(1) There is hereby established within the Department of Mental Hygiene a council to be known as the Advisory Council on Alcoholism to consist of the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene and twelve members to be appointed by the Governor from outside State government who shall be specially qualified and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor shall designate one of the members of the Council as chairman and one as vice-chairman to serve as such at the pleasure of the Governor.

(2) The Council shall meet at least once in each month, except in July and August, and special meetings may be held at the call of the chairman. The Division of Alcoholism in the Department of Mental Hygiene shall provide housekeeping, secretarial and consultant services for the Council.

(3) The members of the Council shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties as herein set forth within the amounts made available by appropriation therefor.

(4) The Council shall have no executive or appointive duties. It shall advise and assist the Department of Mental Hygiene in connection with (a) the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the long-range development, through the utilization of State, local and private resources, of adequate services and facilities for the prevention and control of alcoholism and the care, treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics in this State, and the revision of such plan from time to time; (b) the development of unified State programs for the prevention and control of alcoholism and the care, treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics; (c) the establishment, encouragement, co-ordination and integration of all areas of research in the problems of alcoholism; and (d) the assistance and encouragement of local communities in the establishment and expansion of alcoholism services and facilities.