1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
December 9, 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: Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney Arturo Vela, Interim City Manager
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Sandra Calderon, Deputy City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER -5:12 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION
Performed by Pastor Eric Wade from of Sunrise 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
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Council Member Miller, seconded by Council Member Wallace. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
3. PRESENTATIONS
None
2 4. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney reported that there was no action to report from the closed session items 3.1 through 3.5.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE, APPOINTMENTS, AND REPORTS
5.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS
● Patricia Molina expressed concerns about high utility bills and the City's responsibility for errors in the billing system.
● Lynnea Hagan expressed concerns about the persistent smell from a marijuana facility on Hathaway and Westward.
● Oleg Ivociuk, President of Banning Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City and volunteers for the successful Christmas parade and invited new members to join the Chamber.
5.2 CORRESPONDENCE
None was received
5.3 APPOINTMENTS
Annual City Council Reorganization
ELECTION OF MAYOR
Council Member Flynn nominated Council Member Royce
Council Members Royce and Wallace nominated Council Member Miller Motion to Close Nominations.
Motion by Council Member Royce
Seconded by Council Member Miller
Selection of Mayor:
Barrington, Cynthia Royce
Flynn, Sheri Royce
Miller, Leroy Royce
Royce, Richard Royce
Wallace, Colleen Miller
Council Member Royce was selected as Mayor for a one-year term.
ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM
Council Member Barrington nominated Council Member Miller.
Council Member Flynn nominated Council Barrington
Motion to Close Nominations.
Motion by Council Member Miller
Seconded by Council Member Flynn
Selection of Mayor Pro Tem:
Barrington, Cynthia Barrington
Flynn, Sheri Barrington
Miller, Leroy Miller
3 Royce, Richard Barrington
Wallace, Colleen Miller
Council Member Barrington was selected as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.
Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment - Position 4, term ending January 31, 2027.
A motion to appoint Rita Chapparosa to the Banning Parks and Recreation was made by Council Member Wallace, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barrington. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
● Council Member Wallace reported on the RCA Director's Meeting and attended a joint commission meeting for SCAG, discussing transportation, economic development, and housing elements.
● Council Member Flynn attended WRCOG meetings and reported on shifting funds from Highland Springs I-10 improvements to the Pennsylvania overpass project in Beaumont. ● Mayor Pro Tem Barrington reported on handing out meals before Thanksgiving with La Villa Burger.
● Council Member Miller attended an RTA meeting and the Pass Agency Water Board meeting. He noted a successful Shop with Santa pancake breakfast, a toy giveaway by the DA and Banning PD, and the Christmas parade.
5.5 CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
Sue Savage, City Treasurer reported on access restrictions and raised concerns about financial transparency and oversight. She highlighted the removal of her access to City Hall resources.
She presented a year-over-year comparison of financial figures ● Significant decreases in Wells Fargo and LEIF accounts. ● A total cash and investments decrease of $16,990,000. ● A $6,750,000 decrease in bond accounts.
● A total decline of $23,741,000 over the year.
The Treasurer stated that staff continues to deny online access to key accounts, hindering oversight. The report warned of potential overspending and structural deficits in the coming months.
The Treasurer requested immediate actions from the Council:
1. Restore access to City Hall resources.
2. Provide online access to key financial accounts.
3. Order a prompt and impartial investigation into allegations of improper conduct.
4. Produce a six-month stabilization plan
5.6 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Art Vela, Interim City Manager addressed the Treasurer's comments, standing behind the decision to remove her office access. He stated that the City is committed to providing a safe environment for staff and do not validate numbers provided by the treasurer. The City Manager clarified access to various accounts and committed to creating a recovery plan once the City's books are up to date.
The City Manager explained the issues with the utility billing system and the plan to expedite recovery.
The City is not issuing late fees or shutoffs during this catch-up period and will work with customers on payment plans. The City Manager reported that the PD and Code Enforcement have been directed to be more aggressive on cannabis enforcement and tagged one facility for code violations. 4 The City Manager announced the opening of bids for the Sun Lakes Boulevard Extension Project and the near completion of the City CNG station.
5.7 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
The City Attorney reviewed sections of the City Council Manual, emphasizing points of order, member courtesy, and public decorum.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
6.1 Consideration and Approval of the meeting minutes of the April 22, October 28 and November 12, 2025, City City Council meetings.
6.2 Receive and File Contracts Approved Under the City Manager's Signature Authority and Inventory Reports for October 2025.
