1 The following information comprises the minutes for a special meeting of the City Council, a joint meeting of the Banning City Council and Banning Utility Authority and a joint meeting of the Banning City Council and the Banning City Council sitting in its capacity as the Successor Agency Board.
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING (CLOSED SESSION)
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
July 10, 2025 Council Chambers
5:30 p.m. 99 E. Ramsey Street
In Chambers Banning, CA 92220
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Cynthia Barrington Council Member Leroy Miller
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Royce
Council Member Colleen Wallace
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Sheri Flynn
OTHERS PRESENT: Phaedra Norton, Interim City Attorney
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Roll Call
COUNCIL MEMBER PRESENT ABSENT
Barrington, Cynthia X
Flynn, Sheri X
Miller, Leroy X
Royce, Richard X
Wallace, Colleen X
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Agenda Items Only
Frank Connelly expressed concern about appointing a department head as interim city manager, urging the Council to make the interim period short to avoid risking the loss of a valuable employee.
Sus Savage expressed serious concerns regarding the lack of financial oversight following the termination of the City Manager. She reported that two critical finance- related meetings were canceled or mishandled, leaving public funds potentially vulnerable. She highlighted that no valid City officials currently have signing authority on a key bank account, and that staff failed to respond to investment direction questions. She also noted ongoing barriers to accessing financial systems and reports, questioned plans for a $40 million wastewater project, and warned of a $2 million monthly budget shortfall.
She emphasized her elected role and duty to protect public funds. 2 3. CLOSED SESSION
Phaedra Norton, Interim City Attorney read closed session items.
3.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT - PURSUANT TO GOVERMENT CODE 54957 Title: ACTING CITY MANAGER
3.2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT - PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54957 Title: CITY ATTORNEY
City Council Adjourned to Closed Session at 5:36 p.m.
Closed Session Report by Mayor Pro Tem Royce:
Item 3.1 – Public Employee Appointment (Gov. Code 54957): Council appointed Art Vela as Acting City Manager: Motion passed 4-0, Mayor absent.
Item 3.2 – Title Change: Council approved changing the Interim City Attorney to City Attorney. Motion passed 4-0, Mayor absent.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The Special City Council meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Sandra B. 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/221?view_id=1&redirect=true