The Mayor shall have authority to compel the making of sewer and water connections whenever, in view of contemplated street improvements or as a sanitary regulation, sewer or water connection should in his judgment be constructed. He shall cause written notice of his determination thereof to be given to the owner or the agent of such owner of each lot or parcel of land to which such connections are to be made, which notice to the owner or the agent of such owner of each lot or parcel of land to which such connections are to be made, which notice shall state the number and character of connections required. Such notice shall be served by a person designated by the Mayor in the manner provided for the service of summons in civil actions. Nonresidents of the City, or persons who cannot be found, may be served by one publication of such notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the City, which notice shall state the time within which such connections shall be constructed; and if they be not constructed within the said time, the work may be done by the City and the cost thereof, together with a penalty of five percent (55tc) assessed against the lots and lands for which such connections are made. Said assessments shall be certified and collected as other assessments for street improvements.