MARION -- Jill Lindsey-Graskewicz was approved as the new director of the Marion Senior Citizens Center in a unanimous vote by the City Council on Monday night.
"I have worked with seniors for the past 20 years. It's one of my passions," Lindsey-Graskewicz said. "I believe in culture change. Because if we don't change it now, it's going to be you and I living in the same world that are seniors are in right now. We have to step it up."
She replaces Letina Poole, who is retiring.
Community Program Director Allison Hasler gave the council a report on her new duties, which include seeking grant funding. She said she is looking into $3.2 million in grants for the upgrades to the city's water system.
And Walmart and Sam's Club donated around $1,500 worth of personal protective equipment to the Fire Department.
Building murals are another focus, with Hasler stating she is aiming for a National Endowment for the Arts award to fund it. "We want to really involve the community in that effort."
Mosquito abatement, tire disposal, crosswalk signage and new air conditioning for the library are among other funding tasks on her radar.
Moving to the Water and Sewer Department, the council approved the promotion of Scott Clarida to outside lead person. He fills a vacancy created by Cliff Hogue Jr. Collin Basham was approved to move to assistant outside lead person. Tyler Smith's base rate was adjusted to reflect his move to a chief operator and John Boan's status was moved from temporary to full-time.
The council further approved a $61,508.50 bid from IMCO for copper settings on water meters that need to be replaced.
The Marion Police Department received approval to use funds from grants, the budget, and property seizures to purchase new Tasers. Police Chief David Fitts said the MPD's current Tasers were made by a company no longer in business, and certifying them for use is no longer possible.
