1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
March 11, 2025 Council Chambers
5:00 p.m. 99 E. Ramsey Street
In Chambers Banning, CA 92220
The following information comprises the minutes for the regular meeting of the Banning City Council, a joint meeting of the City Council and Banning Utility Authority, and the Banning City Council sitting in its capacity as the Banning Successor Agency Board.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Cynthia Barrington Mayor Sheri Flynn
Council Member Leroy Miller
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce
Council Member Colleen Wallace
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: John O. Pinkney, City Attorney
Vincent Avila, Chief of Police
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Caroline Patton, Administrative City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER
5:17 P.M
1.1 INVOCATION
Performed by Pastor David Kieffer of Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1.3 ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBER PRESENT ABSENT
Barrington, Cynthia X
Flynn, Sheri X
Miller, Leroy X
Royce, Richard X
Wallace, Colleen X
2. AGENDA APPROVAL
2.1 AGENDA APPROVAL
2 A motion to approve the agenda with item 9.2 moved after 5.2 made by Councilmember Colleen Wallace, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce.
Motion approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0.
3. PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Banning Women's Club Displays in Council Chambers Lobby Pat Murkland, presented a presentation to the City Council.
4. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
John Pinkney, Interim City Attorney - Report was provided after he closed session meeting.
5. Public Comments, Correspondence, Appointments, and Reports
5.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Flynn opened public comments.
Harry Sullivan provided comments during the February 25 meeting regarding the proposed closure of Banning Airport. He expressed his concerns about the potential impact of the closure on the local community and the economy.
Vincent Marruffo spoke on the significance of St. Boniface Cemetery, where several of his relatives are buried. He articulated his desire to have an iron fence installed around the cemetery to ensure its protection and dignity. Marruffo urged the council to take corrective action to facilitate this project, highlighting the cemetery's importance to the families who have loved ones interred there.
Pat Murkland extended an invitation to both the council members and the audience to attend an informative lecture about St. Boniface, which will be held at the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center. She emphasized the educational value of the event and encouraged community participation.
Mary Lopez Espinoza shared her memories of the St. Boniface property, stating that there were once grave markers present, particularly for infants. She noted that contractors had previously committed to installing an iron fence around the cemetery, reiterating the need for this protective measure to honor the memories of those laid to rest there.
David Kieffer inquired about the status of a grant aimed at establishing a cold weather shelter at the Armory. He sought clarity from the council on the progress of this initiative, which is essential to support individuals in need during harsh weather conditions.
Bob Uribias raised concerns regarding the auditing process within the council. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in financial practices, aiming to ensure that funds are managed effectively and responsibly.
Laura Leindecker spoke about the airport's transition into an industrial property. She highlighted the community support from Morongo, underscoring the potential benefits that this change could bring to local businesses and the economy.
Tracy spoke on the necessity for accountability and transparency in various processes, including the hiring procedures, allocation of funds, and the reported illegal use of storage facilities at Banning Airport. She called for measures to address these issues to ensure integrity within the council's operations.
3 Mayor Flynn closed public comments.
5.2 CORRESPONDENCE
Vickie Sellers, Elected City Clerk, read a letter of correspondence.
9.2 Presentation by Michael Busch of Urban Futures Inc regarding City and Utility finances and steps needed to stabilize general fund and Electric Utility fund.
5.3 APPOINTMENTS
Historic Preservation Commission Appointments for Positions 1 through 5 Councilmember Colleen Wallace motioned to appoint Ezikio Lopez and Vincent Ortega for Positions 1 and 2. Councilmember Cynthia Barrington seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously, 5-0
Mayor Pro Tem motioned to appoint Gabrielle Campbell, William Lamb, and Marco Santana to Positions 3 through 5. Councilmember Leroy Miller seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously, 5-0
Banning Youth Council Appointment
Councilmember Colleen Wallace appointed Sara McDermott to the Banning Youth Council. Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously, 5-0.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Colleen Wallace reported on the RCA regarding legislative updates, funding for habitats, and acquisitions for land purchase. Wallace reported she attended SCAG and reported on a grant the City of Banning will receive for traffic, reporting this is the 3rd grant for this.
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce did not have any committee reports.
Councilmember Cynthia Barringinton reported that she attended the Budget and Finance Committee Meeting and the Planning Commission, expressing the meetings are informative and invited the audience to attend.
Councilmember Leroy Miller reported that he attended two RTA meetings where the approval was given for the purchase of five new hydro buses to comply with the California Clean Act. He emphasized that the City of Banning should prepare for the potential impact of these regulations at the city level. Additionally, Miller attended a League of Cities meeting, where he discussed two major projects: Highland Springs and the interchange at Highway 79 and Interstate 10. He also mentioned attending the swearing-in ceremony for Senator Bogh.
