(1) A combination of 2 or more local governmental units in a metropolitan area may form a metropolitan area council by adopting articles of incorporation pursuant to the requirements of sections 7 and 9.

    (2) A council is a public corporate body with power to sue and be sued in any court of the state.

    (3) A council is an authority under section 6 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963.

    (4) A council possesses all the powers necessary for carrying out the purposes of its formation. The enumeration of specific powers in this act shall not be construed as a limitation on the general powers of a council, consistent with its articles.