Maine § 2191. - Advisory council established

§ 2191.. Advisory council established

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.  

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).]