A Chamber of Commerce official, an attorney and a bed and breakfast owner are among Key West city commissioners' appointees to a committee to help them select a new city manager.

All but one commissioner submitted a name for the committee. Commissioner Teri Johnston said she is awaiting final confirmation from her choice, expected to come Monday.

Jim Scholl, who has held the job for five years, has given notice that he is leaving in July. Commissioners, who are split on whether to keep the search in-state or even limited to the Key West area, appeared generally in agreement that the next city manager should have a good grasp of business issues.

"Jim has done a great job," said Mayor Craig Cates. "But we are looking now for someone with more business experience."

Scholl has a military background.

Commissioner Mark Rossi named Virginia Panico, executive vice president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, to the committee.

"She knows the business community, tourism and she is well-rounded, she knows the (city manager) job and knows everything about it," he said.

Sam Holland, owner of the Conch House Bed and Breakfast and a member of the city's Planning Board, was Cates' choice.

Commissioner Clayton Lopez tapped Barry Barroso, who sits on the Utility Board and also is a plumbing specialist and real estate developer.

Attorney Richard Klitenick was named to the panel by Commissioner Billy Wardlow, and Commissioner Jimmy Weekley selected Shirley Freeman, former Key West mayor and Monroe County commissioner.

Commissioner Tony Yaniz chose firefighter Omar Garcia, who sits on the city's Development Review Committee.

The appointments were named and accepted at a special meeting Tuesday night, during which commissioners also discussed -- but took no action on -- an offer to purchase city property on Front Street that hosts the Pier House Resort, which currently holds a $3,600 per year lease that expires in nine years.

Likewise, commissioners tabled discussion of a lease to operate an assisted-living facility to be built on Truman Waterfront.

The commission is expected to establish the criteria for city manager candidates at its Feb. 7 meeting. The committee will advise the city on choices after reviewing applications.

jdesantis@keysnews.com