In keeping with a record of short meetings lasting less than 20 minutes, Fair Oaks Ranch City Council breezed through an agenda on Feb. 21 that included approving an election agreement with Bexar County to conduct the May 10 general and special election.

“It’s cheaper to lease rather than pay $40,000 apiece for machines,” City Secretary Carole Vanzant told the council. “Plus there’ll be more places to vote and all issues will be on one ballot.”

Any issues not dealing with Fair Oaks Ranch are automatically blocked out, she said.

In other action, the council approved a measure that will make it easier for residents to check ordinances online. The populace can now click on a link on the city’s Web site, www.ci.fair-oaks-ranch.tx.us/ to check the specifics of any ordinance.

“Citizens who are computer literate can shop at home,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dan Kasprowicz.

Anyone else can call the City Hall and with the new codification in place, will be able to talk to any employee about code regulations.

The codification will be updated on a regular basis, Vanzant said.

Police Chief Scott Rubin told the council he expects to have the vacancy in the police department filled by the end of the month.

Something the city needs the most rain can’t be legislated

“I’m not crying Chicken Little, but we‘ve has very little moisture.” he said. “Even though the water levels are staying over 1,100 (feet in the aquifer), we have to be aware we need some rain in the next couple of months to be ready for the summertime.”