A petition in writing for the issuance of a certificate under § 39-3-3 shall first be filed with the division of public utilities and carriers by the common carrier desiring to obtain such certificate. Upon receipt of the petition, the division shall fix a time and place of hearing thereon and shall give notice as it may prescribe of the pendency of the petition and of the time and place of a hearing thereon to the petitioner, to the mayor and also any city manager of each city, and to the president of the town council and also any town manager for each town, in which the petitioner desires to pick up or discharge passengers. The division shall also publish a notice of the hearing at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in each city or town in which the petitioner desires to pick up or discharge passengers. After the hearing the division shall enter an order granting or refusing to grant the petition.