Nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to modify, abridge or impair any of the rights or powers granted to cities and towns under the provisions of article VIII, sections 15 and 16, or any other provisions of the Constitution of this State, and every right, power or privilege conferred upon any city or town by the Constitution of this State otherwise appearing to be modified, abridged or impaired by any provision of this chapter is to be deemed excepted from the operation thereof, it being the intention of this chapter to control and regulate the acts of cities and towns only to an extent consistent with the Constitution of this State.