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and franchises of every kind belonging to or in the possession of the City
(by whatever prior name known) at the time this Charter becomes
effective are vested in the City subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

76.        The City shall have the power to condemn property of any kind, or
interest therein or franchise connected therewith, in fee or as an easement,
within the corporate limits of the City for any public purpose. Any
activity, project, or improvement authorized by the provisions of this
Charter or any other State law applicable to the City shall be deemed to
be a public purpose. The manner of procedure in case of any condemna-
tion proceeding shall be that established in Article 33A of the Annotated
Code of the Public General Laws of Maryland (1957 Edition, as amended).

77.        The City shall have the power to do whatever may be necessary to
protect City property and to keep all City property in good condition.

78.        a. Before entering upon the duties of their offices, the Mayor, the
Councilmen, the City Manager, and the members of the Board of Super-
visors of Elections, the Planning Commission and the Board of Appeals

shall take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation: "I, ..............,

do swear (or affirm as the case may be), that I will support the Constitu-
tion of the United States; and that I will be faithful and bear true
allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the Constitution of the
United States; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the
State of Maryland, and support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and
that, I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully,

without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of ................, according

to the Constitution and Laws of this State."

b. The Mayor shall take and subscribe this oath or affirmation before
the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County or before one of the sworn
deputies of the Clerk. All other persons taking and subscribing the oath
shall do so before the Mayor.

79.        All right, title, and interest held by the City or any other person or
corporation at the time this Charter is adopted in and to any lien acquired
under any prior Charter of the City are hereby preserved for the holder in
all respects as if this Charter had not been adopted, together with all
rights and remedies in relation thereto. This Charter shall not discharge,
impair, or release any contract, obligation, duty, liability, or penalty what-
ever existing at the time this Charter becomes effective. All suits and
actions, both civil and criminal, pending, or which may hereafter be
instituted for causes of action now existing or offenses already committed
against any law or ordinance repealed by this Charter, shall be instituted,
proceeded with, and prosecuted to final determination and judgment as if
this Charter had not become effective.

80.        Whenever, by this Charter or any ordinance or other regulation of
the City there is imposed upon any property owner a duty to take certain
action with reference to his property and upon his failure to do so the
City is authorized to take such action and charge the cost thereof to said
property owner, said cost shall become a lien upon said property and may
be collected by the City in the same manner as delinquent ad valorem taxes.

81.        Every act or omission which, by ordinance, is made a misdemeanor
under the authority of this Charter, unless otherwise provided shall be
punishable, upon conviction, by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred
Dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for ninety days in the County jail, or
both, in the discretion of the court. The party aggrieved shall have the