(1) The Michigan billboard advisory council is created within the department for the purpose of advising the department and the state transportation commission regarding voluntary agreements entered into under section 18b(1), lighting, and any other general policy for the effective control of outdoor advertising.

    (2) The Michigan billboard advisory council shall exist for a period of 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

    (3) Recommendations of the Michigan billboard advisory council are advisory only.

    (4) The Michigan billboard advisory council shall consist of the following members appointed by the director of the department:

    (a) The chairperson of the senate transportation committee or his or her designee.

    (b) The chairperson of the house transportation and infrastructure committee or his or her designee.

    (c) A representative of the state transportation commission.

    (d) A representative of the conservation community.

    (e) A representative of the outdoor advertising industry.

    (f) A representative of the tourism industry or a trade group that represents statewide tourism interests.

    (g) A representative from the general public. The member appointed under this subdivision shall be a private sector lessee of billboard space whose business is based in this state.

    (h) A sign owner that resides in this state.

    (5) The members appointed under subsection (4)(c) to (h) shall serve at the pleasure of the director of the department. All of the members appointed under subsection (4) shall serve on a voluntary basis and without compensation.

    (6) Members of the Michigan billboard advisory council shall serve for terms of 2 years. If a vacancy occurs on the Michigan billboard advisory council, the director of the department shall make an appointment for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.