June 23, 2026
4:00 p.m.
In Chambers
Council Chambers
99 E. Ramsey Street
Banning, CA 92220
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Agenda Items Only
3. WORKSHOP
3.1 Planning Commission Interviews for Position 4, Term Ending January 31, 2027.
3.2 Overview of the Beaumont Basin Watermaster
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING (WORKSHOP)
CITY OF BANNING, CALIFORNIA
The following information comprises the agenda 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.
This meeting is being held via Zoom so that members of the public may observe and participate in this meeting electronically. If you participate in this meeting via Zoom, you are agreeing to abide by the City's Zoom Community Standards for Public Meetings (provided in full on the last page of the agenda). Esta reunión se lleva a cabo en la Cámara y a través de Video/Teleconferencia en Zoom para que los miembros del público puedan observar y participar en esta reunión de manera electrónica. Si elige participar en esta reunión a través de Zoom, acepta cumplir con los Estándares comunitarios de Zoom para reuniones públicas de la ciudad (que se proporcionan en su totalidad en la última página de la agenda).
To observe and participate in the online video portion of the meeting through your personal computer or device, follow this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012644588?pwd=GwdLNir0X6fHkhlgVjAjRUQf1C6yoz.1 Dial in: +1 669 900 9128
Meeting ID: 820 1264 4588
Password: 1913-92220
Per the City of Banning Manual of Procedural Guidelines, matters taken up by the Council before 10 p.m. may be concluded, but no new matters shall be taken up except upon a majority vote of the council members present and voting. Such an extension shall only be valid for one hour and each hour thereafter shall require a renewed action for the meeting to continue.
Recommendation: Conduct interviews to fill the Planning Commission vacancy for Position 4, with a term ending January 31, 2027.
Recommendation: Receive and file a report regarding the background, purpose, City Council - Special Meeting (Workshop) Agenda
June 23, 2026
1 4. ADJOURNMENT
responsibilities, and current activities of the Beaumont Basin Watermaster.
Zoom Community Standards for Public Meetings
By participating in this meeting on Zoom, you are agreeing to abide by the City of Banning’s Community Standards for Public Meetings. Zoom attendees that fail to adhere to these standards may be removed from the meeting room.
Your microphone must remain on mute, and you may only unmute your microphone when/if you are recognized by the Mayor.
Your camera must be turned off unless/until you are recognized by the Mayor.
To indicate a desire to make Public Comment, you must use the Raise Hand function. The Mayor will not recognize those who have not used the Raise Hand function.
Public Comment from Zoom attendees will immediately follow in-person comment from members of the public in Council Chambers.
If you fail to adhere to these community guidelines, you may be removed for disrupting the meeting occurring in Council Chambers. You may rejoin the meeting but may be removed for each violation of these community standards.
The chat function will be disabled for all City Council meetings on Zoom.
Estándares comunitarios de Zoom para Reuniones Públicas Al participar en esta reunión en Zoom, usted acepta cumplir con los Estándares Comunitarios para Reuniones Públicas de la ciudad de Banning. Los que atienden por Zoom que no cumplan con estos estándares pueden ser retirados de la sala de reuniones.
Su micrófono debe permanecer en silencio, y solo puede reactivar su micrófono cuando / si es reconocido por el alcalde.
Su cámara debe estar apagada a menos que sea reconocido por el alcalde.
Para indicar el deseo de hacer un Comentario Público, debe utilizar la función Levantar la mano. El alcalde no reconocerá a quienes no hayan utilizado la función Levantar la mano.
Los comentarios públicos de lo que atienden por Zoom seguirán inmediatamente los comentarios en persona de los miembros del público en las Cámaras del Consejo.
Si no cumple con estas pautas de la comunidad, es posible que lo destituyan por interrumpir la reunión que tiene lugar en las Cámaras del Consejo. Puede volver a unirse a la reunión, pero es posible que lo eliminen por cada violación de estos estándares de la comunidad.
La función de chat estará deshabilitada para todas las Reuniones del Ayuntamiento en Zoom.
AFFIDAVIT • DECLARACIÓN JURADA
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED under the laws of the State of California that the above agenda was posted on the City's website (www.banningca.gov) as well as the Bulletin Board at Banning City Hall, located at 99 E Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
_________________________
Vickie Sellers, Elected City Clerk
Secretaria Municipal Electa
City Council - Special Meeting (Workshop) Agenda
June 23, 2026
2 PUBLIC NOTICE • NOTICIA PÚBLICA
Meeting Agendas and Notices
Interested in receiving email and/or text notifications of upcoming City Council meetings? Sign up for meeting notifications through the City's website. Pursuant to amended Government Code §54957.5(b), staff reports and other public records related to open session agenda items are available on the City's website (www.banningca.gov/).
