The council shall also have power, either by ordinance or resolution, to cause and require the owners and occupants of any lot or premises to remove all snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of or adjacent to such lot and premises, and to keep the same free from obstructions, encroachments, encumbrances, filth and other nuisances: Provided, That the council may, by a 2/3 vote of all the aldermen elect, provide by ordinance for the rebuilding, maintaining and keeping in repair of all sidewalks within the city, and for the removing of all ice and snow therefrom, and for keeping the same free from encumbrances, and pay the expense thereof from the general street fund, or from the street district fund of any street district in which the same may be located.