MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER – 5:01 p.m.
1.1 ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Richard Royce
Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Barrington
Council Member Sheri Flynn
Council Member Leroy Miller
Council Member Colleen Wallace
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager
Art Vela, Public Works Director
Robert Wright, Parks and Recreation Director
Marisol Lopez, Economic Development Manager
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Sandra Calderon, Deputy City Clerk
1.2 INVOCATION
Performed by Council Member Miller
1.3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Royce led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. AGENDA APPROVAL
2.1 AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION
Council Member Miller moved and Mayor Pro Tem Barrington seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
3. PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Proclamation - Kids to Parks Day 2026
Recommendation: Proclaim May 16, 2026 as National Kids to Parks Day.
Mayor Royce presented the Proclamation to the Banning Parks and Recreation Director.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
2 3.2 Small Business Month – May 2026 Proclamation and Recognition of Black Diamond Event Planning DBA Elegant Affair Wedding Venue
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the Small Business Month Proclamation for May 2026; and
2. Receive and file the recognition of Black Diamond Event Planning DBA Elegant Affair Wedding Venue.
Mayor Royce read the Proclamation and presented a Certificate of Recognition to Black Diamond Event Planning DBA Elegant Affair Wedding Venue.
3.3 Proclamation - National Public Works Week (May 17-23) Recommendation: Proclaim May 17 to May 23, 2026 as National Public Works Week Mayor Royce read the Proclamation and recognized Banning Public Works employees in attendance.
4. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney stated the City Council met in Closed Session and there was no reportable action taken.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE, APPOINTMENTS, AND REPORTS
5.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pat Murkland promoted the Downtown Banning Art Walk. She announced a special event scheduled for May 23, 2026, commemorating the 98th anniversary of the opening of the Banning Theater. She stated the event would feature a film originally shown at the theater in 1928 and invited the community to attend.
Inge Schuler expressed concern that City Council minutes posted on the City's website were not current. She also requested that City Council members provide additional information regarding the events they attend and the relevance of those events to the City of Banning.
Rita Chapparosa, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, commended the Parks and Recreation Department for its work despite limited resources.
Stuart Mackenzie commented on a Closed Session item and questioned why the matter had not yet been resolved. He also questioned whether a new pharmacy would be opening in downtown Banning.
5.2 CORRESPONDENCE
Staff stated no correspondence was received.
5.3 APPOINTMENTS
Parks and Recreation Appointment for Position 1, term ending January 31, 2029 Recommendation: Appoint one applicant to fill vacancy in Position 1 on the Parks and Recreation Commission
The City Council considered the appointment of a member to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Following a roll call of Council Member preferences, Cheryce Cobbs was appointed by a 3-2 vote, with Council Members Miller, Wallace, and Mayor Royce voting in favor of Cobbs, and Mayor Pro Tem Barrington and Council Member Flynn supporting Monette Hamilton. Mayor City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
3 Royce thanked both applicants for their willingness to serve.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Wallace reported on her attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly. She stated many of the workshops focused on Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements and efforts by SCAG to assist smaller jurisdictions in meeting their housing obligations. She also attended a workshop on artificial intelligence. Council Member Wallace further reported on a meeting of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, where discussions included wildlife and habitat conservation issues, as well as budget-related matters.
Council Member Flynn reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), where the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) presented 2050 population, household, and employment projections. She stated the Inland Empire is projected to experience the second-highest household growth and the highest job growth among Southern California regions. She also reviewed regional office vacancy rates, noting that the Inland Empire continues to have one of the lowest office vacancy rates in the region.
Council Member Flynn also reported that she and Mayor Pro Tem Barrington attended an Ad Hoc Animal Shelter Committee meeting with the City Manager, Planning Department, and Police Department to review information that would be presented at the May 14 animal shelter workshop.
