RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - A myriad of topics were discussed during the June 16 Rancho Murieta Association Board meeting, including the future of security services in Rancho Murieta, Fourth of July plans, a proposed stand-up motorized scooter rule, a ramp for the North Gazebo and a new volleyball court at Clementia Park.

The meeting also included public comments from resident Tom Shewchuk, who questioned whether recent board actions have reduced opportunities for community involvement. His comments touched on changes to public-comment procedures, elimination of the Communications Committee and public access to board meeting packets.

That issue will be explored in a separate River Valley Times story.

Security Discussions Continue

Although the reactivated Security Ad Hoc Committee did not meet, Chairman Chris Childs provided an update on a June 11 meeting with Rancho Murieta Community Services District officials to discuss the future of security services.

Participants included Childs, RMA President Patrick O’Hern, RMA General Manager Vicky Lentz, CSD President John Merchant and Interim CSD General Manager Amelia Wilder.

Childs said his primary question was what role CSD envisions for security if the association were to assume responsibility for services inside the gates. According to Childs, Merchant said the district would prefer to focus on providing water and sewer services and eventually leave the security business entirely, both inside and outside the gates.

Childs also said Merchant indicated he does not believe the district wants to continue collecting Measure J security assessments inside the gates or south of Highway 16, although Merchant emphasized that he represents only one vote on the five-member board.

Saying it was important for residents to understand the views expressed at the meeting, Childs said the committee will continue researching alternatives and plans to present multiple options to the board.

“I informed CSD that the last option would be to do nothing, to leave this as a security function for CSD,” he said.

Childs said district officials confirmed that security services were included in the 2026-27 budget and are expected to continue through the upcoming fiscal year. He added that committee members are preparing to “dig in even deeper” on the issue than they did during earlier discussions about the future of security services.

Fourth of July Plans

Recreation Committee Chairman John Haviland reviewed plans for the community’s Fourth of July celebration, including the annual Kiwanis pancake breakfast, fun run, parade, music and fireworks. 

Haviland urged residents to obtain visitor passes in advance to reduce delays at the gates and announced that confetti cannons will not be permitted in this year’s parade after cleanup crews spent months removing confetti from last year’s event.

To mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, the fireworks show will feature a special opening sequence, and a patriotic display with Betsy Ross flags and a large American flag will be installed along Laguna Joaquin across from the RMA building.

Haviland reported that the Summerfest committee is planning a new July 3 event at Stonehouse Park as part of the community’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event, scheduled from 4 to 11 p.m., will feature bounce houses, DJs, food trucks, wine and dancing, along with other entertainment for residents and visitors.

Scooter Rule Delayed

The board continued discussing a proposed rule governing stand-up motorized scooters within Rancho Murieta.

Director Scott Adams said the proposal had been circulated to residents for review and generated eight responses. Four supported the rule as written, two comments were unrelated to the proposal, and two questioned the age restrictions.

Adams recommended removing a section that would have established enhanced fines for egregious violations. He said the provision had been modeled after e-bike rules adopted after problems with dangerous riding behavior but that similar issues have not developed with stand-up scooters.

Adams also asked the board to discuss whether operators should be required to possess a driver’s license or instruction permit and whether helmet use should be mandatory for all riders.

Adams said he favors a helmet requirement but wants additional research on age-related restrictions before the board adopts the rule.

The board voted to remove the proposed fine schedule and continue discussion of the remaining issues at its July meeting.

Gazebo Ramp Requested

During public comments, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post member Dave Walters asked the board to install an accessible ramp at the North Gazebo, where veterans’ events are held throughout the year.

“We’re carrying quite a few vets up the stairs,” Walters told the board. “It’s time to actually put a ramp up there.”

Later in the meeting, Maintenance Supervisor Troy Schaffner presented a conceptual plan for a permanent concrete-and-steel ramp with handrails. He said the project would likely cost less than $2,000 because maintenance staff could perform most of the work in-house. He said the Maintenance Committee supported the project,

However, because it was not specifically listed as a board action item on the agenda, directors agreed to place formal consideration of the ramp and a request for a VFW plaque on the July agenda.

Volleyball Court Approved

The board approved the installation of a grass volleyball court at Clementia Park.

The proposed court will use removable posts and painted boundary lines so that the area can continue to serve other community purposes. Materials are expected to cost about $500 and will be funded through the maintenance department budget.

Resident Tom Shewchuk offered to connect staff with former collegiate volleyball players living in the community who could provide advice on court dimensions and setup.

Other Business

General Manager Vicky Lentz reported that repairs to the North Gate continue following the May 17 crash, which severely damaged the entrance structure.

She said the association is continuing to work with its insurance carrier and that an engineer was scheduled to inspect the site on June 17. Repair proposals are expected shortly afterward.

Architectural Review Committee Chairman Ernie Cowles reported that staff approved 19 architectural projects in May, bringing the total approved in 2026 to 101.

Compliance Committee Chairman Tom Reimers reported that the committee reviewed 15 appeals during its June meeting and continues to discuss the relocation of motorcycle parking near the North Gate. He also reported that the Community Services District issued 20 citations in March, while RMA issued 193.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21.