Public Comment
Agenda Items
Any member of the public may address this meeting of the City Council on any item appearing on the agenda. A five-minute limitation shall apply to each member of the public and no member of the public shall be permitted to share their time with any other person.
Non-Agenda Items
Any member of the public may address this meeting of the City Council on any item which does not appear on the regular meeting agenda but is of interest to the general public and is an item upon which the City Council may act. A three-minute limitation shall apply to each member of the public and no member shall be permitted to share their time with any other person. No action shall be taken, nor discussion held by the City Council, on any item which does not appear on the agenda, unless the action is otherwise authorized in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (b) of §54954.2 of the Government Code.
Special Assistance/Accessibility Requests
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any member of the public may request that the agenda and agenda packet be mailed to them. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting (such as translation services), please contact the City Clerk's Office. Advanced notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will allow the city to make arrangements to ensure your accessibility.
¿Necesita servicios de traducción para participar? Contacto Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad.
CONTACT • CONTACTO
City Clerk's Office | 951-922-3102 | [email protected] 99 East Ramsey Street, Banning, California 92220
City Council - Special Meeting (Workshop) Agenda
June 23, 2026
3 CITY OF BANNING
STAFF REPORT
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Sandra Calderon, Deputy City Clerk
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Interviews for Position 4, Term Ending January 31, 2027.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Conduct interviews to fill the Planning Commission vacancy for Position 4, with a term ending January 31, 2027.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning Commission’s rules and responsibilities are governed by Chapter 2.28 of the Municipal Code. The Commission’s two main functions are to review land development applications for compliance with the Zoning Code and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding large projects and changes to the General Plan or Zoning Ordinance.
The Banning Municipal Code Section 2.28.020 requires applications be made available and vacancies announced at least two months prior to the vacancy. The Planning Commission vacancies were advertised on the City’s website and across social media platforms starting on May 11, 2026. Public Notice was published in the Record Gazette on May 15, 2026. The deadline to submit an application was Friday, June 12, 2026.
JUSTIFICATION:
Eight applications were received for the Planning Commission vacancies and are up for consideration:
David Garcia
Edward Espinoza
Jose Barragan
Feiloai Neil Lualemaga
Kaherine Fuentes
Kimberly Light-Allende
Maya Anguiano
Todd Rinks
Heidie Hillard Garcia
Staff recommends asking each applicant two interview questions:
1. Tell us briefly about yourself (qualities/experience/expertise) and what aspects best describe your qualifications to serve on the City’s Planning Commission; and
2. Explain your knowledge of the Planning Commission’s roles and responsibilities, and their contribution to the City long-term development goals. Further, explain how the Commission 4 contributes to a better quality of life for the residents, businesses and patrons to the city.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Planning Commission Applications_Combined_Redacted.pdf
2. Banning__CA_Code_of_Ordinances_Section_2.28.pdf
3. Proof of Publication_Planninc Commission Vacancy_20260515.pdf 5 6
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Chapter 2.28 - PLANNING COMMISSION
2.28.010 - Planning commission—Membership requirements.
Members of the planning commission shall be residents of the City of Banning who hold no other municipal office in the city. Members may not be employees of the city.
Proof of residency shall be submitted at time of application to the commission through voter registration, utility bill at a physical address within the city boundaries. Residency shall be confirmed prior to appointment and maintained throughout the term served. (Code 1965, § 2-5.)
2.28.020 - Term and vacancies.
The planning commission shall consist of five members.
Planning commissioners shall serve four-year terms, which shall be staggered every two years concurrent with the city elections. Appointments shall be made by the city council. Applications shall be made available and the closing date announced at least two months prior to the expiration of the commissioner's term to be filled.
In order to re-set the terms of office of planning commissioners consistent with paragraph (b) above, commencing January 2021, the city council shall appoint members of the planning commission, whether newly appointed or as reappointed members, to one of the following five numbered positions:
Position 1. The term of office for Position 1 will begin February 1, 2021, and expire on January 31, 2025.
Position 2. The term of office for Position 2 will begin February 1, 2021, and expire on January 31, 2025.
Position 3. The term of office for Position 3 will begin February 1, 2021, and expire on January 31, 2023.