Council Member Flynn further reported on activities related to the Sun Lakes Boulevard Extension Project through the Riverside County Transportation Commission, noting that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project was scheduled for May 26.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington reported on her attendance at the grand reopening of Gus Jr.'s on May 5, noting the restaurant is under new ownership and management.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington also attended a Blue Zones meeting, where participants discussed priority initiatives they hoped to advance with Council support. She stated she encouraged efforts focused on seniors and reducing children's screen time and noted that related initiatives would be developed.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington reported that she and Council Member Flynn attended an Ad Hoc Animal Shelter Committee meeting to review information that would be presented at the May 14 animal shelter workshop.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington thanked Banning Utility for its successful community tree giveaway, noting that the available trees were claimed quickly and expressing appreciation for the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington stated she also attended the May 6 Beaumont Chamber of Commerce breakfast, where the Mayor of Beaumont presented a mini State of the City address. She stated she took note of several ideas that could benefit Banning. She reported that approximately 40 percent of Beaumont's General Fund revenues are generated through sales tax and that public safety expenditures account for approximately half of the City's General Fund and have increased significantly in recent years. She also noted that approximately half of Beaumont's sales tax revenue is generated by visitors from outside the city and encouraged residents to support local businesses by shopping in Banning.
Council Member Miller reported on his attendance at the ribbon cutting for Gus Jr.'s under its new ownership and management. He also attended the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce breakfast and a Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Budget and Finance Committee meeting on May 6. He stated that while many RTA issues do not directly affect Banning, the City is served by an RTA bus City of Banning
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May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
4 stop and residents have access to numerous regional transit destinations. Council Member Miller also announced he would be attending the Nonprofit Recognition Awards on May 13.
Mayor Royce reported on recent state legislation related to housing and development and discussed the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process and associated state housing mandates. He stated that many cities have been required to pursue creative approaches to comply with those requirements. Mayor Royce also reported on his involvement with Our Neighborhood Voices, a grassroots organization advocating for local control over land use decisions, including proposed changes to the RHNA process and the authority of the California Coastal Commission.
He invited members of the public to learn more about the organization and its efforts.
5.5 ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
This item was taken out of order following Item 5.8.
Council Member Wallace announced that the Banning Woman's Club Fashion Show would be held on June 13 at 12:00 p.m. She also announced two upcoming Juneteenth celebrations: one at Roosevelt Williams Park on June 19 at 11:00 a.m., where attendees were encouraged to bring chairs and food, and a second event on June 20 at Sylvan Park.
Council Member Miller announced that he would not be holding a Town Hall meeting during the upcoming weekend. He encouraged residents instead to attend the City's Fiscal Sustainability Workshop on May 14.
Mayor Royce echoed Council Member Miller's comments and emphasized the importance of the May 14 Fiscal Sustainability Workshop, stating it was the City's highest priority at that time.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington clarified comments made by the City Treasurer regarding utility billing.
She stated she had not advised the City Treasurer against discussing utility bills with residents and that she was welcome to.
5.6 CITY TREASURER’S REPORT
Sue Savage, City Treasurer, reported that she recently met with the City Manager and stated the Treasurer's Report would be presented at the second City Council meeting of each month. She stated the meeting was productive and that she had been advised she would receive bank statements and that the Finance Department would work collaboratively with the Treasurer's Office.
She stated she looked forward to those commitments being implemented and to continuing a cooperative working relationship.
City Treasurer Savage also stated she had received questions from residents regarding utility billing statements. She stated she had been advised that assisting with utility billing was not within the Treasurer's responsibilities; however, members of the public continued to seek her assistance.
She questioned the City's transition back to its previous utility billing system after implementation of a newer system and whether the issues that prompted the change had been resolved. She stated she would continue assisting residents in reviewing their utility billing statements when requested and expressed her desire to work collaboratively with the City Manager and Finance Director to move the City forward.
5.7 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
In response to Mayor Royce, City Manager Gibbs stated the City had engaged a retired City Clerk to assist with bringing City Council minutes current over the coming months. She stated completed minutes would be presented to the City Council for approval as they become available.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
5 City Manager Gibbs also clarified that an error had occurred regarding the utility billing grace period. She stated two utility bills had been issued in March and that the City Council had previously approved a three-month grace period. She clarified that the grace period would expire at the end of June.
