RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Concerns about transparency, member participation and communication with the Rancho Murieta Association surfaced again at the Aug. 18 board meeting, where Board President Patrick O’Hern addressed the issues and a resident urged directors to repair what he described as a deteriorating relationship with the Rancho Murieta Pickleball Club.

Resident Tom Shewchuk raised the transparency issue, returning to concerns he brought before the board in June.

During the June 16 meeting, Shewchuk said he had the perception that the board was taking actions to prevent member input at regular meetings. Among the concerns he raised were limiting member comments to the beginning of meetings, eliminating the Communications Committee and restricting public access to board meeting packets before meetings.

Those concerns prompted a separate River Valley Times story examining transparency and public participation in association governance.

Shewchuk returned to the podium Aug. 18 saying many of those concerns remain. He told directors he recently requested a board packet before the meeting – something he said members had previously been able to obtain – but was told it would instead be available only at the meeting.

“I thought that was a little interesting,” Shewchuk said. “Now the members can’t even see the member packet before the meeting.”

He also questioned why information regarding the South Gate redesign appeared to be omitted from the packet available to members attending the meeting, although he believed directors had received the complete material.

Shewchuk also commented on several other issues, which are covered in a separate story from the board meeting.

Rather than respond to Shewchuk’s comments individually, O’Hern read a prepared statement that appeared intended to address the broader concerns that have surfaced in recent months.

He said the board routinely handles confidential legal, contractual and personnel matters and must balance transparency with its fiduciary responsibility to association members.

“We at the RMA take our responsibility as fiduciaries very seriously,” O’Hern said.

He explained that directors frequently consult with the association’s attorneys and that recommendations involving legal compliance are discussed in executive session to protect attorney-client privilege and confidential matters.

“For the purpose of clarity, some documents are specifically meant for our members only, and if the matter of disclosure to other individuals becomes an issue, we, the board, will discuss the matter and determine what action we wish to take,” he said.

O’Hern also addressed the revised agenda format that no longer allows members to comment on agenda items as they are discussed.

“To my knowledge, designating a specific time slot has not affected their ability to speak their mind,” O’Hern said. “It has, however, brought order to our meetings.”

Members who do not wish to speak during the members’ forum are welcome to communicate in writing, by telephone or in person with the general manager, he added.

During the members’ open forum, River Valley Times reporter Gail Bullen attempted to address the board but was advised that only association members are permitted to speak during that portion of the meeting. Bullen said she simply wanted to confirm that directors had received an email she previously sent concerning the association’s concerns about distribution of information and offered additional copies before returning to her seat.

“We are going to work on that,” O’Hern said.

Concerns about communication also arose when resident Jeff Kohlhardt urged the board to take steps to repair what he described as a deteriorating relationship between the RMA and the Rancho Murieta Pickleball Club.

Kohlhardt, who said he frequently visits Stonehouse Park while exercising his two young Jack Russell terriers, praised the pickleball courts as one of the community’s most popular amenities and noted they have become a selling point for local real estate.

He recalled that pickleball players and volunteers worked alongside the association to help raise approximately $40,000 to build the courts before later contributing wind screens, lighting and maintenance improvements.

But Kohlhardt said that cooperative relationship has changed. 

“What was once this great synergy between all parties ... has soured,” he said, adding that misunderstandings, rumors and public comments have become increasingly divisive.

Rather than allowing the situation to deteriorate further, Kohlhardt proposed creating an ad hoc committee consisting of board members and representatives of the Pickleball Club to rebuild communication and “reset” the relationship before additional damage is done. 

Kohlhardt emphasized that he was speaking as a member of the Pickleball Club, not as its former president.     

O’Hern thanked Kohlhardt for his comments and encouraged him to meet with General Manager Vicky Lentz to discuss the issues in greater detail.