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NILES — The Niles community bid farewell to outgoing members of the Niles City Council last week.

John DiCostanzo and Amanda Dunnem received a round of applause after participating in their last council meeting Monday, Nov. 25 as members of the Niles City Council. Their four-year terms have come to an end and neither DiCostanzo nor Dunnem will run for re-election. Jessica Nelson will replace DiCostanzo on the council after winning the seat in the Nov. 5 election and Sheila Koebel will replace Dunnem after winning her seat.

“I want to congratulate our new council member in the Fourth Ward, Jessica Nelson. (They) should be a great addition,” DiCostanzo said. “I thank all of the regulars who attend these meetings and show a keen interest in what’s going on in the city. I really appreciate you people, you keep us on our toes. I appreciate all the folks that I’ve served with that are still on the board and some of the past members.” 

A native of Long Island, New York, DiCostanzo and his wife and children moved to Niles in 1988, attracted by the cost of living. In 2012, DiCostanzo joined the city planning commission and has served on numerous boards ever since. In 2016, he became a member of city council at the recommendation of Tim Skalla following the sudden passing of councilmember Scott Clark. DiCostanzo will continue to serve on the planning commission.

“I saw a newspaper ad in the (Niles Daily Star),” DiCostanzo recalled. “The city was looking for commission members and committee members to fill boards and I just filled out an application. The application asked you what boards you’d like to be on and I got a call from the Community Development Director and he put me on the Planning Commission and I’ve been on the Planning Commission ever since.”

DiCostanzo highlighted a number of council decisions he was proud of, including the groundbreaking and opening of Indeck, the sale of the historic Niles Post Office, the city choosing to allow for the establishment of marijuana businesses in Niles and more.

“I think the city has moved in a positive direction during the time I was a member,” DiCostanzo said. “I can’t take credit for much of it other than I participated in it.”

Dunnem was elected to represent the Second Ward in 2020. She is the National Section Leader for CNAs with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association and also served on the Michigan Home Care and Hospice Public Policy Committee.

“It has been a blessed four years,” Dunnem said. “I very much enjoyed being with you guys here on the council. One of the things that I tell people most often is I really wish more people in the city understood just how great the city workers are that we have and how much they truly love the city and our volunteers. It just amazes me, so thank you. I will miss you guys. It is not goodbye, just see you later for a little bit.

“I appreciate those council members who truly look out for their constituents in their wards and not just their own agenda.”

Mayor Nick Shelton thanked DiCostanzo and Dunnem for their years of service to the city.

“Councilmember Dunnem, you’re awesome,” Shelton said. “I’m so glad that you ran for council four years ago. It’s just been such an absolute pleasure to serve with you. You’re kind-hearted, you’re just a beautiful person and I’m so thankful for all you’ve done for our communities the last four years. Councilmember DiCostanzo, you’re the man. I just appreciate so much the discourse and debate and just your knowledge and appreciation for this community and all the work you’ve put forth, not only on the council but on the commission. You are a terrific council member, you’re a terrific citizen and I just have really appreciated the opportunity to serve with you these last eight years. I just appreciate all you’ve done.”