RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - With little business on the agenda, the Rancho Murieta Association Board meeting on Oct. 21 became a forum for residents to voice their frustrations and suggestions during public comments.

Four speakers addressed the controversy surrounding former director Danny Carrillo’s resignation and broader concerns about board conduct. Another resident proposed adding a new amenity at Stonehouse Park, while two residents raised concerns about a motorcycle rule they said is difficult to follow. One speaker urged the board to take stronger action on three ongoing community issues.

Sherry Carrillo said that some time ago her husband, Danny Carrillo, objected to a biased letter that had been introduced improperly during a closed meeting. Later, they began hearing accusations that he had breached executive session confidentiality, even though it was another director who had disclosed the letter’s existence. Instead of addressing the biased letter and improper process, “the board chose to silence and discredit those who spoke up,” she said. Carrillo encouraged everyone to review her husband’s proposal for a Leadership and Communication Improvement Committee.

Nellie Bloom backed the proposed committee and the creation of a director education program for the association. She criticized the board for repeatedly dismissing what she described as a community-driven effort to build trust.

Renata Pagliaro decried the harassment and negative commentary directed at the Carrillo family and urged the board to act with more professionalism.

Tom Shewchuk said he didn’t want to downplay the concerns raised by other speakers but noted that, based on his experience attending meetings of the association, the Community Services District and the Rancho Murieta Country Club for more than a year, “I will be honest, this board runs better than the other two.”

Carl Gaither proposed creating a new picnic area with tables and a barbecue spot at Stonehouse Park, highlighting the lack of communal gathering spaces there compared to other parks in Rancho Murieta. He described a potential layout near the pickleball courts and suggested practical features like a barbecue, shaded tables and a serving slab to accommodate community events. Gaither emphasized that the area is naturally suitable and would require minimal work to set up.

Board President Patrick O’Hern recommended making an appointment with General Manager Rod Hart to review and refine his proposal.

Brian Rosebrock raised concerns about the inconsistent enforcement of motorcycle access rules in the north. He faces difficulties re-entering the community on his motorcycle when patrol escorts aren’t available. 

“I feel bad about the people at the gate because they get kind of upset when I just ride right through,” he said.

Rosebrock said he wants to comply with regulations but emphasized that the current process is confusing and creates problems for residents and security staff alike.

Hart acknowledged the issue, saying something had to be done. He added that, while he couldn’t change the rule himself, he would meet with the board to try to find a resolution.

Robert Guerin reported that he, like Rosebrock, has faced challenges re-entering the community with his custom trike, which must be charged at home, and has sometimes been told by gate staff that he couldn’t come in.

Despite his previous praise of the board, Tom Shewchuk challenged them to address three issues that affect the community as a whole.

His first issue was resolving non-resident gate access, especially for country club members. He also suggested improving procedures for issuing citations to guests and workers, recommending models from other communities in which citations are sent directly to the visitor rather than the host resident. Shewchuk also recommended that the board take the lead in unifying all of the homeowner associations under one umbrella.

Hart reminded residents to submit their ballots for the uncontested election so there will be a quorum for the Nov. 20 annual meeting. Residents submitting ballots by Nov. 19 will be eligible for a raffle offering an iPad and $50 gift cards.

Hart reported that the board approved the 2026 budget and the 2026 reserve study at a prior meeting. Member dues will increase by $8 a month.

Resident Robert Guerin announced that a pharmacy-telemedicine kiosk will be set up in the community, although the location hasn’t been finalized.

The Recreation Committee is planning a fall Bingo night on Nov. 7, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 and a holiday light contest with judging scheduled to begin on Dec. 7.

Although a draft of a new rule to regulate E-Bikes was in the packet, the board didn’t discuss it because Director Scott Adams, who chairs the Governing Documents Committee, didn’t attend the meeting. Directors Chris Childs and John Haviland were also absent.

The board’s next monthly meeting will be on Nov. 18, with the annual meeting following on Nov. 20.