Section 17. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be established an assisted living advisory council within the executive office of elder affairs. Said advisory council shall advise the secretary of elder affairs relating to the regulations authorized under this chapter. Said advisory council shall be comprised of the secretary of elder affairs or his designee who shall serve as chairperson, the director of housing and community development or his designee; the secretary of health and human services or his designee, and six members to be appointed by the governor upon nomination by the secretary of elder affairs, three of whom shall represent resident consumer interests and two of whom shall represent sponsors and managers of assisted living residences. The advisory council shall by majority vote establish its own rules and procedures. Members of the council shall be appointed for terms of one year each. The council shall meet not less than on a quarterly basis, and it shall prepare a report of its activities, not less than annually, that shall be made available to the public and the general court.