(A) Duty of owner. The owner of any property within the city abutting a pubic sidewalk or alley shall keep the sidewalk or alley in repair and safe for pedestrians. Repairs shall be made in accordance with the standard specifications approved by the Council and on file in the office of the City Clerk.
(B) Inspections; notice. The City Maintenance Department shall make such inspections as are necessary to determine that public sidewalks and alleys within the city are kept in repair and safe for pedestrians or vehicles. If he or she finds that any sidewalk or alley abutting on private property is unsafe and in need of repairs, he or she shall report same to the City Council. If authorized by the City Council, he or she shall cause a notice to be served, by registered or certified mail or by personal service, upon the record owner of the property and the occupant. If the owner does not reside within the city or cannot be found therein, ordering such owner to have the sidewalk or alley repaired and made safe within 45 days and stating that if the owner fails to do so, the City Maintenance Department will do so on behalf of the city, that the expense thereof must be paid by the owner, and that if unpaid it will be made a special assessment against the property concerned.
(C) Repair by city. If the sidewalk or alley is not repaired within 5 days after receipt of the notice, the City Maintenance Department shall report the facts to the Council and the Council shall, by motion, order the City Maintenance Department to repair the sidewalk or alley and make it safe, or order the work done by contract in accordance with law. The City Maintenance Department shall keep a record of the total cost of the repair attributable to each lot or parcel of property and report such information to the City Clerk.
