§ 129. Franchise power of the city.

The city shall have the power, subject to the terms and provisions hereof, by ordinance to confer upon any person, firm or corporation the franchise or right to use the property of the city, as defined in the preceding section, for the purpose of furnishing to the public any general public service, including, without limitation, however, heat, light, power, telephone service, refrigeration, steam, and the carrying of passengers for hire whether over designated routes or not within the city or its suburbs over the streets, highways and property of the city, or for any other purpose, whereby a general service is to be furnished to the public for compensation or hire, to be paid to the franchise holder, whereby a right to, in part, appropriate or use the streets, highways or other property of the city is necessary or proper. The provisions hereof with references to public utilities shall not apply to those owned by the city.