In response to comments from the City Treasurer, City Manager Gibbs confirmed they had recently met and agreed that the Treasurer's Report would be presented at the second City Council meeting of each month. She stated future agendas would reflect that schedule.
City Manager Gibbs announced a Utility Assistance Clinic to be held on May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers for residents seeking financial assistance with utility bills. She also announced that the Fifth District County Supervisor's Office would be hosting a free produce distribution on May 14 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and encouraged residents to register in advance, if possible, to assist with planning.
City Manager Gibbs introduced Acting Police Captain Smith to provide an update on the City's new false alarm management program.
Acting Police Captain Smith discussed implementation of the City's new false alarm management program through PMAM. He stated the system had gone live that day following staff training and was currently in a soft launch to ensure proper functionality. He stated alarm permits were once again being accepted and that a public portal would be available through the City's website. He also discussed community outreach efforts, including public education regarding alarm permits and false alarm fees, and explained that the Police and Fire Departments would utilize the system to administer the program.
In response to Mayor Royce, Acting Police Captain Smith stated the permit fee cycle would reset every three years based on the anniversary of the permit. He also discussed permit requirements, circumstances under which false alarm fees would apply, and reporting capabilities available through the PMAM system.
Council Member Miller commended Acting Police Captain Smith and staff on implementation of the program and stated he was pleased to see it moving forward.
City Manager Gibbs reminded the public of the upcoming Workout Plan to Sustainability Workshop scheduled for May 14 at 4:00 p.m. She encouraged residents to attend in person or participate remotely and stated the workshop would provide an overview of the City's current financial condition.
5.8 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Phaedra Norton, Assistant City Attorney, read portions of the Rules of Decorum and Procedural Guidelines for the City of Banning.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
6.1 Consideration and Approval of the meeting minutes of the February 22, 2025 Special City City Council meeting (Workshop).
Recommendation: Approve the meeting minutes of the February 22, 2025 Special City Council meeting (Workshop).
6.2 Public Works Capital Improvement Project Tracking List Recommendation: Receive and file
City of Banning
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May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
6 6.3 Accept as Complete Various Improvements Related to the Atwell Specific Plan Development and Authorize a 90% Reduction in the Improvements Bonds and Exoneration of Monumentation Bonds Recommendation: City Council accept as complete various improvements related to the Atwell Specific Plan Development and authorize a 90% reduction in the improvements bonds and exoneration of Monumentation Bonds.
6.4 Parks and Recreation of Monthly Activities through the 3rd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025/2026 – March 2026
Recommendation: Receive and file.
6.5 Consideration of Resolution 2026-15, Approving and Adopting the City of Banning Electric Utility’s Electric System Master Plan
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-15.
6.6 Consideration of Resolution 2026-73, Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott LLP (RAMS) Providing Oversight Accounting Services and Staff Augmentation to the City’s Finance Department
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-73.
Frank Connolly addressed Item 6.6. and questioned when the Finance Department would no longer need consultants.
In response to Mayor Royce, City Manager Gibbs stated she was very cognizant of not spending more than was necessary and also announced that two critical positions in the Finance Department were just recently filled. She stated the City’s books were still in bad shape and the consultants were working to bring those up to date. She explained the tasks RAMS was helping with and stated she hoped the staff augmentation would not be needed by end of summer.
MOTION
Council Member Wallace moved and Council Member Miller seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
At 6:05 p.m., the City Council recessed. The meeting reconvened at 6:23 p.m. with all Council Members present.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 Consideration of a Fee Waiver Request Not-to-Exceed $12,960 for Stagecoach Days Associations Barrels, Brews, and Bites Event Scheduled for May 15-16, 2026 Recommendation: Approve the Fee Waiver of no more than $12,960.
Ralph Wright, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the staff report. He stated the requested fee waiver pertained to the cost of required Police Department staffing for the event. He explained that although police presence had traditionally been required for events serving alcohol, the City had recently adopted a Master Fee Schedule requiring event organizers to reimburse those costs.
