1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING (CLOSED SESSION)
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
The following information comprises the minutes for the special 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.
September 9, 2025 Council Chambers
2:30 p.m. 99 E. Ramsey Street
In Chambers Banning, CA 92220
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
Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney
Arturo Vela, Acting City Manager
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Sandra Calderon, Acting Administrative City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER - 2:30 p.m.
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 addressed the City Council regarding Closed Session Item 3.3 regarding Lease Agreement with the Banning Chamber of Commerce, noting that the building was originally funded through CDBG development grant funds and emphasizing the Chamber’s vital role in the community.
He encouraged the Council to work with the Chamber to provide a fair lease and the importance of retaining the gas company in the City and urged the Council to ensure that Art is retained, stating that he is a asset to the City.
3. CLOSED SESSION
John Pinkney, City Attorney read closed session items.
3.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d) (4). Three Potential 2 Cases.
3.2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9 paragraph 2 of subdivision (d) – One (1) case
3.3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54956.8
Property: 60 E. Ramsey Street; APN 541-181-021 & 023
Agency Negotiator: Interim City Manager Art Vela
Negotiating Party: Banning Chamber of Commerce Under
Negotiation: Price & Terms of Lease
3.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 (d) (1) Agency Designated Representatives: Art Vela, Acting City Manager; David Newell, Community Development Director; Michelle Green, Interim Finance Director; Nicole Jews, Human Resources Manager; Oliver Yee, Liebert Cassidy and Whitmore (City Counsel) Employee Organization: Banning Police Manager's Association (BPMA); Banning Police Officer's Association (BPOA)
3.5 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: Interim City Manager, Art Vela or designee Unrepresented Employee: Finance Director and Human Resources Director The City Council went into Closed Session at 2:32 p.m.
The City Council recessed at 4:12 p.m.
The City Council went into Closed Session again at 4:43 p.m.
The City Council reconvened in Open Session at 5:24 p.m.
The City Attorney reported that there was no reportable action taken on Close Session items 3.1 through 3.5.
4. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Wallace.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:27 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:
1 of 2 https://banningca.granicus.com/player/clip/230?view_id=1&redirect=true 2 of 2 https://banningca.granicus.com/player/clip/233?view_id=1&redirect=true