(a) The powers of each authority shall be exercised by a board composed of not less than 5 nor more than 7 members, all of whom shall be residents or business owners within the city creating the authority. In municipalities with population greater than 50,000, however, the powers of each authority shall be exercised by a board composed of 5 members, all of whom shall be residents of the city creating the authority. The mayor of the city, or if such city or town has no mayor, its chief executive officer, shall appoint the members of the board, 1 of whom shall serve for 1 year, 1 for 2 years, 1 for 3 years, 1 for 4 years, and 1 for 5 years from July 1 in the year in which such authority is created as provided in this chapter. If the board is composed of 6 members, initially 2 rather than 1 shall be appointed for 2-year terms and if the board is composed of 7 members, initially 2 rather than 1 shall be appointed for both 2-year terms and 3-year terms. Thereafter the mayor shall not sooner than 60 days, nor later than 30 days prior to July 1 in each year in which a vacancy occurs, appoint a member of the board for a term of 5 years to succeed the member whose term expires on July 1 next succeeding. Vacancies for unexpired terms that occur more than 60 days before the end of a term shall be promptly filled by appointment by the mayor. All such appointments shall be subject to the confirmation of the city council or other governing body of the city. Any member of the board may be removed for cause by the mayor, or if such city or town has no mayor, by its chief executive officer, with the concurrence of two thirds of all the members of the council or other governing body of the city or town, and the person against whom such charges are made shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make a defense.

(b) Members shall hold office until their successors have been appointed and may succeed themselves. A member shall receive no compensation for services, but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, incurred in the discharge of duties.

(c) The members of the board shall select from among themselves a chairperson, a vice chairperson and such other officers as the board may determine. The board may employ a secretary, an executive director, its own counsel and legal staff and such technical experts and such other agents and employees, permanent or temporary, as it may require and may determine the qualifications and fix the compensation of such persons. A majority of the total board membership shall constitute a quorum for its meetings. Members of the board shall not be liable personally on the bonds or other obligations of the authority, and the rights of creditors shall be solely against such authority. The board may delegate to 1 or more of its agents or employees such of its powers as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, subject always to the supervision and control of the board. The board shall have full authority to manage the properties and business of the authority and to prescribe, amend and repeal bylaws, rules and regulations governing the manner in which the business of the authority may be conducted and the powers granted to it may be exercised and embodied.

48 Del. Laws, c. 369, § 8; 22 Del. C. 1953, § 507; 68 Del. Laws, c. 273, §§ 2-4; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.