In addition to all powers heretofore granted each city and town by charter or by the public laws of the state with respect to the maintenance and use of the sidewalks and the public highways and streets within the cities and towns, the city council of any city and the town council of any town is hereby empowered by ordinance to authorize the placing and maintenance of telephone booths, telephones, and their appurtenances within the limits of any sidewalk or public highway or street within the bounds of the city or town, and to designate a city or town official from time to time to issue permits therefor; and provided, further, that this section shall not apply to the placing and maintenance of the poles, wires, conduits, and other equipment of any telephone company within the limits of any sidewalk or public highway.