Mayor Linda Gorton is plowing ahead with several changes to the city’s snow removal process after the recent snow and ice storm delayed street clearing. “We know we need to make changes, and we’re making them now,” Gorton said. “While we believe this was an unusual storm, it has pushed us to learn how we can be better prepared.” Changes include more current staff focused on snow removal, better equipment, increased private contracting for snow clearing services, and improving cooperation with the school system, Gorton said. The Mayor and Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Fayette County Public Schools will work together to make improvements. “We are jointly committed to improve communication and cooperation,” Gorton said. “We recognize that safe and passable roads are essential for our students and staff to attend school safely,” Liggins said. “This renewed collaboration between the city and Fayette County Public Schools is a critical step toward ensuring our community is better prepared for winter weather challenges.” Specifically, the city will: Purchase 5 new plows and salt spreaders for smaller trucks that the city already owns (assigned to various government divisions). Make use of trucks in parks that already have snow plows and salt spreaders attached, then assign Parks employees to help clear neighborhood streets. Seek private contractors through emergency contracts to help clear neighborhood streets. Seek Council approval to purchase an additional three tanker trucks to increase the city’s ability to apply salt brine and beet heat, which are useful when snow and ice become packed down. “All of these measures, except the tanker trucks, will be able to help us with issues we encounter through the remainder of this winter,” Gorton said. The tanker trucks have to be ordered and will not be available until next fall. The post Mayor moves forward with changes in snow response appeared first on The Lexington Times.