CHAPTER 5. INDIANA LAND RESOURCES COUNCIL

IC 15-12-5
     Chapter 5. Indiana Land Resources Council

IC 15-12-5-1
"Council"
    
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "council" refers to the Indiana land resources council established by section 3 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-2
"Director"
    
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "director" refers to the director of the Indiana state department of agriculture.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.120-2008, SEC.36.

IC 15-12-5-3
Indiana land resources council established
    
Sec. 3. The Indiana land resources council is established.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-4
Staff and administrative support
    
Sec. 4. The director shall provide the necessary staff and administrative support for the council.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-5
Council; purpose
    
Sec. 5. The purpose of the council is to:
        (1) collect information; and
        (2) provide:
            (A) educational assistance;
            (B) technical assistance; and
            (C) advice;
        to local governments regarding land use strategies and issues across the state.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-6

Council; powers
    
Sec. 6. The council may do the following:
        (1) Provide technical assistance and information about land use strategies.
        (2) Facilitate collaboration among commonly affected state, county, and local government units.
        (3) Compile and maintain a land planning information library, both hard copy and electronic, that includes current data on land resources in Indiana.
        (4) Establish or coordinate educational programs for governmental units, nongovernmental entities, and the public

with special consideration for local planning commission members and county commissioners.
        (5) Provide counties and local communities conducting land use planning with access to technical and legal assistance through a referral service.
        (6) Provide information to local authorities on model ordinances for programs and techniques on land use.
        (7) Obtain grants and assist counties and local communities in locating additional funding sources for planning projects.
        (8) Make recommendations to the general assembly and other governmental bodies concerning land resources.
        (9) When requested, advise the general assembly on proposals relating to land resources.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-7
Council; membership; terms
    
Sec. 7. (a) The council consists of the following members:
        (1) The director or the director's designee.
        (2) Nine (9) members appointed by the governor as follows:
            (A) One (1) member representing county government.
            (B) One (1) member representing municipal government.
            (C) One (1) member representing farm owners.
            (D) One (1) member representing home building and land development.
            (E) One (1) member representing business.
            (F) One (1) member representing the environment.
            (G) One (1) member with expertise in land use issues representing academia.
            (H) One (1) member representing soil and water conservation districts.
            (I) One (1) member representing forestry.
    (b) Not more than five (5) of the members appointed by the governor under subsection (a)(2) may be of the same political party.
    (c) The term of a member is four (4) years.
    (d) Each member appointed by the governor under subsection (a)(2) is entitled to hold office for the term of the member's appointment and is entitled to continue to serve after expiration of the member's appointment until a successor is appointed and qualified.
    (e) A member is eligible for reappointment.
    (f) A member appointed by the governor under subsection (a)(2) may be removed from office by the governor and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
    (g) If a vacancy occurs among the members of the council appointed by the governor under subsection (a)(2), the governor shall appoint an individual to serve for the unexpired term of the vacating member.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.
IC 15-12-5-8
Chairperson
    
Sec. 8. The director or the director's designee serves as chairperson of the council.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-9
Quorum
    
Sec. 9. (a) A quorum of the council for transacting business consists of six (6) members.
    (b) The affirmative vote of at least six (6) members is necessary for any action to be taken by the council.
    (c) A vacancy in the membership of the council does not impair the right of a quorum to exercise all rights and perform all duties of the council.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-10
Meetings
    
Sec. 10. The council shall meet at the call of the chairperson.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-11
Records
    
Sec. 11. The council's records and information shall be kept at the office of the director.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.

IC 15-12-5-12

Per diem and traveling expenses
    
Sec. 12. (a) Each member of the council who is not a state employee is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). The member is also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.
    (b) Each member of the council who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.3.