1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
June 24, 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.
TELECOMMUTING LOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Royce will be participating from a remote location where the public is invited to attend:
Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship in Stateroom 14218.
1. CALL TO ORDER – 5:01 PM
2. 1.1 INVOCATION
Performed by Pastor Todd Oldenberg of Thrive Church
1.3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1.3 ROLL CALL
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
Robert Fisher, Acting City Manager
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Sandra Calderon, Acting Administrative City Clerk
AGENDA APPROVAL
2.1 AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Flynn requested for 6.9 to be removed.
Councilmember Wallace requested to move item 9.1 after the consent items.
Motion to approve the agenda made by Councilmember Miller and seconded by Councilmember Wallace.
2 Motion passes 5-0.
2. PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Proclamation - Parks and Recreation Month
Mayor Flynn read the proclamation.
Scott Foster, Recreation Manager, provided a presentation.
4. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
John Pinkney, Interim City
Attorney, reported on the closed
session.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE, APPOINTMENTS, AND
REPORTS
5.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Daniel Lawrence is frustrated with complex, costly city processes that make it hard for small businesses to operate. He called for clearer step-by-step guidance, better staff support, and a dedicated liaison, while stressing the need for accountability and noting connections to broader issues such as homelessness.
Inge Schuler expressed concern about unclean and possibly increasing financial commitments as the new budget year begins on July 1, noting that the budget has not been clearly published or finalized. She felt there had been inconsistent or incomplete financial reporting, making it difficult to understand charges, timelines, and recent updates. She emphasized confusion around past and new charges, said the process is hard to follow, and stressed that others share these concerns, asking for clearer communication and notifications of any changes.
David Keiffer, is asking for clearer public comment opportunities and more transparency from the council, especially regarding a contract related to homelessness services. He is concerned that there has been no formal report or clear communication about what the contractor has done so far. He questioned how funds are being spent, including whether the city is paying for travel time, office time, or other costs, and noted the contract could total about $48,000 per month. He requested regular updates, detailed reporting on services, and greater financial transparency.
Oleg Ivascheck, representing the Chamber of Commerce, acknowledges community concerns, but encourages a more balanced and collaborative approach. He emphasized that while concerns raised to the council are valid, solutions take time due to rules and timelines. Using a metaphor, they urged the community to come together rather than argue, warning that focusing only on conflict or funding issues could harm the city overall.
A resident commented on the usage of social media accounts for council members, noting that it should not be used to promote personal opinions or agendas.
5.2 CORRESPONDENCE
3 No correspondence
5.3 APPOINTMENTS
No appointments
5.4 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Wallace reported she held a Juneteenth celebration at Roosevelt Williams Park.
She reported attending WRCOG, noting she spent time networking.
Councilmember Miller reported attending the SCAG annual conference dinner.
Mayor Flynn reported attending RCTC and that there is a design engineer report pending about ramp metering and express lanes along the I-10 Interstate. She also reported attending a meeting where the Highland Springs Ave. interchange, Sun Lakes Blvd extension, County Line, Cherry Valley, and Singleton interchanges were awarded money.
5.5 ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
5.6 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Robert Fisher, Acting City Manager, announced that the City Treasurer and the new Acting Finance Director would be added to the bank accounts.
David Newell, Community Development Manager, introduced a new employee.
5.7 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
John Pinkney, Acting City Attorney, provided the report.
5.8 CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
Sue Savage, City Treasurer, emphasized that achieving prosperity will require accepting challenges first, using the metaphor of rain before a rainbow. She referenced concerns from local businesses about workforce issues, outdated municipal codes, and homelessness, especially with changes coming on July 1. She questioned how many impacts there would have and highlighted confusion around processes that may no longer exist, calling for clearer direction and updated policies.
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.
