§ 38-1. Initiation.

(a)

Proceedings for the making of public improvements within the city may be commenced by resolution of the city commission, on its own initiative, or by an initiatory petition signed by property owners whose aggregate property in the special assessment district was assessed for more than 50 percent of the total assessed value of the privately owned real property located therein, in accordance with the last preceding general assessment roll; provided, however, that in the case of special assessments for paving or similar improvements which are normally assessed on a frontage basis against abutting property, such petitions shall be signed by the owners of more than 50 percent of the frontage of property to be assessed. In addition to the signatures of the owners, the petitions shall contain a brief description of the property owned by the respective signers thereof. Such petitions shall be verified by the affidavit of one or more of the owners or by a person with knowledge that the signers are such owners and that such signatures are genuine.

(b)

Petitions shall be addressed to the city commission and filed with the city clerk. Petitions shall in no event be mandatory upon the city commission. All petitions shall be circulated and signed on blank forms furnished by the city. All petitions shall be referred by the city clerk to the city manager. The city manager shall check the petitions to determine whether they conform to the requirements of this section and shall report his findings to the city commission.

(c)

The city manager shall inform the person filing the petition as to how many petitions for the improvement sought are pending and how long it will be before the improvement requested can reasonably be expected to be commenced.

(Code 1985, § 1.131)