1054 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [Ch. 680]

meetings, and special meetings may be called -from time to
time by the mayor or two aldermen. All meetings of the board,
whether regular or special, at which any person not a city
officer is admitted, shall be open to the public. The mayor shall
report to the board for its action all matters requiring atten-
tion in any department of the city.

SEC. 287. Every ordinance or resolution appropriating
money or ordering any street improvement or sewer, or making
or authorizing the making of any contract or granting any
franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways,
bridges or public places in the city for any purpose, shall be
complete in the form in which it is finally passed, and remain
on file with the city register for public inspection at least
one week before the final passage or adoption thereof. No
franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways,
bridges or public places in the city shall be granted, renewed
or extended, except by ordinance, and every franchise or grant
for interurban or street railways, steam railroad, gas or water
works, electric light or power plants, heating plants, tele-
graph or telephone systems, or other public service utilities
within said city, must be authorized or approved by a majority
of the electors voting thereon at a general or special election
as provided in the charter of the city.

SEC. 288. No officer or employee elected or appointed shall
be interested, directly or indirectly in any contract or job
for work or materials, or the profits thereof, or services to be
furnished or performed for the city. No such officer or em-
ployee shall accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any
person, firm or corporation operating within the territorial
limits of said city any interurban railway, street railway, gas
works, water works, electric light or power plant, heating plant,
telegraph line or telephone exchange, or other business, using
or operating under a public franchise, any frank, free ticket,
or free service, or accept or receive, directly or indirectly,
from any such firm or corporation, any other service upon
terms more favorable than is granted to the public generally,
nor to be surety of any person having any contract work or
business with the city for the performance of which security
may be required, nor be the surety on the official bond of any
other officer of the city. Any violation of the provisions of
this section shall be a misdemeanor, and every such contract
or agreement shall be void. Such prohibition of free trans-
portation shall not apply to policemen or firemen in uniform;
nor shall any free service to city officials heretofore provided
by any franchise or ordinance be affected by this section. Any