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Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
RMA raises complaints about CSD Security
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Rancho Murieta South gate across from the RM Community Services District office is the hub for CSD Security dispatch operations. However, several RMA directors leveled complaints against the CSD Security Dept. at their meeting April 20 including criticism against gate officers for improper procedures in non-resident entry.
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By Sheri Barile
River Valley Times Reporter
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The possibility of Rancho Murieta Association taking over security responsibilities for the community was addressed at the monthly board of directors meeting on April 20. At issue were complaints regarding the performance of RM Community Services District (CSD) Security Dept. (For full coverage of the RMA meeting, see related story in this issue).
In a decision also related to security, RMA directors voted 4-2 to discontinue participation in the Joint Security Committee. Directors Andy Keyes and Roy Harmon cast the dissenting votes.
In a prepared statement, Director Candice Koropp listed a number of grievances about the security services provided by RMCSD. “It seems to me that the security services provided by CSD are lacking,” Koropp said. “There is slow response – sometimes no response. Calls are certainly not always in the security logs that we might read, and our current CC&Rs are not enforced.”
Koropp cited specific infractions that she feels are not being addressed including vehicle and parking violations, enforcement of signage regulations and dogs off leashes. Her criticism also focused on gate officers who she asserted do not follow proper procedure in allowing non-residents into the community.
“I would like to have a discussion about us bringing back security under RMA where we would have the control to have things enforced that we want and not just leave it to the whims of another agency,” Koropp said.
Director Dick Cox concurred that looking into other security arrangements is a good idea. “It’s worth taking a look at,” Cox said. “I’ve been critical forever about lack of training at our front gates.”
Koropp also pointed out the issue of costs. “The questions are, could RMA provide security for less - or the same amount - where we may be able to control enforcement if it were under RMA,” Koropp said. “Could we get cheaper personnel, or could we do outsourcing of security or something to lower costs?”
Cox interjected that what the membership pays does not represent the entire CSD security budget. “The last I heard they get a little over a million a year, and they’re siphoning off a whale of a hunk for administrative expenses for security,” Cox said. “I’m sure it covers part of the general manager’s salary and administrative salaries and that. But I don’t quite see where they need $100,000 or more a year for administration of one chief and a couple of patrolman.”
President Jim Moore expressed willingness to discuss options but warned of negative budgetary considerations. “I have no trouble looking at it, but it’s going to come down to cost,” Moore said.
Director Vicky Lentz suggested dialogue with CSD. “If we are unhappy with the way our tax money is being spent and they’re the ones spending it, I would think the discussion would be with CSD,” Lentz said.
Cox expressed doubt. “CSD has always taken the approach when we have complained about anything where they’ve been quick to tell us that RMA is not their customer – the residents are,” Cox said. “But 90% of their constituents live inside the gates of Rancho Murieta. We’re not getting the bang for our buck.”
Moore affirmed that the board would entertain more discussion of security options. General Manager Nick Arther said he would start gathering information and cost estimates together to report at the next RMA board meeting May 18.
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