• Mayor John Peyton has appointed Daniel A. Kleman as the City’s chief operating officer. Kleman’s first day is March 1. He replaces Lynn Westbrook, who is returning to the Public Works Department. From November 1994 through 2003, Kleman served as county administrator of Hillsborough County. He also spent 20 years as the city manager of Tallahassee.
• Interviews to fill a federal judicial vacancy were held all day Monday at the U.S. Courthouse at Jacksonville, and it was apparently impossible for candidates to tell how they fared in their sessions. “It was a whirlwind,” said Circuit Court Judge Lance M. Day. “I wish I had something to tell you, but I have no clue,” said Christine Milton, an attorney with McGuireWoods. Asked if she was apprehensive about the decision that would be made Monday night or early this morning, she said, “I’ve tried to put it out of my mind.” Other local candidates interviewed were Circuit Court Judge Waddell Wallace and Alexandra Hedrick, a senior partner with Hedrick, Dewberry, Regan & Durant.
• Back around town: School Superintendent John Fryer after cancer surgery.
• Mayor Peyton’s appearance at the Kiwanis Club meeting Monday drew one of the largest crowds ever for a club gathering. About 75 people gave Peyton a standing ovation as he took the podium. Peyton thanked the club for the warm reception. “That feels good,” he said. “The honeymoon period has been starting to wane.” Since taking office, Peyton says his staff has repeated the mantra, “better, faster, cheaper” before every meeting. However, a Kiwanis club member suggested the mayor substitute “inexpensive” for “cheaper.” The mayor agreed that he would prefer “inexpensive” except for one thing. “It doesn’t rhyme as well.”
• Some construction dust in the Edward Ball Building: the HVAC system on the ninth floor is being replaced.
• Looking to do some spring decorating? Feola-Ward Interiors at the Landing has closed, and there will be an auction soon to liquidate the remaining inventory.
• Council member Kevin Hyde said he will not support an amendment allowing any City employee access to health insurance benefits after two years. Hyde, who has been drafting Living Wage legislation for several months, said any benefits must be collectively bargained and not unilaterally implemented. Additionally, he was concerned the bill would adversely affect employees already covered.