Opinion ID: 2321542
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Municipal Corporations

Text: Municipal corporations in Maryland derive their authority from Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland, and, as relevant to the present case, Articles 23A and 66B of the Maryland Code. As we have stated previously, the general purpose of Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland was to permit municipalities to govern themselves in local matters. Inlet Assocs. v. Assateague House Condo. Ass'n, 313 Md. 413, 425, 545 A.2d 1296, 1302 (1988) (citing Birge v. Town of Easton, 274 Md. 635, 644, 337 A.2d 435, 440 (1975)). Article 23A, § 1 empowers municipal corporations to pass and adopt all ordinances, resolutions or bylaws necessary or proper to exercise the powers granted herein or elsewhere. Md.Code, Art. 23A § 1 (1957, 2005 Repl.Vol.). Section 2 of Article 23A implements Article XI-E by an express grant of powers to municipalities. Inlet Assocs., 313 Md. at 425, 545 A.2d at 1302 (citing Mayor of Annapolis v. Annapolis Waterfront Co., 284 Md. 383, 393, 396 A.2d 1080, 1086 (1979)). Section 2(a) of Article 23A grants municipal corporations general authority, in particular the authority to pass ordinances not contrary to the Constitution of Maryland or public general law, as they deem necessary to assure the government of the municipality, protect and preserve the municipality's rights, property, and privileges, and protect the health, comfort, and convenience of its citizens. Section 2(a), however, further provides: but nothing in this article shall be construed to authorize the legislative body of any incorporated municipality to pass any ordinance which is inconsistent or in conflict with any ordinance, rule or regulation passed, ordained or adopted by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.... Md.Code, Art. 23A § 2. Article 23A, § 2(b) enumerates 37 general express powers delegated by the General Assembly to municipal corporations. It provides, in pertinent part: (b) In addition to, but not in substitution of, the powers which have been, or may hereafter be, granted to it, such legislative body also shall have the following express ordinance-making powers:    (20) To establish and maintain such parks, gardens, playgrounds, and recreational facilities as in the discretion of the legislative body are deemed to be for the health and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants.    (24) To acquire by conveyance, purchase or condemnation real or leasehold property needed for any public purpose;....    Section 7A of Article 23A further provides that [a]n incorporated municipality may exercise any power or authority conferred by the provisions of Article 25 of this Code, in the subtitle `Public Recreation and Parks.' Md.Code, Art. 23A § 7A. Section 224 of Article 25, Md.Code, provides for the means by which a municipal corporation (or county) may acquire and use land, water, or buildings for park purposes. Section 224(a) provides: (a) The governing body of any county or municipal corporation may dedicate, set apart and maintain for use as park and recreation areas and facilities any water, land, buildings or other improvements thereon owned or leased by the county or municipal corporation. In addition, the governing body may acquire or lease any water, land, buildings or other improvements thereon, within or beyond the corporate limits of the county or municipal corporation, in the manner now or hereafter authorized or provided by law for the acquisition or leasing of property for public purposes, for use as park and recreation areas and facilities; provided however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to grant to such county or municipal corporation the power of condemnation if such county or municipal corporation does not have such power by virtue of other provisions of law. Md.Code, Art. 25 § 224(a) (1957, 2005 Repl.Vol.). The Town of Washington Grove is a municipal corporation organized and existing pursuant to Article XI-E of the Constitution of Maryland. MD. CONST. art. XI-E, § 1. The Town was originally chartered by an Act of the General Assembly on 18 May 1937. 1937 Md. Laws Ch. 372. It exercises local home rule power, MD. CONST. art. XI-E, § 3, and, therefore, is excluded from the Regional District, Md. Code, Art. 28 § 7-105, and the Metropolitan District, Md.Code, Art. 28 § 3-103. Thus, within its municipal boundaries, the Town is not subject to the MNCPPC's planning or park functions. Implementing its delegated municipal powers, the Town adopted the following two powers in its municipal charter: 67. Acquisition, Possession, and Disposal The Town may acquire real, personal, or mixed property for any public purpose by purchase, gift, bequest, devise, lease, condemnation, or otherwise and may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property belonging to the Town.... 68. Condemnation The Town has the power to condemn property of any kind, or interest therein or franchise connected therewith, in fee or as an easement, within and outside the corporate limits of the Town, for any public purpose or benefit. Any activity, project, or improvement authorized by the provisions of this Charter, Town ordinances, or state law applicable to the Town is deemed to be a public purpose or benefit. The manner of procedure in case of any condemnation proceeding must be that established by State law. WASH. GROVE, MD., CHARTER arts. 67 & 68 (1937).