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Lexington mayor 'tearing up' the city's snow plan, changing up leadership following public outcry

Josh James/WUKY

Lexington's departments overseeing winter storm response are getting a shakeup. Mayor Linda Gorton is making the changes in the wake of the second round of community criticism over the city's weather response in as many months.

"I share the public's frustration and disappointment in the services we have provided the recent ice and snow storms," Gorton said.

After a slick bout of wintry weather led to more than 150 accidents on city streets Tuesday morning, the mayor says she has accepted the resignation of Nancy Albright, who has headed up the Environmental Quality and Public Works Department for seven years.

While thanking her for her work, Gorton said she's appointing Director of Water Quality Charlie Martin as Acting Commissioner in the role — one he's held several time in the past.

Gorton also announced supervision over the Division of Streets and Roads would be handed off to Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Glenn Brown.

And as for policy changes, the mayor said she's "tearing up our city's snow plan."

"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 added.

The new plan will include elements of a review of the storm that immobilized the city for weeks in January and February. In addition, Gorton said the city is nearing a deal to hire a new contractor to supply heavier equipment during major ice and snow events.

The leadership changes come after residents — including a mayoral candidate — took to social media to voice their exasperation with the city's weather responses this year.