If, at the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the date of the service of notice, the sidewalk shall not have been constructed or reconstructed, as the case may be, as provided by this article, along the property where the same is ordered by the city council to be constructed or reconstructed, the city council may order the work done either by day labor or by contract, and may provide that the payment for the expenses and cost of same shall be paid in the first instance by the city or that certificates of indebtedness shall be issued therefor as provided by law. (1960 Compilation § 14-205)