§ 17.5. Use of Public Places by Utilities.

Every public utility whether it has a franchise or not shall pay such part of the cost of improvement or maintenance of streets, alleys, bridges and public places as shall arise from its use and shall protect and save the city harmless from all damages arising from said use. Every such public utility may be required by the city to permit joint use of its property and appurtenances located in the streets, alleys or other public places of the city by the city and by other utilities insofar as such joint use may be reasonably practicable and upon payment of reasonable rental thereof. In the absence of agreement and upon application by any public utility, the Council shall provide for arbitration of the terms and conditions of such joint use and compensation to be paid therefor, and the arbitration award shall be final.