The Council may declare that certain specified sidewalks, curbings, or gutters shall be constructed or repaired. Upon the passage of such resolution, the Director of Public Service shall cause written notice of the passage thereof to be served upon the resident owner, or agent of the owner, of each parcel of land abutting upon said sidewalk, in the manner provided by law for the service of summons in civil actions. For the purpose of such service, if the owner of any such property be not a resident, any person charged with the collection of rent, or the payment of taxes on such property, or having control thereof in any way, shall be regarded as the agent of the owner, and service upon such person shall have the like force and effect as though personal service were made upon the owner thereof. But if it shall appear from any such return that the owner is a nonresident, or that neither such owner nor agent can 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.