He stated this was the first event subject to the new fee and that the Stagecoach Days Association had requested a waiver because the additional expense had not been anticipated. He noted the City of Banning
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May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
7 City's fee waiver policy required City Council approval.
In response to Council Member Miller, Mr. Wright stated the Stagecoach Days Association submitted its fee waiver request approximately one week earlier after learning of the new fees. He explained the fees were included in the updated application materials but had only recently taken effect under the newly adopted Master Fee Schedule.
Amy Pippinger, representing the Stagecoach Days Association, stated the organization was notified of the new fees approximately two weeks earlier and had not budgeted for the additional expense. She explained the Association already contracted private security and was unaware that Police Department staffing would also be required, resulting in an unexpected increase in event costs.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington moved and Mayor Royce seconded a motion to approve the fee waiver.
The motion carried unanimously.
9.2 Consideration of Resolution 2026-44, Reprogramming Approved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in the Amount of $43,144 from FY 2024-25 – Banning Senior Center ADA Improvement Project to CDBG FY 2025-26 – Banning Senior Center ADA Improvement Project #2 ($148,144)
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-44
Robert Wright, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the staff report. He reviewed the history of the item, noting that it had been continued from the April meeting to allow staff to explore potential funding opportunities for the Senior Center through the Riverside County Supervisor's Office. He stated County staff were evaluating available funding sources and believed they may be able to provide partial assistance, although sufficient funding to complete the project had not yet been identified.
Mr. Wright explained that County staff had identified three options for the remaining Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds: extend the existing project for one year, reprogram the funds to the Senior Center roof replacement project, or cancel the current Dysart Park project and reserve the funding for a future Dysart Park application following approval of the County's updated funding plan. Staff recommended reprogramming the funds to the Senior Center project while preserving the opportunity to seek future funding for Dysart Park improvements. He also noted a correction to the proposed resolution regarding the funding amount. Mr. Wright also noted a correction to the proposed resolution, stating that the funding amounts should be listed as $43,144 and a total of $141,828 in the final parenthetical reference.
Council Members discussed the proposed reprogramming of the CDBG funds, the timing of future funding cycles, and the availability of additional grant opportunities. Questions were raised regarding the original scope of the Dysart Park project, including whether the approved funding had been intended solely for replacement of the bleachers or for a broader scope of improvements.
Council Member Flynn requested that staff provide the original CDBG application and supporting documentation for Council review. City Manager Gibbs stated the information would be provided when the future application was brought forward.
Council Members also discussed the relationship between the Senior Center project and future Dysart Park improvements. Mr. Wright clarified that the proposed action would not eliminate future funding opportunities for Dysart Park but would require submission of a new application during a future funding cycle. He also noted that additional CDBG funds may become available for reprogramming upon completion of the Lions Park project.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
8 Frank Connolly stated he believed the original intent of the Dysart Park funding had been to purchase bleachers and encouraged the City to clarify the original project scope. He also encouraged the City to continue pursuing additional County funding for the Senior Center project.
Edward Espinosa questioned why repairs to the Senior Center roof had not been completed years earlier and expressed concern regarding costs associated with the Dysart Park project. He encouraged the City to prioritize needed facility improvements.
Mayor Royce stated he believed staff's recommended option to reprogram the funds to the Senior Center project while reserving future funding opportunities for Dysart Park was the most appropriate course of action. Mr. Wright agreed and stated the recommended action included adoption of the reprogramming resolution and authorization to submit the required request to reserve funding for a future Dysart Park project.
MOTION
Council Member Wallace moved and Council Member Miller seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-44, as amended. The motion carried unanimously.
9.3 Make a Determination of Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act and Consideration of Resolution 2026-69, Establishing Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Rates for Residential and Commercial Garbage, Recyclable, and Organic Waste Collection Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-69
Art Vela, Public Works Director, presented the staff report. He provided background on the City's solid waste franchise agreement with Waste Management, which was approved in 2021 to ensure compliance with state solid waste requirements. He stated the City subsequently completed Proposition 218 proceedings to establish and update the associated rate structure. He explained that, under the franchise agreement, annual rate adjustments are authorized through July 1, 2027, based on a prescribed methodology. Mr. Vela reviewed the methodology used to calculate the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 rate adjustment, including Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases, adjustments related to Senate Bill 1383 implementation, and disposal, recycling, and organic waste processing costs. He stated the proposed monthly residential rate would increase from $31.62 to $32.64 and noted that Banning's rates remain generally comparable to neighboring communities.
