Notwithstanding Article 4 (commencing with Section 5783), the initial board of directors of the district shall consist of no more than 17 members, as follows:

1. (a) The city council of each of the following cities may appoint one representative:

   1. (1) The City of Vernon.
   2. (2) The City of Maywood.
   3. (3) The City of Bell.
   4. (4) The City of Bell Gardens.
   5. (5) The City of Cudahy.
   6. (6) The City of South Gate.
   7. (7) The City of Lynwood.
   8. (8) The City of Compton.
   9. (9) The City of Paramount.
   10. (10) The City of Long Beach.
   11. (11) The City of Commerce.
   12. (12) The City of Downey.
   13. (13) The City of Montebello.
   14. (14) The City of Pico Rivera.
2. (b) The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors may appoint three public members. One of those members shall be a representative of a nonprofit organization serving the Lower Los Angeles River region.
3. (c) A person appointed to the board of directors shall serve at the pleasure of the city council or county board of supervisors that made the appointment.