§ 135. Investigations and public hearings.

The council shall have full power to examine or cause to be examined at any time, and at all times the books, papers and records of franchise holders; to take testimony and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and records and to examine witnesses under oath and under such rules and regulations as it may adopt and should any franchise holder refuse to permit the inspection of such books, papers or records by the council or by any one designated by it to make such inspection or fail to produce the same when notified to do so by the council, or should any officer, agent or employee of such franchise holder refuse to give testimony before the council, the council shall have the power by ordinance, to declare the franchise or privilege enjoyed by such person, firm or corporation in default, and terminated.

The council shall have the power to call a public hearing, giving reasonable notice to the holder of a franchise, to determine whether or not an application to increase rates shall be granted or to determine whether or not the rates currently charged by any holder of a franchise for the service rendered are excessive. In that connection the council shall have full power to examine the books, papers and records of the franchise holder, and to compel the attendance of all witnesses deemed necessary for the ascertainment of the facts in connection with said inquiry. Failure to obey any subpoena to appear as a witness shall be punishable by the council for contempt by any appropriate proceedings permitted by law.