The Board shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Clerk annually at the first meeting of the Board following the Annual Town Election by majority vote of the permanent members. Each shall serve until a successor is duly elected. Associate members shall not vote to elect officers, nor shall they serve as officers.
A. 
The Chairperson shall preside over all hearings and meetings of the Board. Subject to the rules as stated herein, s/he shall decide all points of order.
B. 
In addition to powers granted by Massachusetts General Laws and the Zoning Bylaws, and subject to these rules and further instructions of the Board, the Chairperson shall supervise the work of the clerk and Administrative Assistant, arrange for necessary help, and exercise general supervision over the Board's activities.
The Vice Chairperson shall carry out all the duties and powers of the Chairperson during the absence or unavailability of the Chairperson.
In the event that both the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson are absent or unable to participate in a particular matter, then the permanent Board members present shall elect an Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall carry out the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the powers of the Chairperson, but only until such time as the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson arrives or is able to participate.
The Administrative Assistant shall be subject to the direction of the Board and its Chairperson, shall undertake all of the clerical work of the Board, including all correspondence of the Board, sending of all notices required by law and the rules and orders of the Board, receive and scrutinize all petitions and applications for compliance with the rules of the Board, keep dockets and minutes of the Board's proceedings, compile all required records, and maintain necessary files and indices.
The Chairperson of the Board shall designate an associate member to sit on the Board in case of the absence, inability to act or conflict of interest on the part of a member. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the Chairperson shall designate an associate member to act as a member until the vacancy is filled by an appointment by the Board of Selectmen.
A quorum for the purpose of appeals, petitions, applications, and all other business shall consist of four members.
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held as necessary on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Sterling Town Hall, Room 205, or as designated in the meeting notice, or at such other times determined by the Board at a place specified in the meeting notice.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or at the request of two members. Written notice thereof shall be given to each member at least 48 hours before the time set, except that announcement of a special meeting at any meeting attended by all members shall be sufficient notice. Notices of all meetings shall be posted publicly and advertised, as required by law.