He stated the proposed resolution would maintain compliance with the franchise agreement, applicable state regulations, and existing service levels.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Barrington, Mr. Vela discussed rate calculations for customers with additional refuse containers and referred to the rate schedule included in the agenda packet.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington and Mayor Royce expressed concerns regarding Waste Management's enforcement of overfilled container requirements and notices issued when container lids remain open. They questioned whether the current enforcement approach was overly restrictive and discussed situations in which wind may cause container lids to open or containers to tip over.
Representatives of Waste Management explained that closed container lids are required for safety during collection operations and to comply with state regulations, including Senate Bill 1383 contamination and diversion requirements. They stated overloaded containers can create safety hazards, increase litter, and affect compliance with CalRecycle's diversion goals. Waste Management representatives also discussed proper use of color-coded containers and noted that previous delays in container availability had primarily occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frank Connolly expressed concerns regarding solid waste service and costs for homeowners associations. He requested additional community refuse containers, questioned charges for unused containers, and requested additional information regarding applicable state requirements.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
9 Edward Espinosa expressed concerns regarding wind conditions affecting refuse containers, cleanup of refuse that escapes from containers, and the availability of replacement color-coded containers.
Laura Leindecker stated Waste Management had been responsive in resolving the few service issues she had experienced and expressed support for the company's customer service.
The City Council continued its discussion regarding container requirements, collection practices, and implementation of the franchise agreement with Waste Management.
MOTION
Council Member Flynn moved and Council Member Miller seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-69. The motion carried unanimously.
9.4 Make a Determination of Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act and Consideration of Resolution 2026-70, Receiving a Report in Connection with the Proposed Collection on the 2026-27 Riverside County Property Tax Roll of Delinquent Solid Waste Service Charges for Single-Family and Multi-Family Accounts for Calendar Year 2025, Setting a Public Hearing on the Report
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-70
Art Vela, Public Works Director, presented the staff report. He stated the item was a continuation of the previous discussion and represented an annual process required under the City's franchise agreement. He explained that when the franchise agreement was approved, the City negotiated the ability to place delinquent residential solid waste accounts on the County tax roll. He stated that after an account became 90 days delinquent, notices were mailed to both tenants and property owners, where applicable. He reported that there were currently 968 delinquent accounts totaling $360,135, including service charges, late fees, and the 10 percent tax roll administrative fee. He stated a public hearing was required before the delinquent accounts could be placed on the tax roll and noted that the hearing was scheduled for June 23, 2026. He further explained that property owners would have approximately one month following the public hearing to pay outstanding balances before the accounts were submitted to the County for placement on the tax roll.
In response to Mayor Royce, Mr. Vela explained there had been clerical errors in the original calculations and confirmed that the revised figures presented to the City Council were accurate.
In response to Council Member Miller, Mr. Vela clarified that the report pertained only to residential accounts and stated that delinquent commercial accounts were written off rather than placed on the tax roll.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Barrington, Mr. Vela explained that, if approved following the public hearing, staff would transmit the resolution and delinquent account list to the County for placement on the tax roll.
Frank Connolly suggested the City consider a similar process for delinquent water and electric utility accounts.
MOTION
Council Member Flynn moved and Council Member Wallace seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-70. The motion carried unanimously.
9.5 Lamar Billboard – Agreement Overview and Selection of City Advertisement Rendering Recommendation: Receive and file the overview of the Lamar billboard Agreement and provide staff with direction by selecting a preferred advertisement rendering (Attachment A, B, or C) for display on the City of Banning Lamar billboard. Additionally, provide any desired feedback or City of Banning
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May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
10 modifications to the selected design. Upon City Council selection, staff will: 1) finalize the selected design incorporating any Council feedback; 2) coordinate with Lamar Advertising for production and installation; and 3) schedule the advertisement update in accordance with the agreement’s annual no-cost change provision.
