Commander Steinberg told the council the proposed amendment to section 501.15 clarifies who may serve as a hearing officer for appeals of declarations that an animal is dangerous or potentially dangerous. Under current code the hearing officer was defined as the humane‑society director or designee; staff said a change in humane‑society services prompted a move to a neutral, contractable hearing officer.

"Under the current ordinance, the hearing officer is defined as the animal humane society's director of humane investigations or their designee," Commander Steinberg said, explaining that the city attorney recommended redefining the term to "an impartial employee appointed by the city or an impartial person retained by the city to conduct the hearing."

The council discussed the amendment briefly, agreeing the change promotes a fair, impartial process. Council member Schroeder moved to adopt the ordinance amendment and Council member Grama seconded; the council approved the amendment unanimously. By state law, the council also approved a resolution authorizing publication of an ordinance summary; that resolution met the required supermajority and passed unanimously.

The consent agenda later included authority to enter a professional services agreement with Keith Streff for dangerous/dog appeals, the contract item tied to the hearing‑officer change was listed in the packet for council approval.