2006 New York Code - Advisory Council To The Commission.

 
  § 45.11 Advisory council to the commission.
    (a)   There  shall  be  within  the  commission  an  advisory  council
  consisting of no less than  fifteen  members  to  be  appointed  by  the
  governor,  with  the  advice and consent of the senate. Members shall be
  appointed on the basis of their professional knowledge in the  care  and
  treatment of and in the provision of services, supports, and advocacy to
  persons  with  disabilities  or  their  active interest in the system of
  services for persons with disabilities. In making such appointments, the
  governor shall endeavor to insure the overall membership of the  council
  adequately  reflects  the  programs and services within the commission's
  jurisdiction and that at least one-half of the members  are  individuals
  or  parents  or relatives of individuals who are or have participated in
  or are or have been recipients  of  programs  and  services  within  the
  commission's  jurisdiction.  The  council shall include but shall not be
  limited to:
    (i) members of boards of visitors appointed pursuant to articles seven
  and thirteen of this chapter;
    (ii) consumer representatives including patients, former patients, and
  parents or relatives of patients or former patients  who  have  received
  services from a mental hygiene facility;
    (iii)  providers  of  services  to  persons  with  mental  or physical
  disabilities;
    (iv) directors of psychiatric centers and developmental centers;
    (v) directors of community services or members of  community  services
  boards; and
    (vi)  current  and  former  consumers of services for individuals with
  physical disabilities.
    (b) Members shall be appointed for  terms  of  three  years  provided,
  however,  that  of  the  members  first  appointed,  one-third  shall be
  appointed for one-year  terms  and  one-third  shall  be  appointed  for
  two-year  terms.  A member may be removed by the governor for good cause
  after notice and an opportunity to be heard on  the  charges.  Vacancies
  shall  be  filled  in  the  same manner as original appointments for the
  remainder of any unexpired term.
    (c) The governor shall designate one member  of  the  council  as  its
  chair to serve as such at the pleasure of the governor.
    (d)  Council  members  shall not receive compensation, but each member
  shall be entitled  to  receive  his  or  her  reasonable  and  necessary
  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with his or her services as a member
  within the amounts appropriated therefor.
    (e) The council shall have an executive secretary  designated  by  the
  chair  of  the  commission.  The chair of the commission may also assign
  such other commission officers and employees as  the  council  may  from
  time to time require to assist it in the performance of its duties.
    (f)  The  council shall advise and assist the commission in developing
  policies, plans and programs to carry  out  its  functions,  powers  and
  duties  pursuant  to  this  section. The council may consider any matter
  related to improving the quality of life of citizens of  the  state  who
  have disabilities and shall advise the commission on any such matter.
    (g)  The  council  shall  meet at least four times a year. The council
  shall meet at the request of its chair or the chair of the commission.