a. There is created in the department a Citizens Advisory Council on the Palisades Interstate Park, the membership of which shall consist of seven members appointed by the commissioner. The members shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, and shall be chosen from among those residents of this State who are familiar with and make regular use of the lands and facilities within the New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park.

The council shall advise the commissioner and the commission concerning the management, maintenance and utilization of the New Jersey section.

b. The council shall elect a chairman from among its members, and shall meet at the call of the chairman, the commissioner, or the commission.

c. Members of the council shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed, subject to the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for such purposes, for expenses actually incurred in attending meetings of the council and in performance of their duties as members thereof.

d. The commissioner and the commission shall provide the council with such assistance and information as may be necessary for the purposes of this section.

L.1980, c. 104, s. 9, eff. Sept. 11, 1980.