Whenever any street or sidewalk in the City is obstructed, or any nuisance created therein by any person, the City Manager is hereby authorized to have such obstructions removed and the nuisance abated. The person causing such obstruction or nuisance, and the person permitting the same to remain, when charged hereunder with the duty of removing same, shall be liable to and shall be required to pay to the City the cost of such removal, in addition to any fines and penalties imposed. (1972 Code §18-1-9.)