RANCHO SANTA FE — New campaign guidelines and the recruitment of future board members dominated discussions at the March 20 Association meeting.

Manager Pete Smith suggested the board make revisions to the upcoming 2008 elections since only two candidates are vying for the vacant board positions. He recommended that each candidate submit a short bio that would then be sent with the Association’s mailer, which provides information about the election and annual meeting.

There are two openings on the board to replace retiring members Marie Addario, president, and Bob Spears, vice president. Ranch residents Tom Lang and Deb Plummer have stepped forward as candidates. Each has lived in the area for more than five years and has a history of community service. Lang is the past president of the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society and Plummer has served as the president of the Rancho Santa Fe school board. Both candidates are highly regarded by current board members.

“We contacted over 40 potential candidates, but only two stepped forward,” Addario said. “This is highly unusual. Usually nominating is about screening candidates, not recruiting them.”

“Perhaps we need to recruit year-round?” Director Bill Beckman asked. He suggested that potential candidates be contacted throughout the year to plant the idea of candidacy early.

“The problem is many don’t like the process. They don’t want to run. It’s intimidating,” Addario said of the campaigning process.

For now, the two candidates will not have to campaign. Smith’s recommendation that each candidate’s bio be sent with the Association’s mailer was approved unanimously.

Other action taken by the board included the approval of temporary construction site signs. The Design Build Company and Steigerwald-Dougherty have each requested such signs, which were previously approved by the Art Jury.

In other Association updates, Smith commented on the new median strips currently being constructed along Paseo Delicias and El Tordo. “We continue to get calls regarding parking spaces,” Smith said about the temporary parking situation. Associate Planner Arnold Keene assured the board that despite the rains in February, the construction is now on schedule.

In committee updates, Director Tim Sullivan, who sits on Equestrian Trail Committee, was pleased to report that there have been major improvements to many of the horse trails. Recent rains damaged many of the trails, but they’ve since been repaired.

Director Kim Higgins gave a brief update on the Road and Traffic Committee. The discussion centered on the proposed roundabout at the Del Dios Highway cut-through. Sullivan was concerned about how the roundabout would affect horse-trail crossings.

“The distance from the roundabout is critical,” Treasurer Lois Jones said.

Director Bill Beckman then asked, “What can we expect? Will there be opposition from the residents about the roundabouts?”

Association Planning Director Ivan Holler said that the county is now proposing a flashing light to be triggered when a horse is detected at an equestrian crossing.

“I can tell you, the county has never done this before,” Holler said.

The board had requested the flashing light some time ago, but the issue has not been resolved.

Bob Spears gave a committee update on the Osuna Adobe, announcing an open house May 4 and May 5 with docents and light refreshments. The Association acquired the historic property and its renovation has been in review for several years. “Let’s get it done. Let’s get moving on it,” Director Steve Shillington said, suggesting that the board approve renovation plans prior to the upcoming election of new board members.

The next Association meeting will take place April 3.