Agreed but in comparison to other boards, councils and commissions where they meet monthly or quarterly or all over the state, the air fare, hotels, per diem for meals and cab fare, that last for three days or more days, and have much larger memberships, could often been dealt with telephonically or via video conferencing. 
They also had larger staff or took up more staff time with more printing and copying costs not to mention the publicity for all meetings per open meetings act. 
It's a nice way to get public input and maybe a little political pay back but many of these groups could accomplish their jobs in ways to reduce costs.
Time is money and I volunteered my time. I took leave from my paid employment to attend. I used my own time to study and prepare. 
As a public member, other then actual expenses, you are a volunteering
Staff's time is precious too but they are paid for doing it and it's part of their job.
It is hard on staff to have to travel and leave family and home.