Maine Revised Statutes, Title 7, § 2191: Advisory council established, 2001

The Maine Arborist Advisory Council, as established in Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 1‑A and referred to in this section as the "council," advises the commissioner on the licensing and enforcement of arborists in the State. [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] 1. Membership; terms; meetings; removal. The council consists of 7 members appointed by the commissioner. Of the 7 members, one must be a member representing the public and 6 must be arborists licensed by the State. Of the 6 arborists, one must be a licensed arborist employed by a municipality of the State; one must be an employee of an electrical transmission company; one must be a self-employed arborist; and one must serve on the governing council of a statewide professional organization for licensed arborists. All regions of the State must be represented on the council. Members serve for a term of 3 years. At the end of a term an outgoing member serves until a successor has been appointed. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. The council shall meet at least annually to conduct business and to elect officers. A quorum consists of at least 4 members. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members present is necessary to decide any business brought before the council. A member may be removed by the commissioner for: A. Failure to attend council meetings; [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] B. Failure to maintain a valid arborist license, if required to do so; [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] C. Moving out of the State; or [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] D. Cause, as determined by the commissioner. [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] Members may not be compensated except for expenses incurred in attending meetings. A commercial arborist who is a present or former member of the council may not use membership on the council in the advertising of the arborist's business. [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] 2. Duties of council. The council shall: A. Consult with the department on matters in which the members have individual or collective expertise; [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] B. Assist the department in developing and updating arborist exams; [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] C. Recommend to the department amendments to arborist licensing laws and rules to ensure they properly regulate the activities of licensed arborists in the State; and [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] D. Assist the department with investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct and recommend a course of action to resolve such complaints. [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 299, §8 (NEW).]