Lexington's mayor wants to clarify the situation between the city and the state over the city's response to the ice storm.
The city of Lexington has struggled with clearing the roads after the storm dropped several inches of snow and a thick layer of ice. Crews are still trying to clear bus routes so students can return to school.
Governor Andy Beshear expressed disappointment with the city's response to the storm.
“This is the second one in a row that we should have seen better results. I think the mayor has said that, and has taken responsibility,” he said. “We helped, and have helped, and were then told for a period of time that our help wasn't needed. We have asked, and it has been accepted to help some more.”
The city did receive help from the state over the past two weeks to help clear roads.
Mayor Linda Gorton said the city of Lexington did not refuse state help clearing its roads. She said she has spoken with the Governor, and said, after talking with city employees involved in communicating with the state Department of Transportation, she believes it was a misunderstanding.
The mayor said Lexington is already moving ahead to hire the kind of contractor who can handle an ice storm during an extended stretch of cold weather.
She said the city is planning an internal, extensive, military-style after-action review of its response to the most recent storm.
Between January 22 and February 3, the region spent 278 hours at or below freezing. In the past two weeks, Lexington has had one day above freezing.
Gorton has invited residents, especially those who have lived in cities that experience many ice storms, to contribute their ideas on ways the city can improve.
Suggestions can be sent to mayor@lexingtonky.gov .