Marisol Lopez, Economic Development Manager, presented the staff report. She stated the City obtained exclusive rights to the billboard through a land use agreement in 2021, allowing the City continuous use of the billboard for economic development and tourism promotion. She reviewed the benefits of the agreement and stated the Economic Development Committee had previously met to discuss updated branding concepts and billboard designs. She then presented the proposed billboard design options for City Council consideration.
The City Council discussed the proposed billboard designs and provided feedback regarding various design elements and branding concepts.
Frank Connolly stated the proposed designs were too simple and did not effectively promote the City. He expressed concern that the branding did not adequately reflect Banning's identity and discussed elements of each design. He stated he preferred Design E.
Edward Espinosa stated he preferred Design A and suggested incorporating a stagecoach or another element reflecting Banning's history.
Mayor Royce stated he agreed with Mr. Espinosa's comments. He stated he preferred Designs A and E, but favored Design A with modifications.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington stated she preferred Design E with modifications and suggested replacing the houses with mountains.
Council Member Flynn discussed the proposed designs and stated she supported Design A.
Council Member Miller stated he preferred Design A.
Following additional discussion, the City Council provided direction to incorporate the suggested modifications into the preferred billboard design.
MOTION
In response to City Manager Gibbs, Mayor Royce moved to table this item. Mayor Pro Tem Barrington seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, Council Member Flynn dissenting.
9.6 Discussion and Direction to Staff on a Draft Social Media Policy Recommendation: Discuss the draft social media policy as presented and provide direction to staff on any changes to the policy.
Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager, presented the staff report and reviewed the proposed Social Media Policy.
Council Member Flynn stated she supported adopting a social media policy but expressed concern that portions of the proposed policy were overly broad and could affect free speech rights.
In response to Council Member Flynn, Assistant City Attorney Norton stated staff would evaluate comments under the proposed policy using a reasonable person standard to determine whether content was defamatory, slanderous, or otherwise violated the policy, and would take appropriate action when warranted. She stated the policy was intended to ensure compliance with the Brown Act.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
11 In response to Mayor Royce, Assistant City Attorney Norton stated staff could revise the proposed language to provide additional clarity.
Edward Espinosa commented on the Brown Act and its relationship to social media. He suggested disabling comments on the City's social media platforms to avoid potential legal issues. He also expressed concern that former City Council members continued to display the City's logo and official titles on their personal social media accounts.
The City Council discussed the City's social media presence, including promoting a positive image of the community, limiting social media to informational posts, and the potential use of disabled comments. Council Members also discussed alternative methods for residents to communicate with elected officials, including attending public meetings and contacting Council Members directly.
Assistant City Attorney Norton stated disabling comments could expose the City to potential First Amendment liability because restricting public viewpoints on a government social media page may constitute impermissible viewpoint discrimination.
In response to Council Member Miller, City Manager Gibbs recommended that the item be continued to a future workshop to allow staff and the City Attorney's Office to conduct additional research and address the questions raised by the City Council. By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return the item at a future workshop.
10. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
11.1 NEW ITEMS
1. Rename the Arthur Welch Community Center back to the National Guard Armory (Flynn) April 2026
2. Smoke Shop Moratorium (Miller) April 2026
11.2 EXISTING ITEMS
1. Emergency Preparedness (Barrington) January 2025
2. Streamline Procurement Policy (Flynn) August 2025
3. Sales Tax Agreement Update with Diamond Chevrolet (Flynn) December 2025
4. Cannabis Warehouse Moratorium (New Facilities Only) (Barrington) December 2025
5. Continue Food Truck Festival (Barrington) January 2026
6. Maintenance and replacement of street signs. (Flynn) March 2026 Council Member Wallace asked for a future item to review of the Municipal Code regarding code enforcement related to trees.
Council Member Miller requested an item to review the Fee Schedule, specifically related to special events.
11. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Council Member Wallace motioned to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Miller. The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
12 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/316?view_id=1&redirect=true