It is unlawful to engage in or commence construction, operation, or maintenance of a cable system in the City without a franchise issued under this chapter. The City Council may, by ordinance, issue a nonexclusive franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a cable system within the City to any person or entity, whether operating under an existing franchise or not, who applies for authority to furnish cable service which complies with the terms and conditions of this chapter, and provided that such person or entity also agrees to comply with all of the provisions of the franchise. However, this shall not be deemed to require the grant of a franchise to any particular person or entity. The City Council may restrict the number of franchises should it determine such a restriction would be in the public interest.