The ordinance establishing the new storm water management fees was approved Monday night by the Austin City Council.

The fees, which apply to all property owners in Austin, will take effect on July 1 of this year and will be used for maintenance and management of drainage systems.

The fee will free up some money in the budget to help off-set the coming cuts to Local Government Aid (LGA).

Residential property owners will be charged a flat fee of $2.50 per month, which will be added to utility bills. Owners of twin homes pay $2.50 per unit, manufactured homes are $1.25 and apartment owners will be charged $0.63 per unit. Other lot owners will be charged by the acre. Recreational facilities will be $0.63 per acre, industrial buildings are $11.25 per acre and commercial buildings are $15 per acre.

The fee could show up on bills before the July 1 start-date, depending on when a particular lot receives its utility bill.

In other council business:

n The ongoing issue regarding use of the former Burr Oak Manor nursing home was postponed until the next meeting, sending the majority of the people in attendance home again to wait two weeks for the council's decision on the conceptual plans.

Council member Dick Pacholl made the motion to continue the hearing at the next meeting so a full council could be present to vote. Council member At-Large Wayne Goodnature was absent.

Property owner Kevin Schammel wants to turn the buildings into an apartment complex, but many residents of the area are opposed to the idea. They say an increase in traffic and a decrease in property value would occur, among other problems, if the apartment complex is approved.

n An upgrade to the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad that would extend Fourth Avenue NE across the tracks for emergency vehicle use was approved. The extension would be used only if Oakland Avenue, Eighth Avenue NE and the interstate were all flooded or blocked for some reason.

Public Works Director Jon Erichson said that scenario has only occurred twice in the 24 years he has worked for the city, but said the $93,000 total cost is worth it.

He said it may seem expensive, "but when you need it, you really, desperately need it." Without it, emergency vehicles would be unable to reach the east side of town during those times.

The city budgeted $75,000 for the project five years ago, which will take care of most of the cost. In coming years, as a part of that cost, some street work will have to be done, but for now, the railroad upgrade is all that was approved.

n Boy Scout Troop 109 addressed the council at the beginning of the meeting. Troop member Scott Ehmke presented their requests.

The troop asked that the council make finishing the ball diamonds a priority. They also asked that the city focus on preventing vandalism and fixing up vandalized structures in town. Their final request was for an area to ride dirt bikes.

The troop was getting involved with city government as part of their work toward receiving a merit badge.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com