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Bluff planning commission interviews Tom Heiserot for open seat; no vote scheduled
Summary
At a June 18 work session, commissioners interviewed Tom Heiserot for an open planning and zoning seat; Heiserot described long ties to Bluff, availability to serve and experience mediating conflicts. The commission will discuss privately and vote at the July 2 meeting.
Malia Collins opened the Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission work session on June 18 and introduced Tom Heiserot as an applicant for an open commission seat. Heiserot said he has visited Bluff for decades and has lived in town for 11 years, and that he wants to "pay back" the town by serving on the commission.
Heiserot told commissioners he is retired and can meet the time commitment for the voluntary role, which the panel described as roughly one to four hours per week. Describing his experience resolving workplace conflicts, Heiserot cited his past role as a teacher and team leader and said he had helped calm difficult parent-teacher meetings by setting clear expectations: "I offered to attend the meeting with her because I could tell she was really nervous," he said.
Commissioners asked about technical and administrative skills required for the role. Heiserot noted experience producing a middle-school yearbook and working with document software: "I've used Google Docs and Microsoft," he said, and he confirmed he can check email regularly. The commission noted town IT is available to help new members who need access.
On residency, Heiserot confirmed his principal residence is within Bluff town boundaries though he lives off the center grid and uses a private well rather than town water. That point arose in the interview only to confirm he meets the commission's residency expectations.
No formal vote was taken at the work session. Collins explained that work sessions are for discussion; commissioners will confer individually to avoid a quorum and then bring a recommendation to the Town Council for formal appointment at the next meeting on July 2. "You're welcome to come back at the 2nd meeting and here, or you can join virtually," Collins said, inviting Heiserot to attend the July meeting.
The commission did not indicate a formal recommendation during the work session. The vacancy will be considered for nomination and council approval at the July 2 meeting.