Position 4. The term of office for Position 4 will begin February 1, 2021, and expire on January 31, 2023.
Position 5. The term of office for Position 5 will begin February 1, 2021, and expire on January 21, 2023.
Upon the expiration of each term of office specified in paragraph C, persons appointed or reappointed to the Position shall serve for a succeeding four-year term measured from the expiration of the prior term of that position. In the event the city council has not completed the appointment process by February 1 of each odd number year to fill the terms of positions that 33 E.
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are to commence on February 1 of that year, the predecessor's term of office for that position is automatically extended until the date that the successor has been appointed and sworn into office.
Members shall serve at the pleasure of the council and may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the entire council.
Any member who is unexcused for two consecutive regular meetings of the commission or six meetings within a twelve-month period, whether the six meetings are excused or not, will be deemed to have forfeited his or her office and the city council may appoint a new member to serve in the commissioner's position for the remainder of their term.
To be excused from any such meeting, a member shall notify the planning department, at least forty-eight hours prior to any such meeting that the member will not be in attendance at the upcoming meeting. If a member is unable to attend due to illness, injury or family matters, an oral statement made proving that specific reason by the member at the next regular meeting of the commission shall constitute an excused absence.
(Code 1965, § 2-6.)
(Ord. No. 1569, § 1, 9-22-20)
2.28.030 - Compensation.
Members of the planning commission shall not receive compensation; reasonable traveling expenses to and from conferences and/or special field trips and training sessions shall be reimbursed.
Upon authorization by the city manager, the planning commission and members of its staff, may attend city planning conferences or meetings, or hearings on city planning legislation, or matters affecting the planning of the city. The reasonable expenses of such attendance shall be charged upon the funds allocated to the commission.
All fundings shall be established through the City of Banning budget, which shall be approved by the city council.
(Code 1965, § 2-7.)
2.28.040 - Rules of procedure.
A quorum of the planning commission shall consist of a majority of the members (including any vacancies). A quorum must be present in order for the planning commission to hold a meeting.
In the event that only three commissioners are present, any actions recommending amendment to the Municipal Code or general plan must be unanimous; all other actions would require a majority vote of the commission in attendance. A tie vote shall constitute a denial of the matter or request brought before the planning commission.
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The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its transactions, findings, and determinations. The Brown Act and "Robert's Rules in Plain English" by Doris P. Zimmerman (Harper Perennial) shall be incorporated into such rules.
The commission shall follow all applicable city fiscal and administrative policies and procedures. (Code 1965, § 2-8.)
2.28.050 - Duties and responsibilities.
The planning commission shall exercise those functions of the planning agency of the city delegated to it in the Banning Municipal Code.
At the regular February meeting, the planning commission shall choose a chairperson and a vicechairperson from among the planning commission members. The chairman and vice-chairman shall serve for one term. Both positions shall rotate every year.
The chairperson shall preside at all regular and special meetings and rule on all points of order and procedure during the meetings.
The vice-chairperson shall assume all duties of the chairperson in his or her absence.
In the event the chairperson and vice-chairperson are both absent, an acting chairperson shall be appointed from the commission for the meeting from those present.
The planning commission's scope of responsibility is to:
Prepare, review, adopt, and recommend to the city council for its adoption, a long range, comprehensive general plan to guide future physical development and conservation of the city and its adjoining environs based on geographic, social, economic and political characteristics of the community;
Prepare, review, adopt and recommend to the city council for its adoption of special area specific plans for identifiable areas, wherein more detailed guidelines are needed to supplement the objectives of the general plan;
Review development applications submitted to the city for consistency with adopted plans and ordinances. Approve or deny applications when final authority is granted to the planning commission by the Municipal Code. Make a recommendation on those actions for which the city council is the final reviewing approval body;
Act as the appeal body on decisions made by the community development director; Perform such other functions and duties as the city council may from time to time direct and/or provide within the Banning Municipal Code.
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9. The commission may form ad-hoc subcommittees in accordance with the Brown Act, and make appointments to that subcommittee, as it deems necessary. A quorum of commission members may not be appointed to serve in a single subcommittee. Before forming a subcommittee, the commission shall establish a specific mission and term for the subcommittee.
