(A) There shall be established an Animal Hearing Commission to conduct hearings formerly conducted by the Deputy City Clerk. The Commission shall consist of five members, two of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor and three of whom shall be appointed by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council. Each member shall be a city resident or owner of a business interest in the city, be at least 21 years of age and shall serve without compensation.
(1) The Commission shall further consist of:
(a) A dog owner;
(b) A non-dog owner;
(c) A board certified veterinarian who works with dogs, a veterinarian technician or a veterinarian’s assistant or a veterinarian technician’s assistant;
(d) A member of a recognized breeder’s association demonstrating a tangible means of qualification in one or more of the areas listed below; and
(e) An obedience trainer or animal behavior specialist who demonstrates a tangible means of qualification in at least one of the areas listed below.
(2) Areas of qualification are:
(a) Certification in a related field;
(b) Formal program of education in a related field; and
(c) Work experience of at least three years in a related field.
(B) The period of appointment will be four years. However, one member will initially serve one year with a second member serving two years and a third member serving three years. This is to avoid having all members being appointed simultaneously and to keep the appointments staggered. All Commission members shall be familiar with the city’s animal ordinance and swear to uphold the same by signature. At least three members shall be present at each hearing conducted by the Commission. Any member may be recused if the member perceives a conflict of interest or personal connection involved in any hearing. The Commission shall provide a written report of its activities and hearings quarterly to the Mayor and City Council.