RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The search for a new general manager, revising the fine schedule to comply with a new law, approving the 2025 financial statements and purchasing new maintenance equipment were primary topics when the Rancho Murieta Association Board of Directors met on March 17.

The general manager search, initiated several months ago to replace Rod Hart, has been a focused, professional effort to find a strong successor, while acknowledging he cannot truly be replaced. Hart retires May 1 after 45 years with the association.

Director Scott Adams, serving as chair of the GM Search Committee with Director Ernie Cowles as co-chair, said the position was advertised through the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the California Association of Community Managers (CACM) for about five weeks. They received 12 resumes, and Adams noted that, unlike a prior search, none of the applicants were unqualified.

Adams and Cowles reviewed all applications and narrowed the pool to three finalists, who were interviewed by the board on March 11 and 12. Adams said all three were strong candidates and that the board is now selecting the final hire.

Cowles called the search “a steep hill to climb,” emphasizing that Hart cannot truly be replaced. Adams agreed, praising Hart’s long-term impact. The committee was then deactivated.

Adams reminded everyone that Hart will remain in his role until May 1 and urged community members to take the opportunity to stop by, see him and thank him personally before his last day.

In his report from the Governing Documents Committee, Adams explained that Assembly Bill 130  now generally caps HOA fines at $100, unless a violation involves an “adverse health or safety impact.” He said he has been “very critical” of the law, calling it “extremely poorly written” and noting it was adopted through the state budget process without adequate review.

Still, Adams said RMA must comply. To do so, the board adopted a resolution identifying specific non-architectural rules tied to health and safety, allowing fines above $100 to continue for those violations.

The resolution includes interference with RMA or CSD staff and volunteers, traffic safety rules such as speed limits and stop signs, and higher-risk behaviors, including fireworks, e-bike misuse, vandalism or attempted vandalism, unlawful activity and discharge of firearms. After President Patrick O’Hern read the resolution into the record, the board approved it unanimously.

The South Entrance landscaping was briefly discussed, with O’Hern noting the project will be completed by in-house crews, resulting in cost savings. The crews will remove water features and other hardscape this spring, with new landscaping designed to comply with state restrictions on irrigating nonfunctional turf, Hart said.

The board approved the purchase of a new Kubota tractor for about $41,500, funded from existing reserves, replacing a heavily used 17-year-old unit that had exceeded its 15-year reserve life. Schaffner said the tractor is increasingly difficult to maintain, with parts no longer manufactured, requiring staff to fabricate components.

Adams praised the maintenance team for extending equipment life beyond reserve schedules, saying they “manage to keep equipment in really good working shape” and help to save money and keep dues lower.

Directors also approved $7,240 for engineered playground fiber used to maintain safe fall zones under play equipment. Schaffner said the selected vendor offered competitive pricing and on-site installation.

Director John Van Doran said the Finance Committee reviewed the 2025 financial statements and recommended acceptance. During the discussion, Adams asked why 2024 data was included; Finance Manager Colleen Hagyard explained that CPA reviews include prior-year comparisons.

Hagyard said the review process includes examining board minutes, checking for inconsistencies, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and preparing the final report.

Adams noted reserves are about 85% funded – “an A+ in the HOA world” – and said the association’s finances are thoroughly reviewed. He also thanked Hagyard for her long service, while she credited past boards for maintaining strong financial discipline. The board unanimously accepted the report.

A proposed resumption of a Joint Security Committee with the Rancho Murieta Community Services District was tabled to allow further discussion of its structure and scope. Hart said the idea grew out of his recent participation in a CSD security working group that is reviewing surveillance cameras throughout the community. Hart described the current system as “pretty dilapidated.”

Tom Shewchuk raised two issues during public comment.

He urged RMA and the CSD to work with state agencies to improve safety on Jackson Highway after a recent crash in which an uninsured driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a golf cart at Murieta Drive. Although the location is outside RMA’s jurisdiction, he said it directly affects residents and suggested measures such as lowering speed limits.

He also questioned RMA’s dues structure for vacant lots. He noted that the CSD charges about one-third the rate for undeveloped parcels, while RMA charges the same full dues – about $171.50 per month – regardless of development. As an owner of both a home and a vacant lot, he said he is paying two full RMA bills without an equivalent benefit and asked the board to consider a reduced rate similar to the CSD’s approach.

The board’s next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.