Sec. 3.
(1) The rural development fund board is created within the department.
(2) The board shall be composed of 5 members as follows:
(a) The director, or his or her designee from within the department, who shall provide the board with input and expertise relating to this state's food and agriculture sector and economic development.
(b) Four individuals appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate who have knowledge, skill, or experience in land-based industries or fields of economic development or infrastructure. In making the appointments under this subdivision, the governor shall comply with all of the following:
(i) Two of the members shall be residents of the Upper Peninsula and 2 of the members shall be residents of the Lower Peninsula.
(ii) Not more than 2 of the members shall be members of the same political party.
(iii) At least 1 of the members shall be a resident of the area where funds are generated under section 5(2)(c).
(3) The members appointed under subsection (2)(b) shall serve for terms of 4 years. Of members first appointed, 1 shall be appointed for an initial term of 1 year, 1 shall be appointed for an initial term of 2 years, and 2 shall be appointed for an initial term of 3 years. Members shall serve until a successor is appointed. A vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(4) A member of the board shall not receive compensation for his or her services. However, a board member is entitled to reimbursement for all expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of his or her duties.
(5) The members of the board shall qualify by taking and filing the oath of office.
(6) The board shall annually elect 1 of the members of the board as chairperson of the board and other officers as considered necessary by the board.
(7) The department shall provide the board with personnel sufficient to perform the board's powers, duties, and functions under law.
(8) A majority of the board members shall be required to constitute a quorum. The business which the board may perform shall be conducted at a meeting of the board held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275. Public notice of the time, date, and place of the meeting shall be given in the manner required by that act.
(9) A member of the board appointed under subsection (2)(b) may be removed by the governor for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
(10) The board shall carry out responsibilities as provided in this act and as otherwise provided by law.
History: 2012, Act 411, Imd. Eff. Dec. 20, 2012