THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 1577

time of the return of the ordinance. If the mayor fails to
return the ordinance at the next regularly scheduled meet-
ing (or sooner) as aforesaid, then the ordinance shall be-
come a law without his approval.

FILE OF ORDINANCES

22. Ordinances, when passed and approved by the
mayor or when passed over his veto, shall be permanently
filed in a book or books kept for that purpose.

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN

23. The board of aldermen may appoint some person,
not a member of the board of aldermen, to serve as secre-
tary to the board of aldermen. The secretary to the board
of aldermen shall perform such duties as may be re-
quired by the board of aldermen. His compensation shall
be determined by the board of aldermen.

GENERAL POWERS

24. The board of aldermen shall have the power to pass
all ordinances not contrary to the constitution and laws of
Maryland or this charter, as it may deem necessary for the
good government of the city; for the protection and preser-
vation of the city's property, rights, and privileges; for the
preservation of peace and good order and for securing per-
sons and property from, violence, danger, or destruction;
and for the protection of the health, comfort, and con-
venience of the residents of Frederick and visitors thereto
and sojourners therein.

ARTICLE III
THE MAYOR

TERM

25. The mayor shall be elected as hereinafter provided
and shall hold office for a term of four years or until his
successor is elected and qualified. The regular term of the
mayor shall expire on the second Thursday in July in each
regular city election year. The mayor holding office at
the time this charter becomes effective shall continue to
hold office until the second Thursday in July, 1954.

QUALIFICATIONS

26. The mayor must have been a legal resident of Fred-
erick for at least three years immediately preceding his
election and must be a qualified voter of the city.