The chairman, with the approval of the council, may employ an executive director and such additional personnel as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of this article. The executive director, consultants, advisors, and any such additional personnel as may be necessary shall serve at the pleasure of the council and shall be paid such compensation as may be specified by the council. Except for the executive director and employees paid by federal funds such additional personnel shall be subject to the provisions of the state Merit System Act receiving the same salaries for the position each employee holds as of August 21, 1981 unless such salary is less than the minimum set by the Merit System and in that instance such salary shall be raised to the minimum; and shall be eligible for participation in the state health insurance plan and benefits for state employees as provided in Sections 36-29-1 through 36-29-12 and they shall not be eligible for participation in the state Employees’ Retirement System.