No franchise shall be granted, extended or renewed by the City without the approval of a majority of the qualified electors residing within its corporate limits voting thereon at a primary, general or special election; the Council shall submit any matter for approval or disapproval to such election at any primary or general election or call a special election for such purpose at any time upon thirty days notice. The Council shall require, before calling any such election, that the estimated expense thereof as determined by the Council, shall be first deposited by the applicant for such franchise with the City Clerk.
(Am’d. of 5-18-10)
(a) 
The City shall have power to own and operate any public utility, to construct and install all facilities that are reasonably needed, and to lease or purchase any existing utility properties used or useful in public service. The City may also furnish service to adjacent and nearby territories which may be conveniently and economically served by the municipally owned and operated utility, subject to the limitations of the provisions of the general laws of this state. The Council may provide by ordinance for the establishment of such utility and provide for its regulation and control and the fixing of rates to be charged. The Council may, by ordinance, provide for the extension, enlargement or improvement of an existing utility and provide reasonable reserves for such purpose.
(b) 
In furnishing service from municipally owned utilities, no agreements shall be made for service outside the City limits which will return to the City less net revenue than it realizes for the same service within the City.
(Am’d. of 5-18-10)