If the owner, agent or occupant fails, neglects or refuses to comply with the order served upon him, or if the owner, agent or occupant fails, neglects or refuses to comply with the notice served upon him within the time specified in said notice, the city may, by and through the office of the city engineer, cause the required work or improvement to be done as an alternative, or as an additional remedy to the penal provisions of this chapter. The cost of such work or improvement shall be assessed against the property and the amount thereof shall become a lien upon the premises, which may be collected either by foreclosure of said land, or by a suit against the owner or occupant of said premises, maintained in the name of the city, as plaintiff, in any court of competent jurisdiction. (Ord. 1037 § 6(c), 1949)