SECTION 18.01. GRANTING OF FRANCHISES.

The Council may by ordinance grant a non-exclusive franchise to any person, firm or corporation, to construct, maintain or operate a public utility on, across, under or above any public street or public real estate within the Municipality for a period not in excess of twenty-five (25) years; and it may prescribe in the ordinance the kind or quality of service or product to be furnished, the rate or rates to be charged therefor, and such other terms as it shall deem conducive to the public interest.

Such franchise may be amended or renewed in the manner and subject to the provisions established herein for original grants.

No consent of the owner of property abutting on any public street or public real estate shall be necessary to the effectiveness of any such grant, amendment or renewal.