1280                               LAWS OF MARYLAND                        [CH. 722

meeting. At least two of the members shall be either residents or
owners of real property within the corporate limits of Ocean City.
The presence of three members at any meeting shall be a quorum.

(c)     The Commission shall be exempt from taxation by the State
and local governments.

(d)    The Commission shall acquire AT NO COST TO THE STATE
OR THE COMMISSION necessary land from the Mayor and
Council of Ocean City and arrange for having a suitable struc-
ture erected thereon for housing religious, business and professional
conventions, cultural conferences, industrial exhibits, trade shows,
such other events that might further stimulate the tourist trade and
the economy of the State of Maryland. The structure shall be known
as "Ocean City Convention Hall." After completion of the structure,
the Commission shall establish policy and adopt rules and regulations
as necessary to assure successful operation thereof.

(e)    Members of the Commission shall receive no salary, but may
be paid such expenses as they deem reasonable and just by adopting
for the record an order or regulation setting forth the procedure and
method for payment of such expenses.

(f)    The Commission in addition to the powers which are nor-
mally possessed by a commission of this type shall have the follow-
ing express powers:

1.    To accept from the Mayor and Council of Ocean City an appro-
priate site for the structure and adjacent parking facilities, said site
to be approved by the Director of the State Planning Department.

2.    To negotiate and contact CONTRACT for necessary planning,
architectural AND engineering services.

3.    To negotiate and contract for construction of the building and
necessary equipment therefor; provided, however, that the location
and building plans shall first be approved by the Planning Director
of the State of Maryland and the Mayor and City Council of Ocean
City.

4. To employ a manager or executive director, a secretary and
such other necessary personnel, whose salaries shall be as set by the
Commission.

5.    To employ such counsel as necessary in conducting the affairs
of the Commission.

6.    To accept donations and grants for the construction or main-
tenance of the convention hall and to receive any aid from the Fed-
eral Government or any State or local governmental units.

(g)    It is legislative intent in this section that the building be of
such size as to seat approximately 3500 persons for conventions, pro-
vide space and facilities for a minimum of 1500 for banquets, and
contain from four to six executive committee rooms. In addition
thereto, there shall be such office space provided as necessary for
the use of the Chief Executive of the State of Maryland while visit-
ing the resort, and suitable rooms available for use of the Legislative
Council when it may desire to conduct meetings at this location.

(h) The Commission shall keep such records as are consistent
with sound business practice, cause an audit to be made of its ac-