(a) As soon as may be practicable after completion of the incorporation as provided in Sections 33-15-3 and 33-15-4, the board of directors shall hold its first meeting at Red Bay, Alabama, elect a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary-treasurer, set a regular time and place for meetings of the board and attend to such other matters as may be appropriate. The chairman and vice-chairman shall be elected from the membership of the board; the secretary-treasurer may, but need not, be elected from the membership of the board.
(b) Directors shall serve without compensation, except reimbursement for actual traveling expenses and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties, such expenses to be reimbursed from such funds as may be available to the authority.
(c) The quorum necessary for the board of directors to hold valid meetings and to take valid action or transact business shall be seven members.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the acquisition by eminent domain of any real property or rights owned or controlled by railroads or utilities, either public or private.