All public utility franchises and franchises for the use of public streets, alleys, bridges, easements, and public places, and all extensions and amendments thereof shall be granted only by ordinance. No ordinance shall be adopted within thirty (30) days after the application for the franchise has been filed with the council and a public hearing held thereon. No franchise shall be transferred directly or indirectly, except with the approval of the council by ordinance after a public hearing. Notice of all public hearings conducted hereunder shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to such hearing by publishing such notice at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the city. No franchise shall be granted for a term in excess of twenty (20) years.
All franchises, whether provided in the ordinance or not, shall be subject to the right of the council to:
(a) 
Repeal for misuse, nonuse, or noncompliance with the ordinance.
(b) 
Require proper and adequate extension of plant and service and the maintenance thereof at the highest practicable standards of efficiency.
(c) 
Establish reasonable standards of service and quality of products; prevent unjust discrimination in service or rates.
(d) 
Make an independent audit and examination of accounts at any time and require independently audited reports annually.
(e) 
Require continuous and uninterrupted service to the public in accordance with the terms of the franchise.
(f) 
Control and regulate the use of city streets, alleys, bridges, easements, and public places, and the space above and beneath them.
(g) 
Regulate rates, fares and charges to the extent such regulation is permitted by law.
(h) 
Impose such other regulations from time to time as it may determine to be required for the public safety and general welfare.
Temporary permits for the operation of public services utilizing public streets, alleys, bridges, easements, and public places for a period not to exceed two years may be granted by the city council by ordinance without public hearing. Such permit shall be subject to amendment, alteration or revocation at any time at the will of the council whether so provided in the ordinance or not. Any permit granted hereunder shall in no event be construed to be a franchise, or an extension or amendment of a franchise.
Any operation under a franchise with the tacit permission of the city, beyond the period for which the franchise was granted, shall under no circumstances be construed as a renewal or extension of the franchise. Any such operation shall be regarded as a temporary permit, subject, like other permits to amendment, alteration, or revocation at any time at the will of the council.