69-4-521. Duties of council. (1) The council shall meet at least annually to advise the department in its administration of this part.

(2) To promote efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety, the council shall work cooperatively with:

(a) the department;

(b) underground facility owners and their representatives;

(c) excavators;

(d) property owners; and

(e) interested members of the public.

(3) The council shall:

(a) advise the department in its duty to collect civil penalties in accordance with 69-4-524 and 69-4-525;

(b) provide recommendations to the department in determining grants awarded in accordance with 69-4-528;

(c) assist the department in the mediation and resolution of disputed civil penalties in accordance with 69-4-526; and

(d) advise the department on other significant matters concerning the administration and enforcement of this part, including rulemaking.