I. Invocation & Moment of Silence (3:01)

• Councilwoman Coonrod led a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Jerome Martin, long-time community center manager.

II. Special Presentation: Public Hearing on Jobs Pilot Agreement for Neonx Enterprise South (4:39)

• Robert Long, CFO of Neonx, addressed the council regarding recent layoffs.
  • 19 positions were eliminated due to equipment delivery delays.
  • Layoffs were across both Chattanooga locations (Riverside and Lookout Valley).
  • Impacted employees will receive severance and priority rehiring in 2025.
  • Neonx remains committed to fulfilling job creation commitments.
• Council members expressed concerns about the layoffs:
  • Transparency and truthfulness in reporting job numbers.
  • Maintaining trust, especially regarding large tax incentives.
  • Ensuring new jobs are created at the new location and not double-counted.
• Clarification sought on contract language regarding job assignment and reporting.

III. Minutes Approval (15:16)

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved with no objections.

IV.  Agenda Review (15:22)

• Attorney-client privilege meeting announced for later in the session.
• Upcoming committee/departmental reports: Police Department, Affordable Housing, Budget and Finance.
• Councilman Hester deferred planning item 01993 to January 21st.
• Planning item 0196 will proceed after discussions with stakeholders.
• Public Works item B was incorrectly on the agenda and should be removed.
• Planning item C in North Chattanooga was withdrawn by the applicant.
• Councilwoman Dooley had questions about the pilot policies under resolutions, specifically regarding council authority, clawback language, and reporting requirements.
• Item deferred for two weeks to allow for further feedback and revisions.
• Discussion on streamlining the pilot review process while maintaining council authority.
• Chief Cleford requested an update on the revised procedure/process for speeding up transaction B pilots.
• Councilwoman Dooley requested a report on the current performance of existing pilots and their financial/employment impact on the city.
• Proposed agenda for January 21st reviewed.

V. Departmental Reports (25:26)

• Police Chief Chambers reported on the I-24 incident involving an overturned 18-wheeler full of corn dogs.
  • The incident caused significant traffic backups and delays.
  • A plan was developed in partnership with other agencies (THP, TDOT, GSP) to expedite clearing future incidents.
  • TDOT has the capability to push/pull/drag vehicles to clear roadways quickly.
  • Worst-case scenario plans include traffic rerouting with support from THP and GSP.
  • Limitations on forcing vehicles to exit or stay on the interstate were acknowledged.
  • The possibility of a Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) similar to Georgia's was discussed.
• Council members expressed appreciation for the Chief's work and suggested:
  • Signage improvements to encourage rerouting during major incidents.
  • Exploring ways to communicate traffic situations through GPS and navigation systems in trucks.
  • Ensuring mechanical solutions (like tow trucks) can access incident sites quickly.
• The meeting was briefly interrupted for a birthday celebration for Chief Chambers.

VI. Affordable Housing Committee Meeting (41:16)

• Presentation on Invest Chattanooga, a new initiative to finance mixed-income housing.
  • $20 million in funding was previously allocated for this revolving loan fund.
  • The program will leverage public-private partnerships and impact investors.
  • Affordability targets: 20% of units at 50% AMI, 10% at 50-100% AMI.
  • Invest Chattanooga is structured as a non-profit subsidiary of the Chattanooga Housing Authority.
• Skip Schwarz, Invest Chattanooga board member, highlighted the program's potential impact.
• Council members raised questions and discussed:
  • Engagement of local minority and women-owned businesses.
  • Impact on the land bank and potential use of public land.
  • Deed restrictions and ensuring long-term affordability.
  • Layering with existing housing pilot policies and incentives.
  • Concerns about reaching lower AMI residents (0-49%).
  • Attracting black investors and ensuring meaningful participation.
• Clarification provided on AMI levels and the program's focus on the 31-80% AMI range.
• The importance of attainable housing at all income levels was emphasized.

VII. Recess (1:06:21)

• The meeting recessed at 4:34 P

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