Special municipal elections shall be held when called by resolution of the Council when required by this Charter or the laws of the State. However, the Council shall not call more than two special elections during a calendar year. The resolution calling for a special election shall state the purpose of such election. No franchise, grant or license shall be submitted to the electors at a special election, unless the expense of holding that election, as determined by the Council, is paid to the Treasurer in advance by the petitioner for the franchise, grant or license.