(a) No public utility, including but not limited to, those providing water, sewer, cable TV, electrical power, telephone, telegraph, telecommunications or natural gas, may use or occupy the streets, alleys and other property of the Town without obtaining a utility franchise or permit authorized by an ordinance adopted by the Town Council.

(b) All franchise and utility permits shall be non-exclusive and shall not have a term longer than fifteen (15) years.

(c) The Town shall have the power and authority within or without the Town to construct, condemn, purchase, acquire, lease, operate and maintain its own utilities, assets, equipment and everything in relation or in connection therewith and every utility franchise or permit granted by the Town shall be subject to the reserved right of the Town to acquire such utility by eminent domain.

(d) All public utilities shall remain subject to the police power of the Town notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the franchise or permit. (Amended January 17, 2019)