Division 1 Generally

It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation (other than a state-owned educational institution providing utility services for its own needs) to operate a utility service, including but not limited to the supplying of natural gas, electric power, water, garbage disposal, sewer service or telephone service, without first obtaining from the city a franchise for the operation of said service.

Said franchise shall be obtained by negotiation with the city council upon such terms as shall be found by said council to be in the best interest of the citizens of said city.

All franchises in existence on the date of passage of this section are hereby ratified and continued in force, each according to the terms contained therein.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this section shall be deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction, be fined in accordance with the general penalty provision set forth in Section 1.109 of this code.