The term "franchise" as used in this Charter shall mean, a grant by the City to any individual, company or corporation, for purpose of profit, of any special privilege, except as specified in Section 131 hereof, in, over, upon or under any street, alley, public way, place or grounds of the City whether such privilege has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, granted; and no such special privilege may be claimed, nor shall it be held or exercised, except under authority of a franchise from the City.