The commission may by resolution declare that certain specified sidewalks, curbings or gutters shall be constructed or repaired. Upon the passage of such resolution the city manager or his duly authorized representative shall cause written notice of the passage thereof to be served upon the owner, or agent of the owner, of each parcel of land abutting upon such sidewalks, curbings or gutters who may be a resident of the city, in the manner provided by law for the service of summons in civil actions. A copy of the notice, with the time and manner of service endorsed therein, signed by the person serving it, shall be returned to the office of the city manager or his duly authorized representative and there filed and preserved. For the purpose of such service, if the owner of any such property be not a resident of the city, any person charged with the collection of rent or the payment of taxes upon such property, or having control thereof in any way, shall be regarded as the agent of the owner, and service upon such personal service were made on the owner thereof. If it appears in any such return that the owner is a non-resident of that neither such owner or agent could be found, one publication of a copy of the resolution in a newspaper of general circulation in the city shall be deemed sufficient notice to such owner.