There shall be a Council on Environmental Quality which shall be within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for administrative purposes only. Said council shall consist of nine members, five to be appointed by the Governor, two to be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives and two to be appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate. No member shall be allowed to serve more than eight years of any twelve-year period. The Governor shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term vacated. The chairman of said council shall be selected by the Governor. Members of said council shall receive no compensation for their services thereon, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses in the performance of their duties. Said council shall hold one meeting each month and such additional meetings as may be prescribed by council rules. In addition, special meetings may be called by the chairman or by any three members upon delivery of forty-eight hours’ written notice to each member. Five members shall constitute a quorum and not fewer than three votes shall be required for any final determination of said council. The council may employ an executive director, exclusive of the provisions of chapter 67 and such additional staff and consultants as may be necessary to carry out its duties, within available appropriations.