City updates code-enforcement posts to include animal-control duties and certification

City staff presented changes to minimum qualifications for code-enforcement positions that will add animal-control responsibilities and require certification.

A staff member said the city will add animal-control duties to Code Enforcement Officer 1 positions and require candidates to obtain a National Animal Care and Control Association ACO‑1 certification within six months of appointment, with equivalent certifications accepted if approved by the department director. Assistant City Administrator Nicole Gleason told commissioners the city has discussed the shift with the union and a transition committee as the city considers moving some animal-control work in‑house after contract talks with the Humane Society of Scott County stalled. "We in speaking with the humane society and our transition committee, some of the things that they have been informing us with their animal control officers, we're trying to make sure that's fully incorporated," Gleason said.

Staff said the newly designated animal-control supervisor will be required to have ACO‑1 at application and obtain ACO‑2 within six months of appointment; the supervisor role would be a promotional opportunity. Commissioners discussed supervision and lines of reporting; staff said the animal-control supervisor would be the primary supervisor while other nuisance-support staff would assist on non‑animal issues. The commission voted to approve the minimum-qualification updates.