6.3 Receive and File Code Enforcement Statistics for the Month of November 2025
6.4 Receive and File Police Department Statistics for the Month of November 2025.
6.5 Receive and File Animal Control Statistics for the Month of November 2025
6.6 Receive and File Fire Protective Services Statistics for the Month of November 2025.
6.7 Public Works Capital Improvement Project Tracking List
6.8 Consideration of Resolution 2025-03 SA, Approving the Establishment of Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) 26-27 A and B for the Period of July 2026 through June 2027 and Approving Certain Related Actions
6.9 Consideration of Resolution 2025-163, Accepting a donation from Sun Lakes Charitable Trust in the amount of $2,000
6.10 Consideration of Resolution 2025 -166, Approving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Applications for Fiscal year 2026/2027
6.11 Consideration of Resolution 2025-168, Approving a Human Resources Director Employment Agreement
6.12 Consideration of Resolution 2025-169, Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan, Position Reclassification (Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor)
6.13 Consideration of Resolution 2025-170, Authorizing Five Professional Service Agreements for On-call Environmental Services for Current and Future Public and Private Projects with the Following Firms: The Altum Group, Dudek, LSA Associates, MNS Engineers, Inc. and Ruth Villalobos & Associates.
6.14 Consideration of Resolution 2025-171, Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering for Building and Safety Services, including Plan Review, Landscape Design Review and Staff Augmentation.
6.15 Consideration for Resolution 2025-172, Awarding an Agreement for Homeless Encampment Clean Up, Illegal Dumping Abatement and Graffiti Removal Services to Clean Harbor Environmental Services in the Amount of $150,000 per Year and Rejecting All Other Bids
6.16 Consideration of Resolution 2025-173, Awarding a Professional Services Agreement for the Animal Shelter Facility Assessment and Feasibility Study to IDS Group, Inc. in the Amount of $144,487 and Rejecting All Other Bids
6.17 Consideration of Resolution 2025- 174, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Banning Making Findings for Unexpended Development Fees in Accordance with Government Code Section 66000 and Reviewing and Accepting Annual Development Fee Disclosure Information.
Item 6.15 was pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Barrington.
Mayor Royce opened public comments on items not pulled. • Frank Connelly is seeking financial clarification for item 6.8 on a $17,671 deficit shown in the obligation payment schedule and wants to understand the process for covering or accounting for that shortfall.
5 • Jim Tickmeyer congratulated the City on receiving a $2,000 donation from Sun Lakes Charitable Contributions, thanked Sun Lakes for their support, and noted the funds will benefit the City’s Senior Center.
Council Member Wallace motion to approve items not pulled, seconded by Council Member Flynn. Motion passed 5.0.
Mayor Royce closed public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington wanted to continue 6.15 because local businesses were not properly considered, prompting a discussion regarding the agreement for homeless encampment cleanup and illegal dumping.
Mayor Royce opened public comments.
A member of the public requested the city consider local trash and hazardous removal business Junk Buddies
• Frank Connelly, John Hagen, Ruben Felix and Oleg Ivaschuk raised concerns about the selected company’s safety record, OSHA violation, and out-of-state headquarters.
Mayor Royce closed public comments.
Council Member Flynn motion to accept resolution 2025-172 awarding the agreement to Clean Harbor Environmental Services, Seconded by Council Member Wallace.
Motion passed with a vote of 3-2 (Mayor Royce and Council Member Wallace voted no)
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Consider Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1614 Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.32 (House Numbering System), and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-165 Approving the Citywide Addressing Policy.
David Newell, Community Development Director, introduced Ordinance 1614 to repeal and replace Chapter 12.32 regarding the house numbering system and Resolution 2025-165 to approve the citywide addressing policy. The existing ordinance, based on a manual procedure using Ramsey Street and San Gregorio Avenue as the center point, is outdated and lacks GIS technology. The proposed ordinance aims to modernize the process, improve address visibility, support emergency dispatch, integrate with online permitting and utility billing, and maintain a clean master address database. Ordinance 1614 provides administrative authority for assigning and modifying addresses, visibility standards, assignment rules, database maintenance procedures, and council authority to adopt address-related fees. The resolution provides technical details for numbering increments, addressing multi-unit properties and ADUs, posting standards, naming conventions, and a verification workflow coordinating with various departments. Benefits include a uniform system, faster emergency response, consistency in the online portal, better coordination with the Postal Service and Fire Department, and standardized addressing for ADUs and large developments. The Council can adopt either the ordinance or the policy or decline both.
Councilmember Flynn inquired about the fiscal impact, clarifying that costs would be recovered from applicants requesting changes or new addresses.
The Ordinance addresses both new and existing developments, with new developments conditioned through the entitlement process and existing developments addressed through the resolution. Current addresses would not be affected.
Mayor Royce opened the Public Hearing at 6:48 p.m.
No Public Comments
Mayor Royce closed the Public Hearing at 6:48 p.m.
