during a contentious meeting on April 15. Carrillo claimed other board members had excluded him from executive sessions after accusing him of disclosing confidential information: an allegation he strongly disputed.

Later in the same meeting, Carrillo questioned whether a catastrophic failure of the tank at the Laguna Joaquin pump station could pose a risk to employees. General Manager Rod Hart, visibly taken aback, responded by explaining why the tank was safe.

Carrillo did not attend the May 20 Board meeting. However, during public comments, former Board President Alex Bauer addressed the rift between Carrillo and the other board members. General Manager Rod Hart also spoke at length about the safety of the Laguna Joaquin pump station tank during his report.

Bauer expressed concern about internal conflicts within the board, which he observed while watching the recording of the previous month’s meeting. 

“What I want to ask you guys is what is going on?” he said.

Bauer suggested that “the conflict that seems to be bubbling underneath the surface” could potentially disrupt the board’s smooth and efficient functioning. He emphasized the importance of using democratic processes to resolve internal differences and urged the board to remain constructive, noting that disagreements are natural on a seven-member board.

Bauer also expressed concern about the potential financial impact of the board’s internal conflicts, suggesting they could lead to unnecessary legal expenses. He indicated that he planned to file a public records request to determine how much had been spent on legal fees related to the dispute.

As is standard practice, the board did not respond to Bauer’s public comment. However, Board President Patrick O’Hern noted that the general budget includes a line item for legal expenses.

Hart provided a detailed explanation of the Laguna Joaquin pump station’s history and safety. He noted that the tank has been professionally refurbished multiple times and that Cal/OSHA confirmed it does not require special permits or inspections based on its current use and structural integrity.

Nonetheless, following Carrillo’s concerns raised at the April meeting, Maintenance Manager Troy Schaffner brought in an electrician to conduct another inspection. Hart reported that no hazards were found, though the electrician did adjust a few throw switches that were difficult to operate.

Recreation Proposals

The board also considered proposals for new recreational facilities, including three additional pickleball courts and a swimming pool at Stonehouse Park, as well as a sand volleyball court.

Bob Kauffman, president of the Rancho Murieta Pickleball Club, presented the case for adding three more courts, which would extend into the large dog park area. He noted that the club currently has 150 members, with daily participation ranging from 50 to 80 players, and an estimated 18,000 court uses annually.

Kauffman said he hoped to gain the board’s support, which would help him seek funding from Summerfest, ETC and the Kiwanis Club. He noted that the board has already set aside $15,000 for the project and that fundraising efforts are ongoing.

O’Hern added that he and Hart have already explored potential locations to relocate the large dog park.

Bob Keil, developer of the Residences subdivision near Stonehouse Park, proposed building a swimming pool—and eventually a community center—on the undeveloped portion of Escuela Park, across from Stonehouse Park. He noted that more than $1 million from his development will be contributed to the Parks Fund.

Keil also pointed out that new homeowners in the subdivision will pay RMA dues in addition to their association dues. He proposed a phased approach, beginning with a 25-yard competitive pool and only essential supporting structures. Additional amenities could be added over time using dues revenue as funds become available.

“I’d like to look at creative ways to put this together without an assessment and without a vote,” he said.

O’Hern, who chairs the Maintenance Committee, said a resident had requested the installation of a sand volleyball court. He and Hart have explored possible locations, but no final decisions have been made.

Brian Rosebrock, a longtime advocate for allowing motorcycles in the North, presented a modest proposal at the May meeting. He requested that motorcycle owners be permitted one escort-free trip per day to and from the gate, provided they notify the gate in advance. He argued that this would reduce the burden on security staff, who currently must provide escorts. Rosebrock also noted that requiring motorcycles to be parked in the Gazebo parking lot leaves them increasingly vulnerable to theft or damage. 

“This proposal is not designed to allow motorcycles to operate freely inside the gate,” he said. “It is a self-policing plan for residents who understand and respect our quiet community.”

Director Scott Adams, chair of the Governing Documents Committee, quickly tempered expectations, explaining that Rosebrock’s request would require an amendment to the CC&Rs.

Such a change, he noted, would need approval from 60% of the community’s rooftops, with non-voting residents automatically counted as “no” votes.

Motorcycles currently are permitted on the South side of the community.

The board approved three contracts at the meeting: $481,170 for asphalt repairs, $22,000 for a consultant to oversee the asphalt project and $16,166 to replace a variable frequency drive at the Laguna Joaquin pump station.

Schaffner told the board he is working on a new policy to govern the placement of banners on light poles. His goal is to streamline communication between the maintenance department and organizations requesting to display banners.

Audience member Robert Guerin, a relatively new resident, informs the board that he has started an audio music club. What sets the club apart, he said, is its dual purpose: hosting listening events using high-end audio systems and bringing music to residents of local care facilities.

The board’s next meeting will be on June 17.