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Select Board debate over Historic District appointment centers on AIA nomination requirement
Summary
The Select Board discussed a nomination to the Historic District Commission and a bylaw clause requiring two nominees 'submitted by the chapter of the American Institute of Architects covering Norton.' Commissioners pressed to appoint their preferred candidate, while the board stressed following the bylaw and obtaining two nominees from the appropriate AIA chapter before finalizing any appointment.
A contentious discussion at the Feb. 26 Select Board meeting focused on filling a vacancy on the Historic District Commission and how strictly the town must follow Bylaw 66‑4, which board staff read as requiring "two nominees submitted by the chapter of the American Institute of Architects covering Norton."
Members of the Historic District Commission asked the Select Board to appoint Nelia Morrison, who they said has consulted on local projects and worked directly with the commission. "She’s established a good working relationship and she’s knowledgeable," one commission member said, urging the board not to lose her.
Other board members and staff said the town must follow the bylaw process to avoid a legal challenge. Town Manager Mark Gold read the bylaw language aloud and urged the board to obtain two nominees from the appropriate AIA chapter or otherwise document that the town had made a reasonable effort to comply. "If the bylaw says one member from two nominees submitted by the chapter of the AIA covering Norton shall be appointed by the board of selectmen, I don't believe there's wiggle room," the manager said.
Board members debated practical solutions: contact the AIA to request nominees, advertise locally for candidates while awaiting AIA input, or ask town counsel whether an exception is permitted. Some commissioners argued that the commission itself can submit two names; others said the bylaw’s literal wording directs the town to rely on the AIA chapter.
Why it matters: The exchange illustrates a tension between informal local practice—relying on trusted volunteers—and formal bylaw requirements intended to ensure qualified representation on boards that affect historic resources. Board members worried that an improperly appointed member could expose the commission and the town to legal challenge.
Next steps: The Select Board asked staff to contact the AIA and confirm which chapter "covers Norton," to request the required two nominees, and to consult town counsel if necessary. No appointment vote was taken during the meeting.
Attribution note: Quotes and attributions in this report come from Historic District Commission members and Select Board members as recorded in the Feb. 26 meeting transcript.