6 A motion to waive first reading of Ordinance 1614 Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.32 (House Numbering System), and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-165 Approving the Citywide Addressing Policy was made by Mayor Pro Tem Barrington, Seconded by Council Member Wallace.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS/ACTION ITEMS
8.1 Consideration of Resolution 2025-164, Approving the Purchase of 45 Axon Taser 10 Electronic Control Devices, Accessories, Evidence.com Storage, and Virtual Reality Training Equipment Acting Captain Smith presented Resolution 2025-164 for the purchase of 45 Axon Taser 10 electronic control devices, accessories, storage, and virtual reality training equipment. The Banning Police Department transitioned to the Axon Taser X-2 in 2013, which allowed for multiple cartridges. The Taser 10 increases standoff range from 25 feet to 45 feet and shot capacity from two cartridges to 10 individually fired probes. It features an advanced green laser targeting system and an auditory warning system. The current X2 devices are at the end of their life cycle. The purchase includes virtual reality training with two VR goggles for officers to use for interactive training. The purchase will utilize Fund 148, the Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund, with a balance of $359,990. The total purchase cost is $282,338.63, paid in five annual payments starting in February 2026. The purchase includes accessories, training aids, and training for instructors. The department will trade in old X2 devices for credit. The contract includes set cartridge delivery dates, with replacements provided as needed. Key reasons to upgrade include enhanced officer safety, superior effectiveness, reduced liability, better documentation, improved weather resistance, and VR training. The contract locks in current pricing for 60 months and ensures ongoing support.
The TASER Rep clarified that the classification is due to the firing pin and that legislation is underway to declassify it. Acting Captain Smith stated that non-sworn personnel will not receive the Taser 10 until it is decertified or they receive certification. Smith stated that the funds are from the state.
Mayor Royce opened public comments.
• Stuart McKenzie shared an account of a past police incident in the Bay Area involving he accidental shooting of Oscar Grant. He urged the City to ensure officers receive proper training and use of tasers to prevent tragedies.
• Juanita Diaz expressed support for additional police training but asked how much the training would cost the City and whether the expense would be brought before the Council for consideration.
Mayor Royce closed public comments.
Council Member Flynn motion to approve resolution 2025-164, Seconded by Council Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
8.2 Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to Collaborate and Continue Discussions Toward the Formation of a Joint Powers Authority for Animal Control Services The City Council discussed the MOU between the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to collaborate and continue discussions towards the formulation of a joint powers authority for animal control services. The City approved a facility assessment on the City's animal shelter. The Cities have been in communication via subcommittee meetings and recognize that a possible long-term solution would be to form a JPA.
A site visit to Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar was conducted. The proposed nonbinding MOU is an initial commitment to continued dialogue. The MOU does not create binding financial obligations but establishes a formal mechanism for cooperation. Objectives include interagency coordination, sharing operational data, identifying service needs, facility capacities, and cost-sharing options. Councilmember Flynn suggested including the county, citing their 7 expertise and potential for funding. Councilmember Flynn noted that Calimesa and Banning would like to include the County, but Beaumont is more hesitant.
Mayor Royce opened public comments.
No public comments
Mayor Royce closed public comments
Mayor Royce motion to authorize the Interim City Manager to Sign a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians with the stipulation that the County of Riverside is also mutually considered. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barrington. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
8.3 Consideration of Resolution 2025-175, Authorizing the exception of the 180-Day Waiting Period for Retired Annuitant (RA) Bonnie Johnson
Michelle Green, who was brought on to help with the Finance Director vacancy on March 25th of 2025, is approaching the 960-hour limit for retired annuitants, expected to be reached around December 19th. To fill the resulting vacancy, Bonnie Johnson will take the Interim Finance Director position on December 22nd of 2025, also limited to 960 hours. This resolution is at the request of CalPERS. The City is continuing to recruit for a permanent finance director.
Mayor Royce opened public comments.
No public comments
Mayor Royce closed public comments
Council Member Wallace motion to adopt resolution 2025-175, and seconded Mayor Pro Tem Barrington. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
9. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Wallace announced a town hall meeting on the fourth Saturday of January at 4 o'clock at Roosevelt Williams Park.
Council Member Miller announced a produce giveaway from the County on Thursday from 9 to 12 o'clock across from City Hall.
11. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
11.1 NEW ITEMS
Council Member Flynn requested the following items for future agendas: a correction in the Banning manual of procedural guidelines regarding abstentions, an update and audit of the sales tax agreement with Diamond Chevrolet, citing concerns about the $3.2 million threshold and the City not receiving sales tax revenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington requested a moratorium on cannabis cultivation warehouses.
Interim City Manager, Art Vela, noted that items number one and three on the previous list were being removed. Councilmember Flynn requested an update on the anti-camping ordinance.
11.2 EXISTING ITEMS
1. Animal Control Facility Assessment (Flynn) January 2025
2. Emergency Preparedness (Barrington) January 2025
3. Contractor(s) to do Citywide Cleanup (Flynn) May 2025
4. Review and Update Council Travel Policy (Flynn) May 2025
5. Streamline Procurement Policy (Flynn) August 2025
6. Community Garden, Sun Lakes (Flynn) September 2025
7.Update (anti-camping) Ordinance 1603 (Flynn) October 2025
12. ADJOURNMENT
8 Motion was made by Council Member Flynn and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barrington.
Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Next Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 13 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Sandra B. Calderon
Deputy 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/272?view_id=1&redirect=true