Every franchise hereafter granted shall be expressly subject to all the provisions of the foregoing sections and the power of control and regulation as authorized by such sections cannot be limited, divested or granted away. Subject to the initiative and referendum such power of control and regulation shall be exercised by the Council and may be exercised by the Council through its agents. [May 3, 1913, new sec. 65; rev. 1914, sec. 159; 1928 pub., sec. 159; 1942 recod., sec. 10-201.]