§ 239-z. Creation of landlord-tenant relations council. 1. The local
legislative body of any city, town or village may by resolution create a
landlord-tenant relations council hereinafter called the council, to
advise, counsel, mediate problems and disputes and to improve relations
between landlords and tenants. Such council shall direct itself toward
accomplishing the following:

(a) conduct research into community housing problems;

(b) formulate programs to improve landlord-tenant relations;

(c) accumulate statistical information on available housing
accommodations;

(d) counsel the local legislative body on landlord-tenant problems and
disputes and recommend programs for the solution of same;

(e) resolve problems and disputes between landlords and tenants
through mediation and discussion at meetings of the counsel.

2. Such council shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed
by the local legislative body for a term not exceeding two years and who
shall be unsalaried. Three of such members shall represent landlord
interests, three shall represent tenant interests and the seventh shall
be an impartial appointee.

3. The presiding officer or chairman of the council shall be
designated by the local legislative body from among the members so
appointed to the council. The local legislative body shall have
authority to remove any member of said council so appointed for cause,
after a public hearing, if requested. A vacancy shall be filled for the
unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment. The local
legislative body is authorized to make such appropriations as it may see
fit for such expenses incurred by the council. Such council may appoint
such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require with
the approval of the local legislative body. The expenses of the council
shall not exceed the appropriation that may be made therefor by the
local legislative body.