Lexington Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works Nancy Albright will The department houses the city’s Division of Streets and Roads, among other offices.
“I have high expectations of myself, always — and of our employees, and very high standards for the services my administration delivers to our people here in Lexington,” Gorton said during a Wednesday press conference. “I want you all to know that I share the public's frustration and disappointment in the services we have provided in the recent ice and snow storms.”
That follows a winter storm early Tuesday morning that caused roads to freeze, causing more than 150 wrecks across Lexington. The Lexington Police Department temporarily suspended taking reports for minor, non-injury collisions, and Fayette County Public Schools was put on a two-hour delay.
The city’s response to January’s winter storm was also heavily criticized by residents, with ice remaining on the roads for nearly two weeks.
Charles Martin, Lexington’s current Director of Water Quality, is being appointed as the Acting Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works, replacing Albright. The Division of Streets and Roads will also be put under the direct supervision of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Glenn Brown.
Gorton also announced the city would be completely remaking its snow plan from scratch.
“Over the years, we have made many adjustments to make this plan work and provided new resources to try to solve the problems. Our approach currently isn't working very well, and we need to start over,” she said.
An examination of Lexington’s response to January’s ice storm is nearly completed. The city is also working with an outside contractor to bring in more heavy equipment during major storms.
Lexington Environmental Quality and Public Works is a financial supporter of WEKU.
