(b) The council and each member thereof shall have the following functions, powers and duties: 1. To investigate, review or take such other action as shall be deemed necessary or proper with respect to complaints or grievances regarding any local correctional facility or part thereof as shall be called to its attention in writing. 2. To have access, at any and all times, to any local correctional facility or part thereof and to all books, records, and data pertaining to any local correctional facility which are deemed necessary for carrying out the council's functions, powers and duties. 3. To obtain from administrators, officers or employees of any local correctional facility any information deemed necessary for the purpose of carrying out its functions, powers and duties. 4. To request and receive temporary office space in any local correctional facility for the purpose of carrying out its functions, powers and duties. 5. To report periodically to the commission and, where appropriate, to make such recommendations as are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article to the commission and to the administrator of any local correctional facility.

(c) In addition to the functions, powers and duties prescribed by subdivision (b) of this section, the council shall 1. Advise and assist the commission in developing policies, plans and programs for improving the commission's performance of its duties and for coordinating the efforts of the commission and of correctional officials to improve conditions of care, treatment, safety, supervision, rehabilitation, recreation, training and education in correctional facilities; 2. Foster and promote research and study in areas of correctional policy and program development deemed necessary or desirable by the commission or the council; 3. Meet at least once per calendar month at a time and place designated by the chairman of the council.