In every case where a resolution is passed relative to the relaying or repairing of sidewalks, Council shall cause to be issued and served upon each owner of lots or parts of lots abutting upon the pavement so required to be relaid or repaired, a notice of what is required of him by such resolution, and in the case of a nonresident owner who has no known agent in the City, such notice may be given by publication once a week for two successive weeks in some newspaper published in the City. Such notice, when served, shall with return of service thereof endorsed thereon, or with affidavit in proof of publication thereof attached thereto, be returned to the City Clerk and be filed and preserved by him, and the fact and time of service shall be reported by him at the next ensuing meeting of Council. (1947 Code §25.42)