Whenever any person in the City desires the construction, reconstruction or repair of any sidewalk, curb or gutter in the City, he may present to the City Manager a written petition signed by at least fifteen persons who are property owners having existing sidewalks on their property which must be located in the City and who reside in the immediate vicinity of the construction, reconstruction or repair proposed to be done. Such petition shall be made upon the forms provided by the Department of Public Works and shall request that such sidewalk, curb or gutter be constructed, reconstructed or repaired at the cost of the property owners abutting thereupon or benefitting therefrom. (1969 Code §23-49)