The Roseville City Council on Dec. 1 unanimously adopted an amendment to section 501.15 of the city code to clarify who may serve as the hearing officer for appeals of dangerous- or potentially dangerous-animal designations.

Commander Steinberg explained the change follows notification from the Animal Humane Society that it will discontinue certain investigative and hearing services; historically the ordinance referenced the Animal Humane Society’s director of humane investigations or their designee. The proposed amendment replaces that specific naming with a definition allowing either an impartial city-appointed employee or an impartial person retained by the city to conduct such hearings. Staff said the change is intended to preserve a fair, transparent and impartial process.

Councilmember Shorter moved to adopt the ordinance amendment and Councilmember Grama seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The council also approved the ordinance summary required by state law — the vote met the four-fifths supermajority threshold for publication of the summary.