Consent items pulled: None
6.1 Receive and File Police Department Statistics for the Month of May 2025
6.2 Receive and File Fire Protection Services Statistics for the Month of May 2025
6.3 Public Works Capital Improvement Project Tracking List
6.4 Receive and File Code Enforcement Statistics for the Month of May 2025 4 6.5 Receive and File Contracts Approved Under the City Manager's Signature Authority and Inventory Reports for May 2025
6.6 City Council Travel and Conference Expense Report Year to Date Through May 2025
6.7 Receive and File Animal Control Statistics for the Month of May 2025
6.8 Accept as Complete Various Improvements Related to the Atwell Specific Plan Development and Authorize 90% Reduction of the Improvement Bonds
6.9 Consideration of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 1609, Approving a Development Agreement By and Between the City of Banning and JDJN Enterprises, LLC, a Missouri Limited Liability Corporation
6.10 Consideration of Resolution 2025-89, Approving Final Parcel Map 38497 and Release the Map for Recordation
6.11 Consideration of Resolution 2025-90, Authorizing Staff to Sign the Subdivision Improvement Agreement and Accept Faithful Performance and Labor and Material Bonds for Public Improvements for Street, Sewer, and Water Improvements at the Wilson Street Crossing of Smith Creek adjacent to Final Map 37389-1
6.12 Consideration of Resolution 2025-91, Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran in the Amount of $49,005 for Grant Management Services for the Proposition 1-Round 2 Integrated Regional Water Management Implementation Grant
6.13 Consideration of Resolution 2025-93, Adopting the City of Banning Electric Utility 2024 Wildfire Mitigation Plan
6.14 Consideration of Resolution 2025- 94, Approving Amendment No.1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Innovative Federal Strategies, LLC to Provide Federal Legislative Advocacy and Governmental Affair Services for Two (2) Years Ending on June 30, 2027 Mayor Flynn opened public comment
None
Mayor Flynn closed public comment
Motion made to approve items 6.1 – 6.14 made by Councilmember Wallace and seconded by Councilmember Miller
Motion passes 5-0.
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 Review and Discussion of Travel Authorization for Leroy Miller and Travel Authorization for Colleen Wallace to League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA.
Barbara Mason, Purchasing Manager, provided the staff report.
Council questions:
Councilmember Wallace noted that all councilmembers are members of the League of California Cities. She explained that the conference is for the whole conference 5 Councilmember Miller clarified that the policy had not changed since 2024, clarifying that the council does not need to approve. He asked Mr. Fisher why it had not been signed, noting that the mayor had asked that the item be placed on the agenda.
Mayor Flynn asked about the
Councilmember Miller asked whether this was a policy issue or specific to this conference Mayor Flynn opened public comment
None
Mayor Flynn closed public comment
Council discussion:
Mayor Flynn commented that although she has attended the conferences in the past, she brought this forward because, after research, she believes the council's voting members should attend.
Councilmember Wallace noted that all members of the council are members of the League of Cities. She noted that everyone should attend the conference and that there is a budget for councilmembers to do so.
Councilmember Miller noted that this conference is a general session. He also asked about the conference schedule, as he had researched it and could not find it.
Mayor Pro Tem Royce noted that there are advantages to going to the same conference because of the breakout sessions but asked if there are sessions specifically related to voting.
Councilmember Barrington said she had attended the January meeting for the League of Cities, noting session topics such as the Brown Act, mentioning it was beneficial.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Consideration of Resolution 2025-95, Approving a Report in Connection with the Proposed Collection on the 2025/2026 Riverside County Property Tax Roll of Delinquent Solid Waste Service Charges for Single-Family and Multi-Family Dwelling Accounts and Making a Determination of Exemption under CEQA
Art Vela, Public Works Director, provided the staff report.
Council questions:
Councilmember Barrington asked why Waste Management cannot send past due accounts to collections like other companies.
Mayor Flynn opened public comment
A resident expressed concerns about the Waste Management bills, noting that sending the overdue Waste Management bills into collections like other billing systems would be wise. 6 A resident spoke in opposition of item 7.1, noting that the bills for Waste Management should operate like other utility services. He said that if the bills are not paid, the services should not continue; instead, the cost should be placed on the homeowner’s property tax.
Harry Sullivan, expressed frustration with the contract process with Waste Management.
He noted that the company is more capable of recouping the costs rather than a property owner.
A property owner in Banning expressed concerns on adding excess charges onto the bill. He mentioned that when he purchased his current property, there were charges that he had to cure. He objected to the unpaid fees mentioning that the liens and charges do not show up on the escrow documents.
Mayor Flynn closed public comment.
Council discussion:
Mayor Flynn confirmed
Councilmember Barrington asked why Waste Management could not send an overdue bill into collections like other utility services.
Councilmember Wallace asked if the mandate was being sent down from the state level.
