(a) There is created a Delaware Open Space Council to advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the administration, implementation, and financing of the Open Space Program; site selection; methods of protection; and interagency and intergovernmental coordination among public agencies and private land preservation organizations. The Council shall consist of the following:

(1) One member of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore to serve at the pleasure of the President Pro Tempore.

(2) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House.

(3) Seven members appointed by the Governor to serve at the pleasure of the Governor, at least 4 of whom shall be persons who have been active or have shown an interest in preserving open space. The membership shall be representative of all counties in the State. Appointments shall be for 4-year terms, provided that the terms of newly appointed members will be staggered so that no more than 4 appointments shall expire annually. Members may be appointed for less than 4 years to ensure that members’ terms expire on a staggered basis. A member appointed under this paragraph shall continue to serve beyond the expiration of the member’s term until a successor is duly appointed.

(4) No more than 5 Council members of 1 political party; provided however, that failing or declining to announce one’s political affiliation shall not make such person ineligible for appointment.

(b) The Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture and State and the State Liaison Officer for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, or designees appointed by the respective Secretary, Director, or Officer, who shall be ex officio advisors to the Council without voting powers.

(c) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the Council.

(d) The Department shall furnish clerical, technical, legal, and other services required by the Council in the performance of its official duties.

(e) Members of the Council shall receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(f) For purposes of conducting business of the Council, 5 voting members shall constitute a quorum. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a majority vote of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be required on any action or matter before the Council.

(g) The Council may adopt procedural rules to carry out its functions under this chapter.

(h) The Council shall hold at least 1 regularly-scheduled public meeting in each quarter of each calendar year and keep a record of its proceedings. At regularly-scheduled meetings, the Council shall conduct its affairs, review land that the state agencies bring before it for permanent protection, and make recommendations to the Secretary. Council shall conduct its proceedings in accordance with Chapter 100 of Title 29.

67 Del. Laws, c. 352, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 394, §§ 1-6; 80 Del. Laws, c. 133, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 354, § 1; 81 Del. Laws, c. 49, § 8; 81 Del. Laws, c. 374, § 37.