Bluff Planning and Zoning swears in new commissioners; elects Malia Collins chair, Brian Whitney vice chair

Bluff’s Planning and Zoning Commission opened its first regular meeting of 2026 by swearing in newly appointed commissioners and electing its leadership for the year.

Erin Nelson, town manager and recorder, administered the oath of office to the new members, asking them to repeat: "I do solemnly affirm that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of The United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity." The new commissioners affirmed the oath and were sworn in to serve on the five-member body.

Following the swearing-in, the commission took nominations for chair and vice chair. Marsha Havenfeld nominated Malia Collins for chair; Collins accepted the nomination but asked whether her status as a town employee would affect eligibility. Erin Nelson said she had not received a definitive legal opinion but indicated she expected the commission could proceed and revisit the question if counsel later advised otherwise. Collins was then elected by voice vote.

The commission also nominated and elected Brian Whitney as vice chair. The body approved a motion to accept the minutes from the Dec. 4, 2025 meeting as corrected; the vote passed with a noted abstention. At the end of the meeting a motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: Swearing in new commissioners and selecting leadership establish who will set agendas and represent planning and zoning to town council as the board takes up substantive ordinance revisions and training this year. The commission signaled it will revisit any legal questions about employee-memberships if the town attorney advises differently.

What’s next: Commission members were asked to complete required training and to review onboarding materials; staff said they will circulate agenda packets and ordinance redlines ahead of future meetings.