MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING (WORKSHOP)
MAY 26, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER – 4:03 p.m.
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
Vickie Sellers, City Clerk
Sandra Calderon, Deputy City Clerk
2. WORKSHOP
2.1 Banning Animal Shelter Feasibility Analysis Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the Banning Animal Shelter Feasibility Analysis Report prepared by IDS Group, Inc. and provide feedback.
Art Vela, Public Works Director, presented the staff report. He introduced Quentin Montrie of IDS, who authored the feasibility report and was available to answer questions. Mr. Vela provided background information on the project and the history of the animal shelter. He stated the report found the shelter to be significantly undersized and discussed resulting impacts on animal welfare, staff safety, and the availability of medical and support space. He reviewed opportunities for improvement identified in the report, stakeholder input received during the process, and regional considerations related to animal shelter operations. Mr. Vela also outlined the improvement tiers and associated costs included in the report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Barrington, Mr. Vela discussed the roofing improvements included in Tier 1. He stated the existing tile roof would likely need to be replaced and could be replaced with a less expensive roofing material.
In response to Council Member Flynn, Mr. Vela discussed alternative improvement methods that had been considered. He also discussed the $500,000 payment from Sunset Crossroads and the anticipated timing of the payment.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Barrington, Mr. Vela stated a regional shelter was likely at least seven years away and that improvements would need to be made to address the City’s immediate needs in the interim.
Mayor Royce questioned how the project would be funded given the City’s current financial condition.
Mr. Vela stated staff had not yet conducted significant research regarding funding options for the Tier City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 26, 2026 Special Meeting – Workshop
2 1 improvements. He stated the improvements would be a one-time cost, but recurring operational costs would also need to be evaluated.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington questioned whether grant funding might be available from the County given that the County shelter was unable to accommodate Banning’s animal shelter needs. Mr. Vela stated staff would look into potential funding opportunities.
In response to Council Member Flynn, Mr. Vela discussed portable kennels and stated the City would need to determine how it wanted the shelter to operate and the level of service it wished to provide.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Agenda Items Only
Frank Connolly discussed the condition of the shelter roof and factors that have contributed to its deterioration over the years. He stated he was present when the building was donated and expressed disappointment with its current condition. He expressed concern regarding the cost of the necessary improvements and questioned whether constructing a new shelter elsewhere in the City would be a better option.
A resident discussed portable kennels and stated she had prior experience with them. She stated they require specialized roofing and, given the wind conditions in Banning, would not be a viable solution. She also expressed concern regarding the enforcement of City ordinances related to animals and pets.
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington responded to Mr. Connolly and stated the City was seeking temporary and interim solutions while awaiting completion of the County animal shelter.
Mr. Vela stated staff would continue finalizing the report and researching potential funding sources.
He requested feedback from the Council regarding finalization of the report.
In response to Council Member Flynn, Mr. Vela discussed the property's foundation and stated the report identified few concerns in that area. He stated drainage improvements represented a more significant issue. He also discussed the possibility of utilizing volunteers, donated materials, and donated labor for the project, but stated the City should first identify internal funding sources before relying on donated resources.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Barrington motioned to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Wallace.
The question was called by roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 4:49 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:
City of Banning
City Council Minutes
May 26, 2026 Special Meeting – Workshop
3 https://banningca.granicus.com/player/clip/319?view_id=1&redirect=true