Public works commissioner named

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry named Mike Webb the commissioner of public works and development Thursday.

Webb, 56, has been the acting commissioner since former public works commissioner Don Kelly retired in August.

Webb's salary as a commissioner will be $106,000.

Webb has done an outstanding job as acting commissioner, Newberry said in a statement. "Mike is comfortable on the streets in a pair of work boots, as he recently demonstrated during the ice storm, and in the office in a coat and tie, planning and directing projects."

As commissioner of public works, Webb oversees the Divisions of Planning, Historic Preservation, Engineering, Building Inspection, Traffic Engineering and Streets, Roads and Forestry. The Purchase of Development Rights program also reports to Webb.

Webb's goal is to make the department more efficient and effective.

Webb worked for Columbia Gas for 27 years with his final post as manager of operations in Kentucky and southern Ohio. He retired in 2007.

Webb joined the city as an administrative officer in the Department of General Services immediately following his retirement from Columbia Gas.

Webb is a Louisville native and a graduate of Transylvania University. He and his wife, Pam, have two children.

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