The planning commission is an important function within the City of Banning, and as such, certain expectations are held by the city council in making the appointment of individuals to the commission. These expectations include the following:
Commissioners will attend all regular meetings and special meetings as they arise; Commissioners will communicate expected and unexpected absences to the planning department, prior to the meeting;
Commissioners will communicate any potential conflicts of interest on agenda items to the planning department in advance of the hearing to allow confirmation of a quorum; Commissioners will arrive on time to each meeting, fully participate, and remain in attendance until the end of each meeting;
Commissioners will prepare themselves for each meeting by reading the agenda, reports and other materials, and visiting the site, as necessary, and communicate any questions to the secretary in advance of the hearing. Pursuant to Resolution 2000-41, if a commissioner visits the site prior to a hearing on the matter, the commissioner shall disclose at the hearing such evidence and observation gathered during the site visit; Commissioners are encouraged to attend the annual planner's institute (Monterey and Southern California) or an equivalent planning training program given by a University of California campus (or approved equivalent) and may attend other planning conferences and or training classes as the need and opportunities arise. The city will also provide regular inservice training and make-up training where attendance is required; New commissioners are expected to become familiar with the city's general plan, the "Planning Commission Handbook" (prepared by the State of California), the relevant Municipal Code sections particularly those relevant to zoning to become familiar with these documents. The "Guide for New Members" distributed by the planning commissioners journal and www.plannersweb.com are other valuable resources for new commissioners; Applicants to the planning commission will be expected to attend a brief orientation session explaining the role of commissioners, the planning process, and the expectations of commissioners that are appointed; and
New commissioner members will attend an expanded orientation session with the liaison to the commission and other staff, as deemed necessary, to provide new appointees with a solid understanding immediately upon appointment. The orientation will include an overview of 36 F.
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the planning process, a review of the commission's structure, policies and bylaws, a summary of available documents and resources, and a review of the commission's relationship with citizens, staff, developers, and the governing body.
The planning commission may serve on regional boards or commissions as directed by the city council.
The planning commission shall participate in annual meetings with the city council to discuss development activity, development doctrine, policies, etc. (Code 1965, § 2-8.1.)
(Ord. No. 1569, § 2, 9-22-20)
2.28.060 - Conflict of interest requirements.
The State of California Political Reform Act requires planning commission members to disclose interests in investments, real property, and income derived within the City of Banning or from sources doing business within the City of Banning. Filings are required within ten days of assuming office and on an annual basis.
Members shall not work for the "pass" cities, which include Beaumont, Calimesa, and Riverside County in roles, such as economic development, planning, or redevelopment.
If an apparent conflict of interest arises, the member shall inquire of the city attorney or staff prior to the meeting.
(Code 1965, § 2-8.2.)
2.28.070 - Staff liaison.
The staff liaison to the planning commission shall be the community development director.
The planning commission liaison, supported by the secretary to the planning commission (a staff position), shall be responsible for:
Confirming that a quorum will be present prior to each meeting; Receiving and recording all exhibits, petitions, documents, or other material presented to the planning commission in support of, or in opposition to, any issue before the planning commission;
Signing all meeting minutes and resolutions upon approval; Preparing and distributing agendas and agenda packets;
Facilitating the tape recording of meetings and preparation of minutes; and Responding to all questions from planning commission members regarding agenda items in advance of meetings.
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(Code 1965, § 2-8.3.)
2.28.080 - Meeting times and places.
The planning commission shall meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the city council chambers located at 99 E. Ramsey Street, or at such time and place as the commission may designate by resolution.
Commissioners will attend special meetings as they arise. (Code 1965, § 2-8.4.)
(Ord. No. 1427, § 1, 9-14-10; Ord. No. 1594, § 1, 8-22-22)
2.28.090 - Adoption.
This document, as adopted and amended by council resolution, shall serve as the bylaws for the commission.
(Code 1965, § 2-9.)
38 AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Record Gazette
218 N. Murray St., Banning, CA 92220
Proof of Publication
(2015.5 C.C.P.)
2026 05 15 Public Notices Planning Commission
___________________________________________________
State of California )
County of Riverside ) SS.
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer and publisher of Record Gazette, a newspaper published in the English language in the City of Banning, County of Riverside, and adjudicated a newspaper of
general circulation as defined by the laws of the state of California by the Superior Court of the County of Riverside, under the date October 14, 1966, Case No. 54737.
That the notice, of which the annexed is a copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates, to-wit:
May 15, 2026
Executed on: ____________________
At City of Banning, California
I ceritfy (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
___________________________________________________
Signature
2026 05 15 Public Notices Planning Commission | Page 1 of 1 May 15, 2026
39 CITY OF BANNING
STAFF REPORT
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Art Vela, Director of Public Works
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: Overview of the Beaumont Basin Watermaster
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file a report regarding the background, purpose, responsibilities, and current activities of the Beaumont Basin Watermaster.
