In order that the optimal health of the citizens of the State may be achieved more fully, the Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council shall provide guidance in nutrition and nutrition education based on the concept of a balanced diet, including milk and its products in accordance with scientific recommendations, and protect the interests of all the people of the State by strengthening and preserving the dairy industry. The council has the following powers and duties. The council: [1993, c. 689, §5(AMD).]
1.Contracts and agreements. May make or enter into contracts or agreements with any local, state, federal or private agency, department, firm, corporation or association for the purposes defined in this chapter. The contracts or agreements may include, without limitation, those relating to the lease or purchase of office space, facilities, property, equipment or supplies the council determines necessary for its purposes. The council may delegate to its executive director the power to enter into the contracts or agreements, subject to the council's oversight; [1993, c. 689, §5(NEW).]
2.Cooperation with other agencies. Shall cooperate with other state or regional agencies with similar purposes, including transferring to those agencies any portion of its receipts that the council considers appropriate and in the best interests of the dairy industry in the State; [1993, c. 689, §5(NEW).]
3.Books and records. Shall keep books, records and accounts of all its activities, which must be open to inspection and audit by the State at all times. An independent certified public accountant shall conduct an annual audit of the financial records of the council and report the results of the audit to the council, the commissioner, the Treasurer of State and the Legislature; [1995, c. 693, §16(AMD); 1995, c. 693, §25(AFF).]
4.Annual report. Shall prepare an annual report that must include a summary of all receipts and expenditures, including expenditures for specific programs; a description of the various programs operated, contracted or sponsored by the council; and a directory of current council members, including their affiliation and term of office; and [1993, c. 689, §5(NEW).]
5.Funding. May receive and expend funds from any source, public or private, that it determines necessary to carry out its purposes. [1995, c. 693, §16(NEW); 1995, c. 693, §25(AFF).]
1991, c. 376, § 28 (NEW) . 1993, c. 689, § 5 (AMD) . 1995, c. 693, § 16 (AMD) . 1995, c. 693, § 25 (AFF) .