The ownership, right of control, and use of streets, highways, alleys, parks, public places, rights-of-way, and all other real property of the City is hereby declared to be inalienable to the City.
a. 
No entity or individual shall have the right to occupy such public property without the express permission of and under an express written agreement with the City concerning such occupancy. Utilities or public utilities shall only be granted the right to occupancy under the terms of a franchise agreement with the City. All grants, removals, extensions, or amendments of public utility franchises on, under, or beneath such public places shall be the right of the Council. The City may, by ordinance, sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise alter its control and use of such public properties, in accordance with the provisions of this Charter.
b. 
No franchise may be granted for an indefinite term; and, no franchise may be granted for a term in excess of twenty (20) years.
(Ordinance 384, ex. A, adopted 5/12/15)
All extensions of a public utility within the City shall become a part of the aggregate property of the public utility, shall be operated as such and shall be subject to all the obligations and reserved rights contained in this Charter and in State Law. The right to use and maintain any extension shall terminate with the original grant made to the utility.
(Ordinance 384, ex. A, adopted 5/12/15)
No public utility franchise may be transferred or assigned by the holder except with the approval of the Council.
(Ordinance 384, ex. A, adopted 5/12/15)
All grants, renewals, extensions, or amendments of public utility franchises shall be subject to the right of the City to:
a. 
Repeal the same by ordinance at any time for failure to begin construction or operation within the time prescribed or for failure otherwise to comply with the terms of the franchise, such power to be exercised only after due notice and hearing
b. 
Require an adequate and reasonable extension of plant and service and the maintenance of plant and fixtures at a standard by which to render the highest reasonable quality of service to the public
c. 
Establish reasonable standards and quality of service and prevent unjust discrimination in service and rates
d. 
Prescribe for each franchisee, the form of accounts to be kept or, alternately, require that the system of accounts conform to that required by the appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies
e. 
Impose such reasonable regulations and restrictions as may be deemed desirable or conducive to the safety, welfare, and accommodation of the public
f. 
Require franchisees to furnish the City, without cost to the City, full information regarding the location and precise description of all facilities of the franchisees in, over, or under the City, and to regulate and control the location, relocation, and removal of such facilities
g. 
Examine and audit at any time during normal business hours the accounts and records of the franchisee
h. 
Require compensation and rental fees, except as limited by State Law
(Ordinance 384, ex. A, adopted 5/12/15)
The City shall compile and maintain a public record of all franchises granted by the City, including any extensions or amendments to such franchise grants.
(Ordinance 384, ex. A, adopted 5/12/15)