Mayor Flynn reported that she and Councilmember Barrington are working to create a 2x2 Ad Hoc Committee meeting with the City of Beaumont on the topic of animal shelter.
5.5 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None
5.6 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
4 John Pinkney, Interim City
Attorney provided the report.
5.7 CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
Sue Savage, the City Treasurer, spoke about an opportunity for the City of Banning to engage with SWAG during an upcoming "get to know you" meeting. She highlighted the group's success in cities such as Rialto, Fontana, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and others. Additionally, Savage mentioned that she reached out to the Banning Board of Education to discuss the need for Charter and Montessori schools in Banning.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
The following items have been recommended for approval and will be acted upon simultaneously, unless a member of the City Council/Banning Utility Authority/Successor Agency Board wishes to remove an item for separate consideration.
6.1 Approval of the Meeting Minutes for the February 14 and 25, 2025 City Council Meetings
6.2 Consideration of Resolution 2025-32, Approving a Purchase Order with A-Z Bus Sales in the Amount of $44,242.61, which includes a 5% contingency, for the Wheelchair Lift Replacement on Transit Bus 243
6.3 Consideration of Resolution 2025 -33, Approving the Agreement with Riverside County Children and Families Commission Allowing the City of Banning to Provide Swim Lessons Scholarships to Eligible Children Under the Age of Five
6.4 Consideration of Resolution 2025- 34, Approving a Sole Source Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering, Inc. for (1) Building and Safety Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $426,000 for Six Months and (2) Planning Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $151,000 for Nine Months.
6.5 Consideration of City Council Resolutions 2025-35, 2025-36, and Successor Agency Resolution 2025-01, Approving Updated Accountholders for all City Bank Depository Accounts Mayor Pro Tem Royce pulled items 6.2 and 6.4,
Councilmember Miller pulled item 6.5
Mayor Flynn pulled item 6.1.
Mayor Flynn opened public comment for item not pulled: 6.3.
No public comments.
Mayor Flynn closed public comments.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Royce to approved items not pulled.
Seconded by Councilmember Miller
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Item 6.1 was discussed by staff and Council.
Mayor Flynn opened for public comment
No public comment.
Mayor Flynn closed public comments.
5 Mayor Flynn Feedback was provided for the meeting summary minutes, which included the following revisions:
- Condense Bill Hobbs' comments and remove any emotional language. - Add necessary commas and remove unnecessary sentences. - Under section 4, note that Caroline Patton left the meeting and did not return. - In the Report of Officers, item 6.1, eliminate phrases such as "she believes" and "he had emotion."
Staff indicated that specific changes would be needed and inquired whether Mayor Flynn planned to send the edits. Mayor Flynn confirmed that she would.
Motion made by Mayor Flynn for item 6.1 to be tabled to the next meeting Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Royce.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Item 6.2 was discussed by staff and Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Royce questioned: warranties based on the age of vehicles Councilmember Barrington questioned: ridership details regarding frequent use Councilmember Miller questioned: total buses or vans that are ADA compliant Mayor Flynn opened item 6.2 for public comments.
Frank Conolly commented on the one-year warranty for a $40,000 product, specifically regarding the ridership total in relation to wheelchair lift usage. He acknowledged that while it is just a part, the one-year warranty seems insufficient.
Mayor Flynn closed public comment.
Mayor Flynn noted and questioned why a wheelchair lift was being purchased as a sole source. She asked if this was due to a competitive warranty.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce to approve item 6.2 Seconded by Councilmember Miller.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0
Item 6.4 was discussed by staff and Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Royce questioned: timing for RFP
Mayor Flynn opened public comment
No public comment
Mayor Flynn closed public comment
Motion made by Councilmember Miller to approve item 6.4 Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Royce.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0
Item 6.5 was discussed by staff and Council.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
6 8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
8.1 Consideration of Resolution 2025-37, Approving Modifications to the Warrant Approval Process Barbara Mason, Chief Procurement Officer, provided the staff report. She outlined the detailed process for invoice approval, emphasizing timely payments and ensuring there are no delays, highlighting items already approved by the Council. She also spoke of the importance of keeping some documents confidential until there is full verification and approval. It was noted that requests for information should be directed to the public record request portal. Mason also spoke on maintaining efficiency and transparency while avoiding delays in processing.
Council discussion:
Mayor Flynn asked staff what Municipal Code 3.24 and what was being referred to by policy B-30.
Staff clarified that the purchasing policy, available on the city website, is 83 pages long and an upcoming workshop regarding the policy. Mason noted for transparency purposes it can also be accessed on OpenGov and through a public records request.
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce clarified that the policy was last updated May of 2024.
Mayor Flynn opened item 8.1 for public comment.
Sue Savage, asked where in the process the warrant is approved. She noted that when the warrant report reaches the Budget and Finance, the checks have already been sent out. Savage spoke, considering the lawful process; the warrants should be approved before checks are sent out for payment. She emphasized that elected officials should be involved in the process.
