It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police, upon direction of the Common Council, to notify the owner of any land that contains any stagnant water of the order of the Common Council to fill or drain the land. This notice shall be in writing and shall be served by delivering a copy of it to the owner or his or her agent if either is within the city, but if neither resides within the city, then by posting a copy of the notice at some conspicuous place on the premises required to be filled or drained. The notice shall be served at least ten days before the period in which the work is required by the notice to be completed.