Section 324.72110 - Michigan trails advisory council; creation; duties; membership; terms; vacancy; qualifications; chairperson; vice-chairperson; staffing; procedures; quorum; meetings; powers; workgroups; compensation; contracts; donations; additional responsibilities(1) The Michigan trails advisory council is created within the department.(2) The advisory council shall advise the director and the governor on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails in this state, including, but not limited to, snowmobile, biking, equestrian, hiking, off-road vehicle, skiing trails, and water trails. In advising the director and the governor on the creation and development of motorized and nonmotorized trails in this state, the advisory council shall seek to have the trails linked wherever possible. The advisory council may perform additional related duties as provided by this part, other law, or as requested by the director or the governor.(3) The advisory council shall consist of 11 members appointed by the governor. Subject to subsection (4), a member of the advisory council shall be appointed for a term of 4 years.(4) All of the following apply to the first advisory council appointed after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this subsection:(a) 2 members shall serve for 1 year.(b) 3 members shall serve for 2 years.(c) 3 members shall serve for 3 years.(d) 3 members, not fewer than 2 of whom shall be members of the equine trailways subcommittee created under section 72110a, shall serve for 4 years.(5) A vacancy on the advisory council occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled by the governor in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term. A vacancy does not affect the power of the remaining members to exercise the duties of the advisory council.(6) At least 5 members of the advisory council shall be an owner of an ORV licensed as required under section 81116 or an owner of a snowmobile registered under section 82105. At least 3 members of the advisory council shall be owners of a snowmobile registered under section 82105. At least 1 member of the advisory council shall possess experience as an instructor in a snowmobile safety education and training program or an ORV safety education course. At least 2 members of the advisory council shall be residents of the Upper Peninsula of this state. At least 2 members of the advisory council shall be members of the equine trailways subcommittee created in section 72110a.(7) The governor shall designate a member of the advisory council to serve as the chairperson of the advisory council at the pleasure of the governor. The advisory council may select a member of the advisory council to serve as vice-chairperson of the advisory council.(8) The advisory council shall be staffed and assisted by personnel from the department, subject to available funding. Any budgeting, procurement, or related management functions of the advisory council shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the director.(9) The advisory council shall adopt procedures consistent with this section and other applicable state law governing its organization and operations.(10) A majority of the members of the advisory council serving constitute a quorum for the transaction of the advisory council's business. The advisory council shall act by a majority vote of its serving members.(11) The advisory council shall meet at the call of the chairperson and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the advisory council.(12) The advisory council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, conduct studies and investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The advisory council may also consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including, but not limited to, experts in the private sector, government agencies, and institutions of higher education. The advisory council shall consult with organizations involved with expanding trail access for persons with disabilities.(13) The advisory council may establish advisory workgroups, including, but not limited to, an advisory workgroup on snowmobiles, as considered necessary by the advisory council to assist the advisory council in performing the duties and responsibilities of the advisory council. In addition, the equine trailways subcommittee created in section 72110a as a subcommittee of the advisory council shall advise the advisory council.(14) Members of the advisory council shall serve without compensation. Members of the advisory council may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the civil service commission and the department of technology, management, and budget, subject to available funding.(15) The advisory council may hire or retain contractors, subcontractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the advisory council and the performance of its duties as the director considers advisable and necessary in accordance with this part, other applicable law, and the rules and procedures of the civil service commission and the department of technology, management, and budget, subject to available funding.(16) The advisory council may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.(17) Members of the advisory council shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the department.(18) In addition to the responsibilities provided in this section and otherwise provided by law, the advisory council shall do both of the following: (a) Make recommendations to the director on the expenditure of money in the fund.(b) Advise the director on the implementation of this part and the establishment and operation of Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Water Trails.Amended by 2014, Act 213,s 1, eff. 9/25/2014.Amended by 2013, Act 248,s 1, eff. 12/26/2013.Amended by 2010, Act 46,s 4 , eff. 4/2/2010.Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. 5/24/1995.