(a)  For purposes of negotiating siting and impact agreements, local assessment committees shall be constituted by host and any neighboring communities no later than forty-five (45) days after the issuance of necessary state permits for construction or substantial alteration of a hazardous waste management facility under the provisions of the Hazardous Waste Management Act, chapter 19.1 of this title. The committee shall consist of no less than five (5) nor more than nine (9) members, including the chief executive officer, the city or town council president, or if either the council president is the chief executive officer or chooses not to serve on the local assessment committee, another member of the council chosen by the council, the chairperson of the planning commissions, and not less than two (2) public members appointed by the chief elected official, at least one of whom shall be knowledgeable in environmental matters by reason of training or experience.

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(b)  The local assessment committee shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)  To establish any rules and procedures that may be necessary to carry out its function and perform its duties;

(2)  To represent generally the best interest of the community in all negotiations with the developer of a proposed hazardous waste facility;

(3)  To negotiate with the developer the detailed terms, provisions, and conditions of a siting or impact agreement to protect the public health, the public safety, and the environment of the community, and to promote the fiscal welfare of the community through special benefits and compensation;

(4)  To conduct a public hearing or hearings for the purpose of soliciting public comments on any proposed siting or impact agreement prior to entering into this agreement on behalf of the community;

(5)  To enter into a contract subject to ratification of the local legislative body where required by ordinance, charter, or the public laws, binding upon the community, and enforceable against the developer and the community in any court of competent jurisdiction notwithstanding any charter provision or public law, the town council of any town or the city council of any city may require by ordinance that any siting or impact agreement contract negotiated with a developer shall be subject to council ratification;

(6)  To expend funds received from the developer, any federal or state grants, and any other funds as the host community may appropriate to pay costs incurred by the committee for participation in the hazardous waste management facility siting process established by this chapter.