MINUTES OF A COUNCIL WORKSHOP  APRIL3.2018  The Hollywood Park City Council met in a Workshop on April 3, 2018 at 6:00p.m. in Town Hall. Notice was posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meeting Laws. Mayor Chris Fails called the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: Mike Howe, Debbie Trueman, Chris Murphy and Oscar Villarreal. Also present: City Secretary-Janice Alamia, City Treasurer-Anita Moreno-Navarro and City Attorney- Michael  Brennan. Absent: Councilman Scott Bailey  L.THECITY COUNCIL WILLCONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION38-21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WHICH PROHIBITS THE CARRYING OF LOADED RIFLESOR: SHOTGUNS BY CERTAIN UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.  Citizen Comments: None  Discussion: Councilman Murphy isi in favor of repealing this Ordinance sO we are in compliance with State law. Councilwoman Trueman agreed. The motion was made by Councilman Villarreal and seconded by Councilman Murphy. The motion passed  unanimously.  II. WORK SESSION ON AJ PROPOSED INCREASE OR DECREASE TOTHE EXEMPTION FOR Al HOMESTEAD PROPERTY OWNER AGED 65 OR OLDER OR DISABLED: AND/OR AI PROPOSED TAX FREEZE FOR CITY TAXES FOR THE HOMESTEAD CITIZEN COMMENTS: Some of the comments from the residents attending.  PROPERTY OWNER AGED 65 OR OLDER OR DISABLED.  Some residents were concerned about the tax freeze because of the revenue we would lose. There were also concerns about the fact that once the taxes are frozen this is a decision that could never be changed. We would be locked in. Some residents stated there should not be a tax freeze for seniors because we all enjoy the benefits of living in Hollywood Park and should all share ini the costs. Others felt that we have sO many things that will continue to need funding such as our streets, Fire trucks, etc. sO they were not in favor of freezing taxes. Especially since Hollywood Park does not have the ability to Some residents felt that as senior citizens they are being taxed to death and cannot keep up with the costs ofl living in Hollywood Park. Since most oft the over 65 residency has lived in Hollywood. Park for a majority of years, they would like to see some type oft tax help. Many felt like they had already "paid their dues" by being tax paying residents for many, many years sO they encouraged the Council for some type oft tax relief. Many residents felt there should be a balance like not having a tax freeze but perhaps increasing the amount of exemption for homestead owners sO everyone would benefit. Others suggested that there should not be an increase in the exemption or tax freeze but  expand its business foot print.  perhaps lower the tax rate next year.  Some Questions:  1n    Can the age be changed from 65 to 75 or another age? No; 65 is the age that is If we decide to say yes to the tax freeze; can we change this decision in the future? No; once the Council vote is sent to Bexar County to implement at tax  required.  freeze it isi irrevocable.  DISCUSSION:  Councilwoman Trueman stated she would not vote for at tax freeze because ofthe impact it would have on Hollywood Park in the long term. She is ini favor ofincreasing the tax exemption for seniors at at total of $20,000 instead of keeping it at the current $5,000. Councilman Murphy stated he would like to see a 2% break in the tax rate and a total ofa $15,000 tax exemption for seniors. Ifthis needed to change then the Council could do SO. Councilwoman Trueman stated we cannot vote on the tax rate until the budget sessions this summer. Mayor Fails stated he felt we should do more than a $20,000 tax exemption for seniors but it is better than what we currently have. Councilman Howe stated there is another way to look at this also. We could do an overall homestead exemption SO everyone that has al homestead in Hollywood Park would benefit. Notj just the senior citizens. The Mayor directed the City Attorney to come up with an Ordinance for a homestead tax exemption and an Ordinance for a tax exemption for over 65 or disabled. In this way the Council has options at the next Council meeting when it comes time to  vote.  ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business, Mayor Fails adjourned the meeting at  7:50pm.  MINUTES OF THIS MEETING APPROVED AS SUBMITTED a  CORRECTEDC )THIS 17 DAYOF.  APRIL  2018.  or,Chris Fails d  ATTEST: P Alamia  dbne  2