BACKGROUND:
The Beaumont Basin Watermaster was established pursuant to the 2004 Stipulated Judgment in San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority v. City of Banning, et al. The Judgment was approved by the Riverside County Superior Court and created a groundwater management structure for the Beaumont Basin. The Court retained continuing jurisdiction over the Judgment, while assigning basin management responsibilities to the Watermaster.
The Beaumont Basin Watermaster’s mission is to manage the yield of and storage within the Beaumont Basin to provide maximum benefit to the people dependent on it. The Watermaster Committee is composed of five representatives from the Appropriator Parties: the City of Banning, City of Beaumont, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, South Mesa Water Company, and Yucaipa Valley Water District.
The need for a groundwater management entity was identified through earlier regional planning efforts led by the San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority, which was formed in 2001 by the City of Beaumont, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, South Mesa Water Company, and Yucaipa Valley Water District. Those efforts focused on enhancing water supplies, protecting water quality, improving groundwater basin management, protecting riparian habitat, and equitably distributing the benefits and costs of regional watershed management.
Following negotiations among overlying users and water agencies with interests in the basin, the Stipulated Judgment was developed and approved by the Court on February 4, 2004. The Judgment established the legal framework for groundwater production, basin storage, recharge, replenishment obligations, transfers, and long-term basin management.
The Judgment allows all producers to pump sufficient water from the basin to meet their respective requirements, subject to the terms of the Judgment and related accounting provisions. The Judgment initially established the safe yield of the Beaumont Basin at 8,650 acre-feet per year, to be distributed among the Overlying Producers. The Judgment also requires the safe yield to be reevaluated at least every ten years.
In 2015, following completion of a technical study and hydrologic modeling effort, the Beaumont Basin Watermaster Committee redetermined the safe yield of the basin to be 6,700 acre-feet per year. More 40 recently, the Watermaster Committee approved the 2023 Reevaluation of the Beaumont Basin Safe Yield Report and adopted Resolution 2024-01, which redetermined the safe yield at 7,100 acre-feet per year, effective 2024.
Temporary Surplus Allocation
One of the important elements of the Judgment was the allowance of a controlled overdraft of the basin during the first ten years following the Judgment. This controlled overdraft was referred to as the “Temporary Surplus.” The purpose of the Temporary Surplus was to create additional groundwater storage capacity in the basin and help prevent the waste of water.
Under the Judgment, the Appropriator Parties were allocated for extraction up to 160,000 acre-feet of water from the basin over the ten-year period immediately following the inception of the Judgment. This equated to a maximum of 16,000 acre-feet per year during the initial ten-year period.
The Appropriator percentage allocations used for the Temporary Surplus and for allocations of unused Overlying Water rights are as follows:
Appropriator Party Percentage Allocation
Annual Temporary Surplus
Allocation
Beaumont Cherry Valley Water
District
42.51% 6,802 acre-feet per year
City of Banning 31.43% 5,029 acre-feet per year
South Mesa Water Company 12.48% 1,997 acre-feet per year Yucaipa Valley Water District 13.58% 2,173 acre-feet per year Watermaster Responsibilities
The Watermaster is responsible for administering the Judgment and managing the basin in a manner that supports the maximum beneficial use of groundwater resources. The Watermaster operates under the Judgment and its adopted Rules and Regulations, which were originally adopted in 2004 and have been amended over time.
Key Watermaster responsibilities include:
1. Administering the Judgment and Rules and Regulations. Watermaster maintains accounting procedures for groundwater production, recharge, transfers, storage, and replenishment obligations.
2. Preparing Annual Reports.
Each year, Watermaster publishes an Annual Report documenting groundwater production, recharge activity, transfers between Appropriators, transfers of water rights from Overlying Parties to Appropriators, and related basin management activities.
3. Approving Producer Activities.
Producers are required to notify and obtain approval from Watermaster, as necessary, for activities such as recharging water, storing supplemental water, recovering stored water, transferring or exchanging water, and storing local water.
4. Maintaining and Improving Water Supply. Watermaster annually determines the amount of groundwater each producer may pump from the basin without incurring a replenishment obligation.
5. Monitoring and Understanding Basin Conditions. Watermaster collects and evaluates groundwater production data, groundwater level data, water quality information, and other technical information to improve understanding of basin conditions and support long-term management decisions.