Lincoln Bogard, responded to the City Council and summarized that all prior approvals, including those for large projects and contracts, are still subject to approval by the Council. Bogard emphasized that the warrant report is the final step, and addressing questions and concerns before the deadline is important to ensure that a check will be released at that time.
John Pinkney, summarized that for something like a Public Works contract, all approvals must be in place before payment. If payment is delayed, it can lead to penalties and extra costs. Mr. Pinkney also stated that the policy being presented is about future policy not past actions. The new process involves a review period by the City Clerk, Treasurer, and Mayor. Then checks are only issued after that review is complete.
Mayor Flynn pointed out that there seems to be a gap in the current process. Specifically noting that adding a clause to clarify how unresolved questions will be handled. She asked for more details on which terms are considered previously approved and how the B-30 Purchasing Policy applies.
Flynn emphasized ensuring that the process respects any pending concerns and doesn’t automatically move forward.
John Pinkney, suggested clearly outlining a protocol where, if there is no response, either approval or disapproval, by the deadline, the payment will still be processed, highlighting that if there is a clear disapproval, then the payment won’t be issued. Pinkney also recommended adding a line that ensures that disapproved charges are not processed, which allows for transparency and accountability.
A motion was made by Mayor Flynn to approve Resolution 2025-37 with modifications and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Royce.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
7 9.1 Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding Request Art Vela, Public Works Director, provided the staff report.
Vela highlighted the following projects that could be eligible and beneficial to the community:
-Planning and design phase for Pedestrian bridge across from San Gorgonio Ave. at railroad crossing (1.5 – 2 million dollar request).
-Wastewater treatment upgrade project (2-million-dollar request). -Hargrave Street Grade Separation Project (2 million dollar) -Purchase equipment to begin a pilot study for chromium 6 treatment facilities (1 million dollar) Vela stated it was chosen because of a good impact for the community, and often funds are scarce for these types of projects. Federal funding – NEPA requirement. Vela asked for confirmation from the council on which projects to move forward with.
Council questions:
Mayor Pro Tem Royce asked if there was an indication of which project they would go for.
Mayor Flynn asked if there is only one project to be asked for. Vela confirmed the city could put all 4 projects out there, highlighting that more staff time might be required.
Councilmember Barrington asked if the pedestrian bridge was identified, would the city have to subsidize any other monies. Vela confirmed that if awarded 2 million, there should be enough funding for the planning and design phase.
Councilmember Miller asked if the project was approved, would Cal Trans and the Railroad partner and provide funding.
Councilmember Wallace stated that SCAG and RCTC may be willing to assist.
Mayor Flynn opened public comment
Mayor Flynn closed public comment
Council discussion:
Mayor Flynn indicated that she felt the pedestrian bridge would be the most impactful and number one choice, and proof is evident (video), third wastewater and next chromium 6 treatment facilities.
Councilmember Miller indicated that if more than one option was to be chosen, option 2 for funding would be the Hargrave Street grade separation.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilmember Miller announced his upcoming town hall meeting at the Banning Senior Center.
Councilmember Barrington announced she held a town hall, which was well attended and the Acting City Manager and Chief Avila were present.
11. ITEMS FOR FUTURE
AGENDAS
11.1 NEW ITEMS
1. RFP for City Manager (Wallace)
2. Strategy for the future of Banning (Miller)
3. Review and evaluate the Planning Commission (Royce)
4. Review and update grant administration policy (Flynn)
11.2 EXISTING ITEMS
8 5. Update on Community Garden (Flynn)
6. Developer Presentation on Sunset Crossroads Project (Flynn)
7. Contracting Animal Services (Flynn)
8. Code Enforcement Department Citations Process (Miller)
9. Emergency Preparedness (Barrington)
10.Changes to the Banning Procedural Manual (Royce)
11.Tree Trimming at Repplier Park and near Sun Lakes (Flynn)
12.Discussion of Reversing Decision to Close Airport (Royce)
13.Agenda Pagination, Reading Aloud Public Correspondence (Flynn)
14.Patriot Tree (Barrington)
15.Contractor(s) to do Citywide Cleanup (Flynn)
16.Review City Vehicle Maintenance (Royce)
12. ADJOURNMENT – 8:58 P.M.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce and seconded by Councilmember Miller.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Next Regular Meeting, March 25, 2025
Minutes prepared by: Amanda Morgan, Program Coordinator Minutes reviewed and submitted by: Sandra Calderon, Acting Administrative City Clerk.
These minutes have been prepared as Summary Minutes in accordance with City Council Resolution 2025-22 and Government Code Sections 36814, 40801, and 54953(c)(2).
The entire discussion of this meeting may be viewed here:
https://banningca.granicus.com/player/clip/231?view_id=1&redirect=true