The Florida Senate

290.049  Advisory council.--

(1)  There is created within the Department of Community Affairs the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Council.

(2)  The purpose of the council is to:

(a)  Advise the department in planning, developing, implementing, and performing evaluation activities related to the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.

(b)  Increase the interchange of information between local governments that participate in the program.

(c)  Heighten public awareness as to the purpose and function of the program.

(3)  The council shall be composed of 13 members appointed by the Secretary of Community Affairs. The secretary shall ensure that minorities receive representation on the council. The secretary shall appoint:

(a)  One representative of the Florida League of Cities.

(b)  One representative of the Florida Association of Counties.

(c)  One representative of regional planning councils.

(d)  Four persons who are engaged in implementing the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.

(e)  Two local government officials.

(f)  Two citizens who represent low-income persons and moderate-income persons.

(g)  Two representatives of statewide housing and community development organizations.

Members shall be appointed to serve terms of 4 years, except that of the members initially appointed, three members shall be appointed for terms of 1 year, three members for terms of 2 years, three members for terms of 3 years, and four members for terms of 4 years. The terms of members shall be designated by the secretary at the time of appointment. A member appointed to the council may not serve beyond the time he or she ceases to hold the office or employment by reason of which the member was eligible for appointment to the council. A vacancy shall be filled only for the unexpired portion of the term. Any member who, without cause, fails to attend two consecutive meetings shall be removed by the secretary. Members may be reappointed.

(4)  The chairperson of the council shall be elected annually by a majority of the council members.

(5)  The council shall meet at the call of its chairperson, at the request of a majority of its members, or at the request of the department; however, the council must meet prior to any significant program revisions or publication of proposed rules pursuant to s. 120.54(3) relating to the program. The council shall meet at least twice each year.

(6)  Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses in accordance with s. 112.061.

(7)  By December 31 of each year, the council shall submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the secretary a report setting forth:

(a)  A description of the activities of the council.

(b)  Recommendations made by the council to the department regarding rule and policy changes and action taken resulting from the recommendations.

(c)  Plans and objectives to be accomplished by the council in the next year.

(d)  Any recommended changes to this chapter.

(8)  The department shall supply any information, assistance, and facilities as are reasonably requested by the council to carry out its duties and shall provide such staff assistance as is necessary for the council to perform its clerical and administrative functions.

History.--ss. 9, 10, ch. 83-205; s. 7, ch. 90-275; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 92-12; s. 239, ch. 95-148; s. 64, ch. 96-410.