6. Maintaining and Improving Water Quality. Watermaster coordinates with local agencies and regulatory agencies on efforts to protect and improve groundwater quality.
41 7. Developing and Administering Well Policies. Watermaster has adopted minimum standards for the construction, repair, abandonment, and destruction of groundwater extraction wells in the basin.
8. Entering into Beneficial Agreements. Watermaster has the authority to enter into agreements for programs and services that benefit the basin, including groundwater storage agreements.
9. Providing Regional Leadership. Watermaster may work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies to support regional programs for basin management, water supply reliability, recharge, storage, and resource protection.
Recharge and Storage of Supplemental Water
Supplemental replenishment water may include recycled water, imported State Water Project water, or other imported supplies. Replenishment may occur through spreading and percolation, injection, in-lieu use of surface water or imported water, or other approved methods.
The Judgment reserved a minimum of 200,000 acre-feet of groundwater storage capacity for conjunctive use. Parties to the Judgment may make reasonable beneficial use of available groundwater storage capacity for supplemental water storage, provided such activity is consistent with a Watermasterapproved storage agreement.
Imported water deliveries to the Beaumont Basin are conducted through the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, which is the State Water Contractor for a portion of Riverside County. Recharge facilities include Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District’s Noble Creek Recharge Facility and the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency’s recharge facility.
The City of Banning began purchasing imported water for recharge at the Noble Creek Recharge Facility in 2008. Since that time, the City has purchased imported water in accordance with its storage agreement on file with Watermaster. Recent City purchases included 1,000 acre-feet in 2023, 1,500 acre-feet in 2024, and 1,750 acre-feet in 2025. These recharge efforts support the City’s long-term groundwater supply reliability and help maintain water in storage within the basin.
Water Transfers and Adjustments of Rights
Watermaster is also responsible for accounting for water transfers and adjustments of rights. Section 7 of the Watermaster Rules and Regulations provides procedures for transfers between Appropriators and Overlying Parties. These transfers are included in Watermaster’s accounting records and Annual Reports.
There are generally three categories of transfers and adjustments tracked by Watermaster:
1. Transfers of production rights or stored water between Appropriators.
2. Transfers of Overlying Water Rights to an Appropriator in exchange for water service.
3. Allocation of unused Overlying Water Rights to Appropriators.
The allocation of unused Overlying Water Rights is based on each Appropriator’s share of the Operating Safe Yield. Importantly, the allocation of unused Overlying Water does not permanently reduce or diminish the legal rights of the Overlying Party.
This process supports efficient basin management by allowing available water supplies to be used productively, while maintaining the underlying legal rights established by the Judgment.
JUSTIFICATION:
The Beaumont Basin is a critical groundwater resource for the City of Banning and the surrounding region. The Watermaster provides the legal, administrative, and technical structure necessary to manage 42 groundwater production, storage, recharge, transfers, replenishment, and water quality in accordance with the Judgment.
The City’s participation in Watermaster is important because the City relies on the Beaumont Basin as part of its water supply portfolio. Watermaster’s accounting and oversight help ensure that groundwater production is properly tracked, basin conditions are monitored, recharge activities are coordinated, and the basin is managed in a manner that protects long-term water supply reliability.
The safe yield redetermination process is particularly important because it provides updated technical information regarding the sustainable production capacity of the basin. The most recent safe yield redetermination increased the basin’s safe yield from 6,700 acre-feet per year to 7,100 acre-feet per year, effective 2024. This updated figure informs Watermaster accounting, production rights, replenishment obligations, and long-term planning.
The Watermaster’s role in approving storage agreements, accounting for imported water recharge, and managing transfers also provides flexibility for the City and other parties to support local and regional water supply reliability. The City’s continued purchase and recharge of imported water contributes to groundwater storage and supports the long-term sustainability of the basin.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City participates in the Watermaster budget with the other Watermaster Committee members. For Fiscal Year 2025/2026, the Watermaster budget is $49,675. Expenses are shared equally by the Watermaster Committee members.
Watermaster expenditures are primarily related to legal services, consultant support, preparation of the Annual Report, technical studies, and other administrative responsibilities required under the Judgment.
Costs may vary from year to year depending on Watermaster activities and technical obligations.
In years when significant technical work is required, costs may be substantially higher. For example, the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 final expense budget was $464,238 due largely to the work associated with the redetermination of the safe yield, which is required by the Judgment at least every ten years.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. February 2004 Judgment.pdf
2. February 2004 Stipulation for Entry of Judgement.pdf
3. March 2019 Amended Judgement.pdf
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