The Council may by ordinance grant a non-exclusive franchise to any person, firm or corporation to construct or operate a public utility on, across, under, over or above any public street or real estate within the City for a period not in excess of twenty-five (25) years; and it may prescribe in the ordinance the land or quality of service or product to be furnished, the rate or rates to be charged therefor, and such other terms as Council shall deem conducive to the public interest.
Such franchises may be amended or renewed in the manner and subject to the provisions established by this Charter for original grants. No consent of the owner of property abutting on any public street or real estate shall be necessary to the effectiveness of any such grant, amendment or renewal.