1. There is hereby created a “Dam and Reservoir Safety Council”, whose domicile for the purposes of sections 236.400 to 236.500 shall be the department of natural resources of the state of Missouri, for the regulation of dam and reservoir safety. The council shall consist of seven members, no more than four of whom shall be members of the same political party, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

2. The members of the council shall have a background of academic training or professional experience directly related to the design of dams and reservoirs. At least two members of the council shall be professional engineers registered in the state of Missouri, one of whom shall represent the general public; at least one member shall be an engineering geologist; at least one member, in addition to the professional engineer, shall be a representative of the general public; two members shall be from industry, one of whom shall be earthmoving contractors; and one member shall be the owner of a dam or reservoir. Of the seven members, three shall be from each of the three United States congressional districts in this state with the highest number of dams. The members shall serve for a term of two years; except, of the first appointments three shall be appointed for one year. The governor shall fill any vacancy on the council and may remove any appointed member for cause. The council shall annually elect a chairman and vice chairman from among its members. The council shall meet regularly but not less than quarterly. Special meetings and hearings may be called upon delivery of written notice to each member of the council signed by the director, the chief engineer, the council chairman or four of the council members. Four members of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact the business of the council. The council shall decide all questions by a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum. The members of this council shall not receive any compensations other than for actual travel and subsistence when acting officially as members of the council. The council shall prepare and present an annual report to the general assembly by December thirty-first of each year.