City of Wilmington City Council met Jan. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
MAYOR BEN DIETZ CALLED TO ORDER THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE WILMINGTON CITY COUNCIL AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
After the pledge of allegiance, the following answered to Roll Call: Alderpersons Kevin Kirwin, Marty Orr, Dennis Vice, Ryan Knight, Rachel Conforti, Jonathan Mietzner, Todd Holmes, and Thomas Smith. The number present constitutes a quorum.
Also present: Attorney Adam Umek, City Administrator Jeannine Smith, Finance Director Nancy Gross, Public Works Director James Gretencord, Police Chief Adam Zink and Deputy City Clerk Joie Ziller.
CITIZENS COMMENT
Mayor Dietz requests that public comments regarding the Lions Club be held after the Council discussion. However, if anyone has any additional comments, they should speak now. No public comments were made.
MAYOR’S REPORT
No report was provided.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from December 16, 2025
2. Approve the Accounts Payable Report
Alderperson Kirwin made a motion and Alderperson Orr seconded to approve the Consent Agenda for the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 Kirwin, Orr, Mietzner, Conforti, Vice, Smith, Holmes, Knight
NAYS: 0
The motion carried.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Alderperson Orr made a motion and Alderperson Kirwn seconded to approve waiving the outstanding fees related to the new home construction of the WHS Building Trades
Discussion: City Administrator clarified that B&F Construction Code Services, Inc. waived the plan review fee for this project however, the inspection fees remain applicable and total $1,030. Alderperson Orr requested that B&F waive all fees for government buildings to benefit taxpayers and subsequently rescinded his motion.
Alderperson Holmes made a motion and Alderperson Knight seconded to approve to waive the outstanding fees related to the new home construction of the WHS Building Trades
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 Holmes, Knight, Kirwin, Mietzner, Vice, Smith
NAYS: 1 Orr
ABSTAIN: 1 Conforti
The motion carried.
Alderperson Smith made a motion, and Alderperson Mietzner seconded to approve terminating the lease agreement with Wilmington Lion’s Club and Revole Access to the River Street Building
Discussion: Mayor Dietz provides background on the 10-year lease, which originated in 2012 and has since lapsed to a month-to-month basis, and discusses issues with the Lions Club leaving the Civic Center unlocked and unmonitored, posing a liability risk. In 2024 the Lions Club allowed a homeless person to live in the civic center for months without the city or police department knowledge. Mayor Dietz included that a meeting was held with the John Persic, President of the Lions and Kirsten Van Duyne, Park District Director to discuss a variety of topics including space allocation, use of the space and programming.
Alderpersons expressed their concerns over the Council not having any prior knowledge about this matter. Alderpersons provided how the Lions could tighten up on building security practices and that it would be helpful to provide the city with a keyholder list and event schedule. Alderperson Orr suggested that a Committee be formed of two Alderpersons, two Lions members, and two park board members to resolve the access, storage, and programming issues.
Public Comment (unknown speaker) stated that the police did security checks, but did anyone follow up with the Lions regarding the door being left unlocked.
Public Comment, Dave Melhorn, stated that he is proud of the organization and that if it’s a matter of locking the door, he’s sure they can do that. He also mentioned that at one time, he believed it to be a warming & cooling center.
Public Comment, Isaac Orr emphasized that the lease agreement concerning maintenance and repair does not require Lions to lock the property and that it would be beneficial to include such details in the lease in the future. Additionally, the fact that inspections only began recently raises suspicions that something questionable might have been happening, possibly with the intent to evict the Lions Club.
Public Comment, Vincent Burke, President of the Wilmington Moose Lodge, recognized all the things the Lions Club does for the community, and he can attest that the building is secure before and after the meetings he attends at the building.
Public Comment (unknown speaker) provided lock and app options.
Public Comment, Mary Belter commented that no one has been reaching out to the Lions to inform them that the door was unlocked or to inquire about why it was left open. She expressed gratitude for all the positive comments and support and hopes that everyone can work together to resolve these issues.
Public Comment (unknown speaker) commented on how much she and her family have enjoyed the Lions Club events throughout the years.
Public Comment, Cheryl Spangler commented on the importance of the Meals on Wheels program and how the space they utilize is essential for both them and the seniors in the community.
Public Comment, Shannon Sequoia commented on a conversation involving the Park District, the City, and the Lions Club. She noted that the discussion was very collaborative. They talked about the success of their summer classes, which are sold out, and the thriving kids’ club. However, they also acknowledged limited funding and expressed hopes that they can work together to support each other.
Public Comment, Gina Spur provided feedback on the wording in the agenda regarding termination and revocation of access.
Public Comment, Amanda Rogie from the children’s department at the Wilmington Public Library thanked the Lions Club for all their support to her department, as they help in so many ways.
Public Comment, Darla Neises, stated that as a witness who lives across the street from the Lions Club can attest that John Persic is at the building a dozen times a day and that the access issue can be solved very easily, and that revoking their access would do a terrible disservice to the city.
Public Comment, John Persic expressed gratitude on behalf of the Lions Club for the city allowing them to use the building. He acknowledged the concerns regarding the security of the building, and stated that he looks forward to serving on the committee to discuss its future uses in collaboration with the City and Park District.
Alderperson Smith requested to rescind his previously made motion.
Alderperson Orr made a motion and Alderperson Holmes seconded to table terminating the lease agreement with Wilmington Lion’s Club and Revole Access to the River Street Building
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 Orr, Holmes, Knight, Kirwin, Mietzner, Conforti, Vice, Smith
NAYS: 0
The motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION FROM CITY OFFICIALS
City Attorney – Adam Umek – No Report
City Administrator – Jeannine Smith – Provided a mock up of the Gemini Giant RT 66 kioskÂ
Finance Director – Nancy Gross – No Report
Public Works Director – James Gretencord – stated that the Water Plant ROINC candidate has rescinded our job offer; therefore, this position remains open. The water treatment plant operator position will be open to accept applications next week.
Chief of Police – Adam Zink – No Report
ALDERPERSON COMMENTS
Alderperson Kirwin – apologized to the Lions Club and all the volunteers, and stated that no one on the Council is prepared to have this discussion in public before we have had time to talk amongst ourselves.
Alderperson Orr – No Comment
Alderperson Vice – No Comment
Alderperson Knight – No Comment
Alderperson Conforti – No Comment
Alderperson Mietzner – agreed with Alderperson Kirwin’s comment and stated that if the Lions Club didn’t know the love that was for them in the community, they sure know now.
Alderperson Holmes – No Comment
Alderperson Smith – No Comment
EXECUTIVE SESSION
N/A
ADJOURNMENT
The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderperson Mietzner and seconded by Alderperson Knight. Upon the voice vote, the motion carried. The City of Wilmington City Council’s regular meeting on January 6, 2026, adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
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