Councilmember Barrington asked, if the resolution is not approved, what Waste Management’s next step would be.
Mayor Flynn noted that while water and electricity usage vary, waste does not change Councilmember Miller asked if there was a plan B that could be considered.
Councilmember Wallace asked if Waste Management would be able to assist homeowners in unique situations.
Motion to approve Resolution 2025-95 made by Mayor Flynn and seconded by Councilmember Wallace.
Motion passes 3-2.
7.2 Consideration of Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1610, Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Banning Based on Maps Provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection by Amending the Banning Municipal Code Section 8.16.020 and Chapter 15.28
Mikki Sherry, Fire Marshall, provided the staff report.
Mayor Flynn opened public comment
David Kieffer, expressed concern about the growing maps and fire areas, noting it’s important to be aware as the community continues to grow.
Mayor Flynn closed public comment.
Council discussion:
7 Councilmember Miller noted that the mandate came from the State level.
Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1610 made by Councilmember Wallace and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Royce.
Motion passes 5-0.
8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
8.1 Consideration of Resolution 2025-96, Approving a Budget Change Request related to Opportunity Village
Robert Fisher, Acting City Manager, provided the staff report.
Council questions:
Councilmember Wallace asked where the current restaurants would be placed. She also asked whether the grant representative would be available to answer questions.
Councilmember Miller confirmed if the state had confirmed this request. He also confirmed the remaining amount, the source of funding from the general fund, and staffing at Opportunity Village.
Councilmember Barrington confirmed that Opportunity Village staffing wages came from the general fund, noting the total amounts for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. She also asked what the current budget allows. She also asked about the rules around.
Mayor Flynn asked about auctioning off pallet homes and the usage of the homes for the unhoused who are not from around here. She also questioned if it was believed to have misappropriation of funds.
Councilmember Wallace asked whether there had been reimbursement to show the funds that had come through.
Mayor Flynn opened public comment
David Kieffer, expressed concern about the resolution and losing housing for unhoused individuals. He shared a message that hung on a plaque in the hall, mentioning that he has been with the individuals of Opportunity Village weekly, noting that the description provided was dark and incorrect. He noted that there was not enough information to declare what kind of fiscal impact would take place.
Todd Oldenberg, stated agreement with the previous speaker, urging the council the take a closer look at the relocation opportunity at Village rather than placing individuals in homes that will be run under a lease agreement. He encouraged bringing all community organizations to the table to come to a solution
Sue Savage, expressed her confusion regarding remarks made by two pastors concerning the management of Opportunity Village. She pointed out that if the pallet houses provided were of better quality and more effective, the streets would likely not be filled with homeless individuals. Her comments reflect a belief that improvements in housing solutions could directly impact on the well-being of the homeless population. 8 Mayor Flynn closed public comment
Council discussion:
Councilmember Wallace commented that there would be even more unhoused individuals should the direction be to close Opportunity Village.
Councilmember Barrington noted that there was enough information from the State to move forward.
Councilmember Miller raised significant concerns regarding the lack of a formal written agreement outlining what activities or practices would be allowed or prohibited by the state.
He emphasized the importance of having clear guidelines to prevent confusion or misinterpretation in the future. Additionally, Miller questioned the sustainability of funding sources, expressing uncertainty about where financial support would originate going forward. He highlighted the need for transparency and clarity in these areas to ensure effective planning and implementation of proposed initiatives.
Mayor Pro Tem Royce mentioned reaching out to the State to see what is allowable and moving forward.
Motion to approve Resolution 2025-96 made by Councilmember Barington and seconded by Mayor Flynn.
Motion passes 3-2.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
11. 11.1 NEW ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Royce
requested utility billing and
budget update.
11.2 EXISTING ITEMS
Update on Community Garden (Flynn)
Contracting Animal Services (Flynn)
Emergency Preparedness (Barrington)
Contractor(s) to do Citywide Cleanup (Flynn)
RFP for City Manager (Wallace)
Update on Electric Billing (Miller)
Review and Update Council Travel Policy (Flynn)
Acting City Manager Evaluation (Miller)
10. ADJOURNMENT – 8:31 P.M.
Next Regular Meeting – July 8, 2025
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Councilmember Miller and seconded by Councilmember Wallace.
Prepared by: Amanda Morgan, Program Coordinator
9 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/217?view_id=1&redirect=true