ARLINGTON — A new face will be joining the ranks of the Arlington City Council starting Monday, Jan. 4.

Former Arlington School District Superintendent Linda Byrnes will be officially sworn in during the Council’s next meeting.

Byrnes defeated incumbent Graham Smith during the November 2009 election, gathering approximately 59 percent of the vote.

Smith was elected to the Council in 2003.

Current Council members Steve Baker, Chris Raezer and Scott Solla will again be sworn in to their positions during the meeting.

All three members were re-elected during the November election.

In addition to adding a new member, the Council could approve a request for the city to apply for tourism and economic development funds.

The funds would come from the 2010 Tourism Grant fund.

If received, the money allow the city’s parks and recreation department to pay for events such as Shakespeare in the park, street fair entertainment, music in the park and outdoor movies during the summer months.

The city was awarded grant money for the events in 2009.

The City Council meeting will take place at the Arlington Council Chambers, located at 110 E. Third Street.