§ 2-256. Additional powers of Council.

(a)

Council shall have the following powers which are necessary and proper to carry into full force and effect the specific powers granted in Section 2-255 and to fully accomplish the purposes and objects contemplated by the provisions of this Division.

(1)

Make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to the carrying out of the purposes of this Division and to adopt or approve, modify and amend such plans, which plans may include but shall not be limited to:

(A)

Plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements;

(B)

Plans for the enforcement of codes and regulations relating to the use of land and the use of occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements; and,

(C)

Appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of urban renewal projects and related activities; and to apply for, accept, and utilize grants of funds from the Federal Government for such purposes;

(2)

Prepare plans for the relocation of persons (including families, business concerns, and others) displaced from an urban renewal area, and to make relocation payments to or with respect to such persons for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including the making of such payments financed by the Federal Government;

(3)

Appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Division, including the payment or reimbursement of reasonable actual costs incurred as a result of utility relocations when such relocations are made necessary by an urban renewal project, after making appropriate adjustment for any improvements or betterments to the utility's facilities made in connection with the relocation; and to levy taxes and assessments for such purposes; to borrow money and to apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the Federal Government, the State, or other public bodies, or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this Division, and to give such security as may be required therefor; to invest any urban renewal funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any such funds not required for immediate disbursement, in property or securities which are legal investments for other County funds.

(4)

Hold, improve, clear, or prepare for redevelopment any property acquired in connection with urban renewal projects; to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber such property; to insure or provide for the insurance of such property or operations of the County against any risks or hazards, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance;

(5)

Make and execute all contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers under this Division, including the power to enter into agreement with any other public bodies or agencies (which agreements may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary), and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the Federal Government for or with respect to an urban renewal project and related activities such conditions imposed pursuant to Federal laws as the County may deem reasonable and appropriate;

(6)

Enter into any building or property in any urban renewal area in order to make inspections, surveys, appraisals, soundings, or test borings, and to obtain an order for this purpose from the Circuit Court in the event entry is denied or resisted;

(7)

Plan, replan, install, construct, reconstruct, repair, close, or vacate streets, roads, sidewalks, public utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements in connection with an urban renewal project; providing the same is approved by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission within the regional district and to make exceptions from building regulations;

(8)

Generally organize, coordinate and direct the administration of the provisions of this Division as they apply to the County in order that the objective of remedying slum and blighted areas and preventing the causes thereof within the County may be most effectively promoted and achieved; and,

(9)

Exercise all or any part or combination of powers granted in this Section.

(Laws 1963, ch. 778, Sec. 2; Laws 1968, ch. 720, Sec. 1)